“I consider myself an impulsive artist. I paint what I feel, how I see a subject, and from the heart.” -Kay Wyne
Contemporary impressionist artist, Kay Wyne, seeks the beauty in the world around her finding inspiration in not only glorious landscapes, but also in the objects of every day life. She typically explores her subject of choice as a series. Aspen trees, cows, dragonflies, landscapes and roosters are just some of what has captured her attention over the years. Florals are her current focus created in an abstract and painterly style full of vibrant color and movement. Kay’s large, gallery-wrap canvases make a dynamic focal point for any setting. Ultimately, Kay paints for herself choosing to paint what she’s “in the mood for and loves” at that moment.
Bold Blooms | 36×36 | Original Oil and Charcoal on Gallery Wrap Canvas
Although she considers herself an “impulsive artist”, Kay understands that for fine art painting to be a career, it must be treated and run as a business. A business she’s been successful in for over 30 years. Drive, dedication, and organization are essential. Her husband has taken over bookkeeping giving her more time to paint for which she is grateful.
“Being a full time artist isn’t just about painting. Records need to be kept, inventory accounted for, bills paid, invoicing, taxes to be filed, and materials to be ordered. All things that take up time and time away from actually being creative.”
You can never have too many brushes.
Creative spirit is not bound by a clock and is always working through her, but Kay finds maintaining a consistent painting schedule essential. Beginning each morning at her computer blogging or completing related computer tasks first, frees her mind for painting. Husband John claims that if she doesn’t get daily painting in her mood suffers. “Cranky” was the word used.
Like many artists, Kay began painting early, in elementary school, and was hooked. She majored in Art Education from Western Illinois University and was exposed to many forms of art including ceramics, weaving, printmaking, watercolor and more, but her true love was and is oil painting. Even now she’ll ocassionally explore watercolors, inks, or acrylics again, but always goes back to her love.
Once married and in the ‘real world’ her time was devoted to raising two children and owning/operating a custom framing business which gained her valuable knowledge that was readily applied to a future fine art career. Once the children were older, Kay was able to turn her attention back to painting.
Open-minded when it comes to art techniques and always willing to learn something new, Kay initially attended workshops and received instruction from many talented artists, but wanted to cultivate her own unique style rather than reflect someone else’s. She jokes about writing a book based on all the quirky rules that some artists follow on what you should and shouldn’t do when painting.
Peek-A-Boo | 12×12 | Original Oil on Panel
“Everyone has their own way of doing things, and painting is no exception.”
Gazing back over her 30 years as a professional artist, Kay acknowledges that her paintings have evolved. The impressionistic style has remained a constant, but it’s become looser with more expressive brushstrokes. She continues to experiment with new color palettes and has no problem trying out different paint products. Always learning, always evolving, but also leaving room for levity.
Recently she was in the studio showing her 4-year old grandson a landscape painting. The following conversation ensued beginning with a concerned look on little Charlie’s face.
“KK, what is wrong with that doggie in the painting? He looks lost.”
“Charlie that is a cow and he is grazing in the pasture.”
“No, it’s a doggie.”
“So the bottom line is that as an artist I can’t take myself too seriously. Everyone interprets art in their own way.”
Kay currently maintains two studio spaces. One at her home and a larger space she shares with 7 artists. The home studio holds a small Soltek easel and supplies for smaller paintings as well as art-related books. The majority of her painting takes place at ArtWorks Studio in Lake Highlands. Here, along with plenty of storage space, she has two large easels, five smaller easels, work table, and rolling cabinet with a large piece of glass used for her palette. All furniture is on wheels so she can change the configuration as needed. Sharing a studio with other artists is inspiring and she appreciates the opportunity for critiques with them.
“Usually music is blaring, and it doesn’t matter to me if I am alone or painting with several studio mates. I love to paint! We strive to make the studio a good place to make art and shut the outside world out.”
Dutch Art Gallery is proud to represent this talented artist. You can view Kay’s work online, but it’s best seen in person. Make an appointment to visit the gallery and see these wonderful works today.