Kate Larsson

I took my first watercolor class at a local community college in October 1996. I had been searching for a creative outlet and from the first minute I picked up a watercolor brush I knew that I had to start painting.

I was really not a very good painter when I started. I didn’t know the medium and I couldn’t draw but I did know how to use bright colors in bold patterns. From the very beginning my watercolor paintings “spoke” to me. I set up a permanent studio in my living room and taped all my works in progress on the walls. I went to the public library and checked out as many art books as possible. I studied art theory, art technique and famous artists. In addition, I painted every chance I could. I painted with friends, painted in weekend classes, painted alone. I painted at least 3 to 4 hours every day. When someone asks me the best way to learn to paint, I tell them to paint as much and as often as they can.

My art process is pretty simple. I take my own reference pictures with a macro lens. I hand draw out my piece, incorporating many different pictures into the composition. My main focus is on color, patterns and movement. I begin painting what appeals to me and then, if I am lucky, the vision takes over. I love to paint oversized pieces full of contrasting color and light. I am really interested in the way patterns and shapes evolve during the process. I use complementary colors to intensify the boldness of the piece.

Since I began painting, I have retired from my first career of 28 years as a marketing executive with Xerox Corporation and have embarked on my second career as a professional artist. In September of 1998 I had my first solo show and was accepted into my first art gallery. Since then, I have shown my work regularly in 4 other Galleries and I participate in Fine Art Shows and Juried Events throughout Washington, California, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico and Idaho.

People seem to responds well to my art. I believe it is because I use the same colors we all used in kindergarten before we were taught to “gray things down.” If my art touches someone, makes them feel happier or more in touch with nature, then I am pleased.

Kate Larsson
KateLarssonStudio.com

Kate Larsson Gallery