Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Lyons.
Kimberly, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always painted since I was a kid growing up in a small town in Wyoming. Though I loved art, my education took me into the theater which landed me here in L.A. getting my masters from Calarts. Once I graduated from school, I stayed and started working in a film where I could paint large scale backdrops and sets for a living. I paint for tv shows and films that can be watched on numerous platforms these days. Also, for the last 12 years, I have been teaching scene painting at schools such as Cal State Fullerton, UCLA, and have even done guest stints back at my alma mater Calarts.
In my non-working hours I enjoy painting whatever size I want and whatever subject I desire. Because of this, painting has never left my life. Though I do have a steady job its the balance of both worlds that satisfies my soul, it even explains why I love the idea of dualities and counter-intuitive ideas being put together. Slowly through the years, my art has come from being a back burner hobby and love to a very present and wonderful part of my life. More than ever now it is a necessity like breathing.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make acrylic paintings that love a paradox. Recently, my pieces have been exploring the use of paint pouring and fluid art mediums with realistic objects being in the same frame. I thoroughly enjoy the process as I start by getting to express freely with colors and experiment on a paint pour exploring the use of color. It is always a surprise as to how they turn out. Then I add the layer of realism on top of it usually adding an animal, plant, and sometimes human anatomy. I usually create what “feels” right and go with my gut as to what I add or take away from a painting. Sometimes the pours stay just as they are nothing more is needed. I create because I have a driving need to always be creative in one capacity or another. Also, I have found that experimenting outside of my comfort zone can be very liberating if nothing more than experiencing a good bit of failure. I hope that people feel when they look at my art and are moved in some way by it. Whether just by liking the color arrangement or enjoying the subject matter. I like that they are like clouds in the sky and what you choose to see is in the eye of the beholder.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
I think at times being alone is a must for an artist. For me, when my isolation time away has become too much, I find that connecting with artists on a few levels helps me. I go to gallery openings, the dtla artwalk, and live drawing sessions that happen almost every weekend somewhere in LA if you look. There are also workshops you can sign up for to go paint a live model and learn from another artist as well. I also go to museums, and even music concerts and festivals. These places seem to entice you to meet fellow minded souls. Plus, in person is where I feel the closest connection that can actually build into something more.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am currently a resident artist at the Hive Gallery in downtown LA. This wall has a selection of my work that rotates throughout the year. I also show my work in galleries in Los Angeles and will be most recently in Gallery 800 and their January show. My website is also a way to see my work, but my Instagram is probably the most current. People can support my work by coming out to the gallery openings and following me on Instagram for upcoming event info as it happens. Also, they can purchase prints of most of my pieces should the originals ticket price be too expensive. And, of course, by word of mouth! Tell your friends!
Contact Info:
- Website: www,kimberlylyonsart.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @hearheroar
Image Credit:
I took all of the photos in this article.
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