Red River Pros: Kaitlin Walsh

Kaitlin Walsh is an independent artist specializing in abstract anatomy watercolor paintings. As a youngster, she exhibited immense fascination with art and science which later encouraged her to take both medical and fine arts courses at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she earned a graduate degree in Biomedical Visualization. She now paints the beauty of human anatomy, depicting the fascinating complexity of the body. Her studio is in Omaha, Nebraska, where she lives with her husband and three children.

The Client

A physician in South Dakota who was opening an allergy clinic.

The Assignment

“The doctor was seeking three original watercolors for his new clinic. The content needed to relate to allergy histology and anatomy but also be attractive and abstract.”

The Execution

"I searched old textbooks and online for inspiration, and was struck by the beauty I found in histological slides of degranulating mast cells (mast cells are important in a body’s allergy response; when they degranulate during an allergy response, they release histamine and other important substances). I then formulated my layout and came up with a bright and vibrant color palette of reds, oranges and yellows, complemented by greens and fuschias."

"Starting with the red blood cells, which are the numerous small circles in the painting, I then focused on the large mast cells. Putting down a thin layer of water, I added the color and let it slowly absorb into the paper, adding darker and darker colors toward the edges. The splatter that marks the degranulation was then added, bringing the painting together to evoke both depth and excitement."

Post Production

"Prior to sending the client a matted original, I photographed the painting with a Nikon D3200. I then made a few adjustments in Photoshop to ensure it matched the actual painting and confirmed this by outputting a print and comparing the two. It was then available for sale as a reproduction."

The Output

"My reproductions are available in sizes 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 and are output on an Epson SureColor P800 printer. I use a color profile provided by Red River Paper to ensure accurate results on Aurora Art White

Contact

[email protected]
www.lyonroadart.com
Instagram: @lyonroadart

Favorite Papers

UltraPro Satin

UltraPro Satin looks and feels just like traditional photo lab paper and features a medium depth luster finish.

Favorite Of: Jim DiVitale & Peter Randall

River Linen

River Linen adds a special dimension to your printed image with its premium quality linen surface paper.

Favorite Of: JVS & Helene Glassman

Aurora Art

Made using fine 100% cotton rag content, Aurora Art White and Aurora Art Natural offers the look and feel of fine art paper.

Favorite of: Marilyn Sholin, Matt Hoyle, Susan McCartney, & Kaitlin Walsh

Arctic Polar Satin

With its crisp blue white shade, Arctic Polar Satin ensures your images will project more brilliance. Its state of the art microporous coating will enhance details and color saturation.

Favorite of: Al Francekevich & Susan McCartney