A woman whose silhouette harbors a moon-kissed desert landscape, out of whose mouth are birthed all manner of flowers, herbs, butterflies and shells, and on whose hand perches a colorful bird; she is mirrored by another woman with a nest and spotted egg on her shoulder, and a face conformed to her body. A goddess? Perhaps. An ancestral memory, conjured on the wings of a dream? Who is to say?
And that is the magic of Kathleen Kinkopf’s mysterious, elusive art—it draws you in with spellbinding imagery presented in aesthetically stunning, surreal day and nightscapes that tease the borders of the subconscious even as they titillate into realms of the sublime. – Lila Sharma, Naples Noteworthy
And that is the magic of Kathleen Kinkopf’s mysterious, elusive art—it draws you in with spellbinding imagery presented in aesthetically stunning, surreal day and nightscapes that tease the borders of the subconscious even as they titillate into realms of the sublime.
Growing up in rural Ohio, Kathleen Kinkopf doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t drawing or writing. “In school, I was a unicorn—a quiet, creative kid that helped with bulletin boards, won poster contests, did history and geography assignments as if they were fine artworks, and designed and painted backdrops for school plays. Art always came naturally, although I was never trained before college, nor encouraged to pursue it,” Kathleen recalled.
“I had a rather solitary childhood, living on the outskirts of a small Midwest town, and being the youngest in the family and neighborhood. Most had grown up and gone away. While I didn’t appreciate it at the time, this solitude was a gift, allowing me to live in a fantasy bubble of sorts where I could get lost in an imaginary world. I also fell in love with a special horse, which taught me responsibility, kindled a deep and unconditional bond, and grounded me, all wrapped in the arms of nature. This early practice of creating an alternate universe may have helped form the intense focus and commitment needed to design or paint. I guess it was a dress rehearsal for my future creative path. This unintentional, fanciful world likely led me on a journey of magic and myth expressed in my work today.”
Interestingly, the distinctive, dreamlike style of much of Kathleen’s work, described as ‘Magical Realism’ by many in the art community, was not something she set out specifically to create, but rather something that evolved uncoaxed over the years—something that simply “happened” as she painted.
“I would say the development of my concepts and painting style has been more organic than intentional,” Kathleen explained. “While my work is continually evolving, it has been fairly consistent with this direction or expression since I began exhibiting professionally over 20 years ago. I was driven by innate curiosities and outward inspirations, combining surrealistic thought with a more traditional execution. The work kept leading me.
I hadn’t considered a term for my style or genre of painting until it was coined ‘Magical Realism’ by a writer doing a story on me in Santa Fe. The synchronicity was extraordinary, making me appreciate just how miraculous the universe is, and reassuring me that I was on the right path. – Kathleen Kinkopf
“I hadn’t considered a term for my style or genre of painting until it was coined ‘Magical Realism’ by a writer doing a story on me in Santa Fe. The synchronicity was extraordinary, making me appreciate just how miraculous the universe is, and reassuring me that I was on the right path.”
Although her art is very much infused with dreamlike, subconscious imagery, Kathleen claims not to have a particularly vivid dream life at night. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I rarely remember my dreams,” she confided. “When I do recall them, I’m usually standing in line somewhere (maybe a Catholic throw-back?) or trying to find my way out of a building, the woods, or hills (creative anxiety?). Perhaps I exist in a type of daydream, immersed in my work, and saving the night for sleeping. It’s kind of like that old song by Ronnie Milsap, ‘I’m having daydreams, about night things, in the middle of the afternoon.’ It wasn’t about art, but I love that line.”
Naples Noteworthy is so impressed with Kathleen’s work that we’ve named her A Rising Star in Magical Realism.
Though she earned her BFA at Miami University (Ohio), Kathleen considers herself self-taught, as far as the style and approach to her work that she has developed over the years. “I am an eternal student of the Masters of the Italian Renaissance, the Flemish Masters, Mexican Muralists, and a slew of contemporary artists, both figurative and abstract, from the early 20th century to today. I don’t necessarily study the content or style of their work, but rather what makes their work compelling visually and emotionally—how they express light, what makes their composition dynamic, how they use various mediums to make a piece come to life, and how they tell engaging, visceral stories through painting.”
After earning her BFA, Kathleen enjoyed a successful career in Dallas, Texas as a graphic designer, art director, and nationally represented illustrator, working with clients across the country. Some years later, she opened a gallery in Colorado while maintaining her illustration practice, representing a stable of notable artists. Here, she had a new opportunity to focus on her painting and develop and exhibit a novel body of work.
