KATHY E. SPARLING
Paintings as Works of Enchantment
Kathy E. Sparling was born in California when the Valley was full of orchards instead of silicon. Her parents were both very creative, and her father also painted.
By age 9, she sold small paintings door-to-door around her neighborhood, using her red Radio Flyer wagon.
In high school, her art was inspired by painters such as Roger Dean (whose fantasy work can be found in books and on ‘Yes’ Albums, some of which have influenced the movie ‘Avatar’), Maxfield Parrish (for his lighting and Romantic Realism), and Brian Froud and Alan Lee (who wrote and illustrated the book ‘Fairies’).
High school also seemed profitable, with commissions from teachers and fellow students.
She traveled around the US, Baja California, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and continental Europe. She owned a few vintage clothing and collectible businesses and always continued her art.
A scattering of college art classes helped her learn new techniques here and there. Exploring different spiritual practices brought more depth to her paintings.
Her first exhibition was held at a Bolinas Gallery in 2006 and was well-received.
Later in life, she was a muralist for Lagunitas Brewery in Chicago. Many of her murals decorate the walls that many tour to this day.
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