Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen VanDam Michmerhuizen.
Hi Karen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all began with a new box of Crayolas. My elementary school years were in a two-room country school and, alas, no art instruction of any sort was offered as part of the curriculum. High school art classes were not available either, therefore, I learned neither good nor bad art habits.
Fast forward some years and I began to dabble with watercolors. Hope College offered art classes that I could audit and that sparked the beginning of my journey into the art world. Slowly at first, as being a full-time academic secretary and raising a family gobbled up time and left little for pursuing art. A kitchen table was my studio.
I call myself a “Late Bloomer” my serious pursuit began much later in my life . After almost twenty years at Hope College and the children all graduated from college it was time to think about new opportunities in art. A friend encouraged me to work with oils and have done so ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road should always have some bumps to keep from getting complacent and not staying in a groove of comfort. There is the struggle of finding myself, and to explore new methods and subject matter, doing what I love, and yet to keep moving on.
I began by subscribing to art publications. Getting involved with other artists and their journeys helped bolster confidence. Also joining an art group which sponsored juried exhibits was a good move as it meant meeting more artists.. I learned from videos and dvds available and a great help in acquiring some good habits. And, of course, art books by old masters, soaking up the colors and brush strokes for new inspiration. Books by John Carlson and Edgar Payne are great to go back into for refreshing one’s artistic brain. Important also we’re the workshops with nationally known artists across the eastern US states.
One struggle not new for artists is knowing when to stop. When it is finished, leave it alone. Also, putting a priority on time for art is important. Many things bully in to gobble my time and I find saying “yes”to something means “no” to art.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Landscapes, the natural beauty of the ordinary that is often overlooked in busy lives, calls to me. Also, the small, intimate still life paintings are favorites. Cold wax and oil on copper substrate is a rather new challenge and I love the spontaneity that comes with it.
I find a blustery Michigan winter day a joy to be in my studio with a still life setup ready to go. The light stays the same, the wind is outside while I bring new life to my still life
What does success mean to you?
Success comes in many way. An acceptance into a juried show makes for a fine day. Another artist liking my work. Good critiques by other artists. A check in the mail from a hosting gallery,
Success is contentment with my work and still keep pushing the limits to try something new. The realization that through no formal art school, I continue to learn about color, values, composition and so much more. My hope and prayer is to continue to have brush in hand until I can paint heaven’s sky.
I am also an avid Gardner which is a blend of art and hard work. The work sometimes overshadows the Art. My goal is to paint art that brings joy and pleasure to my collectors. To leave behind Art that helps in some small way to make the world a more peaceful place, I count this as success.
My thanks are to God for giving me not only a love for art but also giving me the courage and desire to continue even alter scraping off a day’s efforts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karenvandammichmerhuizen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenvandammichmerhuizen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080294230128#
- Other: Fine Art Studio Online
