Check Out Kimberly Daniel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Daniel.

Hi Kimberly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Having taught art education in our local schools for thirty years, I am now retired. I have changed gears to embrace the world I was only once taught and dreamed about—the world of painting. I have always wanted to create in whatever medium I could afford. Portraits were my first love, and often I drew friends and family members until I stumbled upon painting a Santa portrait for our yearly Christmas card. That was over twenty years ago, and I am still creating a new Santa painting each year. You can find some of my Santa prints carried on Wayfair.com Most locals call or text me when they want to add a new one to their collection. About seven years ago, I discovered pleinair painting. Going outside to paint seemed troublesome, and I had no idea how to approach such an overwhelming array of subject matter. However, after joining The Chestnut Group, a Nashville-based pleinair painting group of nature preserving artists. I loved all that it offered on my first trip out. I paint outside several times weekly and have even begun painting weddings live. I am always game to learn something new and tackle a challenge to improve my skills. Since my adventure in pleinair painting began, I have entered several paint-out competitions and shows and have won numerous prizes. I am a finalist in a live painting competition in East Tennessee, with the sole winner earning the title “Tennessee Artist of the Year.” I am excited to see how I finish up with that challenge at the end of September.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an educator and mother of four, My dreams and desires were put on hold for many decades. Retiring a few years early has allowed me to pursue my dream finally. My need and passion for painting are bursting at the seams! Most of my art skills have been self-taught, but once I joined the Chestnut Group, I discovered many other people like me who once had a career but wanted to grow an artist. Teaching art at the Williamson County Parks and Rec allowed me to continue to meet other people who loved to paint. It’s like golf: the more friends, the more fun. Even if you don’t paint well on a day out, we can all suffer through it together and learn from it. Many larger competitions and paint-outs are located in vacation spots like Colorado, California, etc., requiring much more funds to attend and participate. For now, my shows are kept within a six-hour driving distance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am in the finals for the Tennessee Artist of the Year title. This live painting event will take place at the end of September at College Square Mall in East Tennessee. Live painting is tremendously challenging, but I love a good challenge. So in the past few years, I began painting at weddings, festivals, fairs, and numerous other gatherings where I can stretch my skills and practice my methods. I do not always approach each painting the same way because I need to continue trying new techniques to grow. Locally, many people know I can be found weekly on location painting. More often than not, my paintings sell within a day of painting because people like the idea of owning a little piece of their town. I like my Santa paintings and try to put them in a shop or two downtown during the holidays. It is thrilling to drive by and see your art in the window and know it may bring joy to someone who viewed it that day. I am also truly honored and blessed that people have entrusted me to paint their weddings—an enormous honor. I feel my job is different from that of a photographer who records what they see. My duty is to capture the portraits of the bride and groom and to create a painting that encompasses the feel and mood of the wedding. Knowing that this family will enjoy my painting for years makes my dreams come true. I love to paint, and painting for a purpose makes it so much more meaningful.

What matters most to you?
To have respect from other fellow artists. We can all be very critical of ourselves, so when I get good feedback from other artists, I can use that as a tool to grow. Getting a head nod from a notable artist, well, that is what makes me feel like maybe I can make it as a real artist.

Pricing:

• weddings price range is 900-1800
• portrait prices range 200-1500
• pleinair painting farm/home 200-500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimberlydanielart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlydanielart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlydanielart