Kay Keyes Farrar -- About the Artist

ABOUT THE ARTIST

An emerging artist in the Nashville area, Kay Keyes Farrar believes that living a creative life is a gift as well as a daily commitment. Her earliest memories are at the kitchen table drawing, painting and creating. "Art has always been a way of expression of spirit for me. I love color and movement, and finding the essence of a flower or landscape. I have always been in awe of the energy of the painterly impressionists, as well as Sorolla and Sargent. Finding joy creating is something I want to share with those around me. It 's so enriching to watch a child with a paint brush create their interpretation of a sunflower. Or an adult, who claims to she "can't draw a stick figure" paint a wonderful study of pansies. I have been blessed to be able to share my gifts to help others find their own creative path of wonder, as well as learn from their enthusiasm and spirit."

Kay aspires to continue her education in addition to working daily in her studio or outdoors. Expanding into more galleries and supporting her website business. She continues working from life with more still life painting, portrait compositions, and plein-air studies. Her style expresses the joy and freedom she enjoys with her husband, Doug and her sons, Ian and Sean.

RESUME:
BA in English and Fine Art from Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI, focusing on drawing, printmaking, sculpture as well as art history and literature.

Expanding her understanding of painting theory with experience painting from life and plein-air is a daily commitment. She understands the lifelong learning adventure she pursues by continuing her education. She has been blessed with the opportunity to study with some of the top artists in the country as well as in the Nashville area.

In May of 2009, she studied with internationally recognized portrait artist Michael Shane Neal, in Nahsville, TN. John Singer Sargent stressed that an artist must paint ALL subjects. Neal is an expert in his field and with Sargent art history. Kay has had several clients interested in portraits, she sees this as one of the next steps in her journey. Hopefully a blessed step. www.michaelshaneneal.com

In 2008 she traveled to Victor, ID with her family to study for a ten day INTENSIVE PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP with internationally known landscape artist Scott Christensen. www.christensenstudio.com

Kay also studied with: internationally known artist, Kevin Machpherson, Taos, NM for oil painting, studio and plein-air. Plein-air landscape painting with Jason A. Saunders, Leiper's Creek, TN. Portrait painting with Dawn E. Whitelaw. Members of the Cumberland Society of Painters including: Michael Shane Neal, Jason Saunders, Dawn Whitelaw, Pam Padgett, Paula Frizbe and Roger Dale Brown. Portrait artist, Chad Boyd, Nashville, TN. Nationally recognized sculptor, Eric Bloom, Barrington, IL. www.kevinmacphersen.com www.thecumberlandsocietyofpainters.org

PORTRAIT COMMISSION PROCEDURE:
The process of painting a portrait is an exciting collaboration between the client and the artist. The following is how a typical portrait commission progresses from start to finish.

Step I. The artist meets with the client and begins to learn the character and personality of the subject. This is critical to the process. Details of the portrait including pose, clothing, setting, size and location of the final painting will be discussed. Many digital photographs are taken by the artist, which are reviewed by the artist and client to designate the best image for the portrait.
The artist may also ask for the opportunity to complete a head sketch in oil of the subject from life. Approximately two to three hours is needed to complete the sketch and can be done at most any location. This is not required, but adds an additional resource the artist finds valuable when planning the final portrait.

A one-third deposit is required at this meeting3
STEP 2 For all portraits other than simple head and shoulders compositions, the artist prepares compositional sketches for client's review and approval before starting on the final canvas.

STEP 3 The artist works in her studio from approved compositional sketches, photo reference material and head study to create the portrait.

STEP 4 Client reviews and approves final portrait. If needed, additional life sittings are scheduled to complete the painting. A portrait is complete when the client and artist are completely satisfied with the work. The balance is due upon clients receipt of the completed portrait.

MEMBERSHIPS:
Oil Painters of America, Crystal Lake, IL www.oilpaintersofamerica.com
The American Impressionist Society, Vero Beach, FL www.americanimpressionistsociety.org
The Chestnut Group, Nashville, TN www.thechestutgroup.org

EVENTS AND AWARDS

Columbia Downtown Main Street Art Show and Benefit, March 2010, Columbia, TN

Hopkinsville Art Guild Exhibition, October 5- 29, 2009, Hopkinsville, KY
First Place in Animal Art

Once in a Blue Moon, Glen Leven Land Trust Benefit, October 24, 2009, Glen Leven Mansion, Nashville, TN

Maury Regional Hospital Memorial Building Show and Sale, Columbia, TN

Hanging Around Gallery, The Chestnut Group Duck River / Nature Conservancy Benefit, Nashville, TN, Spring 2009

Main Street Festival, Franklin, TN, April 2009

The Chestnut Group Duck River / Nature Conservancy Benefit, Columbia, TN, 2008

Pryor Gallery Women, Columbia State College, Columbia, TN, 2008

Helen Keller Festival, Tuscombia, AL, 2007
Main Street Festival, Franklin, TN 2003-2007

Main Street Festival, Franklin, TN 2003 Best of Show Award
Bergstrom Art Festival, Neenah, WI 2003 Best of Show Award
Art in the Park, Appleton, WI, 2003

Kay Keyes Farrar

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Kay Keyes Farrar ť About the Artist

ABOUT THE ARTIST