When it came time to name awards in this month’s “Landscape” exhibit, juror Timothy Clark’s eyes landed on a wild, expressive scene indeed. Where does Lakeside Villa take you?

To find out more about this abstract ’scape, we chatted with the artist, Kay Walsh.

What was your goal with Lakeside Villa?
Kay Walsh: Painting in the abstract often comes by chance, since my goal is to be free and spontaneous. I had two thoughts … first, I enjoy painting in complementary color ranges and secondly, I wanted to experiment by adding many layers to discover new techniques and strengthen my process.

Is this painting part of a series? If so, where does it fit in the progression of that series?
This painting is not a part of a series. However, I have created a number of paintings that have a similar style.

The paintings look as if I was floating above the earth using an aerial painterly style. I usually have a strong horizon line with flat architectural shapes creating a focal point. After I finished the painting it reminded me of our Lakeside Villa at the beach. This brings up strong emotions of being happy while relaxing at the beach.

What is your creative process like, in terms of conceiving and planning a piece?
I am an intuitive painter, often letting things just happen. My background in graphics gives me many perspectives on what a painting could look like. I have spent a lot of time experimenting and exploring different aspects of abstract art … like going on an adventure with so many surprises around every corner. I love to problem-solve which is fun in abstract art because it is easy to create unpredictable situations.

Why are you a painter?
To create, educate, enjoy the journey, and share my art.

While in college I took classes in several of the different disciplines, as in pottery, photography, and printmaking. But most of all I enjoyed painting … getting my hands into the paint and creating was most exciting. I was schooled on Michelangelo and other old masters from the beginning. It was fascinating with all the amazing pieces of art and the history behind the time period.

After college I continued to paint and went through an impressionism period studying Cezanne, Monet, Matisse, and Degas. Then after moving to Virginia, I started with The Art League and decided to study abstract art. I felt that if I could understand and paint in the abstract style that this would improve my painting going forward, since many of the same elements were in the abstract as well.

Unconsciously, abstract art can have a great narrative where with the use of many amazing materials the artist can engage in their own inspirational story. When you think about the universe, everything was imagined and created, and the curiosity in that is so inspiring.

Do you listen to music while you paint? Any recommendations for a painting playlist?
Sometimes. I often listen to books on tape. Mysteries are my favorite. I love to listen to sports too. I am a big Nats baseball fan. The team and I have competed along side by side through many ups and down of the entire season.

What are you working on now?
As a big Art League fan, I am always interested in engaging in education through classes. This year I am hoping to spend some time on getting organized and working on my website. Also, I will continue on a hard edge abstract series and most of all have fun with my abstract expressionism friends and artwork.

“Landscape” is on view through Saturday, March 31, 2018.