Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

Katherine earned her BFA in Advertising Design at Kendall School in 1982. She worked as an advertiser in Germany for two years. She returned to school in 2009 to Converse College where she completed 33 hours of collective studies in: Studio Art, Art Therapy, Art Ed, Theatre. Since then, she has spent her time working in the Theatre as a stage manager, prop master and scenic painter.

Katherine has taught middle school art. She is currently giving private lessons and painting commissioned pet portraits. She has painted over 400 portraits of dogs and cats. She is working on a solo show for this year, a figurative exploration of women’s rights.

“I find my happiness in watching others find theirs.” Teaching painting classes has opened up my heart. The paint your pet nights are the very best. One student explained it like this “it’s like being able to pet my dog one last time with each brush stroke.” I learn so much about myself with each class I teach. It is also wonderful watching other people learn something about themselves as they watch their pet emerge on their canvas.

Artist Statement

Color has consistently been the focal point of my artistic endeavors. I embarked on my journey of painting dog portraits in vibrant pop colors eight years ago, a venture that has evolved over time into a more realistic portrayal. While the spectrum of colors is still prominent, they now seamlessly blend to capture a subtler essence. I like to believe that in my work, I paint not just the physicality but the very soul of the subjects. Throughout my artistic exploration, I’ve consistently been captivated by the depth and expressiveness found in their eyes.

Some years back, I experimented with encaustic art. This year marked my foray into the world of cold wax, a medium I find immensely gratifying. Cold wax, much like encaustic, introduces intriguing textures, yet it affords my figurative pieces a certain subtlety, allowing them to reside somewhat concealed behind the layers. My fascination lies in the interplay of texture and the multitude of colors built up layer upon layer.

At present, my backgrounds echo the worn patina of old jeans, each layer telling a narrative through its hues and accumulated history. This, to me, mirrors life – an amalgamation of experiences etched in color and the strata of time. My artistic endeavors for this year aim to serve as a tribute to women, both in the past and the present.