Monday, December 27, 2010

 Remember those days when you held your children close and read to them, seems like it was only yesterday.  As I painted this portrait of a mother and her two small children, I took a walk down memory lane. Every day there was a special time carved out for reading, especially the book "I'll Love You Forever".  What mom hasn't read that book to her children? Oh and if you haven't, run out and get it, you'll know why it's so special when you read it.
 The two children in this painting are both grown now, they asked me to paint their portrait from when they were little and wanted to express something special for their mom.  What a special Christmas present for her! I hope this special mom will enjoy this portrait for many years to come!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

  Garrett has a sweet and beautiful girlfriend named Hannah.  He came to me a few months ago and brought a photograph and wanted me to paint a special gift for her, a portrait of him!  As you can see Garrett is a fine fireman, rather good looking, if I say so myself. 
I couldn't wait to get my brush in the paint and start painting, especially since I have known Garrett since he was a little boy. Often he would come to our house to play with my two sons.  Garrett has grown up to be a fine fine young man and has a respectable and honorable job with the Fayetteville Fire Dept. Wanting to express his love for his God and mankind, I included the scripture from John 15:13. Take a closer look in the background of the painting,"Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one's life for his friends." is written into the flag.
I am posting a few progress pics just to show you how I start my paintings, first I paint a tonal color, then sketch out the subject.  One of the first elements I paint are the eyes. Garrett stopped by to check the progress, just to make sure I was on the right track.  Sure hope Hannah liked his portrait. Merry Christmas Hannah!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

  "Clifton Memories" was painted as a surprise Christmas present for Mr. Clifton from his wife.  It is a painted collage of a typical grandparent and grandchildren scene. What a joy is was to paint such a loving family.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

    This fun in the water painting of two sweet young boys, James and David.  I tried to capture the fun that boys have splashing and playing in the water.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

"Big Buck and Little Buck" is an oil painting commission created for a friend's son for Christmas. I have never met Buck, but fell in in love with him when I painted him. Thought I would post some progress photos too. I hope you like your painting Steven, Merry Christmas.

Friday, December 17, 2010

 Just a few snowmen left. Just mention you saw Kathy's snowmen on this website or on Facebook and receive 20% off on my artwork from Smellie Bloomers!
Merry  Christmas!

Monday, November 22, 2012

 Bunnies are not just for Easter!  This sweet white bunny brings sweet pink cotton-candy dreams to a dear friend.
When asked to paint a white bunny with a pink background for Christmas, I was delighted and up for the challenge. The bow became a problem and I painted it three different times til I was satisfied.
 This little bunny will find a warm place to rest come this December, in a friend's warm festive kitchen.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

 I hope you're enjoying my snowmen as much as I am painting them! Here's another one for you, I think I'm becoming additcted to snowmen.  Recently I checked out one of my favorite stores......Pier 1 Imports and bought snowman cups and two new snowman ornaments.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

 In the hot sweltering heat of July, I turned down the air conditioning, turned on my Ipod, dialed up my Christmas music and began painting snowmen.  So far, I have painted 15 snowmen and snowladies in various compositions, facial expressions, colors schemes and moods. 
Next Sunday from 2:00-6:00 pm, all of my new snowman paintings will be for sale at Smellie Bloomers Christmas Open House.  Smellie Bloomers is located at 501 West Broad Street in Elizabethtown, NC.
"Laugh, Dance, Believe" is my largest snowman, he is painted on a deep gallery-wrapped canvas and is inspired by a charming snowman ornament I saw at Smellie Bloomers.
Come by and see me next Sunday! If you aren't able to make it, and are interested in some of my paintings, just shoot me an email, I will hold it for you! Four of my snowmen have already been sold, never knew so many people collected snowmen.
Inquiries may come to me: kbunn@ec.rr.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

   A favorite snowy quote of mine: "Snowmen aren't forever, but their memories are." I have a new snowman series this year for Christmas that you can display all winter long. My new snowmen will be revealed and on display this Christmas at Smellie Bloomers in Elizabethtown, NC.  Their Christmas Open House is Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 2:00-6:00 pm.
Come by and see me, inquiries may be sent to me.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

 Happy Halloween to all!
"Oreo" is painted on a deep gallery wrapped canvas. 
"A meow massages the heart" is written on the sides.  This one is painted especially for cat-lovers.

