Don Kilby - Biography
A Natural Aptitude From The Start
Started out as one of those kids who really loved to draw. Nothing very unique or remarkable about that, but after most had put aside the pencils and crayons, I continued. My grade school artistic efforts drew praise from teachers and classmates alike, with a few of those early 'masterpieces' making it up onto the coveted classroom wall. This early recognition gave me the needed encouragement and confidence to keep working at my art.
A Slight Detour Before Committing To My Art
During the high school years, my focus drifted away from art towards more 'serious' career paths. Eventually an engineering path was chosen. However at the conclusion of my studies, I was left unsure of that direction being the right one for me. One fateful day, a chance meeting with an old school mate from those early years reawakened the notion of pursuing a career in visual art. Having just finished first year of art school herself, she reminded me of my early artistic gifts, and encouraged me to consider the same. After viewing her student portfolio, I was suitably impressed, and a brand new career option materialized for me. Shortly after that fateful encounter, I had made my decision, applied for and was accepted at Sheridan College, enrolled into the Illustration Program.
I remember art school those many years ago as challenging, hectic, horizon expanding, and above all, a most rewarding time. Here was a place dedicated towards developing and refining a students' raw artistic promise into a polished, capable skill set, prepared to enter the ranks of professional commercial artists everywhere.
I remember art school those many years ago as challenging, hectic, horizon expanding, and above all, a most rewarding time. Here was a place dedicated towards developing and refining a students' raw artistic promise into a polished, capable skill set, prepared to enter the ranks of professional commercial artists everywhere.
Full-time Artist
At the conclusion of my studies I secured employment as a staff Illustrator, and very quickly realized I was just at the beginning of my 'real' education. Before long I took the leap into the world of commercial artist, seeking jobs as a freelance illustrator. Over time my portfolio grew in size and quality, enabling me to secure work from many varied customers in the commercial art field; everything from Corporate Annual Reports to Children's Picture Books. While enjoying the challenge of bringing a clients concept to a satisfactory visual reality, at times I did wonder what it would be like to create art based on my own choices and interests, as does the fine artist.
Finding Inspiration
A move away from the city to a home in the country gave me opportunities to include my picturesque surroundings into a number of illustration projects I worked on. At the same time I also began to sketch and paint some of the local scenery just for myself, beginning my new journey towards becoming a fine artist. The same skills I had learned and developed as an Illustrator were carried over into my new work. In time my painting efforts were gaining favourable acclaim from the local arts community and general public and i was on my way.
Identifying My Style, Painting A Story
My style of painting falls under the broad umbrella of representational or 'realism'. However my goal as a painter has always been to produce something that is more than just a faithful reproduction of the subject matter or scene depicted. I strive to create work that showcases painterly qualities and approaches, along with a identifiable sense of mood and/or atmosphere.
As a commercial artist, I was frequently tasked with creating artwork that hinted at a story or narrative, leaving viewers with the suggestion of a story to contemplate. Now with my fine art efforts, I continue to create visually striking pieces of art that also offer a hint of something to muse over or read into the piece. When the opportunity presented itself some years ago, I packed up everything I had, and my dog Brownie and myself moved up to our new home along the southern shore of Georgian Bay, with the Blue Mountains and beautiful Beaver Valley on my doorstep. My painting efforts are primarily based on scenes found nearby, with an eye towards showcasing a unique and unexpected vision of the area. With my own gallery/studio in the village of Clarksburg, alongside the other art galleries and interesting shops found in the unique village, I have an ideal place to showcase my art, work on new pieces, and even offer a bit of art instruction in the mix. |
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