Wind Surfer Pals, Drawing by Artist Kathy Gustaftson Framed & Signed 2012 9x11

Artist Statement 9 inch by 11 inch with frame I have always loved animals, and as my Blog title suggests, they are a major inspiration for the work that I do. I find inspiration in all kinds of creatures, both domestic and wildlife, big, small, or in between. I like to draw attention to a moment in time, an emotion, or a special quality that deserves attention. The “Plus” is for all the other art that I do as well – portraits, landscapes, still life, or abstract – I sometimes find that I can express something better through one of these genres, so they are a part of my art repertoire as well. My work reflects my connection with our world, and it’s my expression of the creative urge that God has placed in all people. I have a need to create – to take something that exists only in my mind and make it a reality. When people enjoy my work, it’s an added bonus. I have been drawing and painting since childhood, and have been seriously involved with the visual arts for over 30 years. I work in acrylics and mixed media, pastels, and silhouette paper cutting, I’ve also done scratchboard, pencil drawings, and relief prints – I will give any medium a try if it looks like fun. I am really enjoying my current work which has many components – I combine rather abstract backgrounds with realistic subjects. I use all kinds of textures, then add relief prints, collage elements, metal orobjects that are uniquely mine.