Twenty years as an interior designer studying dimensions, comparing color schemes, sketching window treatments and completing floor plans prepared Kim France for her next creative career move as a painter.

 France is The Society of Bluffton Artists’ September featured artist, presenting “Impressions of France: Colorful Oils of Italy and the Lowcountry,” September 3 through October 6. The public is invited to meet the artist at an opening reception from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at the SoBA Gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton.

“The show is a collection of vivid, impressionistic oils depicting scenes from Italy and the Lowcountry of South Carolina,” said France, adding, “Hilton Head Island beach scenes will hang next to seascapes of the Amalfi Coast. Tuscan castles will hang next to Bluffton cottages. Pots of South Carolina geraniums will hang next to urns of Italian hibiscus.”

France’s self-taught journey into painting began when she relocated to Hilton Head Island after her last child went to college. Her work typically includes “micro moments in time.” France’s paintings often depict cottages, castles and villas — because the idea of “home” is compelling to her. 

“I feel I have succeeded when someone says, ‘I’d just like to step into it!’” said France. “That is what has always motivated me to buy art for myself in France and Italy. My goal is to depict a small corner of the earth that the observer wants to remember.”

Kim France is a well-known real estate agent who has received “Best Realtor” by Hilton Head Monthly twice. She lives in Bluffton with her dog, Paris, who snoozes away the hours at the foot of her easel. 

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) is a non-profit organization established to promote a stimulating community environment for the visual arts and to assist area students and artists in enhancing their artistic abilities.  SoBA is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton, located at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, outreach art programs, scholarships and more. For more information, visit sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events or call 843-757-6586.