Artist’s Statement
Artist’s Statement- by Kathy Shute
The American West has always held a sense of mystique for me, as I imagine it may hold for some of you. A vagabond at heart, I’ve enjoyed many adventures throughout the West with my husband, Rich. We love discovering nature that’s off the beaten path, and over time I’ve continuously been educated and amazed by our environment. This experience has shaped my art and my vision for its purpose.
My Vision- First…to create a unique collection of fine art that brings viewers on an artistic journey, celebrating the adventurer in all of us! Also, to serve as an Environmental Artist –or ambassador, by creating artwork that’s thought-provoking and inspires us to remember our connectedness to nature.
My Mission- To create high quality, detailed works of art that support my vision through the Western Trails Fine Art Collection, with the artwork being offered on a variety of quality, yet cost-effective products.
Materials &Products- My original oil paintings on canvas are available as reproductions, using a high quality process known as giclee. Canvas, print reproductions, and customizable greeting cards are available for purchase in the Gallery. Additionally, personalized gifts such as mugs, coasters and tiles are available through the Gift Shop. All items can be ordered as a single reproduction or in quantity, and usually ship within a week.
My original sculptures are molded from red Mexican clay, and can be enjoyed as sculptures or sculptured book ends. Please contact me if you wish to order a reproduction of an existing sculpture– or to have one custom designed and sculpted for you.
My Subjects- Depict scenery found in the Western U.S. –including deserts, riparian, coastal sage scrub communities, and the Pacific Ocean. I paint vignettes that are about 5′ to 15′ away from me, combining some of the best qualities found in macros, (or close-up art), with those found in landscape paintings. Unless commissioned by a client, I paint only subjects I’ve seen while out trekking.
My art could be classified as “Realism”, or realistic, as it’s painted with many fine details. I always add a touch of vivid color, humor and an element of surprise, such as buzzing bees around a tree! These features tend to add a “Surrealist” dimension to my work. Oh, and the beetle is my ‘signature’, present in all paintings. Look closely and you’ll always find her!
Foreword about Western Trails- by Heather Rice, Anthropological Environmentalist
“Arid regions of the American West have historically been viewed as desolate landscapes and blank canvases for human development. The Western Trails series illustrates that diverse life forms thrive here—life that is all the more precious because it endures a range of harsh conditions to persevere.
But it also suggests that there is a profound connection and striking likeness between the natural world and human behavior. Is Shute also suggesting that there is magic in the mundane with her animated portrayal of natural phenomena? Let us embody her remarkable curiosity as we take the close-up journey through the microcosms she depicts. We begin with a look at the ubiquitous California state flower: the poppy.”