Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Kania.
Hi Matt, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I am a professional oil painter and an original printmaker. Most of my artistry coming in recent years in the form of plein air oil painting (that’s French for ‘in the open air’ or ‘on location’).
I have been direct painting for about 15 years and I love how this form of artistry connects me to the surrounding world. It is thrilling to create something from scratch on a blank canvas. The act of direct painting enriches my joy for life – and it helps me to be fully engaged in my environment.
Painting directly from nature, on location, is a deeply meaningful way for me to become more fully engaged in the experience of a place. As an artist spending time with a subject – as a plein air painting may require an hour, or two, or more to create – I gain a much greater sense of place than merely observing as a passerby.
Subjects will vary greatly for me – from universally recognized beautiful natural landscapes to cultural landmarks, to historic events, to people engaged in their own environment. It is the experience of direct observation through painting that helps me to learn from and share the amazing landscapes of life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I remember loving to draw and paint when I was a boy. And I remember as a teenager seeing a ‘plein air’ oil painter creating a landscape painting on location. I knew at that moment that I wanted to be an oil painter especially a plein air oil painter – but I also knew that it would involve a great amount of training and patience. So I put that idea aside for a few decades – knowing that I shouldn’t even attempt that dream until I became an adult! Eventually, with a bit of life experience under my belt, I decided I was ready to embark on the journey of becoming a painter… and I’ve been painting ever since! But it wasn’t so easy.
I spent several years of painful learning with frustrating results. Then I learned that nearly ALL painters paint hundreds of awful paintings before the good ones start coming! There were times I wanted to ‘throw in the towel’. That’s where ‘patience’ and perseverance has been required. Two important ingredients that I likely didn’t have as a teenager. But I’ve stuck with it – with great results and joy. I am grateful to have never given up!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I really love to paint cultural landscapes – places where human interaction with the environment is both visually interesting and filled with intrigue. There are lots of interesting stories out there to be told in paint.
I have also created many oil paintings in my studio that focus on the theme of people ‘DOing’ – that is, paintings of artists, craftspeople, or laborers engaged in their art or work. It is endlessly fascinating for me to see people doing their own art. And creating an oil painting that depicts another artist engaged in their craft is both challenging and forever rewarding. Some of the paintings I’ve created include bread makers, welders, ceramic artists, street artists, wood turners, printmakers, and more! The response I have received from these paintings is overwhelmingly positive. Currently, I am working on a painting of a hand-built boat and its builders on Lake Superior. A vessel that I got to sail in this last year. Now that’s a fun painting!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to have ‘stick-to-it-iveness’! Oil painting, and specifically plein air oil painting, is not for the faint of heart! It takes great courage, patience, and vision.
Pricing:
- $300 – $5000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mattkania.com
- Instagram: @mattkania
Image Credits
Tess Ender Photography
