My earliest memory of enjoying painting was probably aged about 5, telling my relatives I was going to be an artist when I grew up, it was always something I believed to be true and I am very lucky to have realised my dream. Both my parents are painters, so art and hands-on creativity is something I have always been surrounded by in one form or another.
Whilst I did study art at school and college, I am mostly self taught and have developed my style over the last 20 years or so since achieving my first big commission in 2003. At this point I decided to set up KZ ART with the aim of creating beautiful, personalised bespoke artwork at affordable prices. I painted my first ‘proper’ portrait in 2005 which led to commission after commission. With time this has become something I am proud to specialise in. Mostly I paint children, I aspire to capture a soft, pensive smile, where the child looks content and happy. Painting something which is so treasured and gives so much joy to the viewers- parents (or grandparents) is a real honour.
I have taken part in both Sky Arts Landscape and Portrait Artist of the year competitions as a Wildcard participant. Both incredibly exciting, nerve wracking and time pressured experiences. I really learnt an incredible amount about my painting processes and how to adapt to different situations. The highlight was without a doubt spending a day painting inside the beautiful National Portrait Gallery in London- one of my favourite galleries!
I painted a new collection of work for my 2018 solo exhibition at the Lightbox Gallery in Woking titled Reflections and Shadows, I was inspired to paint dramatic seascapes and landscapes, slightly abstracted by using a palette of purple, pink, black, teal and pale green. Occasionally incorporating gold leaf or carbon black glitter. I have always loved the effect of striking silhouettes against a painterly backdrop, my personal favourites are the ‘Under the Pier’ series, where sturdy black beams emerge from the sand, bold against the sea and sky.
I am excited to build on this body of work from my studio at home in Weybridge, UK and develop my portrait portfolio further, all will be shared on my social media and on the galleries here.
Thanks for visiting
Kerry
