Watercolorist Kathy Miller to Exhibit, June 12-21

Established watercolorist and recent recipient of the prestigious “Best of Show” award from the Minnesota Watercolor Society’s Juried Spring Show, Kathy Miller will present her paintings in a new exhibit titled, “A Voyage of Discovery and Reflections” at the Northfield Arts Guild, June 12-21. An opening reception will be held on June 14 from 7 to 9 pm.

The artist, known for her sensory style that draws the viewer in with an alluring tactual appeal, depicts nature with curiosity and depth through her intricate study of light, reflections and shadows.  "It was a pleasure to award Kathy Miller's "White Peonies" Best of Show at the Minnesota Watercolor Society Spring Juried Exhibition,” said Megan Rye, the exhibit judge. “It is a well-established tradition to paint flowers, especially in the medium of watercolor.  Kathy's approach honors this tradition, but also springs forth with dazzling life, and a relevancy that is freshly observed. "White Peonies" grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go.”

“The upcoming exhibit includes a series of new works that reflect my passion for nature but from a variety of perspectives, ranging from the near to the far – the intimate, almost abstract, to the broad and panoramic,” said Miller. The impetus behind the project is a quote by Marcel Proust that caused a shift in Miller’s thinking about how to approach her artwork.  He said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”

A flurry of talent streams from Miller’s paintbrush as she finds new ways of seeing and interacting with nature. “The more I paint the more I realize all the possibilities" and start to think, "I’ve barely touched the surface!” Miller commented, "It’s finding life’s many ‘gifts’ in the very ordinary, things that we often walk past.”

“The body of work that I am developing is unique and broad in its scope as it presents themes from varying viewpoints, format and scale and will provide an unusual watercolor experience to the viewing audience,” Miller added.

As she works on her watercolors, Miller often writes in a painting journal. This provides a means for creative problem solving and self-discovery, as well as reflection on the magnificence of creation.  The artist's paintings embrace a common thread of warmth and radiant glow that is profoundly significant to her.  "It's spiritual.  I feel God's presence as I paint."  She adds, "I don’t think there can be too many expressions of beauty in this world.  It helps us to realize we are still being taken care of.” 

Benefiting from this latest journey of exploration will be the many watercolor classes that Miller teaches in southern Minnesota. She’ll also do a five-day Artist-in-Residence program this May at Oak Hills Elementary School in Lakeville where she taught before retirement. For all budding artists, she hopes there will be a realization that art is a powerful vehicle for expressing one’s own passion.

For more information, visit www.kmillerwatercolors.com.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.