Central Oregon’s natural beauty provides a picturesque backdrop that draws many artists looking to make their mark on the world. Going for a hike, kayaking or climbing often leads to the desire to express the day on canvas through painting, drawing or another medium. One such local artist, Kimberly Costa-Stearns, discovered Bend in 2001 and never looked back. Her whimsical mixed media painting technique highlights the local beauty and the inspiration they provide. “I was drawn to the expansive landscape of Bend and the surrounding areas,” says Costa-Stearns. “The first painting I created after moving here was titled ‘The Cascades.’”

Growing up on the East Coast, Costa-Stearns was fascinated by the art world. She spent countless hours in museums and art galleries studying different genres of art and plotting her future in the art world. But it was in nature, through an early love of photography, that Costa-Stearns found her true creative self.

Sharing Her Love of Art

Costa-Stearns graduated from Virginia’s James Madison University with a BFA in Painting and Drawing in 1998 and received her Teacher’s Certificate in Art Education, K-12. Knowing she wanted to move west after college, Costa-Stearns packed her car and headed for Bend, where a friend had recently obtained a teaching job. Shortly after, she got her first post as a Summit High School art teacher in the school’s inaugural year and continued as an educator for a decade, working at Jefferson County Middle School, Cascade Middle School and teaching art classes at the Art Station and through the Bend Park and Recreation District.

“As an art teacher, I learned how to work with kids of various artistic abilities and how to appeal to their creativity,” explains Costa-Stearns. “I learned to be very patient and create a calm environment in my classroom. Nothing in art needs to be perfect, and each ‘mistake’ is a teachable moment.” Costa-Stearns hopes to open a private art studio for kids in Central Oregon. Until then, she works in various art mediums in her Bend home studio.

Her Process

Costa-Stearns often begins her process with a hike and a photo, then sketches the image with a light pencil. If the photo happens to be panoramic, her canvas becomes a repurposed old snowboard. She will then use crumpled tissue paper to create texture for the trees and mountains. Each branch is crafted by hand and adhered with glue and water. After the glue dries, Costa-Stearns uses a brush and palette knife with acrylic paint.

“I enjoy experimenting with a variety of mixed media materials and creative techniques in my work,” explains Costa-Stearns. “My goal is to have my art transport the viewer into another world, if just for a moment.” The dimension created using tissue paper under acrylic paint allows Costa-Stearns to mimic what she sees in nature. Meanwhile, the organic shapes and landscapes represent
those visions and the patterns she observes.

Inspiration in Beauty

Costa-Stearns creates unique landscape paintings characterized by bright colors and simple designs that reflect her feelings toward her natural surroundings. Much of her inspiration comes from her love of hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children. She often brings watercolors on camping trips or sets up her painting supplies outside her studio, near her flower garden and aspen trees. “I believe that art is an amazing form of individual expression,” says Costa-Stearns.

Costa-Stearns' paintings are displayed in various locations around Bend throughout the year. In December, you can see her work during the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Bend, and in February, her artwork will be featured inside Deschutes Brewery & Public House. Additionally, her pieces are available for purchase at KimberlyCostaStearnsArt.com.