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K. Miller Reflections . . .
a watercolor newsletter
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Hello from K. Miller Watercolors!
Since I last visited with you, there's been a lot of talk about what an amazing year it's been weather-wise. Quite an unusual record-breaking winter has been followed by quite an unusual record-breaking spring! Warm, dry March days have made way for cool, wet April days, and we wonder what May will have in store for us.
Much of my time these past months has been spent enjoying the beauty of Minnesota's outdoors, as well as the wonders of the Albuquerque area of New Mexico. It's always a joy to capture nature's magnificence in photographs, which become inspirational fodder for my future paintings.
In this latest K. Miller Watercolors newsletter you will read about the life and works of an iconic artist who also loved the wonders of nature, Vincent Van Gogh. As you read you'll learn about this Post-Impressionist artist whose passionate paintings have long been a source of joy and inspiration for millions. In addition, you can see one of my most recent watercolor endeavors, Going Within, as I highlight the impetus behind its creation. And, as always, you'll learn about the upcoming events for K. Miller Watercolors during the months ahead.
You'll also see some changes in this newsletter as I have added two new sections. For all of you art lovers, The Book Review highlights a favorite art book, as well as one on my "must read" list! And for you watercolor artists, Tips and Techniques will present some miscellaneous information covering tips, techniques, and tools to help you on your own watercolor journey.
And, finally, at the very bottom of the newsletter you'll find a COUPON for savings to use when you visit my booth at Northfield's Riverwalk Market Fair. Check it out, then clip it out!!
So until we talk again . . . Happy Spring and enjoy the wonders of the season!
Sincerely, Kathy Miller kmillerwatercolors.com. |
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh |
Vincent Van Gogh, a man of passion | |
Olive Trees, 1889
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I still remember the first time I saw an original painting by the iconic Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. I was a student at the University of Minnesota, taking an art history class that required a visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Standing in awe in front of his famous Olive Trees, I found myself wondering about this Post-Impressionist who painted with such raw boldness, dynamic brushstrokes, and vibrant colors. I knew so little about him, other than the fact that he had led a suffering, poverty-stricken life and died a young, tragic death. I had a strong desire to understand the man who painted such emotionally wrought works of art. Fortunately Van Gogh left behind hundreds of letters of correspondence to family and friends that revealed answers to the mystery behind the man. Born on March 30, 1853, in Holland, Van Gogh was the second of six  | |
Vincent at age 13
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children born to Johannes Van Gogh, a Dutch Reformed pastor and his wife Anna, the daughter of a bookseller. As a child, Vincent was quiet and introspective, serious and prone to moody outbursts, characteristics which foreshadowed the emotional turmoil that would haunt him throughout his life. Early on, he showed an inclination toward art making and excelled at language and writing while attending boarding schools, skills he was to develop fully in the middle years of his short life.
In spite of these early inclinations, Vincent spent years searching for a career path to follow as he went from one job to another. Highly emotional and lacking self-confidence, by age 20 Van Gogh had already tried numerous jobs including a clerk in a bookstore, an assistant teacher in London, and an art salesman for an international dealer from which he was dismissed for lack of motivation. Feeling uncertain and lost, one can understand Vincent's anguishing comment about his situation, "How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?"
So in 1877 a confused and depressed Vincent turned to God and followed an early aspiration to become a pastor like his father. He began studies in theology in Amsterdam, but dropped out after only one year. He then became a layman preacher in a dismal mining town in Belgium. It was during this time that he began doing charcoal sketches, drawn to the suffering of the local people, empathizing with their pain and lot in life. He was dismissed from this position after a short period of time for "over-zealousness", but stayed on in Belgium to study art. He felt a strong desire to give happiness to others by creating beauty and "to leave something of importance behind for mankind."
