Art by K Heil

Perspective

I have had a life-long interest in art. Initially, my focus was fine art, but the demands of making a living gradually led me to graphic design and technical illustration. As a partner in a graphics illustration business in the San Francisco bay area, my work included everything from retouching photographs for magazine ads to creating illustrations of high tech engineering concepts and also illustrations of scientific research. Along the way I continued to work at improving my skills as an artist, eventually obtaining a BA in Studio Art. Then, several years ago, I abandoned the air brush for good and I have once again returned to fine art full time.
I enjoy working in a variety of media including pastel, charcoal, and pencil. But most of my work has been in oils. With my realistic art, I work directly from life and have two favorite subjects: the human form and colorful landscapes. I particularly enjoy doing the landscapes since working outdoors, surrounded by my subject, gives my work a vitality and authenticity that I couldn't otherwise achieve.
Recently I have been exploring abstract art which I find even more challenging than realism. Like realism, abstract art requires strong composition and design. But unlike realism, it's imagery is from the imagination rather than reality. Since it does not rely on reality for interest, interest must be developed in other ways. I have started using the computer as my sketch book to explore ideas. The computer thumbnails allow unlimited variations, enabling me to fully develop an idea into a painting. I can play with color and composition, working out the direction I want a painting to go before I put brush to canvas. With a well thought out comp in hand, I can start a painting with confidence and retain a freshness, not overworking the canvas. Of course, once a painting is started, it takes on a life of its own.