Introduction
Meet Kay Sutherland, a seasoned artist with over 40 years in the community, who brings life to her canvases with a style that speaks of movement, atmosphere, and the very soul of her subjects. In a recent interview, Kay shared her journey from a novice painter to a celebrated creator whose works have touched many.
The Journey to Painting
Kay’s journey into the world of painting is as organic as the thick, vibrant strokes that define her work. Despite not having drawn or painted as a child, it wasn’t until her mid-30s, after a traumatic divorce, that Kay found solace in art. A friend introduced her to painting, and within minutes of touching oil to canvas, she knew she had discovered her true calling.
“I never painted as a child, drew as a child,” Kay reflects. “And I got in my middle 30s and went through a traumatic divorce, and a friend asked me if I wanted to start painting with her. And I said, well, okay. After the first five minutes of playing around with oil, I said, I have found it.”
Kay’s initial foray into painting was marked by a preference for thick, expressive strokes—a style that has since become a hallmark of her work. Even as her friend and mentor preferred thinner applications of paint, Kay’s instinct led her to create with more texture and depth. This inclination towards bold, tactile expressions has continued to evolve, allowing her to capture the essence of her subjects with a vivid immediacy.
A Love for People and Places
Kay’s works are deeply rooted in her love for people and the places they inhabit. Whether it’s a live event, such as a wedding or a bustling restaurant scene, Kay’s paintings radiate a warmth that speaks to her belief in the inherent beauty of every individual.
“I paint a lot of people,” she explains. “I think people’s the best thing on the planet. I just love people. I guess they are interesting. Everyone has beauty that shines through.”
Her affinity for human subjects is matched only by her passion for plein air painting, a practice that allows her to capture the spirit of a location in real time. This approach not only adds a layer of authenticity to her work but also imbues her paintings with the lively energy of the outdoors.
The Art of Encaustic and Movement
Among the many techniques Kay employs, encaustic painting—a method involving the use of beeswax and heat—holds a special place. This ancient technique, which she deftly incorporates into her oil paintings, allows her to create a sense of movement and transparency that enhances the emotional depth of her work.
“Encaustic comes from a word that means to burn,” Kay explains. “So it’s wax, beeswax, and then you can take a torch and just cool it and drip it into your oil paints. It gives a transparency to the painting, movement—movement of a color spectrum from one spot to another spot—executed in such a way you don’t lose that movement. They are a live, living thing.”
This attention to movement and the fluidity of color is a testament to Kay’s commitment to creating dynamic, living pieces of art. Each painting is not just a static image but a narrative, a story captured in the moment of its unfolding.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
For those looking to embark on their own artistic journey, Kay offers sage advice. She emphasizes the importance of play and exploration, urging new artists not to get bogged down in the quest for a specific style or technique.
“Don’t get lost in ‘I’ve got to find my style, I’ve got to find this technique,’” she advises. “Just stand there and paint. Any art book you read will tell you to have a period that you don’t do anything but play. Just don’t suppress the kid.”
In addition, Kay underscores the value of travel and exposure to other artists and cultures as a means of education and inspiration. For her, the vibrant colors and rich history of places like Florence, Italy, have been instrumental in shaping her artistic vision.
“Everybody should travel,” she says. “That’s where I got my best education—traveling, going to museums, watching other artists, talking to them, just enjoying the joy of creating something and having somebody to talk to about it.”
Conclusion
Kay Sutherland’s work is a testament to the power of passion and the beauty of human connection. Her journey from a newly divorced woman searching for solace to a celebrated painter is one of resilience and discovery. Through her art, Kay captures the essence of people and places, creating works that resonate with emotion and movement.
For those in the Wytheville area and beyond, Kay’s paintings offer a glimpse into the heart of a town and the soul of its people. Whether through her plein air landscapes or her intimate portraits, Kay Sutherland continues to share her unique vision with the world, one brushstroke at a time. Many of her pieces are on display and available for purchase in the Formato Fine Arts online shop as well as our flagship location at 100 W Main St. in Wytheville, VA.
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