Kathleen

Blackwell-Plank

Kathleen Blackwell-Plank received a Bachelor of Creative Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she studied painting with acclaimed American painter, Maude Gatewood. Influences on her work include classes at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and layering techniques of watercolor artist Soon Warren. Her current series, Song of the Wren, is a multi-media exhibit including music, art and video to explore the lives of birds. Her paintings have been exhibited by the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, the Botanical Art Collective of North Central Texas, the Spartanburg County Public Library, the Cornelius Arts Center, the Cain Center for the Arts, the Mooresville Arts Center, The Gallery at Morningstar, the Cabarrus Arts Guild and the Cabarrus Arts Council. Kathleen has 35 music publications for pedal or lever harp and is nationally recognized presenter on therapeutic music and art.

The focus of my painting is inspired by nature. Stewardship of the environment and helping people reconnect to nature are paramount. Through the intimate examination of detail my paintings combine the healing power of nature and visual art. Visits to botanical gardens, nature preserves and my own gardening along with research and study of native habitats have informed my painting. The landscape paintings of Harlan Hubbard, a Kentucky artist, writer and naturalist have been influential. My process involves nature journaling, reference photos, collected objects and observations of birds at close range. The small size of paintings is conducive to entering into the bird’s world in an intimate way. The Song of the Wren watercolor series began as bird portraits but evolved to include details of the habitat, native plants and life events that birds encounter throughout the year. The contrast of light and shadow is important in my watercolor paintings which are built in layers of underpainting and glazing to achieve vibrant colors. Organic shapes and lines provide a calming sense of movement. The use of underpainting and multiple layers of washes create gentle transitions and rich colors. The up-close view captures our attention and offers an opportunity for absorption in the present moment, creating a meditative experience.

Acrylic, Oil / Alkyd, Watercolor/Gouache

https://www.heartseasevisualart.com/