Artful Painter Podcast: Kami Mendlik - Surrender to the Process

Kami Mendlik’s exquisite landscape paintings shimmer and vibrate with animated light and color. Her life-long journey of curiosity and keen observation of the natural world began when she was a young child. The Minnesota farmland she grew up on was fertile not just for crops, but also for a young mind curious about the wonders of the land that was her home. She was entranced by the beauty of nature's rhythm and harmony and its myriad colors.
Kami thinks of herself as a lifelong student. Each seeming advance of knowledge leads to more questions and a never-ending quest to answer them in her paintings. Her passion is the study of color. However, she does not keep what she learns to herself. Over the years she has taught well over 1,000 students a process to help achieve the illusion of light and vibration in their paintings.
Over ten years in the making, she has codified the lessons she has learned about color in a new book titled: Color Relativity-Creating the Illusion of Light With Paint. This gorgeous new book is due to be released towards the end of the summer of 2022. In this episode, Kami reveals that she has struggled with dyslexia. However, the challenge of dyslexia did not prevent her from developing a deep love of books, and the writing of Color Relativity. She opens up about what is involved in creating, editing, and publishing a quality art book.
If you were to observe Kami Mendlik painting outdoors or in her studio, just as she begins to make her colors dance, you might see a smile flicker upon her face, a slight inhale of a calming breath, and, then, with quiet abandon see her Surrender to the Process.
Links
Kami Mendlik
Website: www.kamimendli...
Instagram: / kamimendlik
Facebook: / kami.polzin
New Book: Color Relativity-Creating the Illusion of Light With Paint www.colorrelat...
About the Artful Painter:
Website: theartfulpaint...
TH-cam: / carlolsonart
Join the Artful Methods Membership: theartfulpaint...
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[@katpaints]

This interview has been thoroughly enjoyable! I loved hearing the process of your book, Kami! I have a love of panting and of writing but health problems have slowed me down. I love your paintings, Kami! I admire your discipline. Thank you for this - cannot wait to see the next edition! I wish you well on the move, Carl. We've been here for 41 years and dread the thought of moving, but it needs to happen. I recently discovered you and am grateful I have a long watch list for the time you are gone!

[@CarlOlsonArt]

Thank you, Kathleen!

[@mortysnerd]

Off to a great start. Goosebumps!!

[@Davinci3211]

I’ve watched every video and listened to every podcast of Carl’s. I’m from the UK and have learnt so much about the American plein air artists and artists around the world and have been totally captivated by his conversations with these artists. Missing his dulcet tones and informative programmes. Looking forward to when you are back with a video or podcast

[@marionwigzell7334]

Thank you Carl for another inspiring interview. Kudos to Kami for her tenacity and brilliant talent (-: Marion

[@zirkahayes6482]

What a wonderful interview. Carl, thank you for introducing me/us to Kami Mendlik who is a delight. The book will undoubtedly be a ‘must have’ book in every artists’ library. This interview is inspiration for us all who get stuck. Just show up and do the work. Good luck with the book launch, Kami. Carl, I hope your move goes smoothly. I look forward to to the next podcast. In the meantime, I’ll keep painting.

[@CarlOlsonArt]

Thank you, Zirka!

[@christianbond1561]

I admit I pre ordered this book before finishing the pod cast, once I heard “ I think differently” and what was done to write this you had me. I look forward to receiving the book - thank you for the work put into it and thank you for letting it out to the art world

[@karenkaren9526]

I find that God is the ultimate artist. As Creator the attention to detail, color shape and so on is astounding. My work as an artist is a mere attempt at reflecting the work of the ultimate artist. Enjoyed your talk very much.

[@Purpleiris444]

Yes time to move on…can’t wait to see you in your home and studio! Love your podcasts

[@ronart5852]

Just happened to catch this at 56 minutes. (It must have been playing when I fell asleep! I have Artful Painter podcasts on my playlist so...) And, she is talking about something that is truly interesting to me as I was interrupted in what I was writing when I heard her say "self publishing". (Too many windows open this morning.) Anyway, I will go back to music and return to this. Sounds very intriguing.

[@kevebutterfield6129]

You have a new fan ! You are amazing Kami !

[@KariAndresen]

Loved the interview. It's so interesting to hear about the process of making a book. I also look forward to hearing about Kami's art. Also, welcome to Colorado! I live west of Colorado Springs. I hope you'll enjoy it here.

[@CarlOlsonArt]

Thank you, Kari!

[@mortysnerd]

Aren't you glad the book is finished, didn't you get tired of reading and rereading the text!? I have great respect for writers after writing a book, it is a lot more work than meets the eye. Another great interview.

[@MoniqueBourgeois]

I just bought the book 😊

[@gayesekula]

Great interview. Kami, you just sold a book.

[@lindakopec7036]

Great video!
Sooooooooo
Any short update on eta?

[@CarlOlsonArt]

If you are referring to Kami’s book, it’s been available on her website for several months now.

[@lindakopec7036]

@@CarlOlsonArt Nope. I was refermg to your videos. :)

[@CarlOlsonArt]

Ah, gotcha… a couple of more months and I’ll be back in production.

[@tonysavarese]

Clyde aspevig I feel said that. Could be wrong