Atlanta Artist Lends Whimsical Flair to
Repertoire of Artists with Online Art Gallery, Artaissance

Atlanta native, Kim English Marks, is one of the newest talents to be welcomed to the Artaissance family of artists, who provide exquisite giclee reproduction works via an online retail 'art gallery,' which launched in Atlanta in September 2006.   Artaissance is a natural extension of Larson-Juhl, a century-old custom framing manufacturer, headquartered in Atlanta and offering higher-end framing and moulding products. Artaissance was born from Larson-Juhl C EO, Steve McKenzie's, desire to bring his love of art into the business as the perfect complement to the many collections of frames and framing products already being offered through his company.

Kim's introduction into the Artaissance family was almost by accident, as she was very focused on her career in marketing communications and raising her family.  While she was a talented artist with very deep artistic roots, it wasn't until 2001, when she became one of the 'fallout victims of 9/11,' that she considered turning to her talent as a source of income.  "I hadn't painted since my kids were babies, but I pulled out my paints and started dabbling again," explained Marks.  "It was small stuff at first, and then I gradually starting producing more.  She began with home parties for a couple of years and did well.  That wa s six years ago.  Now, Marks' works can be found online via Artaissance and at a handful of select galleries that include Matilda's in Alpharetta, GA;  Stone Soup in Key West, FL;  and Peak Experience in Highlands, NC.

 While Marks is still a marketing/communications professional by day, she'd eventually love for her art to be her full focus.  She laughs, "I have a split personality - during the day, I'm a marketing business woman, and on weekends and at night, I'm the artist."     Marks has painted all her life...literally, as she says, since she was a baby.  "Both my grandmothers were artists.  My dad's mother quit her job in her 40s and started painting, and then she opened her own shop in Louisville, Georgia," explained Marks .  "We all painted for entertainment when visiting her." 

 That's how Marks was initially exposed to the craft. While all of her cousins participated in the fun art sessions at their grandmother's house, Kim is the only one who transformed her artistic abilities into a career.  "Grandmother English was a very learned lady - she resigned from being principal of a school to draw and paint," recalled Marks.  

That admiration very well may have planted the seed for Marks. Marks attended Brenau Women's College, majoring in commercial art, minoring in fine art and advertising.  Her art has a distinctive flair, and she uses a technique that provides a definitive signature to her pieces.  "My works are fairly traditional compositions, but what I do at the very end is my own flair, if you will," explained Marks.  She uses accent strokes to finish off her paintings which she says gives them movement...and she gives them atypical colors.  Or as she explains it, 'weird colors on top of regular colors.'  The result is powerful.  

Marks' discovery by Steve McKenzie at Artaissance was a combination of "who you know" and the fact that she is such a talented artist, just waiting to be discovered.  "My brother is a long-time sales associate for Larson-Juhl and introduced me to the Artaissance concept and I was intrigued," said Marks.  "I was so appreciative that Artaissance was willing to take on a local artist who was not yet necessarily 'established.' To have them champion me is such an honor, and I'm excited to be included in their repertoire of talented artists from all over the world. "  What Artaissance customers love about her work are the vibrant colors, painted frames and whimsical subject matter. Right now, you can visit www.artaissance.com  and find Marks' roosters, shown by name, of course, including Flashy Rooster, Clarence and Chйz Chiks, Lucy & Ethyl.

"Artaissance is huge.  It's a thrill - I'd wanted to be published for years. Now I feel that I've got a distinctive style and body of work to do this well.  I feel confident that I've got distinct subject lines that people want to collect, and they can do so via Artaissance," explained Marks.  Right now, 11 pieces are being showcased on the site, and there's definite potential to provide more as they're completed.  What customers will find today is my initial 'launch package' with Artaissance.  It's all so exciting."

Marks was also honored when HGTV Dream Home 2007 purchased one of her original paintings for the upstairs guest bedroom in a home in Winter Park, CO that's being giving away on March 16th.  She's also done commissions for some prominent Atlanta residents including a Georgia State Senator.   All of Marks' collections can be seen by visiting her web site, www.KimMarksArt.com.