Scottsdale Artists’ School: Did you always have the desire to become an artist or was this an unexpected path? Kathy Anderson: When I was young, art was the only thing that really piqued my curiosity in school. Drawing was my greatest strength so when it came time for college, I decided to major in advertising art. I discovered that this area was not the path for me. As for my art career, it has been established through self-discovery, random opportunities, random circumstances—some chosen and some lucky. No matter what, I was always willing to take risks. 

Kathy Anderson, Judy’s Roses – Yorkshire, oil, 10 x 14" (25 x 35 cm)

 

SAS: Can you describe the moment you sold your first painting? KA: The answer is that I was absolutely thrilled—a person liked my art enough to actually pay for it! My children were very little, and at that time I was working in watercolors. I used to replicate Beatrice Potter’s illustrations and change the backgrounds. I would do some local outdoor shows, and that is where my very first painting sold. 

SAS: How did you become inspired to paint flowers and gardens? KA: My mother was an avid gardener, and throughout my childhood our house had a row of red roses along a fence as well as a large peony garden. I fell in love with flowers. Now, much of my inspiration is my own large garden where I plant everything with painting compositions in mind. 

SAS: How do your techniques differ from classical fine art still life paintings? KA: My compositions are more like gardens put together indoors; almost always the flowers are the key feature. I love a still life set up with beautiful objects, but it’s almost impossible for me to paint one without something alive included.

Kathy Anderson, Zinnias in a Poppy Vase, oil, 9 x 12" (22 x 30 cm)

 

SAS: Tell us about the pivotal moments and transitions in your art career. KA: I began earning a small income from paintings and things started to grow. While our children were small, I applied my talent in many ways—stenciling on people’s walls, outdoor shows and local exhibits. 

Giving back to the community is one of my favorite things. I remember entering our local library art show, mostly painting birds in watercolor (which incidentally I’m painting a lot of again right now). My good friend, artist Pam Reese, and I began sharing the art show in the ’90s, and we’re still doing the show together, celebrating its 50th anniversary.  

When my son became involved in high school plays, I painted the sets, which led to working in the mural business for about seven years.  

Then, I met Richard Schmid at an outdoor art show. He purchased one of my paintings. I joined the Putney Painters and my life changed forever. I had no idea people could make a living selling paintings. 

Kathy Anderson, Evening Falls on the Poppy Garden, oil, 34 x 50" (86 x 127 cm)

 

SAS: How did your teaching career begin at the Scottsdale Artists’ School? KA: Legacy Gallery invited the Putney Painters for a show headlined by Nancy Guzik and Richard Schmid about 10 years ago. Scottsdale Artists’ School found out about our show and approached me to teach a workshop; I said yes! Without hesitation. I have been teaching in-studio workshops at the school ever since that time. 

Recently, I have expanded my teaching platform to include the SAS online program. In April, I will be teaching a “Spring Still Life Flowers” online workshop. Perfect for that time of year, it will cover design, block-in, values, edges, drawing [and more]. In September 2023, I’m teaching a Master Class workshop in South Africa. Visit www.workshopsinsa.com for more information.

Kathy Anderson working outdoors in a garden setting. 

 

SAS: Throughout your time with the Putney Painters, you were under the mentorship of Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik. Can you share some of the inspirations they passed onto you? KA: I was very fortunate to have 21 years of inspiration and guidance from Richard and Nancy. The most important takeaways that come to mind are the following: paint what gives you joy. Always stay true to yourself—it’s not about the subject matter you are painting, it’s how you interpret it. Paint from life predominantly. Our group used to say, “Nancy paints what she loves; Richard loves what he paints.” Richard was in love with the paint and the endless things he could do with it. So inspiring!—

Visit www.scottsdaleartschool.org for more information on the school and its upcoming workshops.