Meet Kimberly Allred

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Allred.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
A lover of art for as long as I can remember, I dabbled in painting throughout my childhood – even painting a mural on my bedroom wall in high school before asking my parents, ha! I remember really feeling like my art was a gift after I gave a portrait painting of one of my high school friends who tragically passed away our sophomore year to her mom who still has the piece hanging in her home today.

After college, I began painting pieces of artwork for my own home. I was beyond ecstatic when one of my dear friends asked if she could buy one of the pieces right off of my wall. After selling some pieces at a local store in my husband’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, a few years later, I started getting requests for commissions for the first time. And that’s where this journey I am on today all started.

From original pieces sold at art fairs to live wedding paintings and commissions of pups to calligraphy for wedding invitations, I am so thankful for every unique piece of artwork I get to make. My style is constantly growing and changing – which I think is normal as an artist and mimics how we as humans are constantly growing and changing! Whether painting or hand-lettering, I really am most happy when I am tapping into my creativity.

Please tell us about your art.
My sweet spot is painting with acrylics on stretched canvas. I love using lots of layers and often paint with palette knives for a textured look. I typically paint abstracted versions of barns, chapels, cotton fields, and other scenes and subjects that represent the South. As a born and raised Mississippian, I love to tell a story about the South through my art—it’s a story about faith, love, and respect and exemplifies my pride for the diverse people and rich heritage of my home state.

I also love commission art and really attempt to make every piece unique. I want people to really resonate with the pieces of art I paint and want to use my art to help lift people up. Whether it’s a painting of their pet or a scene from their special wedding day or a hand-lettered verse or lyrics from a favorite song, I hope that my art is not only decor but something that carries great significance and speaks to their soul in a way.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
That’s an interesting question. For me personally, I think of art as a form of therapy for both the artist and the viewer. I would not say that my art is necessarily fueled by any outside event, but rather a safe place for me to decompress and focus my energy on something positive. I know that art is often used to bring change and can carry so many different messages, and I think that’s great. However, I would like to think that my art is more about moving people to a better place, even if just for a moment, rather than forcing a political or social agenda.

Regarding current culture, I do think that our society is becoming more artistically aware and people now want original, handmade art. As an artist, it is so exciting to see this increase in appreciation for the arts!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I currently work out a home-based studio and sell to a few stores in my home state of Mississippi. I do a lot of commissions and try to post my work on Instagram frequently, which is the best place to see my work and get in touch with me! I also have a website.

Contact Info:

• Website: kimberlyallred.com
• Phone: 601-918-4221
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: ksallred

Image Credit:
Rob and Deanna Lyons

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