Meet Kimberleigh Wood

We were lucky to catch up with Kimberleigh Wood recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberleigh , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me comes from the practice of painting itself. Art teaches patience, problem-solving, and the ability to sit with uncertainty. A painting rarely comes together in a single moment- It requires layering, adjusting, stepping back, and sometimes starting over. I’ve learned to trust that if I keep showing up, working through the process, and staying open to change, something meaningful will emerge. That mindset extends beyond the canvas. Whether in art or life, I focus on the long view, knowing that challenges are part of creating something worthwhile.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At 68, I guess calling myself an emerging artist is accurate. I’ve been painting since 2020. Since that time, I have been about building skills in landscape and figurative work, all leading to the agency I now have in my current practice. I figure given my positive family history longevity of I have a solid 30 years ahead of me to make my statement.

My inspiration and motivation to work has truly ramped up. The various components of painting, which I’ve been working toward- paint language, narrative and skill have come together. I often wake up around 1 a.m., thinking about color and composition, making notes until I finally get back to sleep around 4. I make a priority of keeping physically fit. Mornings start with kickboxing or weight training, then I’m in the studio by 9, breaking for lunch (and hopefully some flute practice) before working until evening.

Beyond painting, I balance my time with family, community and volunteering at Crystal Cove—my original muse. These activities are essential and drive my work. I create atmospheric landscapes that capture the essence of place, memory, and nostalgia, with a focus on coastal scenes. Recently, I’ve been expanding my world to include California desert landscapes and figurative characters inspired by my family. I’m always seeking new input, expertise and experiences to deepen my skill set, allowing my work to evolve in unexpected ways. Whether through light, texture, or composition, I aim to create paintings that instill hope and invite connection.

I spend 6 days a week in the studio. Making art can be many hours of solitude. I find I need to connect with “my community” to keep my daily routine from getting monotonous. Access to a community of painters/creatives is nurturing and can provide motivation when inspiration takes a hiatus. We have a talented group of artists at Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano, CA. I so appreciate having their friendship.

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?

The three skills I have found to be most impactful on my artist journey are:

1. Know Who I Am & Why I Paint- Understanding my artistic voice has been essential. I paint to explore atmosphere, evoke the senses and create a sense of place. My work isn’t just about capturing a scene- it’s about evoking a feeling, whether through the bright, reflective light of coastal afternoon or meditative vastness of a desert landscape.

2. Mastering Fundamentals- A strong grasp of design, composition, color and materials gives me the freedom to create with intention. Whether simplifying forms or value scales for impact, technical skill allows me to bring my vision to life while leaving room for spontaneity.

3. Speaking About My Work– Art is a conversation, and I’ve learned the importance of sharing what I do. Being open about my process, inspirations, and evolving direction not only helps people connect with my work but also deepens my own understanding of it. You never know who might resonate with what you create.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As I continue expanding my work, I’m seeking opportunities to collaborate with galleries on the West Coast, East Coast, and internationally. I’m excited to connect with the spaces that align with my vision and share my passion for evocative landscapes and storytelling through painting.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All images ©Kimberleigh Wood

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,