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Kay Kaplan’s in-depth studies of painting began 15 years ago with drawing classes, then in 2009 she began intensive studies in oil painting Alla Prima style, with Catherine Grawin, through the Athenaeum School of the Arts. She also took many workshops and private classes over the following years.
Kay’s instructors have included Ken and Stephanie Goldman, Catherine Grawin, Pat Kelly, Jeff Yeoman & Sharon Carol Demery. Kay is currently studying with Claudia Verciani who is carrying on the teachings of Catherine Grawin through CG studios in Encinitas CA.
Painting with friends is an important inspiration for Kay who also paints daily in her studio.
Kays work has evolved in the past 12 years and may include a touch of realism and abstract to her impressionist style.
I am always painting, completing my last inspiration then reaching inward for more enlightenment, understanding, and rushes of creativity. I love holding on to the flow and focus that I have come to, in a place of calm, exhilaration and excitement. When I am in that state of flow I continue from the beginning to the end of the finished painting, all the while scanning it carefully, knowing that my hands painted it, but that my heart finished it.
I am excited knowing that tomorrow I will begin again, and I am filled with anticipation and gratitude that I have yet another day to reach into that place of inspiration, another day of painting and to learn and grow as an artist. Finding my zone and meditation and loving life to the fullest, this is what I hope my paintings reveal.
My paintings begin with my dog, Roxy, close by, the music turned up and doors wide open while I use a reference photo or a still life set up in my studio. I start with an undercoat of color on top of white canvas, and then with a brush I begin the drawing. I carefully add the darkest darks to the lightest lights, adjusting the shapes while considering the composition, all while using around eight different tubes of paint to create all the colors I need. The black hues often have three to four colors mixed together to create the perfect tone, and not one on my canvas is straight from the tube. I add linseed oil to give a rich, buttery and soft consistency. I use two large pallet surfaces that allow large amounts of paint to be mixed together which is important when painting Alla Prima or “wet onto wet.” Most of my paintings are completed in one sitting with several breaks. While they are drying, I spy on them from time to time with a critical eye. If needed, a bit of turpentine is gently added to soften the paint and make adjustments.
I have had in-depth studies of painting Alla Prima for the last 15 years. I started out with drawing classes in the beginning, then moved on to intensive studies in oil painting at the Athenaeum School of the Arts, workshops, boot camps and private classes.
May 3 – June 7, 2019 – La Playa Gallery – Group Art Show, “The Grand Small Works Exhibition”
April 26, 2019 – Del Mar Art Center
March 30, 2019 – Del Mar Art Center
November 30 – Jan 4, 2018 – La Playa Gallery – Solo Exhibit, “A Wondrous Perspective”
August 24 – Sept 2018 – L’Atelier Art Gallery – Solo Exhibit
June 21 – August 30, 2018 – Miller-Hull Partnership – Explore the Convergence of Art & Design – “Above 92037 Below“
April 6 – 29, 2018 – The Studio Door Juried Art Show – San Diego Legends – “Whiskey Please”
June 10 – July 30, 2017 – Oliver’s – Book Signing and Solo Art Show – “The Business of Gratitude“
April 22 – May 22, 2017 – Torque Motto Café – Solo Show – “City Lights“
March 1 – 31, 2017 – Southwestern Artist Association – “Top 100” Art Show – 3rd Place for “Aries”
December 2016 – La Playa Gallery – Group Art Show – “Happy Holidays“
November 11 – December 2016 – La Playa Gallery – Group Art Show – “Flora Imagery in Art”
October 7 – November 2016 – Torque Motto Cafe – Solo Show – “Urban Blend”
June – September 2016 – La Jolla Library – Juried Show – “Life Speaks”
May – June 2016 – La Playa Gallery – Group Art Show – “Whimsy”
July 11 – August 2015 – La Playa Gallery – Group Art Show – “Surf Culture Art Exhibit”
June 2015 – San Diego Fair – Fine Art Exhibit – Little Ruby w/Blue ears
June 2014 – San Diego Fair – Fine Art Exhibit – Donor Award – “Sweet Sally Cow”
June – August 2014 – La Playa Gallery – Group Art Show – “Summer Solstice“
March 2014 – Southwestern Artist Association – 13th Annual “Top 100” – “Laurel Street Sunset”
October 2013 – La Playa Gallery – Group Art Show – “Grand Opening!”
2226 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
laplayagallery@gmail.com
858-454-6903
