 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Artist Statement
I took my first watercolor class at a local community college in October, 1996. 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 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.
I had my first solo show and was accepted into my first art gallery in September, 1998. I began to
enter Fine art show and juried events throughout the US. I now show my art in Washington,
California, Arizona, Oregon and Idaho.
My art process is simple. I take my own reference pictures with a macro lens. I use these to
hand draw my own 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 over
sized pieces full of contrasting color and light. I work over the entire piece, one section at a
time. After the 1st application of watercolor has dried, I reapply another coat. I continue glazing
until I have applied 5 to 8 applications of color. I use transparent watercolors to maintain the
“white of the paper”, resulting in vibrant, intense coloration.
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
I took my first watercolor class at a local community college in October, 1996. 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 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.
I had my first solo show and was accepted into my first art gallery in September, 1998. I began to
enter Fine art show and juried events throughout the US. I now show my art in Washington,
California, Arizona, Oregon and Idaho.
My art process is simple. I take my own reference pictures with a macro lens. I use these to
hand draw my own 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 over
sized pieces full of contrasting color and light. I work over the entire piece, one section at a
time. After the 1st application of watercolor has dried, I reapply another coat. I continue glazing
until I have applied 5 to 8 applications of color. I use transparent watercolors to maintain the
“white of the paper”, resulting in vibrant, intense coloration.
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
|
| Kate Larsson Watercolors Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253-265-1662 Kate's Email address |
Favorite "Links"
Gallery Row Art Gallery
Gallery Row Art Gallery