im Long ’ s home and studio is a beautiful artistic oasis nestled in the South Hill area of Spokane . Her artwork , finished and unfinished alike , is everywhere you look and it gives the entire space a fun , welcoming , and grounding feel that echoes her personality . She says that “ Images are where I dwell ,” and this is true physically as much as it is metaphorically .
She originally comes from the Midwest , but has lived here for thirty years and has developed a deep love for the natural landscape of the Northwest . “ We came out here sight unseen for a job opportunity , and I was just really hoping there were rocks . You know , in Ohio you have this beautiful farmland ,” but the mountains and captivating geology of Washington were exactly what she had wished for . “ That scabland — all of the layers — you can see the buckling on the sides of the outcroppings ; our state is amazing .”
Layers of bold colors , precise detail work , and intensely captivating subjects characterize her art . Kim ’ s pieces have a complex , deep , and ethereal feeling to them . She says the secret is in the layering . She keeps her paint translucent , building up a piece gradually and relishing in the freeform process of creation . The acrylic painting then is embellished with colored pencils and pastels to bring even more depth . As a final touch Kim goes over her work with an ink pen to add contrast and define the movement of the image . “ Watch the layers do their magic while they dry . It ’ s so exciting for me ; I just love it when you put a
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