Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylyn Webster
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My interest in art started with a “Drawing for Dummies” book that was in my childhood bedroom. At Peabody Elementary, I took art classes, was in the dance ensemble, and took violin lessons for a couple of years. Visual art was the only creative subject that I wanted to improve in, though.
I joined the Creative and Performing Arts Program (CAPA) at Colonial Middle School for Visual Art. I was exposed to many different mediums, and developed technical skill. I then continued the CAPA program at Overton High School, where I found more of my voice as I built portfolios for AP classes and local competitions.
I went to Washington University in St. Louis where I received a BFA in Studio Art: Painting Concentration. I learned how to oil painting in my freshman painting elective. That course made oil paint my favorite medium, and caused me to switch my major from Communication Design to Studio Art.
After graduating in 2022, I returned home and got a studio space at Arrow Creative in Midtown. I have been creating and selling work from there for the past two years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Things have definitely not always been smooth. The decision to become a full time artist was difficult because you always hear the narrative of the “starving artist.” I’ve been told there isn’t any money in art, and that it’s more of a hobby than a “real job”.
While the money can be inconsistent sometimes, painting makes me extremely happy. I feel very fulfilled doing it, and I have been blessed with many opportunities and so much support so far.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an oil painter who mainly does large scale portraiture of my family and close friends. Some of my most popular pieces are my familial scenes due to the familiarity people have with the every day moments captured.
I aim to depict the figures I paint in a way that illustrates the love and care I feel for them so those emotions will transfer to viewers. I paint all of the details of the person’s face and what they chose to wear to capture their essence. My goal is for the humanization of these painted figures to make viewers more empathetic and sympathetic towards people in their day to day lives, even to strangers, so that there will be more love and respect in our communities.
My work is also inspired by Western art history. I love the large, narrative pieces and symbolism used in the Renaissance and Baroque eras. However, people of color were largely left out of that type of imagery, or at least those pieces aren’t discussed. You can say my current subject matter was birthed at the merger of my Western Art History courses and my African American Studies minor.
What makes you happy?
Besides painting, being out in the world and being around people makes me happy. I consider myself what some may call an “extroverted introvert”. I enjoy time to myself and I’m definitely not going to be the loudest/most talkative person in the room, but I like being around the energy of other people and getting outside of my house.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaylynelyse.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylyn_elyse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaylynElyseArtistry/
- Other: https://app.ujamaa.digital/kaylyn_elyse
Image Credits
Erica Haskett
Joanna Harris
