Wait, What? I Can Paint?
When my youngest daughter went off to art school some years ago, I wanted to go too! We toured the schools and I fell in love with all the studios, and the messy, creative spaces filled with paint, clay and all kinds of tools, brushes, and paper. It was like I found home! Though I had spent many years working as a graphic designer, this was dig in and get your hands dirty kind of art. I felt like a kid in a candy shop as I imagined all the amazing things that could be created here!
I was a stay at home Mom of four for many, many years, and certainly used my creative skills during that time for my family and my home. Sewing for my daughters, making gifts for family members, selling a few handcrafted items from time to time, teaching little cub scouts how to create simple craft projects. And I loved all of it. But it wasn't until that visit to the studios at the art schools that really touched something inside me.
I had several friends who were fine artists and I so admired their work! I didn’t think that kind of art was inside me though. Even so, I chose not to listen to the voices that say it’s too late, or you’re too old, or you don’t have the ability. I took a few watercolor classes at my daughter’s college and I was a little amazed at what I was able to create!
I've taken that initial spark and have steadily been creating in one form or another ever since. When one of my first paintings sold at a church fundraiser auction, I could hardly contain my joy!
I mostly work in watercolor and acrylic, and am trying a new technique for mounting watercolors that eliminates the need for glass and gives a more contemporary feel. And as most creatives can relate to, I have done many 'pivots' during this time, always feeling the desire to try something new. Designing for fabric is the most recent piece to my creative puzzle, and I find it fascinating! I have designs on Spoonflower.com, a site that sells fabric as well as home decor items. You can find me at https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kat_design_studio
I love selling my work on Etsy and seeing how far away my art finds a home! My most exciting Etsy moment was having a set designer purchase a painting that was used on the set of Parenthood in the apartment of Ray Romano's character Hank! Like, what!!! I watched diligently and took a screen shot of it when I finally saw it on the show. I’ve recently started a map to chart where I am sending my art, coloring each state as an order gets sent on its way.
I spend my time in my studio/office in our home in Southern New Hampshire that looks out at the wide open sky and the beautiful landscape that my husband has meticulously created. Living in a very scenic, mountainous area is a joy and an inspiration for a lot of work. And just a short drive away is the seacoast of New England, a much loved source of inspiration as many of my paintings show.
Working as an artist is not always easy. Without collaboration and community with other creatives it can be lonely at times. But when creating is part of who you are you find a way, you find your people. My daughter and I do art shows together from time to time, and turn to each other when we are stuck or need a gentle critique. And the support of customers who love your work and appreciate unique creations for their home or for gift giving, touches each artist deeply.
I truly appreciate your visit to my shop, I hope you find something that you love here! Please reach out with any questions or connect on socials!
All my best,
Kathy
—If you click on the favorite shop button ❤️ you’ll see when new pieces are added.
Wherever you’re social, come follow me!
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kat_creative_studio
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/KATCreativeStudios/about/
