About
Biography
Kate grew up in Cowplain, Hampshire (UK), with a lifelong dream to become an Artist, always with portrait and figure drawing her main interest.
After leaving school in 1980 she attended Portsmouth College of Art and Design , mostly concentrating on Window Display and prop making, but also developing her painting, drawing and design skills.
In the 1990's she attended courses at 'The Mill Studio' with Piers Ottey to concentrate on life drawing , and improving her basic drawing abilities. During this time time she discovered an affinity with pastel painting, partly due to the intensity of the pigments and also their tactile nature.
Kate graduated from West Dean College, West Sussex in a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design in 2015.
Statement
Kate works in pastels and charcoal in a represenational style, creating mainly portraits and figurative work of people and a variety of creatures. She also often incorporates 22 carat gold & silver leaf, onto either paper or directly onto board, aiming to create something more impactful and unexpected.
She references her own photos to catch a more candid and natural expression, intending the viewer to feel more involved and connected. Often with the subject being found tucked away in the background. She seeks to impart some of the essence and character of her subjects with the possibility there may be another narrative going on just below the surface ...with a direct gaze or briefly caught expression.
CV
2018 - Featured Artist on Artsy Shark.
2018 - Shortlisted for the Holly Bush Emerging Woman Artist Prize, Burgh House, Hampstead.
2018 - ‘Diverse Portraits’, joint exhibition , Burgh House, Hampstead.
2018 - Featured in ‘Defining Moments’ project, Art Quest Sussex.
2018 - Shortlisted for the Jackson’s Art, Pastel Portrait Competition.
2017 - Exhibited in the Stride Open Art Competition, Oxmarket, Chichester
2017 - Shortlisted for the Holly Bush Emerging Woman Artist Prize, Burgh House, Hampstead.
2016 - ‘People’s Choice Prize’ for The Stride Open Art Competition, Oxmarket, Chichester.
2016 - ‘Artist’s Choice Prize’ , Pre Chichester Art Trail Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester
2015 - Shortlisted for the Artist’s & Illustrators Artist of the Year Prize, Mall Galleries, London