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.

Prepping the Nursery

Using my brushes and knives on this one while trying to keep it fresh and loose!  The branches are inspired by the apple trees in my yard.

Nest Series continues...

The background color in this piece was inspired by my 8 year old who said "Momma, your nests are all floating in the air, you should put in some grass or leaves." So imagine these greens are grass or leaves.  Below, there is a close-up that shows the surface texture. I have been adding Cold Wax Medium to my paint which gives a little stiffer body to the paint and really enhances the knife strokes.

Also notice the coffee from Milan Coffee Works who just opened shop in our little town. MCW is a nano-beanery that roasts fresh beans in small batches. You can buy brewed cups or fresh roasted beans. It is a very cool place located at 508 County St., Milan Mi next to Original Gravity Brewing. You can find them on Facebook.

Robin's Nest Progress

This is a really fun subject to paint. The nest is very conducive to the texture that the knife yields.

Robin's Nest

The winds made this awesome nest available...

Recent Work

Here is a little grouping of recent work. A few weeks ago I felt the need to paint still life. Usually, I would walk around my yard and bring in some fruit or flowers, but it was too early in the spring and the outside is not yet so inspiring. Thus, I went Krogering and came home with pears. There is something sexy about the shape of a pear. It brings me back to my life drawing days of studio models and curvy flesh. These pears are not quite so provocative, but I will admit that they were fun to paint. Enjoy...

For more information on these paintings and others, click on: Available Paintings

Lelanau County September Vines

It was a warm September week in northern Michigan in my studio these last few weeks. Ah, the ability of art to transport us!!

This commission was inspired by a wine enthusiast couple  from southeastern Michigan. We both shared memories of Lelanau County vineyards and in my mind, Lake Michigan was destined to be part if the piece. Can't wait to hang it in their home! 

Size: 40" x 60"

Still obsessing about Common Thistle...

...but now I have added bees wax to my paint in the form of Cold Wax Medium. For a painter that likes to draw, paint with a knife and occasionally use a brush it is simply "yummy". I can go back into pieces and work in a way that I could not do before. 

The above piece is 12"x24". Here is a close up of the surface below. The wax adds a quality to the surface that I am really liking.

Love to see them hang!

 At the fairs, I get to meet the people that invest in my work and occasionally I get to see how they live with the art. This client had the vision for where this piece would work in her family home straight away. You can see the "pop" at the front entrance of the house. Lovely!

Northern Michigan Sunshine

This piece was created based on a field of sunflowers that a farmer had planted along M-72 on the way to Empire, Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Whether a drive through Tuscany or Northern Michigan, there is something about a field of sunflowers that makes me smile and have to stop. So fun to paint!

Northern Michigan Sunshine -  20" x 24"

This piece is available for sale. Click the link above for more information.

Back to my studio!

Thank you to everyone that stopped by my booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair this past week. From cold bottles of water, to moist hugs and occasional potty breaks, it seemed like whenever I needed a hand, it appeared. I must say I am surprised and delighted by the hardcore art lovers that I have come to known over the years. We have had hotter temperatures in years past but the humidity made this last week extra tough and yet people came! Amazing! I thank you all sincerely!

After Friday night's storm, I was not sure what I would find on Saturday morning.  I went in extra early and was relieved to find my tent standing strong. The extra time alone in my booth that morning gave me pause to reflect and write this poem which I have shared with my fellow artist friends on-line. I thought I would share it with you all too.

 Reflections on the Street

The wind, the rain, the restless night,
hoping my tall tent does not take flight.
Yet in the morn I see her stand,
fairest Trim-line in the land.
She kept my work all safe and dry,
knowing what would make me cry.
With perfect weather, here we go.
Another day, another show.
Pitching paintings in the sun,
where some find homes and some find none.
My bucket fills from all the smiles
and the pieces yet to make.

You would think I would be exhausted after two big shows, back to back. Actually, I am anxious to get back to painting. I have a wonderful series of common thistle that I am working on. Here is a small piece that I hope to finish soon.

Common Thistle II - 12" x 9"

Thanks again everyone!
Kim