Associate Pastel Artist NZ (APANZ)
"Colour in all its delicious combinations inspires my paintings."
Often I paint from life using the energy of the moment and my observations to create intimate soft pastel paintings of people and landscapes. I focus on creating an imagined colour palette rather than local colour to create mood, as well as bold mark making to interpret my subjects.
KYM BEATON (APANZ)
I'm formally trained in graphic design and art in some form has always directed my decisions. I have always painted and over the years have received awards, sales, commission requests and more recently awarded APANZ an artist member honour award within the New Zealand pastel community.
Since 2012 I’ve worked as an art coordinator organising exhibitions, events, communications, liaising with artists, curators and committees and I continue to support the organisations that champion art within the community.
In 2017 I recorded a television episode of 'Colour In Your Life' showcasing my mixed media portrait technique (watch it below).
Alongside the Three Lakes Charitable Trust (NZ) I taught painting in 2021-22, inspiring young students (and then their family) through the ‘Art In Schools’ program.
In 2022 I began a practise of weekly Plein air painting in New Zealand's South Island which continues today in Australia.
Seeing a need within the local community, in 2024, I instigated monthly life drawing sessions, inspiring others to get involved in the benefits of sketching from life.
Today, I continue to paint demonstrating, encouraging and coaching other artists on their journey.
Contact me for more information on a painting, tuition or coaching.
AWARDS INCLUDE:
Awarded Artist Member (APANZ) Pastel Artists of NZ May 2023
Merit Award: 'Where Peaceful Waters Flow' – PANZ National Exhibition April 2023
1st Place: 'Patience' – PANZ Pastel Challenge Nov 2022
Merit Award: 'Low Tide' – PANZ National Exhibition April 2022
1st Place: 'Dinner Service' – PANZ Pastel Challenge March 2021
2nd Place: 'First Light On Black Peak' – PANZ Pastel Challenge Jun 2020
Highly Commended: 'Red Welly Adventure' – Wanaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition 2019
Viewers Choice Award: 'Elemental Poet' – Wanaka Arts 2017
2nd Place: 'Grandpa's Shed'– PANZ Pastel Challenge Jan 2017
Overall Winner: 'Country Road, Milawa' – Wanaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition 2015
Overall Winner: 'Sydney Summer Swim'– Wanaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition 2013
Highly Commended: 'Smith's Lake' – Northbridge Art Prize 2005