Interview with
Kimberlee C. Maselli
Painter, Graphic Artist and Author
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Kimberlee Maselli's love of art started long before she became a professional painter. In high school, you could find Kim in the art wing working on various projects. She went on to study graphic design at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she received her B.F.A. Kim continued with her studies and received an M.S. from Rensselaer Polytech Institute in technical communication. Kim has combined her passion for fine art with her more technical art expertise. Besides working as both a professional painter and instructor, she is also a software engineer for IBM (working on web design navigation and software instructional videos). Both careers inspire creativity, yet allow Kim to use her art skills from a completely different perspective.
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Kim’s paintings explore a wide range of subject matter, with a strong focus on landscapes (both coastal and woodland scenes). Her mix of bold brushstrokes, palette knife texture, and vibrant use of color is unique and inviting. Kim’s paintings have been juried into national and international competitions, and she has received numerous awards for her work. Her work has appeared in a variety of art publications, and she is the author of the award-winning book Painting North Carolina; Impressions en Plein Air (Carolina Academic Press). She is also a popular workshop instructor in both oils and acrylics.
Kim actively participates in the community to help foster the arts and is on several executive boards. Her book DOGS that Capture Our Hearts is a collection of tales and art work by a diverse group of professional artists. Profits from sales of the book are donated to rescue and shelter groups that provide food, shelter and medication for homeless animals. Dog lovers can visit Kim’s website to purchase a copy in support of animal welfare.
Kim actively participates in the community to help foster the arts and is on several executive boards. Her book DOGS that Capture Our Hearts is a collection of tales and art work by a diverse group of professional artists. Profits from sales of the book are donated to rescue and shelter groups that provide food, shelter and medication for homeless animals. Dog lovers can visit Kim’s website to purchase a copy in support of animal welfare.
Myrna Beth Haskell, managing editor, talked to Kimberlee about what inspires and drives her love of the arts.
How has art shaped you as a person?
I have found that the combination of working at IBM, painting and teaching is extremely stimulating. Although each career inspires a different type of creativity, both provide a unique and fascinating perspective. As to the paintings I’ve sold to customers…knowing that I’ve provided a harmonious setting for them, and perhaps a different way for them to observe something, is truly provocative. I have also realized a love of teaching - especially beginners! I believe everyone is creative - some just express it more easily than others. With the right environment, tools and support, anyone can enjoy expressing themselves and playing with paint. It’s very meditative and therapeutic, and it can be so rewarding (for both teacher AND student). Many of my students are doctors, lawyers, nurses and engineers who have turned to art to de-stress.
What types of places/objects inspire you the most when you paint?
I love being outdoors, so landscape is absolutely my favorite thing to paint. Nature is continuously changing – the light, the atmosphere, the weather, the trees. Whether it’s a dramatic sky, a breathtaking view from high up on a mountain, or painting on the beach while listening to the waves crashing, it’s pure heaven to me! I paint en plein air (French for outside on location) whenever possible. If my time is limited, I take lots of photos and do a few quick sketches in order to remember the location, lighting, and most of all, the feeling I get from being there.
Is there anything you do in your community to help others or foster a love of the arts?
For over ten years, I volunteered on the board for our local fine arts league. Art is often a solo pursuit, so it’s great to have a ‘tribe’ of like-minded folks to share your ideas and opportunities with. About twelve years ago, my mother and I started leading creativity and yoga retreats for women once or twice a year. We designed a weekend of exercise, creativity, activities and thought-provoking topics for discussion. We’ve been able to donate money each year to the non-profit center that hosts us. It’s a lot of work, but we get as much enjoyment out of the event as the attendees because of the nurturing and supportive environment.
What charitable projects/events have you participated in?
I donate a painting every year to different charitable organizations that host charity auctions or balls. There is no shortage of charities looking for artist donations, so each year I pick a different one. I’ve also donated paintings to fundraisers for the arts, schools, rescue missions, dress for success, and rehabilitation or recovery centers. Last spring, I was asked to participate in an exhibit to raise money for Second Chance Pet Adoptions, a local animal rescue organization. That’s where the inspiration for DOGS That Capture Our Hearts came from. I knew that dog lovers and art lovers alike would enjoy the book. The bonus is that we were also supporting animal welfare.
How has art shaped you as a person?
I have found that the combination of working at IBM, painting and teaching is extremely stimulating. Although each career inspires a different type of creativity, both provide a unique and fascinating perspective. As to the paintings I’ve sold to customers…knowing that I’ve provided a harmonious setting for them, and perhaps a different way for them to observe something, is truly provocative. I have also realized a love of teaching - especially beginners! I believe everyone is creative - some just express it more easily than others. With the right environment, tools and support, anyone can enjoy expressing themselves and playing with paint. It’s very meditative and therapeutic, and it can be so rewarding (for both teacher AND student). Many of my students are doctors, lawyers, nurses and engineers who have turned to art to de-stress.
What types of places/objects inspire you the most when you paint?
I love being outdoors, so landscape is absolutely my favorite thing to paint. Nature is continuously changing – the light, the atmosphere, the weather, the trees. Whether it’s a dramatic sky, a breathtaking view from high up on a mountain, or painting on the beach while listening to the waves crashing, it’s pure heaven to me! I paint en plein air (French for outside on location) whenever possible. If my time is limited, I take lots of photos and do a few quick sketches in order to remember the location, lighting, and most of all, the feeling I get from being there.
Is there anything you do in your community to help others or foster a love of the arts?
For over ten years, I volunteered on the board for our local fine arts league. Art is often a solo pursuit, so it’s great to have a ‘tribe’ of like-minded folks to share your ideas and opportunities with. About twelve years ago, my mother and I started leading creativity and yoga retreats for women once or twice a year. We designed a weekend of exercise, creativity, activities and thought-provoking topics for discussion. We’ve been able to donate money each year to the non-profit center that hosts us. It’s a lot of work, but we get as much enjoyment out of the event as the attendees because of the nurturing and supportive environment.
What charitable projects/events have you participated in?
I donate a painting every year to different charitable organizations that host charity auctions or balls. There is no shortage of charities looking for artist donations, so each year I pick a different one. I’ve also donated paintings to fundraisers for the arts, schools, rescue missions, dress for success, and rehabilitation or recovery centers. Last spring, I was asked to participate in an exhibit to raise money for Second Chance Pet Adoptions, a local animal rescue organization. That’s where the inspiration for DOGS That Capture Our Hearts came from. I knew that dog lovers and art lovers alike would enjoy the book. The bonus is that we were also supporting animal welfare.
To purchase DOGS That Capture Our Hearts or to view Kimberlee's
paintings and upcoming events information, please visit her website.
paintings and upcoming events information, please visit her website.
