2012 Artists Series Featuring the renowned Kathe Fraga

Introducing internationally acclaimed  artist Kathe Fraga. The first time I saw her works of art I was stunned ; simply mesmerized! 

I hope you will enjoy our conversation and her paintings.

 The influence of time spent by the artist living in the beautiful old cities of South America, Denmark, England, and France can be clearly felt.

A Rustle of Feathers-A Whisper of Love

  1)     Kathe your genre of art is so unique; can you tell us about how you create these gorgeous works?

 I love the look of old frescoed walls and murals--I spent many growing up years in Europe and South America and am influenced by the "beauty of decay"-layers and layers of paint and colors, faded imagery, patterns from the past--the soft, lovely worn look of generations. I look to recreate this in my work. I fresco my panels and canvases, then paint botanicals, patterns, animals, layer on more color, scrape and reveal, repaint, add more color until it feels like the story is complete. The work is very textured.

A Song of Celebration

 2)    Are you a self taught artist or have you taken studies/ classes? When you first remember creating art?

 I come from a long line of women in love with color. My great-grandmother was a knitter, crocheter, quilter, lace-maker, as was my grandmother. I have always painted, drawn and created, papering my bedroom walls with new work as I grew up and my mother encouraged me. (I still have my childhood dented little green tin box that still holds all my old colored pencils.) So there has never been a time that I can remember not wanting/needing to make art. As a gallerist for many years--my husband and I owned and managed Gallery Fraga here on Bainbridge Island, I had the exquisite opportunity, on a monthly basis as we opened new shows, to meet and get to know a huge variety of artists/art--visit studios, chat with collectors. It was a wonderful experience.

Love Poems II Sweet Mystery

 3)    Where do you obtain your inspiration? Images, nature, your mind?

 Inspiration is everywhere--I'm drawn to vintage textiles, old mansions, worn books, gilded frames, azulejo tiles, Blue Willow china beach shards, 1920 Chinese Deco rugs, pink roses, anything chinoiserie, Pierre Bonnard, Gustav Klimt...I could go on and on!

Kaleena

4)    Who are other artists that you admire or consider mentors?

 I have such a deep admiration and respect for anyone who creates: dancers, singers, writers, artists--this is the work that propels my work. When I see and experience how artists continue to overcome challenges, take risks, push! That keeps anyone going.

In a Paris Courtyard

 5)    Do you have exhibits in the near future or are you showing in certain galleries?

 What is the general price range of your art and what range of sizes?

My next show will be here on Bainbridge Island in February 2013 at Roby King Gallery (www.robykinggallery.com)--I am working on this new collection right now in my studio--always nice to show in your hometown 

In August 2013, you'll see new work at my solo show at Museo Gallery on Whidbey Island, Washington (www.museo.cc). I continue to have work at Kaller Fine Arts in NY and DC (www.kallerfinearts.com) and a WaterWorks Gallery in Friday Harbor, Washington (www.waterworksgallery.com). 

The new Kathe Fraga Home collection will be introduced in 2013 with silk pillows based on my paintings. 

I also have the KF Greeting Card Collection available via my website (www.kathefraga.com). Prints of my work are available through Grand Image (www.grandimage.com) and Artaissance (www.artthatfits.com). Notebooks, wrapping paper and cards are available through Ecojot (www.ecojot.com), and Graphique de France (http://www.graphiquedefrance.com/) sells a wedding card created from one of my paintings. 

For original paintings, I love 24 x 36" and price them (retail) at $2000. 36 x 48" paintings are $3500.

Green Silk and Honey

Under the Chinese Lantern

6)    Finally I always ask what words of wisdom or advice you would impart to an artist of any age.

My best piece of advice for painters: get busy. And enjoy it!

Midnight and Green Silk

 Kathe thank you so much for this enlightening interview; sharing your thoughts and journey as an artist!

To my devoted readers, I hope you will click on the links provided. and comment on your favorite painting !

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena

Images and some text courtesy of Kathe Fraga.com 

Thank you so much to Vicki of French Essence for the lovely vintage French Lace Trim  and to Lisa of Peridot Sky's for a lovely bracelet designed by Linz Gutz!