Who is Kathleen Kokolias?

Whatever medium I use in my art, I strive for a feeling of balance, harmony and spontaneity. I was a photographer for most of my adult life while working as a Registered Nurse and have been a published author for the past twenty. When I moved to New York State after living in Berkeley, California for two decades, I started to paint. 

After a brief exposure to watercolor, I was introduced to experimental "watermedia" by Karen Rosasco, a gifted artist and patient teacher. I have found my passion with this technique which is accomplished by building multiple layers of fluid acrylic or watercolor paint and adding in texture between layers. I use whatever materials are on hand such as pressing bubble wrap or spraying alcohol into wet paint, making marks or adding heavy gels for depth. To complete the painting, I often add collage and/or found objects to create dimension and focus. Also, since l am a writer and appreciate the power of the word, I like to incorporate script or text into my paintings sometimes hidden in early layers. 

What I love about experimental water-media is that it requires only that you approach it with an open mind; the process is spontaneous and relies on letting go of preconceived ideas, which unleashes the intuitive spirit of the artist. The final result is always a surprise, and who doesn’t love a surprise? While living in upstate New York, I was a partner in the Broadway Art Center in Albany, a member of the Niche Gallery in Saratoga Springs, and a contributor to The Arts Center in Troy, NY. 

After visiting family in Florida for over 30 years, my husband and I moved to St. Augustine in the summer of 2015 where I was delighted to find an active artists’ community. I became a member of the Society of Mixed Media Artists, the Art Association of St. Augustine and The Art Studio at St. Augustine Beach with its dramatic view of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Most recently I have joined the Ancient City Art Gallery in historical downtown St. Augustine!