Evolution of Art chats with Cindi Kurtz about her journey as an artist!

As we hung the current show,  A Retrospective of Three Artists, I chatted with Cindi Kurtz about her journey as an artist. We had a lovely talk. Here are the highlights and a few pictures!

Cindi and Jennifer hang art

Cindi and Sabiha wire artwork

 How long have you been painting?

As far  as when I started painting- I started with an art class offered to Air Force Officers wives back in 1999 at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio. I began with charcoal, moved to pastels and made it  to watercolor before we were transferred back to the DC area. I've always been drawn to doing oils. In 2002,  I was lucky to get into Nancy Jung's class. That's where I found my passion! I used to be afraid to paint at home but not any more. I have to say that it is the best therapy in the world! 

How did you three artists come to paint together?

Sabiha and I have been friends since 1995, the first time we were stationed in the DC area, but I had no idea she was as interested in art as I was! When Sabiha found out I was in Nancy's class she wanted in but had to wait a year  for an opening. Sabiha joined the class in 2003 or 2004. Yolanda joined us in about 2007. We all sat near each other and often admired each others work. One day we decided to all work on the same painting using the same size canvas just to see how the three paintings would turn out. It was amazing how different the three paintings were! I think we are all good for each other— we inspire each other, share ideas and just have a great time painting together. 

How do you decide what to paint?

I have to give so much credit to Nancy Jung, our teacher and our friend. She encourages us to paint what we want so 99.9% of the time each one of Nancy's 40+ students are each workingon something different! Though Nancy teaches oil, she has opened up many doors to us. That is why Yolanda has a collage and I have a Batik hanging in this show at Beanetics. 

Atkins's collage (A Crimson Autumn) and Kurtz's batik (Black-Eyed Susans)

A Retrospective of Three Artists is on display at Beanetics Coffee Roasters now through September 2nd. Please join us for an Artists' Reception on Sunday, August 21st, from 2-4pm.