We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anne Kullaf a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anne, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I have found being unique in my approach to painting–and specializing in a specific niche–to be an asset rather than a liability. My focus is on creating custom, large scale oil paintings for clients who choose to design their space around artwork that they love. Often times, people take the approach of choosing the artwork last, so that it “matches” the decor. My approach is different in that my clients often come to me at the start of a new build or renovation project. They are looking to create a space that evokes a certain atmosphere. The subject doesn’t always matter, although the majority of the pieces I am asked to create are often of the local western landscape. What matters most is giving the client an experience every time they look at the painting. They discover something new each time that evokes the atmosphere they are seeking for the space through color, composition, and texture.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a fine artist and visual designer with over 25 years of experience. My business focuses on designing custom, large scale oil paintings for clients in the Boulder / Denver Metro area. Originally from the east coast, I have found that there is a demand in the West for high quality, custom artwork that is unique while incorporating the beauty of the surrounding landscape. While most artists shy away from custom commissioned artwork, I truly enjoy collaborating with my clients and managing large custom projects.
At the start of any project, I give my clients a detailed estimate, timeline, and production/payment schedule. I create preliminary sketches that look extremely close to what the finished product will look like done to scale so that they can be photographed and dropped into any architect’s or interior designer’s planning software. I allow my clients to keep all of the sketches at the end of the project. I often am asked to create views of the surrounding landscape and so I visit the site of the project several times at different times of day to really understand the light and atmosphere.
Once the client has reviewed the sketches and selected their favorite, we are ready to start painting! At this stage, I order the materials–custom stretched archival canvas, a hardwood handcrafted frame, and professional grade pigments in a palette perfect for mixing the colors in the chosen design.
Most of the paintings I create are 4 ft. x 6 ft. or larger, although I do accept commissions for works that are as small as 2 ft. x 3 ft. I love working large as it enables me to incorporate a lot of texture with a palette knife. I like to create a sense of depth and space through atmospheric perspective, when done on a large scale, it feels like you can actually step into the painting.
I’m often asked how long it takes to create a large painting. Typically, it is about 6-8 weeks from the time that the client chooses a final design.
Since large paintings sometimes require special installation, I’ve partnered with an experienced local art handler to manage pick up, delivery, and installation for those clients who need it. I like being able to manage the project for the client from start to finish, so that all they have to do is sit back and enjoy the painting when it’s done.
In terms of expansion, I am now accepting commissions outside of the local area, with a focus on Southern California. I love the colorful vibes of San Diego and the wonderful mission style architecture. I look forward to creating some custom paintings of the coast and the California light on the Spanish mission style buildings.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Artists are not often thought of as being organized or business-like, which is something you absolutely NEED to be in this business. I have found that being professional, project oriented, and organized is a key skill that sets my business apart. When clients know that you are confident in the way you approach a project, it goes so much more smoothly than if there is doubt or uncertainty in the process. Fine art is like any other business–you need to put the focus on the client, not cut corners, and not be afraid to walk away from a project if it isn’t right for you.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are people who place value in being surrounded by artwork that inspires them everyday. To them, a painting is more than decoration, it sets the tone for the atmosphere and mood of their space. Whether they are building a new home, re-designing an existing space, or just looking to breath some fresh air into a room, they understand that art can truly transform a space. I also have worked with businesses to create a setting that evokes just the right atmosphere for their employees and clients.
They also understand the importance of using the highest quality materials and that the painting process takes time in order to be done correctly. Large works typically take 6-8 weeks to produce from the time a design is chosen, it is a process that cannot be rushed because oil paints take time to cure properly. My paintings will last a lifetime and can be passed on to future generations–I put great care into their production and the clients’ satisfaction is at the top of my priorities.
I am also open to working with Interior Designers or Architects who have clients that need paintings for several spaces. The designers and architects I collaborate with must have the same approach as the clients I described above.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kullaf.com
- Instagram: @kullaf
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anne.Kullaf.Paintings
- Other: Google Maps / Google Business: https://goo.gl/maps/N2b4K5pp2dsmsfc68
