Artist Kendra Stone beside her acrylic painting, Puma in Repose, she is showing this month at the Orinda Library Art Gallery.
Orinda Library Art Gallery: Paintings and Photographs
Kendra Stone is a self-taught artist who enjoys exhibiting at libraries in the Lamorinda area. This is her first showing at the Orinda Library, now through Aug. 31.
Stone (www.kendrastoneart.com), who recently moved from Moraga to Vallejo, held her first exhibit at the Moraga Library in 2016.
Transitioning as an acupuncturist, herbalist and yoga teacher to a full-time artist, she experienced humble beginnings.
“While at the library, I had a conversation with the librarian about teaching myself to paint,” said Stone. “The librarian asked to see some of my work and after viewing several on my phone, she requested using some of the raptor paintings in a display to promote an upcoming falconry exhibit at the library.”
Of course, the answer was yes.
Since living in Alaska as a child, Stone has loved being in nature, leading her to create pieces which reflect the beauty of wildlife and seascapes.
Within her home art studio, she enjoys capturing expressive eyes and the softness of fur and feathers.
“Once I choose a subject, I study it – the shapes, textures and colors,” she said. “With wildlife, I love to learn as much as I can about the animal I am painting.”
Stone primarily paints from photographs, some she has taken.
“I often use several photographs for a painting,” she said. “I use acrylics, a fast-drying medium, which takes many layers to develop depth.”
A member of the Lamorinda Arts Council and the Lamorinda Arts Alliance, Stone explains, “Making art for me is a continuous exploration; I am always learning with every single painting, not only about techniques, but about my subjects,” she said. “I love the challenge of capturing their beauty.”
Her methods get to the soul of her subject – in a safe way.
“When painting wildlife, I am able to get closer to the spirit of the animals, even if I never get close to them in the wild,” said Stone. “I take pride in being accurate with details.”
Stone offers advice to those contemplating becoming an artist. “Just do it and practice, practice, practice,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to play, it’s just paint.”
Also showcased at the Orinda Library are paintings by Holly Bazeley, joined by historic photographs and information about building Orindawoods. Orinda photographer Jeff Heyman exhibits 28 contemporary black and white photographs of the San Pablo Valley.
Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments at their reception Aug. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Art Gallery at Wilder: Surreal and Abstract Nature Paintings
Jennifer Granat’s virtual exhibits of figurative and surreal paintings ends Aug. 4, and artist David Lew’s abstract and nature paintings runs Aug. 5 – Sept. 2. Visit Lew’s artwork online at www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/.
To schedule a viewing, contact Ani Breslin at anistonbreslin@berkeley.edu. For more information, call the Lamorinda Arts Council at 925.359.9940 or visit www.lamorindaarts.org.
Maggie Boscoe can be reached at fleetwood7@comcast.net.
