Cindy McKee
I have always loved making art! As a child I always asked for “paint by number” sets for Christmas then spent happy hours filling in the areas with the designated paints. When I got to the high school level I wanted to take art, but no, I was on college prep and had to take an overload on those courses with no time for art. So as soon as I was married I began taking art courses at the community college level. I aced all the drawing classes, turned out some lovely oil paintings and even learned stained glass making, but none of it was a life changing event until I got a taste of watercolor.
In 2000, my now husband and I happened into the Splash watercolor show and I was in awe of the vibrancy and variation of color in all the works. I said “Someday I am going to learn how to do watercolor!”. In 2001 I saw in my Satellite Beach newsletter that Ed Carlson was offering beginning watercolor at the Rec. Center so I signed up and have been hooked ever since!
Through my BWS membership, I have entered four judged shows. At the 2007 & 2008 MIWA shows I placed in both with a merit award - very thrilling. I have also entered the Splash show those same years and accepted the task of designing the layout for the Splash program. It was all a fun and learning experience and I enjoyed the interaction with the other members.
Since January 2008 I have donated my time every Monday evening working at Brighthouse on the production staff of Focus, a TV show promoting the arts in Brevard County. It gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of talented people from our thriving art community and I thoroughly enjoy the team of volunteers that produce the show.
As a graphic designer in the printing industry, I feel that my daily use of color and spatial relationships has influenced my style as a watercolorist. I tend to be precise and enjoy strong contrast and bold colors. I continue to self study and vary my subject matter from nature and wildlife to portraits. I have found that I love to paint babies and children. It was this love that inspired me, in 2008, to launch the Blessed Babies service.
You can see my work at Art and Antique Studio Gallery.
Art has always been in the background of my life and as I become more active in the art community I aspire to eventually make it my main focus!
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