The road to ArtPrize!

The show opens tomorrow in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dates are September 23 - October 11. My entry hangs in DeVos Place, location #58. You can get more info at ArtPrize.org 

Here's a few pics of the journey:

Here is a link to the time lapse video:

http://youtu.be/6QgUenFPzAs

I hope to see you there!

Kim

"Field of Joy" is underway!

ArtPrize 7 is on the horizon and I have been working on my submission "Field of Joy" which will be on display in Grand Rapids, Michigan at DeVos Place September 23 thru October 11. For those of you not familiar with ArtPrize, it is a competition that attracts over 1500 artist entries, 500,000 visitors and awards over $400,000 in prize money. The prizes are awarded by public vote and by a jury. You can get more info at ArtPrize.org

My painting is in process and I can hardly sleep for wanting to paint. It is my largest to date at 5' x 16'. It incorporates processes and materials that I have worked on for years and I cannot wait to show the world... or, at least the Midwest!

I have been posting my progress regularly on Instagram where you can find me at #kimrhoney. Those posts also appear on my FaceBook Fan Page under Kim Rhoney. 

The work barely fits in our great room!

This first phase is all underpainting for the wax and knife work. The underpainting allows me to finalize the composition and begin to determine values and perspective. Sometimes I tint the surface first and then draw my subject, but this piece is so large and complex that I felt this route would give me a better result. Next week, I will begin heavy paint application of color that will be closer to the finished product using painting knives to apply oil paint which is mixed with cold wax medium (bees wax & resin). Stay tuned and thank you for your interest in my work.

Kindly,

Kim

Maumee River Commission - "Maumee Stroll"

This piece is truly monumental at five feet square. It was made for the wall that it hangs on and reflects the grounds between the house and the river. The Sycamore trees are painted with silver leaf in between the layers of cold wax and paint. This process was conceived during an earlier painting that I posted with this project in mind. I was really pleased with the result. Take a look at the close up to see some of the playful sgraffito (drawing back in to reveal the lower color) that I felt added a little needed whimsy.

A Trip to Tuscany Remembered

This commission started out with a college friend and a handful of vacation photos from a special trip with her daughter. I do a fair number of commissions, but rarely work from others trip pic's. Fortunately I had been to this region of Italy and felt like I had an authentic response to the subject. I could close my eyes and remember the quality of the light. A very magical place! Thank you Kari for the opportunity!

 The painting measured 30" x 24" without the frame.

Several photos were referenced and the sketch is a bit of a montage. Here is the progression of the piece:

Here is a view of the installation:

Winter Workshops at BBAC

 Recently, I was invited to teach a couple of one day workshops on knife painting at the BBAC (Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center located in Birmingham, MI). It was a wonderful experience and ignited a desire to include teaching as part of my studio life. It's amazing what teaching something that you do every day can do to for your perspective. Look for me to be back at the BBAC this coming fall and winter.

Here are a few photos of my students work. Most of the students had taken two one day work shops and these paintings are from the second workshop.They were very focused and produced amazing results for the day's effort.

On my easel - a little side work for Santa!

It is a special surprise for someone. I love being part of a secret and helping to spread a little joy! 

Lily of the Valley Paintings

My ritual painting of the lilies. Every May I wait for the Lily of the Valley to bloom as there is nothing better than working directly from life. I pick fist fulls these little flowers and stick them in all manor of tiny vases so that I can get that toad's-eye view that I crave. Here are a couple of the larger works that came out of this recent series. The top piece is ready to sign. The bottom work is just getting finishing touches. Both will be on display at my open house June 7 and 8. Click here for more details.

Getting ready for my Open Studio Event June 7 and 8!

Here is a little glimpse into my process. The ipad has an image of Pink Thistle that I photographed last summer along Stoney Creek Road just a few miles from my house.
The first image shows the subject after I have sketched my composition and washed in a cool red tint. Next come many layers of oil and cold wax applied with brushes and then finished with the knife. I plan to finish this one today...and yes, there are bee's much to my kids' delight!

Wrapping up: Loose Bees

I love the looseness of these little guys! It's time to pull them off my easel before I over work them. The cold wax makes my knife painting really fun.

What's all the buzz about?

Bees, bees, bees...! They are in the news. Bees are on my mind. Growing up on a small farm in the 70's meant that bees were plentiful and sometimes got in your way when you were playing in the milk house or painting the rafters. Who would have ever thought that they would be in such peril. Thus, I committed to paint a small series and see where it leads me. This first little piece is 5" x 7" and it was a little small to work the knife comfortably. I will give these guys another shot on a slightly bigger support. The bees above are a stylized representative of the North American bumble bee.