One year later Vincent, now age 26, moved back home with his parents in Nuenen, Holland. Poverty-stricken but focused on his desire to become an artist, he taught himself to draw as he experimented with various styles and subjects. Upon the encouragement of his younger brother Theo, Vincent took art courses in The Hague and later at the Academy of Fine Art in Antwerp. Though aware of his artistic limitations, he began to gain confidence and wrote to Theo that "some power to draw - and I think paint also - is in me." Although he continued these formal studies for only a short period of time, the techniques he was exposed to stayed with him throughout his painting career. The application of loose brushstrokes and the play of light as it affected the subject matter, two techniques learned during these years, can be seen in all his future works.
While in Holland, Vincent's concern for the human conditions of man caused him to reach out to those around him through his paintings. As he stated, "I see drawings and pictures in the poorest of huts and the dirtiest of corners." He mocked the shallow subject matter of his peers by saying, " . . . where is their sentiment, their human feeling?" Instead Van Gogh focused on painting the urban workers and  | |
Potato Eaters, 1885
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peasants of the area, using a palette of dark and somber earth tones colors. It was during this time in Holland that he painted his first large-scale piece,The Potato Eaters, considered today to be his first great work of art. What a contrast this painting is to the dynamic, colorful ones of his later years for which he is so famous! Unfortunately for Van Gogh, The Potato Eaters was not well received by his peers, ridiculed for its awkward, clumsily portrayed characters and unusual subject matter. Yet Vincent remained optimistic, knowing that he had accomplished his overriding goal to express the human spirit, an aim far more important to him than achieving technical mastery.
In 1886, after spending several years in Holland, Van Gogh moved to Paris to live with his brother Theo, whose financial support and emotional encouragement kept Vincent focused on his artistic course. At this time he was introduced to various members of the Impressionist group of artists, among them Claude Monet, George Seurat, Camille Pissaro and Edgar Degas. Perhaps the greatest of all influences on Van Gogh, these revolutionary artists exposed him to the use of lighter, more brilliant colors, and short brushstrokes of broken color. Using these techniques he sought to record nature through the effects of light and color, but also had a strong desire to paint with more expression and intensity than that of the Impressionists. He began distorting and exaggerating forms to express his emotional turmoil, and became identified with the "Post-Impressionists". Slowly he began exhibiting his paintings with the likes of such artists as Toulouse-Lautrec, George Seurat and Paul Signac.
Being surrounded by artists and immersed in the world of Paris in the 1880's also had its tragic downside for Van Gogh. He lived a life that was soon to affect his mental and physical health; a dangerous combination of a nervous temperament, night-long discussions with fellow artists, and frenzied all-day painting episodes soon led to his deterioration. Exhausted and realizing he needed a break, he went south to Arles, France, in 1888. His desire was to establish an  | |
Mutilated Ear Self-Portrait, 1888
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artistic community based on his views of color and emotions, hopefully to be joined there by some of his like-minded peers. Paul Gaughin did follow, but it ended in a disastrous scene as Van Gogh, caught up in a fierce argument, went after him with an open razor; he retreated but later ended up cutting a portion of his ear off, as depicted in his famous self-portrait to the right.
While in southern France, Vincent fell in love with the strong sunlight and the effects it had on composition. His subject matter changed and he began his now- famous sunflower paintings. It was the start of the most productive period of his life, the time when he completed his best-known works of art. One would not know by looking at such light, loose and  | |
Sunflowers, 1888
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seemingly "carefree" works that this was also the time when the first signs of his mental illness began to take hold. Born with a brain lesion, he suffered from seizures and took digitalis for this; but he also began to suffer from various types of epilepsy, psychotic attacks and delusions, as evidenced by his attack on Gaughin. Soon after this episode he deteriorated rapidly, alternating between periods of madness and lucidity. No doubt, he suffered from bipolar disorder/manic depression. Van Gogh was painfully aware of his own mental condition as he lamented, "I have put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process." At the end of 1888 he committed himself to a psychiatric institution, an insane asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France, where he was to spend one year insulated from both the tensions and stimulus of society.