A move to New Mexico brought her new inspiration, exposing her not only to breathtaking scenery and rich native cultures, but also delivering her to the doorstep of a world-class art destination: Santa Fe. At this juncture, Kathleen committed to painting fulltime, placing her work on the world stage.
Kathleen’s art has been exhibited in dozens of solo and group gallery exhibitions, nationally and internationally, from Santa Fe to South Korea. Her work is in private as well as public, government, and corporate collections, and has been recognized and awarded by numerous organizations such as American Women Artists, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Albuquerque Museum, The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, the Alliance for the Arts, and BIG ARTS, and has been featured in publications such as ARTNews, Artist’s Magazine, American Art Collector, Southwest Art Magazine, Gulfshore Life, 100 Artist Studios of the Southwest, Art Horse Magazine, Create!, and Art Seen Magazine, to name a few. She published her first book, Inhabiting Bliss, in 2021.
After spending two decades in New Mexico, Kathleen relocated her home and studio to Southwest Florida in 2019 where she has found new inspiration for her work in its lovely world of water and all the magic and mystery of sea life, giant birds, thunderstorms, and lush flora.
When asked where she receives inspiration for her art, Kathleen replied, “Sacred inspiration is defined as ‘a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.’ I use the ‘sacred’ definition of inspiration because creativity can almost be a religious experience at times. Inspiration can come from defined sources, like music, books, or other art, but can also come from sources that are unexplainable.
“Self-inspiration can occur through innate curiosity, experimentation, and simply producing work consistently. Sometimes unrelated ideas are sparked and recorded when I do research for another concept, or read about topics that interest me, such as mythology, native traditions and rituals, international cultures, colorful historical figures, or the teachings, philosophies, and writings of the likes of Joseph Campbell and Deepak Chopra, and poets like Emily Dickinson and Mary Oliver.”
Naples Noteworthy asked if there was a particular person in her life who impacted her the most on her journey to becoming who she was today, or whether it has been more of a lonely road?
My collectors, in particular, are like kindred spirits—my work speaks to them in a way that moves me. I have met, and remain connected to, and/or have become friends with many of them for many years. These relationships are rich and unique and an unexpected gift that I cherish as a creator. – Kathleen Kinkopf
“There is no one person that has influenced my work or who I am,” Kathleen answered. “An artist’s life can be a solitary journey, but I wouldn’t say it’s been lonely. Throughout my art career, I am grateful to have met so many wonderful and fascinating people. Through art and design, I have connected with them in many unique and profound ways that are hard to describe. My collectors, in particular, are like kindred spirits—my work speaks to them in a way that moves me. I have met, and remain connected to, and/or have become friends with many of them for many years. These relationships are rich and unique and an unexpected gift that I cherish as a creator.
“I am impacted by many artists that I listen to on podcasts or watch on video. It’s always fascinating to hear how they describe their practice, methods, technique, or way of thinking. I’m also inspired by both well-known and unknown NON-artists, not necessarily for their successes, but in the way they think, their unsung bravery, profound determination, unconditional kindness, or their sense of humor. It makes me focus less on myself, opens my heart to possibilities, and renews my belief in the best qualities in human beings. I always learn something new that might get me thinking about coming at an issue or challenge a little differently, or to be brave enough to do something I never considered I was capable of doing.”
To create is to connect with the Source of all things, to dance in the realm of the Chosen ones, those messengers of the human spirit who speak to us of our journey and remind us that we are all part of a story bigger than ourselves. – Lila Sharma, Naples Noteworthy
Why does she create?
“That’s a huge question,” Kathleen laughed. “I guess I’ve never thought about it much. But, simply stated, I just do it. In recent years, I appreciate my creative talent more each day, granted as an immeasurable and unexplainable gift. I don’t question why or how it happens. I humbly consider myself as the medium or channel that connects inexplicable wonder to a physical outcome. It will always be a mystery and miracle to me.”
This miracle, repeated every time Kathleen chooses to pick up her brushes, is indeed something inexplicable, especially to those who have no inborn artistic talent, such as myself. To me, the ability to brush various pigments across a blank canvas and produce any kind of result, much less something exquisite, is, indeed, astonishing, and gives evidence to the indwelling of a spark of the divine, surely.
To create is to connect with the Source of all things, to dance in the realm of the Chosen ones, those messengers of the human spirit who speak to us of our journey and remind us that we are all part of a story bigger than ourselves.
