Knott Garden : Articles

Title: Bench of Peppers

New Look to Old Furniture. These are more angles of the posted pieces.

Title: Sea Side – Commission

Progress of mural – 3 1/2 days. This was painted here in Austin, Texas and was outdoors so we waited until the cooler October temperatures and still the paint dried really fast. The fountain were the ladders were spaced between the lights and fountain heads was a bit of challenge. Painting the lower portion was done by wading in it rather then kneeling on the boards.

The design process went smoothly. The structure needed to be sealed with something paintable and took a bit of research. The end produce applied by the builder was a rough sand grain texture that was really hard on the brushes. The grain made the sharp crisp lines a challenge. I purchased throw away brushes and the paint color match went very well.

When designing murals, I ask the clients what personal thing do they want incorporated. Well it’s there, but you need to be close and know what you’re looking for before you see the, and I’m not telling.

11/02/13 | artist profile

A few days after moving into my home studio a frog jumped out of a cupboard. With surprise and delight I decided that was an auspicious beginning to my art studio. It was deposited in the garden and I painted till dusk.

My medium is usually acrylic, but I like to mix it up sometimes and include papers, gels, oils, encaustics and objects in my art. Depending on the context of the work I use brushes; palette knifes or rags to achieve the effect that the finished piece needs. The combination of abstract with realistic aspects within one work is a direction that I have been going for a while. There seems to be a more connective process going on with the viewer.

Painting for me is what I perceive and view based on all that has gone before in my life. A glance, a flicker of light before it becomes a blink, that vision is stored. It will attach to some random part of my brain and at times come forward with a memory or feeling. Inevitably a few of those ‘one time moment’ prompts me to continue envisioning, to persevere, and to share concepts with others.

In 2000 I started painting in the U.S. in earnest. Upon moving to Austin I donated time to paint a mural at Marbridge Ranch, a care facility in Manchaca. There was an article in the Austin Women Magazine August 2005 edition, and an article of my work was in the Austin Home & Living magazine January/February 2006 issue.

10/20/13 | Out of town Artists Receptions

Prairie Call

This past weekend has been fun and a great way to exchange thoughts with artists outside my normal artists support groups. The ‘Western Trappings on the Llano’ was Western Art at it’s finest, and I felt privileged to have had my ‘Prairie Call’ included. When I moved to Texas it was suggested that I get Texafied, and I think this counts, big time. I meet a lot of local artists and others from all over the U.S., Canada, and Argentina. There are ideas spinning around that will last me for months to come. The good people in Llano were wonderful to work with and the exhibit goes through Jan. 4, 2014.

09/30/13 | New blog article

New art exhibit will be in Painted Tree Boutique

Happily my art will be in this new store in Sunset Valley, South Austin

Resident artist at Primal Gallery, Dripping Springs, TX

Collage of Art September 2013

These are for the ‘Painting is my Passion’ 30 day challenge, Slices of Life by Leslie.

September is on a roll!

Day 29 – Burst of Inspiration

Merging colors and exploding hues, energy surrounded by welcoming peace. Encaustic 24“h x 18“w $800.

Day 28 – Approaching Query

Merging colors and exploding hues, energy surrounded by welcoming peace. Encaustic 24“h x 18“w $800.

…………

Day 25 – Seaside Village

Old village along a coast line. White houses with red roofs backed by cliff line. 12”×12” Encaustic $150.
………….

Day 24 – City Scape

City skyline and it’s reflection. Acrylic 9”×12” $125.

Day 23 – Pillars

Wild Scape Series, the big country atop cliffs and pillars. Acrylic 8”×10” $125.

Day 21 – Cliff Village

The sea town of red roofs and local fish markets. Acrylic 8”×10” $125

Day 18 & 19 – Mountain in Reflection

Part of the Wild Scape Series, this took more than the two days to paint, but the piece was completed on the 19th day of the challenge. Inspired by the Great Tetons and the area. Acrylic 20“h x 30“w at $800.

Day 17 – Hill Country

Fields and scrubby trees provide shelter for deer, cattle & horses. Acrylic 8“Hx10“W $125.

Day 16 – Distant Range

Open country, big sky, Southwest for sure. Acrylic 9“Hx12“W $125.

Day 15 – Ruby Pears

More food. A slower day after the Wine and Art event in Dripping. Sold 2 of the 30 day challenge paintings, plus a couple of other paintings. All in all a good weekend so far. Acrylic on paper 5“Hx7“W $35.

Day 14 – Pears

Still life today as I’m getting ready to do a one day exhibit in Dripping Springs for the Taste of Wine, Food & Arts Festival. Acrylic on paper 5“Hx7“W $35.

Day 13 Sea Breeze

Water calls me. This is from many memories of sea side visits and having lived on Lake Michigan for so long. Still part of the Wild Scape Series. Acrylic, 24“Hx30“Wx2“D

Day 12 Fence Post

Plains and rolling hills that subtly merge one into the other. When traveling you hardly notice, but living in the area, one appreciates the differences. Part of the Wild Scape Series. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“W, $125.

