“Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.”
-Edgar Degas
Nevada County is home to many talented and creative painters. You can find fantastic local and regional art in Grass Valley’s and Nevada City’s downtown galleries. Plus, coffee houses, restaurants, and downtown shops frequently feature rotating art exhibits.
Today, we’re sharing about three talented Nevada County painters to watch!
Kathryn Wronski
Originally from Boston, Kathryn gained her sense of color and composition from designing bouquets at her family’s floral business. Her favorite subject matter is animals, and she’s so skilled at capturing their unique personalities while using her signature bold and bright color palette. She has many commissions from local pet owners who love her custom pet portraits. Her oil paintings capture the personality of her client’s pets, which range from chinchillas to goats.
Kathryn says, “When people see my work, I’d like them to smile. Smile when they recognize their pet in the painting…I love to paint with oils that are vibrant and alive. I love reconnecting a client to a beloved pet that reminds them of happy moments and true devotion. I love to paint because painting makes me smile!”
Wendy Krill
Wendy was born and raised in Grass Valley and is a Certified Natural Science Illustrator. Wendy has a unique approach to painting, in that she combines her fascination for science and the natural world, with her passion for creating art. Wendy describes her artistic process: “I work very methodically in my paintings. I do sketches of the subject from life and from photographs, and then narrow down the best way to portray that subject before I transfer the sketches and begin the final work.”
Wendy works mainly in watercolor, with some colored pencil and pen and ink work as well. “The form and function of the natural environment has always fascinated me. Being able to combine what I learned in my marine biology studies and translating it into art is incredibly satisfying!” she shares.
LeAnn Brook
LeAnn is a fine artist who specializes in contemporary landscape paintings and abstracts. She has a background in graphic design and has worked around design, color and form for over 40 years.
LeeAnn Brook’s paintings have been described as complex, rich, and stunning. Her vibrant, abstract compositions depict the colors and beauty of the natural world. LeAnn’s work continues to evolve, as every exhibition offers new and powerful creations. She’s also an author, whose published book Points of Inspiration: An Artist’s Journey with Painting and Photography received over four national book awards.