When asked about how much time she spends in the studio in a given week, Kathleen had this to say:
“Artists wear many hats to keep their practice functioning and relevant. Like any other business, there are many moving parts to manage a fine art practice. And, as a solo painter, most of these necessary tasks are nearly impossible to delegate. Online tools and platforms can aid in organizing things more efficiently, but the artist, alone, is typically responsible for all the aspects of running her or his practice.
“In answer to the question, even though I spend nearly every day in the studio, there are many hours or days required, aside from painting, to keep things running. This includes self-promotion, updating statements/bios/history, accounting, clean-up & organizing the studio, competition applications, networking, packing, shipping, etc.
“Regarding actual painting time, there are always various commitments for upcoming exhibitions, commissioned work, or special projects, all scheduled to meet important deadlines. Some weeks are heavy, some a bit lighter. It is essential to slate quality painting time for these various commitments, not over-commit, and to stay on schedule. The most difficult thing to schedule time for is painting for oneself. This discipline is imperative, though, because it allows an artist to further develop current and new concepts, new techniques, and experiment beyond one’s comfort zone. This regimen can be a rarity in the studio but is absolutely essential in order for an artist to grow and spawn unrestrained creative outcomes.”
As mentioned, Kathleen published her first art book, Inhabiting Bliss, in 2021, and it has since earned numerous awards, including the 2022 GOLD AWARD WINNER for ILLUSTRATION (Non-fiction), Reader’s Favorite Annual Book Awards; WINNER: 2022 16th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards: BOOK INTERIOR DESIGN (Non-Fiction) & FINALIST: INSPIRATION CATEGORY; WINNER: 2022 19th Annual Best Books Awards (American Bookfest) BEST ART BOOK & FINALIST: BEST INTERIOR DESIGN; 2022 ‘CHOSEN’ WINNER: AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION 41 ANNUAL AWARDS; WINNER: 2022 Best Indie Book Awards: BEST INSPIRATIONAL GIFT BOOK and WINNER: 2022 Best Indie Book Awards: BEST ILLUSTRATIONS. Kathleen shared her experience publishing her first book, an indie publication, which featured digital art as well as her own writing:
“I’ve done a lot of content writing for my design practice, but this was my first literary, stream-of-consciousness writing experience. For years, I dreamed of doing a project that combined my fine art, writing, and graphic design capabilities simultaneously, so this was an extremely meaningful but unprecedented journey for me.
“I don’t want to say creating the book was the easy part, but for as many big projects as I’ve worked on commercially, this particular fulfillment was a huge challenge, especially timewise. I was thrilled with the overwhelming response and sales, but I had to figure out the complex logistics of fulfillment: order books from the publisher to deliver to the studio for redistribution, buy shipping/packing supplies, hand-wrap and design a special sticker and note enclosure for each book, repack hundreds of books into over +/- 80 multibook order boxes, create labels, mail and ship, all to be delivered well before Christmas. It was a fulltime job for a few weeks. That said, I was lucky to have a background in similar fulfillment, so it was a successful outcome. I experienced indescribable joy and gratitude from the amazing response the book received.
“Self-publishing is a great way to see your concept and creation come to fruition, promote your work, and share your vision with a multitude of appreciators. But it is difficult to make a profit or get to the next level of sales and promotion in the world of self-publishing. The publishing industry is very complex, crowded, and competitive. Close to 4 million new book titles are published collectively by both traditional and on-demand publishers each year, with 69 million total books published in the United States in 2024. That said, undeterred by these staggering numbers, I hope one day to have another book in the works.”
Asked if she preferred painting or digital art, Kathleen replied, “That’s an ‘apples and oranges’ kind of question. Both fruit. Both gratifying. Completely different. These two artforms use different parts of the brain as far as planning and execution and also engage in different levels of emotional commitment. But I love both.
“Painting begins with nothing, save a concept, a canvas, and some paint, which then develops into something quite amazing. It can pull you and push you in an organic kind of way, and (for me, at least) requires intense focus and engagement. Painting can sometimes feel intimidating at the beginning of each piece, even though you’ve stood in front of that blank canvas hundreds of times. And it definitely feels more intimate.
“Digital collage engages my love for design, problem-solving, and applies my left-brained computer skills and tools. It’s both fun and challenging to take elements of my own paintings and arrange them with vintage illustrations, photography, and custom graphics I’ve created. My first, and only, digital collage series was created as I wrote my first book, Inhabiting Bliss. It was the ultimate dream to create such a meaningful project that incorporated my experience and skills as painter, designer, and writer, that concluded with a compelling outcome I could share with a multitude of people.
“Often, one artform will inform or inspire the other. I enjoy the process of both for very different reasons and get great satisfaction from the diverse approaches and creative outcomes.”
