Min Kim

Min Kim was born in South Korea. From early childhood she drew and painted, then studied at the Jung Ang Fine Art University.

She worked as an interior designer and illustrator in South Korea. In 1999, Min immigrated to New Zealand where she became a full time artist.

In 2007-9 she lived in Florence studying classic 19th century paintings. Her time in Italy touched her deeply with its historical wealth, vibrant colours, and unique atmosphere.

She now lives in Christchurch and is represented by Bryce Gallery.

Min Kim - guest artist at the Splash-2019

Min Kim has been a wonderful guest artist for Splash 2019. She sent a display of ten paintings which made such an inviting spectacle that people passing the Gallery were drawn in to investigate. The subjects varied: birds, musicians, Italian scenes and more, all in glorious colours. Here, we follow her painting demonstration before an engrossed crowd.

Min Kim describes her technique: I have visited Wellington many times for exhibitions and workshops. Whenever I am reminded of Wellington, I think of this building first. This Victorian style building, Old Bank Arcade, always holds my attention. In this painting I tried to capture the vibrant energy of Wellington through active brush work and fresh colours.

Working on an easel helps coordinate the movement of my paint and the time it takes each layer to dry. I use wet-into-wet paint application and dry brush strokes however a lot of work is done at a point somewhere in-between. I try to not move the paint too much once I have placed it onto the paper as this looks the brightest once dry. Another method I use is lifting the paint out with a brush or rag in areas for a softer glowing effect. This often helps highlights and focal points in the painting.

I use the brand Migello Gold and Shinhan Watercolor from South Korea which I have used since I studied art from a young age. This brand is special to my paintings as I feel they are strongly pigmented giving my paintings a recognizable depth of colour. I favour complementary colours and variety in tone to help make compositions pleasing to the eye. I have painted since I was 5 years old, learning from my father who was a professional artist. So my watercolour love has spanned more than 35 years. I enjoy my mistakes more now and look forward to happy accidents in painting rather than worry or plan.

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