Meet Courtney Khail: Contemporary Artist

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

Hi Courtney, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
That there is no shortcut. To be successful, you have to show up each day and do the work.  Also, be prepared. Don’t wait for an assignment to get things done. Go ahead and read the books, create the templates, make the connections- all long before you may need them. That way, when an opportunity comes up you’re ready. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a contemporary watercolor artist here in Atlanta. Normally when people think of watercolors they think of soft colors and peaceful sailboats- maybe even something they’d see hanging in their grandparents house. But that’s not my kind of watercolor.  My watercolors are modern, bold, and full of movement. They embody stories and memories- most of which are my own- that can’t fully be captured or expressed with words alone. I’m often asked “why flowers?” but that’s a complicated answer because there is no one reason. I love the metaphorical talents flowers possess, I’m fascinated at how they have been used throughout history and I’m intrigued by their secret meanings- not just historically, but personally as well. Everyone has at least one flower that triggers a memory. (That’s incredibly powerful in itself!) I also majored in scientific illustration in college so I spent years studying, observing, and painting flowers. When you take all of that into consideration, it’s hard to imagine me not painting flowers!

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.
In order for all of this to make sense, let’s imagine it’s a summer visit and that the pandemic is over so we’d be able to eat inside, go to concerts, etc.  Now that we have that covered: I’d definitely make sure to spend one day tubing on the Chattahoochee River. Pack a picnic, lather on the sunscreen, and enjoy the quality time to talk and laugh. It’s the perfect lazy day activity. As for the other days? Probably some combination of these: -Bike to Krog Street for lunch (Love Fred’s Meat & Bread for sandwiches) -Explore Ponce City Market followed by walking/biking the Beltline (Make sure to eat at Rina) -Spend a day in Decatur (Victory, Brick Store, SOS, Eddie’s Attic, Butter and Cream, Sidechick,- so many great options for food, drinking, and shopping.) -Hike Arabia Mountain -Visit the Atlanta Contemporary and MOCA GA -Take them on a food tour of Buford Highway

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could fill a very large book with the names of all the people who have encouraged, supported, and helped me along the way, but there are two individuals in particular that deserve recognition.  First is my husband. He’s believed in me from day one and is by far my greatest cheerleader. He encourages my dreams, keeps me grounded, and never lets me take myself too seriously. Second would be my grandmother. She was such a force of love in my life. She’s passed now, but I still have a letter she wrote in regards to my career choice. People had a lot of “opinions” when I decided to launch my business, but she told me to ignore any naysayers and do what would make me happiest in life. Her suggestion? A career using my “God given talent.”  I have it hanging on my studio wall as a constant reminder that I am doing exactly what I was created to do.

Website: www.courtneykhail.com
Instagram: @courtneykhail
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyKhailWatercolors

Image Credits
Photos of Courtney in studio- Angie Webb Creative Photos of Work- Courtney Khail, LLC Photo of Courtney painting mural- Courtney Khail, LLC