Second Wind

Kathy Elliott

When asked about my artwork, I reply that it is about problem-solving and experimenting, shifting shapes and lines into the space with a sense of rhythm, movement, and contrast. I love to explore the depths between layers and make lines that scumble, intersect, meander, and bump into each other. Composing an abstract painting is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle—except there are many ways to do it!

Spilled Ink Series: 

Abstracted grids are often on my mind; they appear when I search for order. This series did not start from order but from the chaos of an uncapped bottle of India ink carelessly perched on a blank canvas. The bottle toppled, dripped, and ran off the edges, forming fabulous, wonky grids! I began playing with the idea of a birds-eye view as if looking down from a plane at the buildings or vistas below.

Todd Gutmann

As I embarked on my second wind in life, I discovered a new passion for painting and golf. After a fulfilling career in advertising, I'm now embracing retirement with creativity and joy. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the camaraderie of friends, my art captures the serenity and delight of this new chapter.

Second Wind is more than just a collection of paintings - it's a celebration of life's encore. Through vibrant colors and gentle brushstrokes, I invite you to experience the tranquility and happiness that comes with embracing each new day. May my art inspire you to find your own second wind and savor every moment.  Old dwellings have a story to tell, my job is to initiate the image and let the viewer develop the stories from there. 

My paintings are about vibrant, emotive, and nostalgic pieces that capture the essence of memories and experiences. By leaving doodles and pencil marks exposed, I am adding a sense of authenticity and process to the artwork, inviting the viewer to connect with the creative journey.

The use of contrasting acrylic and pastel colors creates a visually striking effect, evoking the contrast between memories and reality. I am trying to distill the essence of a moment in time, preserving the feelings and emotions associated with a particular place or experience.   

The paintings are impressionist or expressionist emphasizing the emotional and psychological  depth of a scene rather than merely representing it realistically. They are a beautiful blend of nostalgia, creativity and self-expression.