Day 11 River

The gentle rapids of water coming from the mountains that we don’t even see. They refresh and revitalize the banks in the passage. Part of the Wild Scape Series. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“W, $125

Day 10 Vista

A vista with a few grant trees. They conger great memories of shaded picnics or walks along open fields. The sky invites thoughts of wonder and contemplation. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“w, $125

Day 9 Trees

A little whimsy today. The trees come as part of the wild scape series, but I dressed them up. Sometimes breaking from a series is refreshing and invigorating. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“W, $125

Day 8 Brook

Small sketch at Umlaf Sculpture Garden from the upper falls. A cool shaded place to listen to the water on it’s gentle flow to the pond below.

Day 7 Wild Scape, Boulders

Hillside overlooking valley and vista beyond. These look like sitting rocks. Trying to play catch up, but it has been fun the last two days. Looking over old photos, there are so many possibilities. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“W,$125

Day 6 Wild Scape, Falls

The 1st falls entered YNP is the inspiration for this, and it changes every year. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“W, SOLD

Day 5 Wild Scape,Cabin in the Woods

The cabin in the woods, by the lake. What better thought or memory. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“w, SOLD

Day 4 Wild Scape, Canyon Sunset

Canyon Sunset of brilliant contrasts, the approaching night sky and canyon walls in shadow with vivid yellows and oranges in between. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“W

Day 2 Wild Scape, In the Distance

When traveling to the mountains it seems so long to get there from an open plain. It’s appreciating the journey and bidding the anticipation. Acrylic, 9“Hx12“w, $125

Day 1 Wild Scape, Shadow Mountain

The Wild Scape Series comes from my love of nature and the adventure of getting away from the city. This painting has already been altered, but was a really good start. It will show up again in it’s altered state in a few days.

To Purchase any of these paintings, contact me at:

Website Info or Knott Garden Art Facebook page

08/19/06 | Custom Order Information

Canvases and Ordering Information
The ordering process is described below. Please contact us at:
Knott Garden
512-573-8177 or
kay@knottgarden.com

Canvas
All work is done on high quality canvas. Each piece is prepared and hand painted. Please keep in mind that all hand painted floor cloths and portable murals can never be exactly duplicated, but that each piece is unique. Multiple coats of clear finish are applied to floor cloths to insure long wear and easy cleaning. Floor cloths can be cleaned with a damp cloth. When storing, roll the canvas, paint side out, never fold or bend. At shipping time, canvas floor cloths and hangings are rolled, and all items are shipped in cardboard containers.

We try to ensure the best quality material and workmanship, while keeping uniformity in color as depicted in the catalogue. Upon receiving an item, please inspect it. We recommend that a thin non-slip material be used under the floor cloths, especially in high traffic areas.

Catalogue items:
In stock pieces listed in ‘Items for Sale’ will be shipped within a week of receiving the order and completed payment transaction. The preparation and completion of a canvas not in stock and shipping will be 3-4 weeks.

We make every effort to produce a high quality canvas works, however if for some reason you do not want to keep the catalogue item, please contact us about for the process of returns. No damaged items will be accepted. A 20% restocking fee will be charged. The customer is responsible for return shipping and cost. Refunds will be made at the time the item is restocked.

Special Order items:
Change of color or size of pieces in ‘Items for Sale’ or gallery items.
Size change might alter the image if the new requested dimensions are not proportional to the original design. Please contact us to discuss the completed work and any price change. A 50% deposit is required to start the piece. When the painting is completed a picture will be sent be email. Upon your approval the balance due will be applied. Floor cloths will be clear coated. Allow 3-6 weeks for the making and delivery the item. There are no rush special orders as paint must be allowed to dry properly.

Color matching means that a color sample or samples must be supplied by you, the customer. Please contact us to discuss the work and the price of the completed item. All samples must be mailed with a $50 non-refundable deposit payment. A color match sample will be mailed back to you, and your okay and balance of payment in full is required before the project is begun. When the design is painted a picture of the completed piece will be emailed to you for approval. With approval floor cloths are clear coated. Allow 3-6 weeks for the making and delivery of the item after the final payment is received. All Special Orders with color change are non-refundable and sales are final.

Custom Orders:
We welcome the opportunity to create unique canvas works to fit your needs. Please contact us to discuss your proposed project. A $60 per hour design fee will be charged for all drawings and color matching, this is applied to the custom order when commissioned. We endeavor to make the order and design process as uncomplicated as possible. During the design discussion , you have full control of the ultimate design. A final drawing is submitted to you with an agreement. The agreement must be signed and returned with payment in full, before the project is begun. All Custom Orders are non-refundable, and all sales are final. Allow 4-6 weeks for the making and delivery the item after the agreement is signed and/or payment in full is received. There are no rush custom orders as paint must be allowed to dry properly.

Note: All major changes to agreed upon piece of art will constitute a change order and could incur additional billing.

08/16/06 | award