Local artist Don Kilby paints narrative scenes and landscapes that go beyond realism, using mood and atmosphere to reveal the beauty that is all around us.
Landscape painter Don Kilby made the move to Grey County from Eden Mills two years ago, and discovered a thriving artistic community and plenty of subject matter for his paintings. In his new surroundings, he seeks out inspiration along every trail and side road that looks intriguing, always on the lookout for something “special and inspiring” to depict in his next painting.
“I grew into the habit of finding ideas for my paintings from what lay just outside my door; what I saw every time I went for a bike ride, walked my dog or drove into town,” says Kilby, who, over the past 10 years, has been making the shift from commercial art towards establishing himself as a fine art painter. “This relaxed familiarity with my painting subjects allowed plenty of time for study and close examination. The result was a signature painting approach that became known for capturing the subtle nuances and details truly evocative of the scene and subject they were based upon. Additionally, as the illustrator of numerous book covers, it was my job to communicate or suggest a narrative in the artwork, a quality I continue to strive to include in my new paintings.”
His work has been featured in local shows and galleries. This fall, Kilby opens his own gallery/studio/teaching space at 201 Marsh Street in Clarksburg. “I invite all to drop by and have a look, check out my new painting efforts finished or under way, and say hello to me and my dog Brownie, the official greeter.” ❧
