Tell us a bit about yourself….
My name is Kathryn Petroff, and I am the owner of KLP Fine Art. I work as a full time artist/muralist, creating custom murals and portraits for residential and commercial clients. I also create and sell my own creative gallery works in oils and conte. I relocated a few years ago from my home town of Dallas to the small mountain community of Bailey, CO and travel between the two areas for projects.
As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?
It’s a bit broad, but life inspires me. I don’t have to force an idea. Life just happens, and I pull from that. My style definitely combines an edginess that influenced me growing up in Dallas along with the peacefulness of nature that I am surrounded by today. I love layering visuals and their meanings in my paintings to mimic the complex layers of memories I hold onto.
How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?
Well, I would assume I’ve been creating my entire life…at least, as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family of artists, and that was just part of everyday life in our house. It was how we bonded and shared ideas. When I went off to college, the question was never, “Are you going to major in Business or Science?” It was, “Are you majoring in Visual Arts or Dance?” I have always had great support with my creative endeavors, and there was never a question that this is simply who I am.
What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?
I think the dreams of becoming rich and famous are a bit silly to hope for, and typically mean you are just good at following the trend of the moment. I just want to paint what I feel and know that it has inspired someone, whether it’s to look at something in a new way or to keep pushing in their own creativity. I’m going to paint regardless of if I sell work or not. It’s my oxygen, and I can’t live without it.
Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?
My husband and I are big nature fanatics. (Obviously. Not many people would pick up and move to the woods.) We hike every second possible, backpack, camp, bike, etc. Our one year old son comes right along with us and is so much fun to watch exploring the mountains. Darkroom Photography and Dance have always been dear to my heart as well, and you can see many visuals from them pulled into my artwork.
What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?
My first experience with ArtLoveMagic was several years ago, right after I had just started my business. I saw an online ad for an event they were having at the Janette Kennedy Gallery, and I contacted them to see if I could get involved. They were super positive and asked me to be part of the show. When I showed up people kept coming up to me saying, “Oh, you’re the conte chick!” I later found out that most of my art buddies from high school and college were already involved in their events too. It just felt like a good match from the beginning.
What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?
My website is http://www.klpfineart.com. You can also find KLP Fine Art on Facebook and YouTube.
How can someone contact you?
You can email me at Kathryn@klpfineart.com or contact me through my website.