At St. Remy Van Gogh was able to follow a very simple day-to-day routine. He stabilized and as weeks passed he was allowed to paint. How thrilling it was for him to relate to Theo that long periods of time passed without "a debilitating attack"; during these times he felt calm and lucid. And so with the great determination and passion with which he had always lived, he continued to paint, for it truly was impossible for him to NOT paint . . . As he once stated, "In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing." Put under  | Starry Night, 1889
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the close watch of the physicians there, he slowly began to work again, first from the confines of his room but later as he forayed into his surrounding environment. Many of his greatest masterpieces come from these last two years of his life, among them Starry Night, Olive Trees, and Irises. Evident in all of the paintings of this time - some 100 works of art - is a common characteristic that has come to represent a metaphorical statement of Van Gogh's mental state, namely the broad brushstrokes that formed patterns of swirling lines whether of trees, sky, flowers or fields.
Feeling rested and renewed, Vincent left St. Remy in late spring of 1890. He traveled north of Paris to Auvers-Sue-Oise, a beautiful and charming village along the Seine that had been frequented by many a famous artist over the decades. Optimistic and excited about painting here, Vincent was also thrilled by the thought of being close to Theo once again; throughout Van Gogh's painting career Theo had never ceased to financially and emotionally support him. In return, Vincent had mailed Theo his "best works" as partial payment for his generosity and encouragement. With unwavering faith in his brother's talent, Theo had diligently promoted his artwork in an attempt to bring him his due recognition and fame. His efforts were finally paying off as there was a growing tide of admiration for Van Gogh's paintings in Paris and even beyond.
While in Auvers, Van Gogh also connected with a well-known physician, Dr. Paul Gachet who had a great interest in art and Impressionism himself. His friendship and encouragement enabled Vincent to once again resume his painting, now on his own and able to freely roam as he wished. He energetically completed thirty canvases in a matter of weeks. But his frenzied high gradually lessened as he became increasingly distraught over the difficulties his brother was experiencing with the illness of a newly born son. Fearing a visit to him would increase Theo's troubles, Van Gogh felt isolated and |
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Wheatfield with Crows, mid-July, 1890
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depressed, a burden to those around him. Alternating moods of elation and deep distress followed. This is evident in a letter to Theo when he wrote about a recent painting, " . . . they are vast fields of wheat under troubled skies, and I did not have to go out of my way to express sadness and extreme loneliness." This is in reference to the painting created during the last weeks of his life, entitled Wheatfield with Crows. The work is said to once again be a very metaphorical piece, the crows representing a symbol for rebirth, and the road a metaphor for a passage from Pilgrim's Progress in which the pilgrim is sorrowful that the road is so long, yet rejoices because the Emerald City waits at the journey's end. Vincent felt good about the painting when it was completed, that it had expressed what he was feeling at the time, and hoped to take it to Paris as soon as possible. But Van Gogh's life ended before he was able to do so; on July 27, 1890, he tragically shot himself in the chest and died two days later.
As one looks at the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, one feels a great sense of sadness over the loss of a life that ended so prematurely. Like so many great artists, he never received the recognition he so deserved - having sold only one painting during his entire career - and he viewed his life as horribly wasted, personally failed and impossible. If only he could have know the tremendous influences his masterpieces would have on the world in the generations of artists and art lovers to come, a rich legacy left behind by a compassionate and immensely talented human being. A horribly wasted life? I think not.
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"
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand
everything better."
- Albert Einstein
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Artists' Reception on May 8th
 My next gallery show will be at the Northfield Senior Center Gallery beginning Monday, April 30th and running to Friday, June 1st. It will be a combined show of pottery by local potter Tom Willis and watercolors by K. Miller Watercolors. I will be showing new works that are a combination of my traditional work on paper, as well as numerous watercolors on Aquabords.
Please join us for an Artists' Reception on May 8 from 5 - 7 p.m. Come enjoy the artwork, treats and lively conversation! We'd love to see you there!
