Kathleen Broaderick Finds Pure Joy in Art at Chroma

Award-winning Miramar Beach artist Kathleen Broaderick has a right to crow. Her plucky, proud red and blue “Patriot Rooster” painting has enabled her to strut her stuff onto the national art scene. 

In August 2017, Broaderick – slender, bright-eyed with a crown of golden curls – was named an Exclusive Artist for Ballard Designs, one of the nation’s premier sources for home furnishings. Her “Patriot Rooster” proudly graced the cover of the August 2017 issue. Her photo, bio and quotes about her artwork offered for sale in the company’s popular catalogue are on their official website and are also being touted on Instagram. 

Her artistic journey began serendipitously during her last semester at Florida State University, when she filled an open slot in her schedule with a watercolor class. After raising two sons, Kellen and Justin, with her husband, Paul, and teaching elementary school, she turned her longtime passion into a career. 

You could say she started “reeling in” attention when she was named the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Festival of the Arts Poster Art Contest winner in the 2016 juried competition for her bold and beautiful “Bonita” fish painting. (She also won an Award of Merit as well.)

But the real fun for Broaderick began in June when the Hollywood, Florida native thoughtfully concepted, designed and opened CHROMA Studio & Gallery located at t 3925 W. Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.

Surrounded by friends, family and friendly fans, Broaderick finally realized her longtime dream to own and operate a working studio gallery bearing her name at her grand opening celebration on a balmy Friday evening in September. 

Guests sipped fruit-filled sangria, noshed on paella and listened to flamenco guitar music while exploring the cheery space dotted with bouquets of fresh flowers. The gallery is a white-walled space filled with Broaderick’s colorful, bold signature works. Joining the “Patriot Rooster” is a striking menagerie: a salty Seabird, a coral Flamingo, a silvery blue Bonita, a tangerine cow and more.  

This is a working gallery and Broaderick teaches classes and workshops in the studio located in the back. A fall series of series of intimate art sessions including “sip-and-paint”-style art classes and an intensive two-day oil painting workshop are now underway. Broaderick describes her classes as “upscale boutique” art sessions, because they include high-quality art materials, hands-on one-on-one professional instruction in a bonafide working art studio. 

“As a former elementary art teacher, CHROMA allows me to combine by personal art studio and my love of teaching all in one place,” says Broaderick. “I wanted to create a beautiful environment, where guests feel comfortable expressing themselves; a place where we all find the joy in art.”

Broaderick’s love of watercolor is evident in the transparent, luminosity of her energetic, layered oil paintings. Broaderick deftly captures the essence of her subjects with bold use of clean color and light created with loose brushstrokes resulting in fresh, energetic, relatable pieces. 

“The process is one of full immersion and focused energy," she sayss "Hours can go by easily. It is a great feeling of accomplishment when a painting is complete and fully realized, but that's not even the best part. The best part is seeing someone's eyes looking at your art and seeing such joy and happiness … and to share that joy with is the greatest gift.”

The word chroma has Greek origin and means “purity or intensity of color.” And we have no doubt Broaderick will be a burst of color on the South Walton art scene for many years to come.

Upcoming Classes at Chroma!

“Yellowtail”
Thursday, Oct. 12, 6 to 8:30 p.m. 
$75, all supplies included 

“Rock Rooster” 
Saturday, Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m.-noon. 
$75, all supplied included

Two-day Oil Workshop
Monday, Oct. 23 & Tuesday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 
A demonstration painting will serve as a creative prompt. Students will enjoy exclusive one-on-one painting tips, advice and guidance from Broaderick. Classes are limited to 12. A supply list will be provided to each registered student. $250 per person. 

To reserve your spot in class, visit www.CHROMA30a.com and call 844-5-CHROMA, or (844) 524-7662.