Artist Shirley Kinneberg - AIC Interview

Artist Shirley Kinneberg is a country girl at heart. To say Shirley is a diverse artist, is an understatement. She paints portraits, landscapes, nostalgia art, wildlife art and prairie art. She is also exploring more abstract art! When asked if she liked plein air painting, she recalled just how thrilling it can be! “I remember a time when I almost brought a garter snake into my studio which somehow slithered into my paint box I had on the ground. If I had not checked before going indoors I would have had a real surprising visitor.”

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Pablo Picasso


Question:
When did you realize you had the need to create and develop your skills?
Answer:
I loved to create art from a very young age, a passion that never went away. As I grew older I attended many art courses from various artists and continued to grow more intrigued. I have learned to create in my own style but do enjoy experimenting with other mediums and in other formats. As an artist my mind never stops absorbing and I feel this has always been a true life savour.
Question:
Answer:
Acrylic paints have been a favourite for me. I love the colour they produce and the fact that they dry much faster. I like to manipulate them on both canvas and water colour paper. All landscapes and prairie scenery will have a place in my heart as that is where I grew up. But I love to do what ever interests me and lately I have a need for creating portraits and with certain people that touch my heart. ....
Question:
All artists at all stages of their career want to try something new, what other medium or subject matter do you see yourself experimenting with?
Answer:
I find it kind of funny but I would love to do more abstract with Water Colour on Yupo paper. I love the fact that the plastic made paper can be washed off and re-used again and again. Who ever said abstract is easy as I find myself thinking harder on the design and colours then realism. This to date is my challenge and I love it.
Question:
Continuing education, do you partake and if so what did you learn?
Answer:
I still to date take various courses from artists. I find them to be very fun, inspirational and get the creative brain flowing once again.
Question:
Have you ever taught a class or done an artist talk? If so, what did you talk about or teach? Can people sign up for your workshops and how?
Answer:
I teach Oil and Acrylic classes to children through to adults. I love the interactions as well as the different styles they create as individuals. I especially like it when the children take their masterpieces home to their loved ones as I know they are as proud as can be of their creations.
Question:
Have you ever painted en plein air? What was the biggest hurdle for you? Environmental challenges, wildlife, people, weather?
Answer:
I really like plein air painting and the fact that I can go in a group or individually. You got to love nature at it's best when it comes to all elements of weather but an artist has to also endure what comes with it. I remember a time when I almost brought a garter snake into my studio which somehow slithered into my paint box I had on the ground. If I had not checked before going indoors I would have had a real surprising visitor. Yes there is always challenges but I find the biggest challenge for me is to find more time to go.
Question:
Do you do commissions? If so, what is your process?
Answer:
No for various reasons. Commission work is not in my art career at this time.
Question:
What is your favourite art related quote?
Answer:
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso
Question:
Do you have a favourite artist and what do you like about their art? Have you ever met them?
Answer:
When I first started out I admired the art work of famous wildlife artists Robert Bateman and Daniel Smith and was able to meet them and get books signed at our local St Paul, Alberta Art Gallery years back.
Question:
Where do you gather your inspiration from?
Answer:
Inspiration comes from what I view and feel around me and it never hurts to have motivation from other artist friends. I also find deadlines are inspirational because I sure can be a procrastinator at times.
Question:
Where do you typically create art?
Answer:
My studio is my home front to tackle my art projects weather it means preparing for teaching of creating. I own a very small art studio and it can get cluttered at times especially with two or three art projects on the go. I don't know about other artists but I somehow have to clear and clean my studio out before the next lists of art projects start otherwise I can get buried alive.
Question:
How do you know when your art is complete?
Answer:
I never know at times if my art is completely finished. There is always details that can be worked on I think as an artist it is good to get opinions from other viewers. But at other times I myself truly felt the art piece was complete to the satisfaction that I was looking for.
Question:
What is most challenging to you when starting a new project?
Answer:
Being in the right frame of mind and to have little or no distractions around you.
Question:
What advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Answer:
We are all looking to create the perfect painting and to not get discouraged but keep trying as one never knows what the perfect painting truly is.
Question:
What keeps you going forward with your art in this very competitive industry?
Answer:
The simple love of creating in my version of what I see and feel to my satisfaction. If this pleases others then it is an extra bonus in life.
Question:
In your studio, right now, what is your most important tool that you would be lost without?
Answer:
My Computer because without it I would not be able to display and promote worldwide. Besides that, my thoughts to create.
Question:
What is your favourite piece of work you have created, thus far?
Answer:
My favourite piece of art work created to date is the portrait I just finished of a very interesting First Nations Lady friend whom has been fighting cancer. "Story Teller Sarah". Because of her story telling family history and love for life in a comical way it was a pleasure to create and give to her the original. I realize when visiting her, we can all learn that there is more to life then the horror, damage and corruption that sometimes surrounds our everyday lives.
Question:
What is the most well received piece of art you have created?
Answer:
The North Saskatchewan River. This hits home to a lot of people whom live by or even not, by this amazing water way. It is a meandering scroll through all of Canada and with the four seasons that surround it make it a very enjoyable scenery to view.
Question:
Do you have a favourite gallery or museum that you visit?
Answer:
For the past few years I have been a constant visitor to the Tampa Museum of Art. The last exhibit I visited there was Norman Rockwell which was a truly remarkable display.
FEATURED ART

Fall Picnic


Website: www.shirleykinneberg.com

Email: skinneberg@yahoo.com

Elk Point, Alberta
Canada, T0A 1A0

Phone Number: (780) 724-3678


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