About Kim Fjordbotten
Kim Fjordbotten is a passionate visual artist, instructor, and advocate for the arts with over 35 years of experience in exploring and teaching the wonders of colour theory, art materials, and creative techniques. As the owner of The Paint Spot, a well-known art store in Edmonton, Kim supports the artistic community by not only providing high-quality art supplies but also by creating spaces for creativity, such as the Naess Gallery and Artelier Studios for art classes.
Kim’s hands-on approach to teaching has sparked the creation of ColourJot, a unique system of templates and tutorials designed to make colour mixing accessible and effective for artists of all levels. This system was born from her belief in the power of learning through personal experience.
Her deep knowledge of colour mixing and colour theory has earned her a reputation as a trusted mentor for countless artists, from hobbyists to professionals. Kim’s artistic practice and teaching are rooted in curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of discovery, which she encourages in everyone she meets.
Achievements
Kim’s dedication to the arts has garnered significant recognition, including:
- Queen’s Silver Jubilee Award – celebrating her lasting impact on the arts.
- YMCA Women of Distinction Award for Arts, Culture, and Heritage – recognizing her leadership and vision in promoting the arts and fostering cultural enrichment.
- City of Edmonton’s Mayor Award for Innovative Support for the Arts by a Business – honoring her contributions to the artistic community.
Teaching Philosophy
Kim’s philosophy toward art teaching is as vibrant as her work with colour. She firmly believes that art is for everyone and is a lifelong pursuit. For Kim, creating art is not about reaching a fixed level of achievement but rather about continuous growth, experimentation, and curiosity. “The more we know, the more we want to know,” she says.
While she acknowledges that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be challenging, she embraces discomfort as a necessary part of the innovative process. Kim champions mentorship and community as essential tools to keep artists inspired, motivated, and supported on their creative journeys.
Connecting Through Community
Kim continues to foster an inclusive, dynamic artistic community through her various ventures. From providing quality art supplies, teaching colour theory, and offering mentorship to creating platforms like Naess Gallery and Artelier Studios, Kim has created a space where creativity thrives and artists feel inspired to grow.
For Kim Fjordbotten, art is more than a craft—it’s a lifelong adventure that invites everyone to explore, learn, and continuously evolve.