We are beyond thrilled to be sharing another artist collaboration available in Hallmark Signature’s 2016 Valentine’s Day offering. Beautiful florals and a whimsical style shine through in Shannon Kirsten’s collection. The Signature team had the opportunity to ask Shannon a few questions about herself and share her work process behind this special Valentine’s Day collection. Thanks for sharing, Shannon!
Where are you from originally?
Bradenton (Gulf Coast), Florida
How did you first get into painting?
I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember. My mom is an artist and she always encouraged creative hobbies when I was little. I always felt a need to create and as I got older, attending art school seemed like the right way to go. School helped me hone my illustration skills and from there it was constant experimenting until I found my voice.
Does your background in photography affect your painting at all?
I think it does. I carry my camera with me most everywhere I go. I am always finding random things that inspire me. I love having my own photos to paint from, especially pictures from my travels.
How do you keep yourself inspired?
Inspiration comes from all over for me. I love looking through magazines, reading other artists’ blogs, making time to see the world and plan trips, and constantly experimenting with my craft.
What’s your work process like – do you sketch first?
Depending on the project, I sometimes sketch first. If the end result is going to have lettering or cleaner lines, then penciling my ideas first is helpful. Sometimes I feel inspired solely from a color palette I’ve seen and in that case, when I already have certain colors in mind, I go straight to paint!
You paint a lot of flowers; do you have a favorite? Do you grow any yourself?
Poppies are my favorite flowers, close after are anemones. Those are what most of my florals are based on. I’m just drawn to their floppy appearance and I like adding texture and interest in the center of them. We grow herbs for cooking. I have succulents and cacti around my house and office since they are easy to maintain. I keep fresh flowers from the grocery store or clippings from our yard around as well!
What’s your work space like?
My workspace has designated areas for each element of my work; a desk that my grandfather built for me that I use for my computers, a clean area for packaging prints and organization, and my messy table where I paint. I also have an inspiration wall where I hang magazine clippings and my favorite / current works in progress.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations from the art world and beyond?
Georgia O’ Keefe and Frida Kahlo are huge painting inspirations for me. I have always loved the mix of extreme femininity and heavy florals combined with a darker element.
If you took the day off tomorrow, how would you spend your time?
Probably a coffee date and a very long brunch with my three best friends who are also creative entrepreneurs. Then maybe complete that with a walk through the rose garden at Ringling Museum where we love to get inspired and do some sketching.
What are your 3 favorite songs on your playlist right now?
I could never narrow down to a few favorite songs. I love all music way too much. But I’ve really been into Hozier’s album lately and I’ve had it on repeat for months now.
What’s your favorite meal?
A big fresh salad with spinach or kale, strawberries, beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic.
What was your inspiration for your Hallmark Signature collection?
I first became inspired by the unexpected color palette we chose and by using some offbeat colors to compliment the traditional red and pink of Valentine’s Day. Thinking about the addition of gold foil made me really excited as well.
What is your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day?
Spending the evening with my love, Hunter. Going to one of our favorite restaurants on the water and then splurging on ice cream. That sounds ideal to me! 🙂
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store to check out Shannon’s Hallmark Signature collection in person! Or shop it online here. Be sure to tag us if you share your favorites on Instagram. (@think.make.share @hallmarksignature @shannonkirsten)
You’re a real deep thinker. Thanks for sharing.