Kim Leo is a self-taught artist who has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember. Kim started doing local arts and craft shows where she sold paintings and handmade crafts of her own design, often selling out before the show closed. These days she focuses on her true passion, painting and feels blessed to be able to do what she loves.
Kim lives in Michigan with her husband and their dog, who brings them laughter everyday. Many of Kim’s paintings are in private collections throughout the United States and Canada.
Recently, Kim agreed to answer a few questions for the Spilsbury Blog that were submitted by our avid puzzle fans on social media. Enjoy!
What or who inspires you when painting?
When I am painting, I am inspired by things I love, things that make me happy. Memories of vacations in northern Michigan. I enjoy visiting small towns with beautiful old houses where I imagine myself living. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I start a new painting. Combined with my love of color, it is such a pleasure to imagine the whole painting in my head, before I start to paint.
Do you ever travel to gain inspiration for your work?
I have not traveled much outside of Michigan. I get inspiration from books, movies, TV and I enjoy travel photos on Pinterest.
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How often do you create new paintings?
Ideas for paintings come to me faster than I can paint them. I usually paint one to three new pieces a month.
What advice would you give new artists?
Even though I have been painting for quite a few years, I still feel like a new artist. I learn something new with each new painting. My advise to a new artist would be to keep painting. To practice and develop their style. Enjoy the creative process, the more you can let go of the outcome, the more your creativity will flow.
When did you realize your art was able to be commissioned for income?
When I was making crafts and doing shows, I would always have a few small paintings to sell. Some of my customers asked if I would do home portraits for them. I also did some decorative wall painting.
Do you have a favorite design? What is the title?
There is something about each one that pleases me, which makes it difficult to choose a favorite. If I can only choose one, It would be By the Light of the Moon. For me, Halloween is such a magical time of year. The painting came from my memories of trick or treating. A pillowcase so full of candy, I could barely carry it.
Are you a puzzler? Have you ever completed a puzzle of one of your paintings?
Your question spurred me to try putting one of my puzzles together. It was so much fun! I will be doing more. I was so pleased with the quality of the puzzle.
>> Shop Kim Leo’s exclusive jigsaw puzzles only at Spilsbury >>