A definition of Family

My client wrote this beautiful definition to describe her family.  I painted it in her entryway.  When they enter their home, it is a reminder of what is most important to them. 

The best color palettes come from nature.

How gorgeous is this?  Definitely inspiring.

How to paint straight lines

I used this technique today while painting a black and white checkerboard pattern on a stool.  Its such an easy way to paint straight lines.  Paint the lightest color first (in my case white).  After the paint has dried, tape off the pattern.  Paint the edges of the tape in the same color (white) and let dry.  You will never notice any seepage under the tape because it is all the same color.  The dried paint makes a tight seal on the tape,  Now paint your second color (black) and remove the tape- you will have a perfectly straight line.

Painting by Kim Baskey

My most recent illustration.

I can’t wait to finish this project and see the book published! 

Drawing by Kim Baskey

Summer is a great time to commission a home portrait.

Leaves on the trees and flowers in bloom make a home feel so welcoming.  Capture that feeling with a home portrait.  I drew this for a client last summer and she gave it to her husband as an anniversary gift.  This could also be done in watercolor.

Drawing by Kim Baskey

Working on illustrations today.

I am drawing a puppy chasing a bunny in a flower garden; too cute and too much fun! This is for a children’s book I am illustrating.  I love working on illustrations because it is something I can do from home (perfect for summertime when my kids are home from school) and I can do my work sitting in a comfy chair (rather than standing on a ladder all day). The best part of illustrating is the thrill of seeing my work in print!  Here are a few examples of my first illustrations, from a book called Wispy Willy, written by Diane Hanny.

Illustrations by Kim Baskey

Each mural is painted especially for you.

I love to personalize my murals.  The little details are what make the mural special to you.  I painted this mural in my nephew, Noah’s, nursery.  I included his name, his two dogs, Diesel and Buttercup, and his mom’s favorite animal, the hippo.

A gift to inspire young artists.

This week I am volunteering at Toledo Christian Schools.  The TCS art teacher and I have teamed up to paint a Van Gogh themed mural in the middle school art room.  I’m hoping the mural inspires the students to paint, paint, paint!

Personalize Your Furniture

An ordinary desk is quickly transformed into a unique treasure by adding hand-painted birds, butterflies, flowers and whimsical knobs.

Painting by Kim Baskey.  Knobs by Mackenzie-Childs.

4 tips for choosing a wall finish that makes you happy.

1. Look at your closet and jewelry box.  What do you choose to wear during your favorite events?  Did you wear a stunning red dress for date night?  Elegant turquoise earrings at New Year’s?  Do you pack pastels for vacation?  Most likely your favorite colors to wear during your happiest moments will evoke feelings of happiness if you see them on your walls.

2. What place makes you happy?  If you love to be in the woods, try greens or browns.  If you love to be at the beach, try yellows or blues.  If you love to be at the spa, try blues or greens.

3. What state of mind makes you happy?  If you love to be energized, try yellow.  If you love to be passionate, try reds and deep purples.  If you love to be relaxed, try blues, greens, or pale purples.

4. What atmospheres make you happy?  The texture of your walls can emulate those atmospheres.  If you love to be in nature, try a mottled, brushed or strie finish.  If you love to be in rustic environments, try an aged, textured or glazed finish.  If you love to be in sophisticated and elegant environments, try a smooth, high-sheen or metallic plaster.