In case you missed it, last month we featured a fantastic Artist Interview with Grumbacher® Academy Acrylic‘s brand ambassador, Cassy Lepp-Seeger as part of our Product Review blog. My boss, Linda Wehrli, then had the brilliant idea of featuring an Artist Interview with a brand ambassador from another brand we love – Strathmore® Artist Papers! We reached out to the company, asking for an artist introduction and their rep graciously introduced us to artist, Kelly Foss. As a portrait artist myself, I was stoked to learn that Kelly also draws and paints portraits and figures! We’re excited to present our interview with this remarkable artist and brand ambassador of Strathmore® Artist Papers!

JLS. What is your style of painting referred to? For our art students, would you please describe what this style means or represents?

KF. I usually categorize it as “classical realism”. Realism, because I’m trying to capture things realistically. Classical, because I use traditional steps and methods (like the old masters) in creating. And, when people hear “realism” today, they’re usually thinking Photo-realism or Hyperrealism which are both more literal, trying to capture life exactly as it is, as an HD photo would; As in “classical” (for me) it’s more about capturing the nature of things.

JLS. Very interesting! That painting style is new to me. What medium do you use for your realistic drawings? Do you ever mix mediums or use other mediums for your paintings?

KF. When I’m drawing, I LOVE working on Strathmore toned paper with just some graphite and white charcoal. It is a game-changer! With the paper being a medium value, the level of “forminess” one can achieve with simply adding light and dark in the drawing- so much fun! In a way, I mix mediums. When I oil paint, I like to do a little sketch on the canvas first. I used to do this with graphite, but then I learned that it isn’t good for the paint. So I tried charcoal, but I didn’t like how it mixed with and darkened the paint. For big paintings nowadays, I use a raw umber oil paint diluted to act more like ink, to do an oil sketch on my canvas. But for small paintings, especially when painting en plein-air, I will use a raw umber felt-tipped ink pen that’s waterproof. So quick and easy, and a good way to set your vision and composition before you get painting.

JLS. Thanks for sharing. Linda agrees and uses the toned paper as part of our Graphite 102 Course! We understand you are a brand ambassador for Strathmore® Art Papers. So cool! Can you please share your story about your discovery and relationship with this brand?

KF. Strathmore was always my go-to paper. They’re all I use in my drawing workshops. When my instagram account was growing a lot, every drawing post people were seeing, I was using Strathmore (especially their tan- I had just discovered it and was obsessed). Followers and students would ask if I was connected to the brand. And I was like “No. I wish!” Ha, little did I know that wish would come true when they would contact me years later to teach an online workshop, which led to two more. Last year, I was thrilled when they asked to be an official ambassador (after so many years of me unofficially loving them).

JLS. Amazing! It was meant to be. 🙂 As you can tell, we’re big fans of the brand. Only Strathmore papers are spec’d in our courses! Throughout your artistic experience, what sets this brand apart from others?

KF. Growing up in the art world, I’ve tried a lot of papers! So I’ve made the comparisons. I count on Strathmore for consistent quality, affordability, and they’re pretty easy to find. In my academic years, their big pads were essential for my full-figure, live model drawing. I was learning, so lots of lines and lots of erasing. But the paper held up. And looked good enough to exhibit! I still love the feeling of finishing a spiral bound pad.

JLS. For sure! That’s exactly why Linda’s courses require this brand. Your subject consists of portraits and figures. What draws you to this subject? No pun intended. 😀 Do you have any other imagery that inspires you?

KF. I enjoy all sorts of art. But I learned that I feel the most satisfied in drawing or painting people. There’s a lot of things you can fudge on in art: “No, the clouds looked that way” or “It’s a flower you don’t know” or “The landscape was pretty foreign looking”. But you can’t invent or make-up reality when it comes to humans – because we all know what they look like! This challenge led me to study anatomy, and the traditional, observational way of doing art (i.e. working from life). Especially as I got better, and captured likeness more accurately, it felt like magic to bring a person to life on my canvas. My 2 big loves (out of many) to capture are flesh and fabric.

JLS. Your work is remarkable! What advice can you give our art students just starting out?

KF. Don’t rush. Even the pros would benefit from practicing drawing a ball. So don’t rush through the exercises that seem simple. Even if you only care about painting – draw! It will make you a better painter. Fit in art whenever you can; it doesn’t have to be a big to-do. Environment and supplies don’t need to be ideal. Doodling on post-its count. Go to workshops or local classes, like Pastimes for a Lifetime, learn online, and from books. You don’t have to go to a big college or university for art. And you’re still an artist, even if it’s not your career.

JLS. Sound advice! Thank you for sharing. At what age did you realize you wanted to be a professional artist?

KF. I’ve always been creating, since being a little kid, entering art shows and competitions. I realized I wanted to pursue art more seriously waaaay before I took the steps to be serious about it. I was about 26 when I applied to art school.

JLS. Such a cute photo. 🙂 Did anyone try to talk you out of venturing into an art profession? If so, how did you handle it?

KF. Not really. I managed an art gallery for 8 years, and my boss was one of the most authentic and inspiring artists. So I was soaking in that culture of creative possibilities when I eventually did take that first step to focus on my art.

JLS. Great to hear. I concur having an inspiring boss is so crucial (shoutout to Linda!) Art can touch people’s lives, bringing happiness and hope. For example, we partner with CoachArt to provide free art classes for families impacted by childhood chronic illness. Is there a charity you are fond of or support, that you might like our readers to learn more about?

KF. I love that Linda Wehrli does that! Art does give sanctuary and much needed healing to people. Nonprofits contact me for art donations for their charity auctions. Apart from my art, I personally support Heifer International. They empower families to create income to lift themselves out of poverty, as well as helping women in entrepreneurship.

JLS. So nice of you. We’ll definitely check this organization out. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you turn to for inspiration?

KF. I’ll give you three! I love Longfellow’s quote “Art is long, and time is fleeting.”
I love the saying, “Community over competition.”
My mantra is “Keep Calm & Art On”. It’s so important to me that it’s on the back of my palettes, I wear a hoodie with it, I even made merch!

Wise words. Thanks so much for sharing the inspo, Kelly and for your gracious time in letting us interview you.

Want to learn more about this fantastic artist? Check out her website, Instagram, and Facebook page.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s Artist Interview blog! Curious to learn how to draw? Pastimes offers an Intro to Drawing with Graphite Course. Set up a free consultation today!

. . . . . . . . . .
If you enjoyed this Artist Interview, please feel free to share on your favorite social media to get the word out about this great artist! Thank you for your support.

Want first notice on more upcoming student art and cultural events? Subscribe now!

Pastimes For a Lifetime Art and Piano School is located in Valley Glen, California. 818-766-0614. School is open Tuesday – Saturday year round, except major holidays.

You can learn more about Pastimes for a Lifetime’s Art Curriculum and founder/instructor Linda Wehrli by clicking the links or feel free to explore our new and improved website.

Ready to learn to draw or paint? Set up a free consultation with founder/instructor Linda Wehrli or book a Trial Art Class.

Join the fun: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Jessica Lee Sanders on Instagram and Facebook.