Kate Townley Smith, Visual Artist

I've been drawing and painting since I was old enough to hold a crayon. For me, art is more than just a hobby or a profession - it's a way of seeing the world.

My latest work explores the natural beauty of the southern Appalachian mountains, from the vibrant colors of the flora and fauna to the wild textures of the landscape. I'm constantly inspired by the rich palette that nature provides, and I love experimenting with different color combinations to create a sense of depth and movement in my paintings.

My style is painterly and expressive, with visible brushstrokes and layered colors that invite the viewer to explore and engage with the canvas. In most of my work, I paint an acrylic underpainting with oil colors on top. I find a lot of joy in the movement of spreading the paint itself.

Looking back, I realize that my love of art began at a very young age. I remember drawing robins and cardinals in kindergarten and feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction when I realized that not all my classmates could or even wanted to draw. Right then,  I knew then that creating wasn't just something I enjoyed, it was an essential part of who I was.

As an artist, my goal is to share that sense of wonder and appreciation of nature with others. I want to show people the beauty of the common things on this earth, and to help them see the world in a new and inspiring way.