Kathleen Rhee In The Studio
When I paint my goal is to take all my impressions, feelings and experiences and create an artwork that will emanate a pure, positive vibrant energy. I want my paintings to be larger than life, all consuming and have the ability to gently transport you to a place of meditative calm.
What inspires you?
Growing up on the Australian coastline drives my deep connection to mother nature and need to paint everyday, expressing my impressions of the landscape, feelings and experiences of my daily life.
Describe your creative process.
I work in acrylic, experimenting on different surfaces, stretched and flat. I do not like to work in a processed style but I do need to have certain elements or details in my work, sometimes this is more, sometimes less depending on my mood. I like these elements to have balance, contrast and opposition. I start with colour combinations, and look for smooth seamlessness, thick textures, spatter, colour merging and always the energy and feeling of the work is what is one of the most important ingredients to me.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
atmospheric, powerful, mesmerising
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
I love my oversized, big fat paint brushes...I cannot paint without using 3-4 at a time.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Draw and paint everyday. Study the masters you admire. Create what you love and want to see.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Out in nature! I walk in my neighbourhood rainforest and beach every week, everyday if I can.
