For Seattle, Washington-born artist Kristen Doty, there is beauty everywhere. She describes her painting style as realism, portraying three-dimensional things and the space between them on a two-dimensional surface in a way that feels real and convincing.
Riverbend, pastel, 17¼ x 21¼"“Details always catch my attention,” she says, “and I am drawn to complex and challenging subjects. Sunlight can further illuminate objects in such a way that is stunning and breathtaking. These are the initial sparks that move me to paint. But deeper than beauty and details, there is a story or connection to the subject.” She continues, “For me, realism is the means to express what I am seeing, experiencing and want to share. I enjoy both the technical challenge of convincingly creating the illusion of depth and real objects on a flat surface using pigments in various forms—colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, oil—while also evoking a mood and telling a story. Drawing, painting, and calligraphy are fundamentally tied together.”
Necanicum River Heron, pastel, 18 x 24"
Doty adds that she tends to follow the often-heard advice for artists: “paint what you know and paint what you love.” Her ongoing inkwell series—which includes still lifes of beautiful glass inkwells—pays homage to her early and continuing practice of calligraphy and the many excellent teachers who have influenced her. “All subjects that I paint, whether still life, landscapes, flowers, people or animals, begin with keen observation, an emotional response and appreciation; then studying to learn more, which strengthens the connection,” says the artist.
Preparations, colored pencil, 21 x 16½"
A Light Within, colored pencil, 16½ x 22"
Bowl of Cherries, watercolor, 17 x 21½"
With a background in graphic design, calligraphy and illustration, Doty experiments with a variety of mediums in her artwork. While exploring her work, one might find a soft, stunning landscape in pastel, or a crisp, clear still life in colored pencil.
Her pastel Riverbend depicts a creek surrounded by lush grasses and foliage, just a few miles from her home. “The peaceful scene and evening light especially on the clouds, fields and fresh rolled bales created a glow that I wanted to capture,” Doty reflects.
Morning Meadow, pastel, 7½ x 11½"
She enjoys sharing her passion by teaching and has taught workshops and at conferences across the United States and abroad, including Belgium, Canada and Japan. Her travels have allowed her to visit many art museums and study the originals of master artists. Doty is a signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, as well as a member of the CPSA Seattle Chapter, Northwest Watercolor Society, Pastel Society of America, Northwest Pastel Society and Plein Air Washington Artists. She’s also a member of calligraphy societies in Seattle; Olympia, Washington; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; and Washington D.C. She lives in Washington state with her husband and two cats. —
Powered by Froala Editor
