Distinctly Montana Magazine

Big Sky Scapes Turmoil Acrylic and watercolor is like mixing "oil and water." I know they both contain water, but what causes you to choose these two very different mediums for artistic expression? While attending MSU years ago I majored in art and of course tried every medium. But fell in love with watercolors. The fluidity and transparency of the medium struck a chord with me and that's all I used for years. Then about 10 years ago I noticed how tight I was getting with my watercolors and decided to experiment with acrylic paints. It was a pretty drastic change because aside from the detailed realistic fish I was letting the thinned down acrylic paint pretty much do its own thing — going with the flow so to speak. It was a liberating experience. Tell me about the creative process working in each medium. Does your choice of medium inspire you in different ways? With watercolor I pretty much plan everything out ahead of starting to paint. There are some "rules" or guidelines one can follow to make the process a little easier. Watercolor is a difficult medium. But with my semi-abstract acrylic work I became more of a free spirit, allowing what is happening on the canvas to tell me Loren in his studio where to go next. Also I have found out some interesting things about acrylics, especially the textures I get by thinning it out so much. It is fun letting the paint do the work. I find it unusual that your work veers from realism to abstraction. Are these art forms equally appealing to your creative urge? Kovich, a top-flight painter in Helena, works in both watercolors and acrylics, excelling in both mediums. A graduate of Montana State University and a professional artist for 30 years, he has won numerous awards, such as: President's Award, 29th Annual Watercolor Exhibit – 2011 The Realism in Nature Award, Adirondack National Exhibition of American Watercolors – 2006 Montana Watercolor Society Founders Award – 2004 Helena Framers Award, Montana Watercolor Society National Exhibition – 1996 Artists Magazine Award – 1991 People's Choice Award, Vancouver Annual Wildlife Art Show (CA) – 1990 1st Place, St. George Art Festival (Utah) – 1989 Best of Show, Richest Hill on Earth (Butte) – 1985 His work has also been featured in five books on painting. With watercolors I am trying to capture the effect of light on our Montana landscape. Pretty much that is what painting realistically is all about. With my semi-abstract acrylics I am more concerned with color, movement, shapes, and texture. I find both methods appealing but painting semi-abstracts is more creative because I am basically starting from scratch. What are you working on now, and where do you see your work taking you over the next year? Right now I am working on a series of Montana big game animals, in acrylic, very realistic, with very dramatic lighting — early morning or sunset light with really dark backgrounds. After I am done with this series I am going to do some semiabstract pieces to loosen up again but then experiment with metal leaf to give them even more "pop". Interview by Bill Muhlenfeld w w w. d i s t i n c t lymo nt a na .co m 21

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