I have been daydreaming and soaking up the quiet beauty of Bath County, Virginia since March. Hot Springs is home to the legendary Homestead Resort, a destination of relaxation and luxury for almost 250 years. These lush mountains are so vibrant it’s as if the green colors are squeezed right out of a paint tube. The tropical plants, songbirds, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms feel like an island vacation everyday. The plants are happier than anywhere I’ve ever seen. Hollyhocks, hibiscus and hydrangeas that tower over me. The magic of fireflies at dusk will always make me happy.

My most recent paintings were created to be part of the largest annual juried Art Show in Virginia right here in Bath County, celebrating its 60th year!

This first painting was inspired early spring when the ground was covered with leaves and the trees were bare. I walked the trails of Garth Newel, which is a year-round chamber music venue featuring renowned musicians. The 50 concerts performed throughout the year are paired with gourmet coursed meals that overlook an incredible 114-acre property. The piece above is titled “Music to My Eyes”

The inspiration for this painting took place on a guided hike lead by a local naturalist of the Homestead Resort. The Cascade Gorge trail features 13 waterfalls and wooden walkways that lead you across the creek and around huge rock walls. This piece is titled Streaming Now.

This final painting, titled Forest Frosting, features Mountain Laurel one of my new favorite flowers. The blooms are lacy and delicate. The pink and white buds look like little stars squeezed from a piping bag.

The Bath County Art Show brings together an amazing art community from all over the state. I have volunteered my time to the event and met wonderful artists and collectors. This is a very special events to be held in a small county of 4,000 people.

I am having a wonderful time exploring this new land and bringing my findings back into the studio. My paintings are so saturated and vibrant because of the intensity of the colors in real life. These rolling hills covered in deciduous trees are going to blow my mind in the fall!

Please reach out if you are excited to work together on a custom painting of a special place you want to remember forever.

Love,

Katy Kirby

Thank you for joining me on this wild ride! Link below to my portfolio.

katykstudio.com