Meet Kay Byfield | Art Teacher & Watercolorist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kay Byfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kay, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My parents taught me to make decisions between alternatives by weighing the likely costs versus the benefits. When the likely positive outcomes do not outweigh the negative aspects, it is the wrong decision. If I am emotionally drawn to one possible choice, I take that into consideration, but I also try to objectively consider the other options. This minimizes my risks. And, even if my subsequent choice doesn’t work out as well as I hoped, I know that I made the best decision I could with the information I had, so I never second-guess myself. Starting a business I would love was no more risky than looking for a new job that I might hate.Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was captivated by watercolor paints from my first introduction in my late 20s. I loved the transparency, flow, and unpredictability of the medium. It was challenging to master and I still have so much more to learn. I am inspired to create images that communicate the complexity of life with beautiful surfaces and memorable themes. I don’t always succeed but I learn more from my failures than my successes. In the meantime, I believe that teaching others who also want to learn how to express themselves visually is extremely rewarding. In truth, I see myself as a teacher who paints rather than a painter who teaches. Improving my ability to share what I know is the most creative thing I do.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Dallas. There is so much to see and do here. However, I am a painter and teacher and, even without a pandemic, I do not take advantage of most of the opportunities. I enjoy all the art museums, the theaters, the arboretum, Dallas Heritage Village, and the other cultural venues. I enjoy the variety of restaurants and like to try a lot of foods from other cultures.Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I believe that every experience contributes to who we are. I would not be who I am without the support of all the people who have mentored, encouraged and challenged me. Family members, all the friends I have made, my teachers, and my colleagues have all helped me. I hope they all know how much I appreciate and value them. I cannot name a single entity to credit and there is not enough room to list them all.

Website: https://artspeaksstudio.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71575961/admin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kbyfield

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpB-GYQRt6I