Artist Katrina Swanson presents a collection of nostalgic oil paintings that bring memories to life. Visit her website to see more of her artwork.
I’ve been interested in making things from an early age. I would bounce around between hobbies, searching for something that satisfied my need to create. I really enjoyed the process, but the final product was usually disappointing. When I was introduced to painting, I finally found the process that satisfied that craving.
“Bouncy Balls” oil, 48″ x 36″
Early in my journey I was painting photorealistic flowers with watercolors. I used my camera to capture images of flowers and nature with dramatic color and light. While I enjoyed the medium, it became frustrating.
“Yard Sale Bicycles” oil, 24″ x 24″
A mentor suggested changing my medium to oils and I eventually did so. It was difficult, helped me improve as a painter and gave me the freedom to change what I was painting.
“Dots” oil, 36″ x 48″
Around the time I was learning oils, my son Shane was born. His sister Liberty was born two years later. I continued to paint during this time and while I wasn’t as productive as before, I was able to learn and grow as an artist.
“Smarties & Suckers” oil, 36″ x 48″
Slowing down and being able to think about what direction you want to go as an artist is very important. As a result of this I changed my subject matter to more urban street scenes.
Listen beautiful relax classics on our Youtube channel.
“Three Old Bikes” oil, 40″ x 30″
It was a challenge to figure out perspective, but the more I painted the more successfully the paintings turned out. I would wander around Omaha’s Old Market and surrounding areas taking pictures of interesting corners and shopfronts, then doing realistic paintings of them. I did several series, including night paintings.
“Swirly Lollipops” oil, 48″ x 30″
In November of 2016 I had a significant stroke. I was forty-six years old at the time and recovered relatively quickly, but the stroke affected the right side of my body. I had to relearn how to paint. It was devastating to go to my studio and not be able to work on my painting. By January 2017 I was recovered enough to paint for short periods, but I tired easily.
“Satellite” oil, 18″ x 24″
When I had the stroke, the doctors had no explanation for the cause. In late January 2017, I went in for my annual mammogram and it was found that I had stage 2 breast cancer. The cancerous tumor was the likely cause for my stroke. I spent the year going through several surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Although I tried to paint through the process, the chemotherapy affected my eyes and I was exhausted most of the time.
“Forgotten Fun” oil, 48″ x 40″
Although it was rough, those years of illness allowed me to think about the direction I wanted to go with my art. I’m currently working on capturing retro and vintage objects. I want to paint fun things that bring back great memories of my childhood.
Artist Katrina Swanson with her painting “Dots”
I love the process of painting detail, texture, light and color. I bounce around from painting to painting. It satisfies my need to make things!
Artist Katrina Swanson invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Subscribe to our twice-monthly Updates, and get a free e-book on Where to Sell Art Online right now!
The post Featured Artist Katrina Swanson appeared first on Artsy Shark.
Source: artsyshark.com