Can you tell us about yourself?
Kevin: “I live in Tarpon Springs, Florida in the USA. I teach, paint, and exercise. There is no time for anything else. My style is representational painting. Some people refer to my style hyper-realism. I use acrylic paint on either a wood or aluminum panels.”

When did you start drawing and painting?
Kevin: “I started painting when I was about 10 years old. The first painting that I did was a small oil painting of a large mouth bass from a photographic reference.”

What kind of materials do you use?
Kevin: “I use acrylic paints, but tend to use them in a very traditional manner. I begin by preparing the painting surface, usually aluminum or wood panels, with 4 – 6 layers of gesso, which is then sanded to a relatively smooth finish. The image is drawn onto the panel with yellow ochre or burnt umber acrylic paint, and then the local colors are blocked in with an opaque application of paint. Successive layers are added, with each layer more translucent than the previous layer, allowing light to pass through to create complex color relationships. When the painting has completely dried, 1 to 2 layers of gloss varnish are applied to protect the surface.”

Have you published your art work?
Kevin: “In October 2020 I debuted a new body of work called “Lame Ducks.” . This series of visual puns pokes fun at language, illustrating the disconnect between intended and literal meanings. The resulting images are witty, humorous, and sometimes ironic. The puns are often worthy of inciting groans, hence the inclusion of the word “Lame” in the title for the series.”

Did you study art?
Kevin: “I earned a B.F.A. in Drawing and Painting at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and an M.F.A. in Drawing and Painting at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.”

Kevin: “I am Associate Professor of Art at St. Petersburg College in Clearwater, Florida, where I have been teaching drawing and painting classes since 1997. I also work outside of the college as a professional artist, exhibiting in regional, national, and international venues.
Unlike many artists, I am very athletic. I find that vigorous exercise allows me to concentrate more fully when I am working on the details in my paintings.”

Have you exhibited your art work?
Kevin: “I initially exhibited in regional and national exhibitions, but began exhibiting in solo booths at international art fairs from 2010 until 2016. I have gallery representation in Newport Beach (California), New York City, and Naples (Florida).

Which artists inspire you?
Kevin: “Jan van Eyck, his technique is flawless.”

Connect with Kevin Grass

fineartfan@hotmail.com
www.lameducks.net
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