Monday, October 25, 2010

 "Sylvia's Song" is one of the largest oils I've ever painted and the only triptych.  A triptych is a paneled painting divided into three sections. Usually triptychs were used as early Christian altar pieces.
"Sylvia's Song" was a bit tricky to install, thanks goes to my husband!

Monday, October 18, 2010

As the weather is cooling down I can't help but feel some Christmas spirit rumblings in my soul.  I love the fall as it ends one season and ushers in jolly Christmastime...my favorite!  People visiting my home studio are astonished to see the Halloween and fall decorations sitting right beside my new Christmas paintings.  Ah, that's one part of being an artist that I love.......celebrating more than one season at a time!
My chosen holiday subject to paint this year is snowmen.  I began painting them in July! "Bluebird" is special because this snowlady loves birds, looks like she's trying to coax the bluebird to visit the nest she is holding.
"Bluebird" will be on sale at Smellie Bloomers' Christmas Open House November 14, 2010.  Inquiries may come to me at kbunn@ec.rr.com

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

 This was done for a special young lady.  I wanted her to have something special as she left for college.

"Autumn Fire"

 Last week a dear friend of mine and I went on a little outing. We had fun enjoying the beautiful weather and friendly conversation,.  We stopped in a sweet little town and saw some amazing beautifully decorated items.  In one store we saw some beautiful calla lillies.  I was so inspired, I decided to paint one using warm autumn colors. As I was blending the oil paint, I decided to call upon one of my old tricks of the trade - fingerpainting!  I realized that my fingers could smoothly,  blend the paint better than my brush!

Happy Fall!

Sunday, September, 12, 2010

"Giving Thanks" created late summer for all of the many blessings that we have. As we transition into fall, winter and the upcoming holiday season, we are reminded from where our blessings come.  It's not all about "us" folks.
Psalm 136:1 is written in the background.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday, she is 81 years young.  This painting titled "Laura's Hymn" is inspired by her favorite hymn "How Great Thou Art".
Happy Birthday Laura!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

 "Star" is the first mermaid that I have painted on a pillow.  She is surrounded by three lucky starfish on a beautiful soft aqua background.  Smellie Bloomers, a local gift shop is carrying some of my artwork.  You will find "Star" among paintings, prints and other pillows I've painted.
Wouldn't this make a lovely gift for your daughter, niece or friend as they go back to college?

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

 "Coral Smiles" was painted especially for an East Bladen teacher as a house warming gift, given by one of her loyal and pretty students.  I was so honored that Paige asked me to do this for her.  She wanted to give her teacher, who is much more than a teacher, a very special gift.  I worked with Mrs. Hair and I know that she is an awesome and inspiring teacher.  My son was one of her students and he said  that you could never be bored in her class! Among her titles, she is an inspiring teacher, coach, mentor, friend, and mom. I also had the honor of teaching Paige, and she is such a dear, if all of our students were like her, I might not have retired.
Who am I kidding, yes, I would have still retired, because we still keep in touch!

Monday, June 28, 2010

    As the waves help "Marina" to maneuver in and around the water, she has no trouble finding special treasures near the bottom of the ocean.  Because of Marina's exceptional beauty, a gleaming golden star fish seems to be drawn to her, bringing her good luck and fortune.
    I hope you like my "Marina", she was painted for a beautiful lady who also loves the water. I think she is one of the prettiest mermaids that I have painted.
 If you would like to commission a special mermaid painting, inquiries may come to me.  kbunn@ec.rr.com

June 22, 2010

 A recent mural, one of my favorite scriptures.

Monday, June 21, 2010

 This month I was asked to paint a mural in a new home.  The owner and his wife are a delightful Christian pair, and I enjoyed working with them so much!
The scriptural mural that I painted for Saundra and Teddy came from the book of Joshua which inspired me to paint this little bird nest.

