Kate Christie Artist
Since graduating from university in 2001 with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree I spent much of my time in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This was the perfect place to continue to study the sea and sailing and transfer that response into the “noise of sailing”. Almost immediately I developed a large portfolio and have been lucky enough to sell my paintings in numerous galleries throughout the country and abroad.
My style and approach is emotional and not photographic but I do work from a library of photographs taken over the years. Working in oil paint on canvas with palette knives and other less conventional implements I am able to build up images which are perhaps more fractured, textural and dynamic. The paintings develop over a period of time with layers of colour and coloured glazes eventually resulting in a piece that portrays my personal response, whatever the subject.
In 2021, after spending several years on the Isle of Wight, I made the move back to the mainland and settled in the picturesque coastal town of Lymington. Inspired by the stunning surroundings either on long walks along the beach or in the New Forest with my dog, Myrtle, I return to my studio to convert the reality into a “feeling”, the wind in the hair, the smell of the sea with an expressive energy. And now, with more exposure to the countryside, comes greater variety. It is these moments which serve as a wellspring of inspiration for artistic creations, allowing nature's beauty to merge with an innovative vision.
Despite a busy schedule as a successful artist, I always find time for the most important things in life: family. The moments spent with my three grandchildren, finding joy in their creativity and curiosity, encouraging their own artistic endeavors and fostering a love for art that will hopefully last a lifetime.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, I hope my work will captivate audiences. Through artistic expression I hope to challenge conventional boundaries and invite viewers to explore their own perceptions of the world in my paintings.
I am always willing to challenging myself. Over the years have produced many pieces in a huge variety of sizes (from 15cms to 3metres) to fit a client’s brief - whether they want a particular view, a certain loved boat or (more recently) a mackerel!