Kathe Kokolias: October Featured Artist at The Art Studio

Art Studio member, Kathe Kokolias, will be our featured artist for the month of October. No matter what media used, Kathe strives for a feeling of balance, harmony, and spontaneity−the same elements that guide her life. She has been a photographer for over 30 years and a published author for the past 10, documenting her travels throughout Mexico, the United States, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. She had spent about 15 years wintering in Zihuatanejo, Mexico and belonged to a local group, Arte Nativo, led by Alfredo Tapia. These talented artists use acrylic/latex paint in a more representational style which inspired Kathe to follow their lead in capturing the dramatic landscapes and lush foliage found there. This type of painting requires a different set of skills−specific planning, pre-selecting a palette, and often sketching the design−for a successful finished product. Practicing this technique improved her drawing and painting capability and broadened her artistic vision.

Kathe began to paint about 10 years ago, and after a brief exposure to watercolor, she was introduced to experimental water media by Karen Rosasco, a gifted artist and teacher who conducts workshops around the country. She has found her passion with this technique, which is accomplished by building multiple layers of fluid acrylic or watercolor paint and adding texture in between layers. She uses whatever materials are on hand to generate exciting texture such as pressing bubble wrap, spraying alcohol, or adding heavy gels. To complete the painting, she likes to collage with torn paper and/or found objects to create dimension and focus. Because she is a writer and appreciates the power of the word, she often incorporates script or text into her paintings. She loves experimental water media because it requires only that you approach it with an open mind; the process is spontaneous and relies on letting go of preconceived ideas, which unleashes the intuitive spirit of the artist. The final result is always a surprise, and who doesn’t love a surprise?

From 2001 to 2015, while living upstate New York she was involved in the Broadway Art Center in Albany, the Niche Gallery in Saratoga Springs, and The Arts Center in Troy, NY.

After visiting family in Florida for over 20 years, she and her husband sold their home in New York State and moved to St. Augustine in the summer of 2015. She was delighted to find an active artists’ community and have become a member of the Art Association of St. Augustine and The Art Studio at St. Augustine Beach with its dramatic view of the Atlantic Ocean. You may visit her website at: www.kathekokolias.com

A reception at The Art Studio of St. Augustine Beach is planned for October 14th, from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Please plan to visit The Art Studio to meet Kathe and see her work!

The Art Studio is available to rent for classes or as meeting space upon board approval. Membership is offered at just $20.00/year although it is not necessary to become a member to participate in any of the variety of classes offered. Our regular studio hours are Monday-Friday from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm. Also, it’s never too soon to start thinking of the Beach Blast Off! on New Year’s Eve at the Pier. We will be open all night and rent VIP seating to view the fireworks display. Please visit our website at www.beachartstudio.com to view our gallery and instructors. For more information, contact Nancy Willoughby at 703-399-9816. The Art Studio is located in the Cultural Arts Center Building at St. Johns County Pier Park 370 A1A Beach Blvd. St. Augustine Beach, Florida.