"The world will never starve for want of wonders, but for want of wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton

As a child growing up in Maine I observed much and wondered about much -- from sea anemones clinging to rocks in a coastal cave at Acadia National Park to dark night skies revealing the Milky Way in its glorious splendor. I have not stopped wondering and this motivates much of what I draw and paint.

Today I reside in northern Virginia and remain intrigued by many elements of the natural world. The mercurial qualities of water and the moods of weather, atmosphere, and sunlight continue to amaze me and stimulate my imagination. I have been sketching and photographing outside from my youth. It is this collection of mental and real images and my contemporary excursions outdoors with camera, sketch book, paints & easel that inspire my work.

The growth and development of my artistic vision result from my training in life drawing and landscape painting along with my continued study of Western art history. Artists including Thomas Cole, Edward Hooper, John Singer Sargent and others have certainly influenced me.

Acrylic paint has held my attention for about 6 years due to its versatility and speed. What might be done in oils, I do with acrylics. However I do not limit myself to acrylics. For instance, I also use water color to be challenged by its fluidity and learn more about its luminosity. Then when I paint in acrylics, I may achieve that luminosity characteristic of watercolor or the scumbling common to pastels. I trust the value of working in several media and the cross pollination that results.

Because the wonders of this world are typically the focus of my art, every work I make is completely derivative of God's glorious creation.

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for he founded it . . . and established . . ." (Psalm 24:1-2)

For this reason, when I begin a new work I often begin with a profound sense of hope and with great energy, and, at times, with humility and gratitude because I do not begin with myself, but with what God has graciously given us so richly to enjoy.

Raised in Maine, I grew up surrounded by the stunning beauty of tide pools, lakes, and forested mountains. After graduating with two closely related bachelor's degrees in the arts, I followed the career trajectory begun in college by working initially in museum education and later for an architectural firm. After completing an MLS in 1991, I worked in libraries for a decade.

Then in 2002, I seized the opportunity to return to my first love by setting up an art studio at home and shortly thereafter I joined the Art League in Alexandria, VA and the Springfield Art Guild.

Since then my work began to garnering professional recognition. For the past three years my landscape paintings have juried into the Art League Gallery's International 'Scapes Show held each August in the Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC). My entry this year, "Beach House at Lord's Point," took an honorable mention.

Since 2006 several paintings and drawings have juried into local and national shows and a number have collected awards including Honorable Mention and Best in Show. One painting exhibited in December at the Vulcan Gallery, Silent no Longer, received an Award of Distinction from juror Edward C. Knippers and the People's Choice Award last spring at the Truro Festival Arts Show.

Several of my paintings are now privately owned in the region including a commissioned version of "Beach Houses" completed in September 2010. To learn more about my art or to discuss a commission please contact me directly at kmbgillmann@yahoo.com or check out my blog at Artbykbgillmann.blogspot.com.

At this point in my career, I enjoy working in several media including acrylic and pastel (seen here), water color, and drawing media. An award winning pastel and work in other media may be seen at SpringfieldArtGuild.com/Gillmann_page.htm

To view my work in person, come directly to building W-16 at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center where I participate in the monthly exhibitions as an Artist Associate. Alternatively, you may find my work at the Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St., in historic Occoquan, VA just down the road from the Workhouse. Or if you're in Alexandria, VA please visit the Art League Gallery in the TFAC (105 North Union St.) where you may see my work in the Bin Gallery. Also take note of other "Current" shows listed in the upper left on this page. Thank you!