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Signature Member of Minnesota Watercolor Society
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2012 |
The Minnesota Watercolor Society hosts a Members' Show each spring. This year it was held at the Silverwood Gallery in St. Anthony. The juried show exhibited 57 paintings from watercolorists throughout Minnesota, including my recent painting entitled "Apple Blossoms." My intent in creating this watercolor was to portray the delicate nature of the pink and white petals, the richness of the deep purple shadows, and the abstract-like background of the buds and branches.
Since becoming a member of the Minnesota Watercolor Society three years ago, a goal of mine has been to earn what is called "signature membership." In order to do this one has to earn "6 points" in a 5-year period of time; a point is given each time a painting is accepted into a juried show and each time a painting receives an award. I was excited to have earned my sixth point at the Spring Show and to become a Minnesota Watercolor Society Signature Member!
So now if you see a "MWS" after my signature on my paintings, you'll know what that means! And, who knows, maybe someday you'll see "NWS" as a signature member of the National Watercolor Society . . . another goal to aim for!!!
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" Great things are done by a series of small things
brought together."
- Vincent Van Gogh
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Going Within, a recent painting
 | Going Within, 2012
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I've recently had a desire to do some
experimenting in the works that I've been creating. Going Within is an example of one such piece, which I completed this spring. Although the subject matter is still focused on nature, the point of view is slightly different, offering a more up close and personal perspective. I've thoroughly enjoyed approaching my paintings from this intimate viewpoint as I become totally immersed and connected to the subject, in this case the absolutely beautiful intricacies of the purple iris. I'm certain that you'll see more works of this sort from me in the near future.
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"Art is not what you see,
but what you make others see.
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Intermediate watercolors classes in Northfield
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"Backyard Beauties"
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I will be teaching two intermediate watercolor classes at the Northfield Senior Center on four Thursdays in May. The morning session will be a two-hour period, and, upon request of past students, the afternoon session will be a three-hour block of time.
4 Thursdays, May 3 - May 24
Morning Class: 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Afternoon Class: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
(THIS SESSION IS FILLED)
Northfield Senior Center, 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield, MN, 55057
Stop by the NSC or call 507-664-3700 to register; supply list available at the NSC.
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"Paintings have a life of their own
that derives from the painter's soul."
- Vincent VanGogh
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BOOK
REVIEW ...
A Favorite . . .
If you want to read an enjoyable book about art, try My Favorite Things: 75 Works of Art from Around the World. Yes, the 82-year-old British nun of the popular PBS TV series! This most unlikely and famous art critic who shared her artistic passion with international viewers also wrote a  book on her favorite topic. It is a delightful and diverse collection of short essays and beautiful color photographs of her most loved pieces of art, from paintings to architecture. You'll see ones by popular favorites such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, but also wonderfully obscure surprises that broaden the knowledge of even the most informed of art historians!!
A Must Read . . .
On my "must read" list is Genius, Obsession, and How Leonardo Created the World in His Own Image: DaVinci's Ghost by historian Toby Lester. It got excellent reviews in the Star Tribune, as well as in my latest copy of "Watercolor Artist" magazine. I've always been fascinated by the genius mind and talent of Leonardo DaVinci, and I look forward to reading this book as it takes us back in time to little known moments of the artist's career and the creation of his iconic Ventruvian Man, the drawing of a man standing in the middle of a circle and a square. Should prove to be a fascinating read!
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 Tips & Techniques ...
* GOOD COMPOSITION: A good composition should be interesting to look at, with an "entry point" that leads you into the painting and
 | | "Rule of Thirds" shows the four best places to place a focal point in your painting. |
directs you to the focal point. This focal area is usually the part of the painting where you create the most contrast in color or value, and is best placed strategically according to the Rule of Thirds, often called the Golden Ratio. The four "sweet spots", as seen in the photo to the left, are considered to be the most visually pleasing areas of the painting; choose one for the best spot to place your focal point.
