Kimball Willson, Artist
  • Home
  • About
  • Dog + Horse Paintings
    • Custom Paintings
    • View From Above
    • Gift Certificates
  • Artist in Residence
    • BFree Studio
    • Resorts
  • More
    • Team Building
    • Abstracts +
  • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Get in Touch

Artist's Statement

As a professional oil painter, I specialize in custom animal portraits (mostly horses, dogs, and cats). It is my aim to capture the spirit, beauty, and unique character of the animals I paint.  By paying particular attention to their form and expression, I strive to create an emotional connection between my subjects and the viewer.   
​

I describe my painting style as expressive realism and take inspiration from a broad range of artistic influences from many eras.  My pet portraits are purposefully painted to honor my clients’ animal companions and to create a cherished memory of their beloved pet.

When creating my bespoke pieces, I use a more traditional color palette as I find it creates the deep richness that brings my subjects to life. My pieces feature detailed areas that draw the viewer’s eye to the most important traits, and are balanced with more loose brush strokes that brings the piece together as a whole.
​
The companionship between humans and animals runs deep in all of us. Paintings of horses are among the most common artworks dating back thousands of years.  This majestic animal represents power, passion and independence.  As a lifelong equestrian, I am inspired by these qualities and personally connect with the energy of our equine partners.

Similarly, dogs have been discovered in ancient cave artwork and current day domesticated dogs are known as “(wo)man’s best friend”. Dogs symbolize trust and loyalty, values that I personally hold deeply.  I’ve had dogs all of my life and also foster rescue puppies.  I’ve been a witness to the individual emotions and different personality of our canine companions and strive to infuse that soulfulness in my paintings.
​
Through my artwork, I am able to contribute to rescue organizations that transport, shelter, feed, and provide medical care to animals in need.  I’m proud to have developed a career that connects my desire to help animals with my passion for painting custom pet portraits.  I love to delight owners by portraying the spirit and expressions of their pets in my paintings knowing that my work contributes not only to their joy, but in bettering the lives of vulnerable animals in need.

About Kimball Willson

Picture
After two decades and numerous career paths, I’ve made my way back to what I’m most passionate about:  horses, dogs, and art.

Read about my background and  journey below:

Picture
Horses:  Growing up outside of Rochester, NY I spent my teenage years showing, training/selling young horses, and caring for horses at the barn.  I had the opportunity to ride with some of the nation’s top trainers and compete in the Medal and Maclay finals, as well as shows throughout the northeast and Wellington, FL.  

During the early 2000s, I exercised and schooled horses for a couple stables outside of Boston, where I lived for a decade before moving to San Diego, CA.  Once on the west coast, entrepreneurship became my focus and I exercised horses once or twice a week at a local show stables. 

Picture
From the baby who was 'put on a horse before she could walk' to the horse-obsessed teen, to part-time professional, and finally riding for fun as an adult... you could say horses have always been a part of my life!

Picture
Dogs:  I can’t remember a time when my family didn’t have dogs.  As a young child, we had medium size dogs, then my parents fell in love with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels… and so did I! Currently, my husband and I have a ruby Cavalier named Piper - she is queen of our house, loves everyone, and is the best snuggler.  

Picture
​Dog rescue has also been something very important and close to my heart.  We started fostering rescue puppies in 2019 and have cared for nearly 80 little pups before their adoption to forever homes.  Through Corporate to Canvas I also do fundraiser painting events for rescue organizations.

Picture
Art:  I remember I was about six when we moved to a new house I found a giant illustration book among the boxes.  It had belonged to my Aunt and it was my introduction to the idea of becoming an artist.  I enjoyed studio art, experimented with numerous mediums and crafts, and even won some awards for fine art in high school.  When not at the stables, I was in the art room.  But I thought I had to go to college to study liberal arts and business and get "a real job".  ​

Fast forward almost twenty years and I’m back at the easel.  I see how all my professional experiences combined with my creative side allowed me to launch Corporate to Canvas (team building through painting activities) and of course my custom art business.

I guess I'm considered "self taught" because I didn't go to art school, but I have had the chance to take classes from numerous talented artists in the San Diego area as well as through courses online.  I'm grateful to be able to create art everyday and run two businesses that make me happy and bring joy to others too!
Fun Facts:
  • To this day, ‘rainbow’ is my favorite color... I can’t choose just one​
  • I’m borderline millennial, drive a manual transmission, and prefer talking to texting
  • I enjoy cooking, I’m 100% gluten and dairy free, and love dark chocolate... and red wine
  • I go through phases with fitness routines... recently my favorites have been: sprinting, boxing, pilates, TB12, weights, and yoga
  • I also love TAKING art classes, learning new skills, and meeting new friends 
Contact Me

Services

Dog and Horse Paintings
View From Above Series
​Abstract and More 
​Newsletter

Support

Contact
Terms of Service
​Privacy Policy
© COPYRIGHT 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • About
  • Dog + Horse Paintings
    • Custom Paintings
    • View From Above
    • Gift Certificates
  • Artist in Residence
    • BFree Studio
    • Resorts
  • More
    • Team Building
    • Abstracts +
  • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Get in Touch