Monday, June 14, 2010

 Summer at the beach! This piece was commissioned for a birthday present.  This house was one of the very first homes built on Bald Head Island.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

   Teri asked me to paint a painting for her daughter's birthday this month.  The painting was inspired by a photo that Teri took at Bald Head Island in the early 90's.  The composition and subject matter is her son Ian and her daughter Hawley leaning on an old piece of driftwood with the ocean in the background.  Reminds me of my childhood days at the beach, dreaming, playing and really believing that I had no care in the world.
Here's to you Hawley, I hope you had a wonderful birthday.......what a lovely young lady you turned out to be!

Monday, May 17, 2010

 My hair stylist asked me to create a painting especially for her home.   A Tuscan scene with reds and golds would work perfectly in her home.  I worked on the landscape for months and every time I had a hair appointment, I would give her an update by showing her pictures on my camera or by bringing the canvas to the Salon. I wanted to make the painting more personal and special, so I asked Ernie did she have anything of special significance that she would like for me to include in the compostion?  She did of course, and brought me a cherished golden pin that once belonged to her mother, I painted it in the bottom right hand corner.
Ernie is a wonderful hair stylist, but she is also a great friend.  I titled the Tuscan scene "Tuscan Romance" because when one thinks of love or romance, you might think of flowers, beautiful scenery, and a little wine perhaps-and a friend or memory to share.
Here's to you Ernie, thanks for being my hair stylist and treasured friend! Love you!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

 "Greyson", a 2 1/2 month old little boy.  This portrait was commissioned by his grandmother as a gift for her daughter, Jessica.  Jessica is celebrating her very first Mother's Day! Oh, we love little boys!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Friends, true friends are like the rarest of jewels.  I am blessed to have two dear friends, Mike and Edna.  Edna has rocked both my boys when they were infants and has been a dear family friend for years.  Mike, her husband and I go back way back b.c. (before children). After leaving Bladen County for greener pastures, he has always come back to visit and stays in touch. As Mike and Edna travel around the world, they send us beautiful postcards, and I have to say, I am quite jealous of their travels!

"Mike's Paradise" is composed of  Edna's favorite Hawaiian places. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is one of the most popular trucks in Hawaii, and from what I understand the shrimp are quite yummy.  Matsumoto Shave Ice has been displayed in various magazines, news articles, and television programs. Matsumoto's homemade shave ice flavors are also enjoyed by celebrities such as Tom Hanks, I wonder if Edna met him when she was there?

In the background you will see Kualoa Regional Park's view of the islet Mokoli'i. My research tells me of a little ancestral history of the islet.  It is said that the little island originated from the fluke of a cut off tail of a dragon-like creature. Now, the little island is referred to as "Chinaman's Hat" because it resembles a coolie hat to many people.

Wonder where you two are off to next?  Can't wait to get another beautiful postcard!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

 A few weeks ago, a sweetie pie, Lauren, Facebooked me and asked me to paint a portrait of their Chinese Pug, Bebe. This was to be a special portrait for her mom's birthday because Bebe died during the winter, and she told me that her mom was having a difficult time with her loss. Now, if that doesn't put the pressure on an artist, what does?  Later, Lauren's daddy called to confirm the painting and the details.  I was on a mission!  As a dog lover, and one that has experienced the death of a special pet named Becky, I was charged and motivated to do my best.  Sharon, the birthday girl, surely deserved my best!  Really, I haven't painted too many dogs, but I have found that I enjoy painting dogs immensely.  Upon completion, Sharon's son, Crae came to pick the portrait up and I was so delighted to see him. 
My how he has grown, and so handsome!  I remember teaching him art in high school, he is so witty, clever and talented too, Crae always added spice and humor to my class.
I am thankful to this family and I am touched, because I know how difficult it is to give someone special a gift that they will enjoy and will treasure.  Sharon is a lucky 29 year old (you look great girl!) , her children and husband thought about giving her such a special and unique gift, I am honored.  Happy Birthday to Sharon!

Monday, March 29, 2010

  This painting was created for a young lady, dear friend of mine.  She is a cancer survivor and has battled cancer twice. I will be selling 8" x 10" prints,  but no personal profit will be made by me.  Instead the profit will be donated to Relay for Life to help find a cure for cancer. Relay for Life in Bladen county will be held May 7-8, 2010.
If you would like to order one, inquiries may come to me. 

