Kathleen Best Gillmann - Growing up in Maine, Kathleen Best Gillmann explored and observed her surroundings with close attention and delight -- from sea anemones clinging to rocks in a coastal cave at Acadia National Park to the dark night sky revealing the Milky Way in its glorious splendor.  Soon, with the influence of sensitive high school teachers, she began sketching and photographing what she found outdoors. Later her aesthetic sensibilities grew further in college where she completed two bachelor's degrees in the arts.  After two decades working in fields related to art and education, Kathleen began to hone her painting skills in 2002.

Now a resident of northern Virginia, she continues to be influenced by these formative years living in New England.  Many elements of the natural world intrigue her -- particularly the mercurial qualities of water, and the moods of atmosphere, sunlight and weather.  Over the years, she has collected innumerable mental and photographic images that continue to inspire her work.  And today, daily excursions outside  further stimulate her imagination. 

(Select pictures for larger viewing!)

"Silent No Longer" - acrylic	"Beach Houses at Lord's Point"- acrylic	"Salt Marsh behind Parson's Beach" - acrylic
"Early Morning Meadow" - acrylic	"Crashing Surf 2"- acrylic	"Crashing Surf 3 "- acrylic
"Red Tree at Fountainhead" - oil pastel	"The Old Beach Hotel" - acrylic	"Cat Mousam River Salt Marsh "- acrylic
"Arkansas River Valley" - acrylic	"Rock Garden Fern"	"Christmas Coleus" - water color
"Where Land Meets Sea" - charcoal & colored pencil	"Hiker's Delight 1" - pastel	"Outskirts of Duluth" - pastel
"Misty Harbor Up North" - acrylic	"Carderock Woodland"- acrylic	"Cyclamen & Yellow Wrap" - acrylic wash
"Turban Sonata in Squash Major" - water color	"Hiker's Delight II" - charcoal	"Merry, Merry We" - pastel
"Portrait of JJ" - pastel	"Goldilocks & 3 Bears" - pastel	"That Magical Moment " - pastel

Since 2006, her paintings and drawings have received several awards - including a first place and a Best in Show award.  Commissioned works to date include both landscapes and portraits owned locally and as far away as New England.  As a new member of the Loft Gallery, she would be delighted to give you a quote for a commissioned work - please contact her through the gallery.   

Ms. Gillmann also teaches art through Arlington County Adult Education.  Look for their online catalog for current course offerings.

Kathleen has focused on acrylic paint for five years due to its versatility and speed.  What might be done with oils, she does with acrylics.   However, she also uses water color to be challenged by its fluidity and learn more about its luminosity.  Then when working in acrylic, she may achieve that luminosity characteristic of watercolor. Or she may transfer the scumbled overlay of pastel to her work in acrylic.  To keep growing as and artist, Kathleen trusts the value of working in several media and the cross pollination that results.

Her goal is to embody her sense of wonder through her landscape paintings, portraits, and other studies of nature. With pleasure she shares a bit of this awe-inspiring world with you.