Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Klute.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always observed and loved natural subjects. Color is very important to me, and I have always painted from life.
When considering retirement from my profession as a Periodontist in New York, I enrolled in the Botanical Art program at the New York Botanical Garden. It was extensive and took five years to become certified as a Botanical Artist.
My certificate project was a series of Wild Flowers, painted in WaterColor.
While walking in the woods one day, observing and viewing art subjects, I came across a Goldfinch feather, and immediately thought: I can paint that!
The techniques that I had learned in the art program were enhanced and modified to include feathers, butterflies, and dragonflies: a whole new world was opened.
Part of the plan, when I moved to San Diego, was to become a member of the Spanish Village Art Association. This requires jurying in the media of your choice and skill.
I was juried in, with two media: watercolor, and combined pen/ink with watercolor.
My art is now shown in the studio that I share with Judy, Carl, and Thelma: Studio 37 in Spanish Village.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I was the only woman in dental school! No, it was not easy, and it was impossible to blend in. After graduation, I applied to Columbia School of Dentistry for the graduate specialty program in Periodontics and was accepted.
Best two years of my life:
Being part of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Classes with the Medical school, and being treated with respect. I loved my profession: it included everything that I loved: art, working with my hands, medical and dental knowledge, and working with wonderful people and other dentists.
Believe in yourself, follow your dreams, and never give up or give in if you believe that you are right.
Find something that you love and follow that path for that reason.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a life-long artist and paint from what I observe with natural subjects.
I love the colors in nature and can best show those colors with watercolor.
Watercolors are transparent, pure and clear: They show the beauty of nature best.
When it is necessary to include very fine detail, as in a feather or dragonfly wing,
then I include fine pen/ink work.
My professional printer works from my original artwork and prints excellent Giclee prints. These prints and cards are for sale in my studio, along with the original artworks.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I have many heroes and heroines in art! And am always learning and trying to improve.
Among them: Picasso: for his skill, JMW Turner, for his use of light, Monet, for his composition colors, and use of light.
Among the many botanical artists that I study and respect: Siriol Sherlock, for her inspiration, purity of form, and use of color, and Manabu Saito, my best instructor, best inspiration, and Master watercolorist: Illustrator of the Golden Guide to Wild Flowers.
Contact Info:
- Address: Spanish Village, studio 37
- Website: virginiaklute.com
- Phone: 16199166516
- Email: virginiaklute@gmail.com
- Facebook: virginia klute botanical art
Image Credit:
virginia klute, stephanie moses
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