Kelly Kilmer Artist and Instructor

What You'll Find Here

I post daily (photos of my journal pages, things that inspire me and personal bits and pieces) to inspire and encourage others. I have always believed that if I can do it, so can you.

You'll find resources (my favorite supplies, books, slideshows of my art journal pages, favorite bloggers, etc...) listed along the right hand side of my blog.

I've been teaching both in person and online workshops for more than twenty years. You can find out more about my classes by scrolling down along the right hand side of my blog. I strive to make classes accessible to everyone (both beginner to advanced).

I love teaching and truly believe that deep down inside everyone is an artist, capable of creating something. There is power and knowledge in the act of creating something with your own hands, made from your own heart and head.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at EGorey99@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for stopping by!

-Kelly

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Just Announced: Saturday, June 23rd San Diego

Saturday, June 23rd: Lust for Life: Art and Transformation

I am very happy to announce that I will be returning to teach on a monthly basis in the Normal Heights Neighborhood of San Diego at a private studio (classes are open to the public for this workshop. Details will be sent upon registration.)

Workshops are from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

My workshops aim to teach a variety of NEW ideas involving collage, creative processing, self expression, composition, design, layering, painting and much, much more.

My workshops are always process-based learning while creating a unique product. I am well known for not traveling light and bring a large variety of supplies including (but not limited to) collage material, rubber stamps, stencils, pens, markers, tape and more. Please note there is a small supply list.

Beginners to advanced are welcome in ALL of the classes.

Interested in signing up? Questions? Please email Kelly for more info! EGorey99@sbcglobal.net

You may send someone else in your place if you are unable to attend the workshop, or you will receive a kit for the class. You can either pay via paypal (see button below) or send a check or money order. Once you've signed up for the workshop, you will be sent the address and directions to the workshop location. If you have ANY questions you can email me. I will also give you my cell phone number so you contact me.

The class fee includes a vast array of mediums and materials to complete the necessary project. It is well known that I do not travel light to any of my classes. I will be bringing such things are:

all materials necessary to complete the project (handmade paper, decorative paper, board, glue, etc...)
bookbinding supplies (thread, awl, needles)
rubber stamps
ink pads
decorative tape
stencils
pens and markers
gel medium
collage ephemera and much, much more.

I do not travel light to my classes at all!

Please note that this class is for ALL levels: Beginner to advanced are welcome. There is something for everyone in this unique workshop.

Lust for Life: Art and Transformation

This workshop is about transformation. How do we push ourselves out of our comfort zone to become better artists? How do we learn to see, glean ideas and create pages that are uniquely our own?

You will learn new layering, composition, design, how to push past creative block, lettering, color theory and more. I will reach deep into my current art toolbox of tips, tricks and techniques. There's no holding back in this workshop.

Supply list: your journal, an apron, scissors, a small selection of favorite collage ephemera (think about reading this when choosing your images and papers), cork back metal ruler, a full roll of paper towels OR old rags, permanent black ink pad (only if you have one), a container for your paint water, 1 to 2" brush to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes) as well as a few, smaller, detailed brushes, a few of your favorite glue sticks (please trust me when I say that large glue sticks will last you longer. I always have two or three 40 gram glue sticks in my journal bag and that's more than enough for a long weekend. You WILL go through the smaller glue sticks in MINUTES), roll of waxed paper OR an old catalog or magazine to glue on (if you don't want to use all of your waxed paper for this.)

I hope to see you there!

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The Collage Ideas Book by Alannah Moore

While at the Met a couple of weeks ago, I found a gem of a book. The Collage Ideas Book by Alannah Moore was tucked away on the bottom shelf. I opened it up and thought, oooh. I kept flipping and the more I flipped, the more I wanted to run out of the museum to grab my scissors and glue stick. I love books like this. It's small and can be tucked away in your purse for on the go inspiration. There's a technique or an idea on one page with art for inspiration right next to it. There are many familiar names in the book with fresh art and ideas sprinkled throughout. Definitely a volume that inspires.

You May Also Be Interested In:

Kelly Kilmer Favorite Art Books List

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Let's Gogh! An Art Pilgrimage in Search of Van Gogh Across the U.S.

In three weeks:

41 paintings by Vincent Van Gogh.

One sketch.

10 museums.

8 states (not including the states it took to drive through to get there.)

6,710 plus miles.

35 paintings and one letter in 2017.

3 paintings in 2018 prior to this trip.

900 paintings total.

1,100 sketches and drawings.

903 letters.

I'm still making a list for the rest of the year, marking off what needs to be seen, what can be seen and what I want to see in the upcoming year. 2019 is looking very, very promising.

Please note that the paintings below, I am sharing only what I saw, the paintings on display, and not everything that the museums have in their possession. I was surprised when I got to the Wadsworth Anthaneum to be told that the second supposed Van Gogh was not on display as they do not think it to be one of his paintings. I was even more surprised to find Landscape From Saint Remy on display from Copenhagen at The Getty for "technical research." I can't find anything about it online. It had been in the gallery for about two weeks before I stumbled happily upon it.

Special thanks to Mom, David, Tristan and to everyone who has listened to my adventures and my obsession to see as many of Vincent's paintings as possible.

Extra special thanks to those who purchased my wares and workshops. It's because of you that I was able to stand in front of Vincent's work. Thank you.