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Riverwalk Market Fair begins its third season
Northfield will once again be the site of the Riverwalk Market Fair on Saturday mornings from June 2 to October 13. You'll still be able
to enjoy fabulous art, tasty artisan foods and local musicians, but a few changes have occurred to make it even better!! The artists booths will no longer run north and south along the river, but rather will be set up in Bridge Square. In addition, the fair will last an hour longer, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and giving you additional time to take in all the wonderful events.
I will have my booth set up on Bridge Square on the following nine Saturdays: June 9, 16, 23, 30 August 25 September 1, 15, 22 October 6
I look forward to seeing you there! Clip the coupon below for SAVINGS!
Read about the Raiverwalk Market Fair
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SAVINGS Take this coupon to my booth at the Riverwalk Market Fair to save $1.00 on a card; also good for $5.00 off on a print.
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| | One Coupon per Customer Offer Expires: June 30 |
This brings us to the end of another issue of K. Miller Watercolors Newsletter.
I hope you enjoyed reading about Vincent van Gogh and understand a bit more about the life and art of this legendary artist who left behind such a monumental legacy. In addition, I hope you found the new additions to my letter helpful, the "Book Review" and "Tips & Techniques." Please let me know what you think!And lastly, thank you for the positive support and feedback given to me during these past two years as I forge ahead on this new watercolor adventure!
I hope to see you at one of the Upcoming Events in the months ahead! Until then . . . enjoy the warmth of the season !!!
My best,
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UPCOMING
EVENTS:
Exhibit of K. Miler Watercolors
at
The Northfield Senior CenterApril 30 - June 2
*An exhibition of works by
K. Miller Watercolors and Tom Willis Pottery ARTISTS' RECEPTION:
Tuesday, May 8
5 - 7 p.m. Northfield Senior Center
1651 Jefferson Parkway
Northfield, MN 55057
507-664-3700 Read more . . ._________________
NORTHFIELD:
Intermediate Watercolor Classes
4 Thursdays,
May 3 - May 24
MORNING SESSION:
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
(Some openings still available)
AFTERNOON SESSION:
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
(Class already filled)
Northfield Senior Center
1651 Jefferson Parkway
Northfield, MN 55057
507-664-3700
More about Northfield Senior Center
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K. Miller Watercolor Booth at | Riverwalk Market Fair
Saturdays,
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. June 9, 16, 23, 30
August 25
September 1, 15, 22
October 6
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DID YOU KNOW? |
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Vincent Van Gogh. . .
* had 3 sisters and 2 brothers
* considered his younger brother Theo to be his closest friend
* was paid $10 a month as a teaching assistant at age 23.
* wrote over 880 correspondences to family and fellow artists, most of which were to Theo * spent a disproportionate amount of money on art supplies instead of the necessities of life, which contributed to his declining health * painted over 2100 works of art in just over a decade, including 860 oils, and 1300 watercolors, drawings and prints * was greatly influenced by Japanese art * considered painting portraits to be his highest ambition, " the only thing in painting that moves me to the depths, and makes me feel closer to infinity than anything else." * painted over 30 self-portraits , all showing an extreme intensity of expression concentrated on the eyes  | | Self-Portrait with Felt Haat, 1887 |
* painted a portrait of Dr. Paul Gachet, who became his good friend and physician the last months of his life; it sold at a Christie's auction in 1990 for $82.5 million  | | Portrait of Dr. Gachet, 1889 |
* is buried next to his brother Theo who died 6 months after Vincent, of what some felt was a broken heart * sent vast quantities of works to Theo, which went to his widow Johanna after Theo's death; she devoted her life to bringing recognition to the artwork of her brother-in-law Vincent by organizing numerous exhibits in Europe and New York * after his death, had his numerous letters (over 800) compiled by his sister-in-law Johanna and published as a 3-volume edition in 1914 * received no recognition for his works while still alive; one year after Vincent's death, 200 paintings were given the nominal value of 2000 Dutch guilders. * once wrote, "Dying is hard, but living is harder still."
* left a legacy of paintings that are housed in Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, as a result of the efforts of his nephew Vincent Willem Van Gogh (Theo and Johanna's son)
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