Diana Kilburn

Suite 105 | Diana Kilburn | Watercolor, painting

Biography
I grew up near Cincinnati, Ohio, and have been involved in art all my life. A Bachelors graduate of Miami University (Ohio) and art student at the University of Memphis, I have had work featured in group and solo exhibits in Cincinnati, St.Louis, Memphis, and Lexington, Kentucky. While living in these areas, I studied watercolor painting with many nationally known artists.  During the time that I lived in eastern Kentucky for 20 years, I sold my work at the Promenade Gallery in Berea. I exhibited my work at the Berea Summer Festival for 6 years and my work was featured on the festival publicity postcard for two years.

In 2014, my husband and I moved to downtown Knoxville and we enjoy the cultural opportunities offered by the city. I am a member of the Arts & Culture Alliance and have participated in their exhibits since 2014.

Artist Statement
Even though I have been involved with art all my life and have painted with watercolors for over 30 years, I still enjoy developing new painting skills and techniques. It is important for me to look beyond what I see and make a personal statement that portrays a subject in a new way, capturing a mood or spirit. Painting with watercolor  is for me a joyous experience and I hope to convey these feelings to the viewers.

Most of my paintings begin with drawings inspired by nature, special places or memories. They are developed by using the indirect method of painting. After detailed sketching, I use masking fluid to mask out the details. Then, without touching the paper, I spatter and pour paint, letting the colors mix directly on the paper. After the paint dries, I remove the masking and paint the details with a brush. I enjoy this process that allows me to create representational paintings with a touch of Impressionism.