Art of the West digital magazine
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/32473
The Winner, oil, 36˝ by 48˝ “Barrel racing is one of my favorite events in the rodeo. Every May there is a international rodeo competition in my town area. I often go to the rodeo when I have a chance. I try to capture the thrill and excitement of the event.” a lot of contrast to make the painting stand out, which makes a strong picture.” Kwan paints with oils, saying it “gives me my voice in many ways” and provides continuity when he paints outside. Oils, Kwan says, can capture the atmosphere, adding a softness that he believes catches the real spirit of what he’s painting. “Art, for me, is more than just putting something on paper,” he says. “There’s a feeling or emotion. When I’m making art, I’m expressing an emotion or feeling, or something larger than the image I’m painting.” Despite fervently pursuing art education through classes, work- shops, books, and life drawing, it took Kwan until 2007 to commit solely to art. By then he had won some awards, his work was being carried by several galleries, and he was ready to take the leap. Now painting full time, he has never been happier or more deter- mined to become the best fine artist he can be. At the same time, Kwan does not lament the years not painting. He chooses, instead, a cheerful philosophy. “If you want to be a painter and make happy paintings, you have to have a happy fam- ily first,” he says. “That’s what I think. My wife Jeannie is a won- derful person. She is an educational assistant in the elementary school, and she takes care of the business aspect of my art. In the next couple weeks, we will go to Laguna Beach to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, and my children are happily pursuing careers of their choice—life has been good to me.” Mary Nelson is a writer living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. May/June 2011 • ART of the WEST 53