KATIE BELL
About
Katie is a versatile designer and artist living in Surrey. She had a successful career in working in advertising agencies and for companies such as Sotheby's, Nokia and Sky.
Since 2015, Katie continued to work with local clients from home whilst building her own business taking private pet portrait commissions in the UK and internationally. Her background as a graphic designer is evident in her digital pet portraits. She pursued her love of painting too, producing mixed media work using acrylic, oil pigment sticks and pencil on canvas.
Katie has always been creative and enjoyed sewing, quilting and embroidery. She has run informal workshops for friends and family. During Covid came to the realisation that she wanted to teach, sharing her enthusiasm and supporting others, whilst fulfilling her own goals. When she saw the Royal School of Needlework Professional Embroidery Tutor course it was a light bulb moment!
When not in Weybridge, she is in Park City, Utah. If you're wondering why some of her social media posts are from there - that's why!
I am immediately attracted to working with colour. I don't necessarily apply naturalistic colours but ones that I see in my mind allowing the piece to emerge in a more abstract way.
My paintings are usually in mixed media using acrylic, working up in oil sticks and pencil.
Since spending a lot of time in America, I'm fascinated with the wildlife and landscape there, especially the moose which frequent our neighbourhood, mountains and rural barns.
Having spent years and years designing with such precision in my job, I have found it has taken me a very long time for my own style to emerge in my paintings. Trying to unlock a hindrance and confidence to challenge myself. My style is emerging now - expressive and colourful.
I enjoy making big marks, layering up a painting and enjoy discovering what evolves. I am trying to convey my pleasure in creating, therein expressing pleasure which a viewer can enjoy too.
