Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Page.
Kari, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a child, my father put me in art classes, as he saw potential in some of my drawings. When I went to college, I was required to take many art classes for my Fashion Design Degree. During those times, I mainly just used pencil for my artwork. I definitely liked some of the things I created, however, I never really wanted to hang them on my wall. I always felt like it wasn’t good enough. So after college, I neglected my art. I didn’t pick up a pencil or create anything for 15 years.
It wasn’t until about four years ago that I decided to get back into my art. I was going through a rough time and wanted something that would help me feel better about myself. So, I decided I wanted to do oil painting. It was something I had never done before and I had no idea how to get started. So, I got on YouTube, watched videos and learned about the tools I would need to start. From there, I just went for it. I started posting my work on Facebook and eventually started getting commission work. Most of them were pet portraits and then, I evolved more into people portraits, which has really become my passion!
Recently, I’ve been looking into ways to expand my art. So now, I’m working on creating a YouTube tutorial channel and online classes through my Patreon Page, to show and explain exactly how I create my art. I also do commission work as it’s requested.
By the way, I now love my paintings, and they adorn the walls in my home! 🙂
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road! LOL! But I am constantly challenging myself in my art. I’m always trying new techniques, by watching and learning from other artists. It helps to keep me on my toes!
I’m a visual artist, so I have to see it in order to create it. I mainly go off photographs. Sometimes, when someone commissions me, the photo is not as clear or is really aged. That can definitely be a challenge when you’re doing a portrait and want to please the client by getting the likeness just right.
Since I’ve decided to start filming my YouTube and Patreon tutorials, that has also been a bit of a struggle. I don’t consider myself to be very tech-savvy. So, I have to watch other peoples videos to figure it all out. LOL! From utilizing Instagram to making and editing my films, etc.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kari Page Art – what should we know?
My business right now is mainly commission work, specializing in portraits. But I also have a Patreon Page that I’m feverishly working on to show and teach people about how I create the shown image. I list all the materials I use and even give a reference photo and sketch outline.
I now use many mediums such as graphite, colored pencil, oil paints, pastels, and watercolors. So, I can offer a portrait in any or a combination of those mediums.
I’m most proud that people put faith in me to create for them. Painting or drawing their loved ones and pets (even ones who have passed) is something I love to do for people. It’s something they will have forever.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
To keep moving forward and seeing how I can bring my art into other people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: karipageart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karipageart/
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/karipageart
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