Monday, March 8, 2010

  "Kathyrn" is a symbolic self portrait, every object has a purpose for being in the painting.  The idea of painting myself as a mermaid emerged because of where I was born.  Southport, NC is my place of  birth and as a little girl, I played in the Atlantic Ocean.  My father often took me fishing at Bald Head Island.  The shells, ocean, and fish represent those fun earlier times in my life.
I wanted to depict the mermaid bobbing around in the ocean, just as life's journey takes us up and down as we meet different obstacles and challenges.  The tea cup, wine glass, and purse reflect the times I spend with my girlfriends, shopping and sharing conversation, sometimes, my cup surely runs over. "Bling-bling" is one of my nicknames, and the Trollbead bracelet and fantasy necklace I am wearing are gifts from my husband, sons and friends.  The peacock is a symbol of good  luck, my life is full of blessings: my family and friends.  The turquoise wristband on the mermaid's left arm represents the connection I have with cancer, God please help us find a cure for cancer!  I have lost several friends and both parents to this horrid disease.  My brother is in remission and a very dear friend "C" has battled cervical cancer twice.  They are both my heroes!
The crowning glory is the sweet red cardinal that sits on the peacock, apart from me, but very close to me.  The cardinal is a symbol of my dear mother, she loved the red bird so!  I feel that she is still with me looking out for me.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

 Painting the little Frenchie, Gwen and her chicken friends was challenging and a joy.   This one was commissioned by a friend for her husband for Christmas.  Gwen is such a special treasure to her owners.  As I painted I wondered what Gwen must think of her new friends that have taken part ownership in her backyard.  She seems to be telling them, "I still rule the roost",  and even though she is sharing part of her place, she knows she is the favored one.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Hello Friends, been painting not posting this week.  I did create this fat little bunny named "Bunchy" just in time for spring!  So tired of the raw and bitter cold, I can't wait for warm evenings on the porch sipping my coffee in the morning.......oh take me away warm weather. 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

  "Melody for Louise" was created especially for a little lady who lives in Clarkton.  What a wonderful lady she is!  I had the pleasure of working with Louise years ago when I worked at the bank.  Her daughter called me and asked me to paint something special for her mother.  Something that would tie in her love for bluebirds and one of her favorite songs "I Come to the Garden Alone".  Look closely and you can see some of the words from that old hymn.
Here's to you Louise!

Friday February 5, 2010

 "Mosaic Sugar" is a sweet oil painting of a whimsical sassy heart surrounded by colorful mosaic-like shapes. Give your sweetheart an original oil painting for Valentine's Day....or better yet, ask your sweetheart to give me a call and I will take care of your request.  It is gold framed, but can be taken out and displayed on an easel all by itself, or you can frame it yourself.  This photo shows how it looks on my antique sideboard in my dining room, right near my easel where I'm painting bunny rabbits on this gloomy cold and rainy day.
"Mosaic Sugar" is a standard 5"x7" size. Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday, February 1, 2010

  "Melody" is a sweet lady mermaid who plays the harp. She is the only mermaid that has musical skills, when you turn a conch shell up to your ear and listen...........shhh....you just might hear sweet symphonic music.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

  "Buttercup" swims around in the ocean looking elegant and beautiful.  She doesn't know about diseases, earthquakes and politics (that's why she looks so young and pretty). 
A print of this oil painting is on display at Smellie Bloomers, go by and check it out.  A variety of print sizes are available.  Can't you picture this beautiful mermaid in your home?  Comments or questions may come to me at kbunn@ec.rr.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

 A still life with some of my favorite subject matter.  This was created while staying at Oak Island for a few days last summer.  I especially enjoyed painting the surprises in the wine glasses, look closely and you might see something that belongs in water, but not in wine.

January 14, 2010

 A local business owner asked me to create a painting of his restaurant, Hamburger Paradise.  I really enjoyed painting the red corvette as well as the building.  This painting is one of my first architectural style paintings.  I have truly enjoyed the wide variety of subject matter that I painted last year....portraits, dogs, dragonflies, mermaids, buildings, still-lifes, sea life, lakescapes, seascapes, landscapes and flowers, to name a few.  Each subject and collector speaks to me differently and I enjoy the challenge of digging way down into my soul to capture just the right look or moment with my paint brush or palette knife. I look forward to additional painting challenges in 2010.