“Snowdrops” by Kim Kaufman.If you go
› What: New Work by Kim Kauffman, Judy Klich, & edie Maney, through Jan. 31› Where: River Gallery, 400 E. Second St.› Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday› Admission: Free› Information: 423-265-5033 ext. 5; art@river-gallery.com
While winter grays dominate the landscape outside the Bluff View Art District, inside River Gallery, a trio of artists has brought a touch of color.
Michigan-based photographer Kim Kaufman’s shots feature bright images from nature, while Tennessean Judy Kilch uses beeswax and natural sap in her colorful encaustic paintings; encaustic uses hot wax mixed with various pigments. Fellow Tennessean edie Maney works in water-based oils for her colorful abstracts.
Both Kaufman and Kilch say they began working on the new pieces back in the spring and were inspired by the colors of the season while also remembering that their works would be showcased in January.
“Spring is very colorful and that drove the palette,” Kaufman says of the eight pieces she has on display in the exhibition. All were created just for the showcase.
“Everything is fresh and new,” she says, “but I also used some of the dry, older elements that were lingering from last winter.”
Kilch has contributed nine new pieces, including three that she says represent somewhat of a new direction for her. She’s always focused on the macro, finding a scene within a scene, but last year she found herself more intrigued by the reflections on the rivers and ponds she was painting. The three different works are the result of that new interest.
“I’ve done water scenes before, but seeing the reflections was sort of an a-ha moment for me,” she says. “Seeing the scenes within the scenes on the water really called to me.”
Both say they enjoy bringing their works to the River Gallery in particular because of the themes that gallery owners suggest for the showcases. The themes are both broad and specific enough to be helpful without trying to dictate what an artist should do, they say.
“I think all of the artists have a unique quality about their work,” Kilch says, “and they compliment each other. I like having the theme, but I try to maintain my look even though it is always evolving and growing.”
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.