“Half Moon Bay Delights”, Oil, 12×12, by Kim Lordier, winner of Best Use of Light and Color from the 2019 NOAPS SMALL PAINTING National Juried Exhibition at the RS Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg, Texas.

The sun-filled burst of color is the winning element in this painting by Kim Lordier.  Filled with suggested shapes and shadows, the viewers wind our way through the painting discovering the dappled light until we are greeted at the door of the greenhouse.  The active brushwork enhances the feeling of energy created by the light and color, inviting us to linger among the fresh blossoms.

  “Intrinsic Beauty, Monastery Beach”, 27×40, Pastel, Private Collection

Kim Lordier has been a serious artist since the age of 15, when she began selling her animal portraits in pastel.  After attending the Academy of Art in San Francisco, and a brief time working for an airline, Lordier began to actively pursue her art.  Her spark of determination was ignited by an exhibit of the Early California Impressionists at the Oakland Museum of Art, and her path was set.

  “Temblor Range, Spring Patterns”, 18×24, Pastel, Private Collection

Lordier has had many supporters along the way to help and encourage her; from museum directors, magazine editors and collectors, she has gained momentum and name recognition.  In particular, Skip Whitcomb, who works in pastel and oil, has shared his knowledge and friendship with Kim and become a true mentor.  Her impressionistic style has been inspired not only by the Early California Impressionists, but also by the Taos Artists and the Tonalists, all who share the common thread of strong tonal structure with beautiful color and mood.

  “Kinda Like Diamonds in the Sky”, 20×24, Pastel, Collection of the Artist.

Although her primary medium is pastel, Lordier has begun to successfully work in oil.  She prefers to paint from life en plein air whenever possible, and for larger paintings will do field studies and take photos for reference in the studio.  Her process for oil painting is the direct alla prima approach, resulting in fresh color and brushwork.

  “Copa de Oro in Antelope Valley”, Pastel, 11×14, Debra Huse Gallery.

Changing mediums, says Kim, “helps to bring one out of a rut, makes you think outside your comfort zone, and shakes up the process.  The foundational principles are the same, and each medium has wonderful idiosyncrasies that are fun to figure out!”

  Painting in process at the Half Moon Bay Nursery, CA.

Kim Lordier’s work is represented by James J. Rieser Fine Art, Carmel by the Sea, CA; Debra Huse Gallery, Balboa Island, CA; Holton Studio Frame Makers, Berkeley, CA, Illume Gallery of Fine Art, St. George, Utah; and Sekula’s Fine Art & Antiques, Sacramento, CA.  To view more of Lordier’s work, visit her website at www.kimfancherlordier.com

To view the 2019 NOAPS SMALL PAINTING National Juried Exhibition, visit www.noaps.org

Written by Patricia Tribastone, NOAPS Blog Director