Kathleen Best Gillmann- Central Region

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands…
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world."
Psalm 19:1-3 selections

Not simply ancient Hebrew poetry, but the reason I paint!
If the heavens may declare His glory and proclaim
or acknowledge the work of his hands,
than so may I by reflecting that beauty in my art work."
(Kathleen's focus taken from her website.)

Kathleen credits teachers and other significant adults

 who went out of their way in her early years
 to spot "a gift" and take notice.
 Encouragement from a Girl Scout leader, 
elementary and art teachers, 
college instructors, even a calculus teacher,
 began to address that God might be shaping her formation.

She is well trained with degrees in Studio Art,
Art Education, and a Masters in Library Science.
Her life course included working across
a wide spectrum before she married:
initially as Christian School art teacher,
 then as the lead historical interpreter (tour guide
 for the Maine Historical Society,
in the business department of an architectural firm,
 interning 5 months in Paris for the
 International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS),
and as a Librarian for seven years at
Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.
After marrying at age 41, she started a new direction in 2002.
Renewing her art skills through coursework 
in Fairfax County Adult Ed and the Art League in Alexandria
resulted in her creating a studio in her own home
and beginning to paint with professional intent in 2005.

Kathleen says:

"In recent years, since I often include reflective water in my art work,

 I have been building a reputation as a waterscape painter. 

 My artist's voice has developed primarily

 through the media of acrylic paint and pastel

 in the past nine years 

when I began submitting my work to juried shows. 

 I focus on themes gathered from frequent excursions 

outside and from my youth spent in New England. " 

 What brings her JOY right now is quiet, 
reflective observation of 
 God's hand in nature. . . .
Sitting still and watching a wasp consume
 pollen from a lily blossom
or a chipmunk scrambling about the fine branches
 of a bush in her garden while prudently gathering
 native berries for later consumption.
Her keen observation of God’s world
shows up in her work at the easel.
Across the years, she has discovered
 God shaping the details
 in what appears to be a winding path
 as a working out of his glorious plan. 
Upon reflection, she has noticed
 He has equipped her each step
of the way with new skills soon
 employed in her next endeavor.
 She counts it a privilege
 to serve the Almighty King. 

Locals may check her out here at the Lorton Workhouse:

And this show in the Richmond area:

Her current work is shown at three galleries:

Gallery 902 in Building W-9 at the Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA

Loft Gallery, 313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA

Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory Art Center,
 105 North Union Street, Alexandria, VA

                                                                    Kathleen's website:

very best fine art

FB page: (a like would be great):
Kathleen-Best-Gillmann-artist


Kathleen's blog


We give thanks for all the ways that Kathleen continues to
 BRING GOD GLORY with her gifts and talents-.

 she is a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Springfield, VA.

Connie Denninger blog writer