Nature has a calming effect on the brain and is sometimes more powerful than any medication or therapy. It calls to something deep inside of us. The love of nature and living things is an essential part of the human condition. – Kathleen Kinkopf
Her favorite brand of paint?
“I have been using Utrecht paints, canvas, gesso, and brushes, etc., for a very long time. They are very high quality, reasonably priced, and reliable products.”
Nature is pervasive in Kathleen’s art, particularly depictions of birds, butterflies, horses, flowers, and the female figure. Naples Noteworthy asked why these symbols are so prominent in her work.
“While I continually explore different themes and subject matter, a common thread and central focus woven throughout my work is the inclusion of nature, animals, and the female figure,” Kathleen replied. “Together, these powerful players weave scenes of harmony, strength, and spiritual grace into a modern mythological tale. Expressed in a language of symbols and metaphors, these visual narratives reside in places where time is not linear and the lines between magic and reality are blurred, creating a world that is enchanting and mysterious and without logical explanation.
“I extensively research and study the meaning of all the insects, animals, flowers, patterns, etc. (that you mention above) that are part of a painting, and record their symbolism, color, and context in mythology or history, etc. Most of the elements are intentionally included based on their symbolism or meaning and are rarely randomly chosen.
“Nature has a calming effect on the brain and is sometimes more powerful than any medication or therapy. It calls to something deep inside of us. The love of nature and living things is an essential part of the human condition. Gardens and forests can be positive and healing or they can be mysterious and somewhat dark. The female figures are powerful characters, expressing spirituality, strength, and grace. They are knitted into the landscape as nature’s kindred spirit and protector.”
We asked if Kathleen could explain what is going on her mind with her latest works.
“Actually, no. Ha. It’s hard to explain,” Kathleen answered. “I’m a very curious type, am always exploring, wanting to tell a story or express a feeling through my work, in an unexpected kind of way. Once I come up with a concept or series, my mind goes into the background, not really thinking about anything in particular. It’s important for me to work without many distractions. While painting, my brain is focused mostly on execution decisions, like paint application and detail, color, light, or shadows. There are hundreds of subliminal mental decisions that need to be made continuously throughout the stage of execution. I also have to be observant and open-minded making any necessary tweaks and corrections in the process that could improve the piece. Sometimes that means repainting a part that’s not working. The last stage is to step back and to have an honest conversation with the piece before deciding if it’s done. Is there any element that just doesn’t work? Is it the best it can be? Does it have life? Does it speak to me? And the final and most important step in my mind is knowing when to stop.
“When considering my latest works as a collective, I am currently incorporating more florals into my work, while keeping the female figure and/or animals as the main subject. I am working on a new series with water as a theme and am excited to reveal that sometime in 2025.”
Kathleen recently enjoyed a fabulous solo exhibition, Allegories & Illusions, which ran Aug 2 – Sept 28, 2024 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. We asked what is next for her and whether she had anything she wanted to talk about for the new year.
“I truly appreciated the opportunity to have a solo exhibition at the Alliance for the Arts in 2024,” said Kathleen. “It was a wonderful experience and exhibited beautifully in a stunning space! I showed 20 paintings, some being quite large. It was a thrill to be able to see that much of my work hung in one large space and to be able to share them with the public.
“Regarding what’s coming up in the next few years, I have numerous opportunities already in the works for 2025, but it’s still too early in the year to know what my ultimate commitments will be. It’s important to be proactive and plan well ahead of time for some opportunities. Most exhibitions and some opportunities may take years to materialize and set in place.”
Naples Noteworthy asked about the importance of balance and symmetry in her art.
“Balance can be created through both symmetry and asymmetry,” Kathleen explained. “It depends on the concept, content, format, and palette, etc., of the piece you are creating. Contrary to common sense, something completely out of place can bring perfect balance or impact to a piece. Sometimes I work from a simple, monochromatic sketch so that I’m focused more on dynamic composition than color and technique, but lately I’ve been doing more complex concept layouts in Photoshop in order to size key elements and move them into the right places for the best balance and impact. Of course, in either approach, no matter how well-planned, pleasant surprises can happen along the way.”
Kathleen’s art is saturated with imaginative, beautiful imagery. We told her this, and asked if there were ever times when she simply didn’t feel creative or couldn’t think of where to begin? If so, how did she move forward in those moments?
