[Kimberly Dow]

Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng

I find this very interesting, too. I like to know what people like, and why, because I think the reasons can help us understand things about how and what we paint. The artist's relationship with the buying public can be very instructive, as long as the artist doesn't keep churning 'em out in response to the gallery people saying "can you paint more of those?" without listening to his or her inner voice.

Kim, I want you to know that the way you paint females is very intersting to me because of the emotion and the psychological tension and ambiguity. Your subjects become not just another beautiful woman, but a person also, and that is what grabs my attention. In fact I am attracted to the same things when I paint portraits of women. It is the female form objectified as a desirable, beautiful icon that I find less interesting, though I can get into drawing it as a learning exercise.

I hope the collectors in Chicago will find your paintings fascinating.

Thank you Alex! I hope the Chicago folks find them fascinating as well. Im with you all the way - I want to tell a story, or at least hint at one. For me, they are complete novels...but I try not to give away too much of it. Of course, that could be a symptom of spending way too much time in the studio alone. Once those things start speaking to you, it might be time for a vacation.

One of the reasons I find it fascinating what collectors buy is that I rarely get to meet mine. Many galleries wont give that information up for fear of selling direct. So there is a natural curiosity. Plus - a lot of planning and work go into these...so when they are gone I do wonder what kind of home they ended up in. Certainly not as traumatic as giving up a child (not that I know) ...but perhaps akin to finding a home for a beloved pet? I know it sounds really hokey, but I miss my paintings a little when they are sold.