Kathy makes strong connections to her subject matter through deep understanding, respect and compassion and finds inspiration in moments of extreme beauty." Vikki Kath

About Artist

I have lived in Santa Rosa for the last nineteen years. We left San Francisco to build our home and studio near Hood State Park and the Sonoma wine country. We have raised our two children here and become part of this unique community. During this time I have come to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of this area from painting landscapes in the vineyards and parklands. When I set up my easel outside to paint, working becomes a meditation on nature and light. As the hours pass, I enter into the rhythm of the changing light patterns. Sometimes a mysterious fog drifts though the mountains, creating a fusion between a Chinese painting and the California Mediterranean landscape. I love to watch the variations in the scene as the light changes. Once I find a sight, I go back in the early morning or the evening. I sit and watch the light change, waiting for that moment of quiet elegance when the sun and shadows form a sublime experience.

I keep a folder on each painting. It contains everything that has inspired that work, from poems to drawings. As the theme develops, I start to play with the composition with a series of pencil sketches. The design is crucial to the success of the work and it must show a strong and clear structure. The next step is to complete a charcoal study in which I explore the light and dark values.

After these studies, I transfer the drawing onto a canvas. I use a support of linen stretched over wooden bars. One of the most essential aspects of painting is the texture of the paint and the brushstroke. The tactile buildup of the paint is as important as the subject. I like to apply the paint thickly in areas using an impasto technique with a pallet knife. Other areas of the painting are built up with delicate brush work and the use of glazes. The contrast between techniques shifts the viewer's focus and enhances the dimensions.

In James Cahill's wonderful book, “Painting at the Shore”, I discovered a scroll by Shen Chow called “Night Vigil”. It contains a beautiful passage that summarizes the painting experience. Unable to sleep, he contemplates the nature of art. He talks about how the constant movement during our day prevents us from calmly sitting; it is so hard to turn off our intellect and attain a state of outer tranquility and inner stability. At moments of extraordinary clarity, when we are not distracted, one's perceptions become part of one's self. I am always striving for this "passage of felt life".

Recently have shown in juried group shows throughout the country. I have also had a solo show in Napa. My work can be viewed at Gallery One in Sonoma. Visitors are always welcome to my studio.

"Kathy Carney makes strong connections to her subject matter through deep understanding, respect and compassion. She has a profound love and concern for those around her and her environment- and finds delight in everyday "extremes." This, combined with her classical training and creative eye, is what comes together in her painting and teaching.

She enjoys family, friends, gardening, reading, swimming, yoga and the opera. She has been a professional artist - painting, exhibiting, selling and teaching art since 1975." Vikki Kath, photographer, Sonoma County

• 1997-98 Santa Rosa Junior College, Figurative Drawing & Adobe Photoshop
• 1984-85 U.C. Extension (Berkeley), San Francisco, Photography
• 1974 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Painting
• 1973 University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, B.F.A.
• 1971-2 Los Angeles Art Center, L.A., California
• 1967 Corcoran School of Art, Corcoran Museum, Washington, D.C.

• 2006 CPS Sonoma West, Graton, California
• 2003 Art in the Napa Library, Napa, California
• 1995 Whistlestop Gallery, Santa Rosa, California
• 1993 Mural “Scenes from the Wine Country”, Santa Rosa, California
• 1993 John Frances Studio, San Francisco, California
• 1976 Albuquerque Art Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico

• 2008 " Works on Paper", Best of Show, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, California
• 2006 "Sacred Woman Exhibition", Art Harvest, Sacramento, California
• 2004 "Heart to Heart", Indian Valley Artists, Marin, California
• 2004 "Celebrating the Goddess", Joan Hanley Gallery, La Veta, Colorado
• 2002 "Gardens and Botanicals" , Plaza Arts, Healdsburg, California
• 2002 "The American Landscape", honorable mention, Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz, California
• 1998 “Landscape”, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, California
  
• 1983 Bay Area Annual, Burlingame, California
• 1983 San Francisco Artist Invitational, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
• 1982 Marin County Annual, Community Center, San Rafael, California
• 1982 Bay Area Annual, Burlingame, California
• 1982 Santa Rosa Artists Competition, 1st place, Santa Rosa, California
• 1978 Eight Woman Artists, Marina View Gallery, San Francisco, California
• 1977 Woman Painters, Fredrick Street Gallery, San Francisco, California
• 1976 Staff Show, Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson, Arizona
• 1975 Staff Show, Albuquerque Art Center, New Mexico

• 2001 Games in a French Garden, Dr. Aymar Residence, Rohnert Park, California
• 2000 Windows with Sonoma County Walk, Jerpbak Residence, Santa Rosa, California
• 1999 Theme on Orchards, Stanley Residence, Santa Rosa, California
• 1999 Ceiling with Clouds and Angels, Marquis Residence, San Francisco, California
• 1997 Egyptian Civilization, Sequoia Elementary, Santa Rosa, California
• 1997 Angel Canopy, Honor Mansion Bed and Breakfast, Healdsburg, California
• 1997 Hummingbird and Butterfly Fantasy, Calypso Salon, Santa Rosa, California
• 1995 French Garden, Susick Residence, Santa Rosa, California
• 1994 Peter Rabbit in Monet's Garden, Montessori and Me Preschool, Santa Rosa, California
• 1993 Scenes from the Wine Country, Sequoia Valley Veterinary Clinic, Santa Rosa, California
• 1992 Rose Trellis and Angels, Marquis Residence, Santa Rosa, California

• Private Lessons, 1995-present
• Drawing Instructor, Sebastopol Center for the Arts
• Mural Designer, Jackie Marquis Interiors, Santa Rosa, CA, 1995-present
• Art Instructor Volunteer Elementary Schools, Santa Rosa, CA, 1994-2002
• Art Instructor, Tucon Museun of Art, 1976-77
• Adult painting classes, teacher, Albuquerque Art Center, 1975-76
  
  

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