“Thank you,” Kathleen answered, “I believe every creative experiences hitting a wall, burnout, or an empty head staring at a blank canvas at one time or another. That can come from a personal crisis or overwork but can also happen for no reason at all. I’m the worst at walking away from a creative block, so I have to force myself to do something else, like taking a walk, cooking, reading, or watching a good movie or documentary. Dealing with a creative block is similar to rebooting a computer. Sometimes things get tangled up and stuck for no reason, so you just need to unplug and re-plug and stop hammering futilely at the keys. The quality of the work itself will reveal the truth of whether the painting was created through flow or force, so it’s best to step away and come back refreshed.”
Kathleen doesn’t have a special routine of rituals or procedures she uses to create or to get into the mood to begin, but says each day is different. “I usually have a very defined list of things I need to accomplish each day, or be updated bi-weekly, so I just show up and get busy. Deadlines usually get me in the mood. Ha. That said, I usually do a 4-mile workout walk at least three days a week. It’s good for the body, mind, and spirit. Different stages of the painting process can be very physical, in addition to many long hours of standing. If I’m doing design or operational tasks, I also stand or sit for long periods, so staying active and getting some fresh air are key to improving stamina and clearing my head.
“I listen to a variety of music, depending on what I’m working on or what stage the painting is in. I usually listen to quieter or more introspective music while painting or designing and more lively music in the finishing or non-painting stages like gessoing, leafing, or varnishing. I have recently listened to more podcasts or audiobooks while working.”
Her idea of a perfect evening?
“Each day is different, so there is no one perfect evening. If I have a very long day of painting, I may be on a roll and work into the night, so that is perfect. Or I might have a short day and catch up on personal stuff, which is a luxury. I still have a pretty robust and structured week as far as work in the studio goes. Although I’m in the studio many weekends, I do enjoy ending my week by sharing or making dinner with friends. Working alone in the studio is very isolating, so it’s healthy to be with my ‘tribe’ on a regular basis to share laughs and stories, and to recharge my batteries. It’s also refreshing to sit outside in the hushed tones of twilight with a refreshment in hand to enjoy our stunning Florida sunsets, listening to the evening song of nature and feeling gratified about the good work I did that day.”
Asked what she does for fun/relaxation, Kathleen replied, “I’m working on that. I am intensely focused on developing my art practice and becoming more immersed in the Florida art market. I’m investing time in quality networking, both regionally and nationally. I love what I do every day, but I need to be more disciplined about having more fun outside the studio and finding ways to relax. That always makes for a better creative brain. I don’t have hobbies to speak of, but I do love creative cheffing and entertaining and would love to get involved with horses again.”
Naples Noteworthy threw one of our favorite questions at her: If she could have coffee with any artist, living or dead, who would it be, and why?
Her response?
“An artist (living or dead) can be an inspiration to me because of their body of work, but their art doesn’t necessarily match the person I would like to spend time with. I truly enjoy sharing coffee or wine with contemporaries to discuss challenges, opportunities, exchange ideas, and discuss the current trends in our industry. I would much rather throw a dinner party with at least eight artists and writers. The energy! What a party that would be!”
These days, some people denigrate the value of art. We see this in the loss of critical state funding, for instance. We asked Kathleen to speak to this issue. That is, to address why art is important to humanity and to the way we look at ourselves and the world around us.
“Artists have been creating visual stories for all of humanity for thousands of years,” Kathleen explained. “From the cave dwellers of Lascaux, to the fresco painters of Pompeii, Mexican muralists, and Masters of the American West, artists have recorded history that not only narrates a particular event, but tells a story infused with profound emotion.
“Access to creative thinking and creativity does not just apply to the visual, performing, or musical arts. Creativity is everywhere around us. Access sparks ideas and is infused in the foundation of almost everything we use, see, and experience in our daily lives—architecture, furniture, bridges, computers, phones, parks, urban development, water systems, airplanes, medicine, and tens of thousands of other things, most which we take for granted. It is critical to our culture and the human race that creative thinking and creativity are encouraged and nurtured, both privately and publicly, especially during a child’s development, but really at any time in a person’s life. It stimulates intellectual curiosity, is good for mental health and self-confidence, and offers connectivity with others.
“Supporting and fostering creative thinking and infusing creativity into our communities and educational platforms is not intended to produce throngs of artists, performers, and musicians, but is, rather, a much larger concept. Making creative opportunities and nourishment accessible equips the brain to be more curious, explore, take risks on new ideas, and connect concepts with viable solutions. Creative thinking plus access and exposure to the arts is ultimately what allows humanity to thrive and survive.”
Kathleen has resided in Cape Coral for the last six years. You can view her work online at kinkopfstudios.com and on Instagram.
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