Drawing Inspiration from the Lowcountry’s Natural Beauty

In her charming studio overlooking the picturesque marshlands of Old Village Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Christy Kinard has found a deep connection with the natural beauty surrounding her. It’s this connection that inspired her latest collection, a stunning series of artworks on paper that capture the vibrant colors and serene landscapes of the Lowcountry.

“I live across the marsh from Sullivan’s Island, and I love to watch the beautiful sunsets and sunrises,” Christy shares. “Even on gloomy days, the shapes and shadows of the clouds create a wonderful picturesque landscape on which to base my work.”

A Departure from Florals: Embracing Seascapes and Landscapes

This collection marks a significant shift from Christy’s usual focus on florals, as she ventured into the realm of seascapes and landscapes.

“It was really different from my previous work, but I couldn’t resist the beautiful colors. I felt the need to capture them on paper,” she explains.

Layering Textures and Colors on Paper

Starting with the basic colors of the marsh, Christy worked loosely, layering textures with various types of paper.

“I used a lot of colored tissue paper, layering them to create the hues and colors of the sky and marsh,” she says.

The result is a vibrant portrayal of the classic Charleston Green, mustard yellows of the marsh, Haint Blue, verdigris greens, and tranquil grays, all blending harmoniously with the colors of the clouds during the golden hour.

Capturing the Serenity of the Coastal Carolinas

These serene and calming pieces invite viewers to surrender their stress and bask in the tranquility of the coastal Carolinas. For Christy, this collection is more than just a series of landscapes; it’s a reflection of cherished memories.

“It takes me to that special place—the beauty of the Lowcountry, memories of vacations in Hilton Head, Charleston, Beaufort, and Bluffton, riding through the live oaks on a bicycle, and taking in some special sunsets.”

Influencing Future Works with a Softer Color Palette

Creating this collection was not only a joy for Christy but also a creative exercise.

“I rarely do seascapes, so it was nice to have a break from florals. I’m really loving this color palette, and it will definitely influence my future work, bringing in more softer and subtle colors.”

Teaching and Analyzing Artistic Techniques

As part of her teaching on Instagram, Christy found that discussing her process helped her understand and analyze her techniques more deeply.

“It’s always good to work on something different. Being a successful artist, you sometimes get stuck painting to the market, so you really need to stretch yourself creatively and look at things with fresh eyes.”

Embracing New Artistic Avenues

With this collection, Christy Kinard not only captured the essence of the Lowcountry but also embraced the freedom to explore new artistic avenues, enriching her creative journey and inspiring future works.