Written by My name is Kate and I’m an artist based in beautiful County Kerry, Ireland. I was studying graphic design, advertising and fine arts, but that was ages ago. After finishing my studies, I worked as a graphic and web designer, where I did mostly digital work. A few years ago, I started to paint again. It was a kind of stress relief therapy for me.
About 2 years ago, I decided to try to make my art living and here I am now. It’s not easy as it seems to be, especially if you must mind house, 3 kids and be a public relation, production, sale and “god-only-knows-what-else” manager.
My biggest love now is watercolor, but sometimes I need a change so I go for oils or painting clothes or mugs or whatever.
I love to paint birds and wild animals, but recently I discovered amazing world of… fruits and really normal everyday things which go perfectly as a watercolor painting objects.
Usually I paint full size, “proper” paintings. But with the beginning of this year I’ve decided to make something different and more challenging. I’ve decided to go for everyday doodles in the sketchbook. I started very simple, 10mins a day for a sketch, but with time, believe me or not, I got addicted.
I’m already on my 4th sketchbook this year and I can’t stop thinking about it and painting next picture. And it’s not like a quick “whatever” doodle, it must be something, some story hidden in the picture.
Where the ideas for everyday paintings coming from? – you ask. That depends on a day I’ll answer. Sometimes, I have million of ideas in my head. I can get inspiration from anything that’s around me. That’s really amazing and I plan for a few days in advance. It’s a great feeling when you have something to wait for, some new idea which needs to be painted.
But some other days nothing wants to come out. Just struggle and frustration. The more I wonder what to paint the less these ideas suit me. What to do then? Do something different, something that will help you to clear your mind, what you never did but always wanted to try or just simply take a break and do nothing.
And with time, your struggle will pass and new energy will come. Honestly that’s a never ending story, smaller or bigger ups and downs, in every artist’s life. If none of my ways work for you, try to find your own way to overcome it.
What supplies do I use?
I started with Royal Talens Van Gogh watercolors. They’re pretty great and not so expensive. Now I’m using Winsor & Newton Artist watercolors and Golden’s QoR Watercolors, both of them are amazing, but still sometimes I’m coming back to Royal Talens.
Brushes? I went through many of brands: Kolibri, Da Vinci, Winsor & Newton, Cotman, Chinese traditional brushes and many of kinds: synthetic, natural, mixed. I love them all, but now I stick to Winsor & Newton series 7 sable brushes and my beloved Chinese traditional brushes.
Paper? Again, many brands I’ve tried and some I like and some don’t. My most favorite so far is Fabriano, any kind. And by “any” I mean really any possible kind of Fabriano paper you can find. All of them are amazing.
People tell me “I wish my paintings would be so good as yours, but I can’t do it.” I always say: “Everyone can paint or draw. All is in your head and your attitude. If you want to do something just do it. I wouldn’t be here where I am without years of practice and hard work. So get a piece of paper, pencil or brush and draw or paint, whatever, but do it, 10-30 minutes every day. And in no time, you’ll see how much you’ve improved.”
Kate Plum
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Oh my goodness Kate! Your paintings are just beautiful, I love them all. You are definitely an inspiration, thank you for sharing your lovely creations with Doodlewash. 🙂
Thank you very much for your kind words Sheila.
Love your work Kate. I don’t sketch every day, but I have upped my output and I am getting better slowly. Pictures such as yours give me something to aim for. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Rod. So unbelievable to read I can be an inspiration for people. Thank you!
Great stuff Kate. You have a lovely touch, such beautiful portraits of birds and animals and I’ve fallen in love with your mouse.
Thanks a lot for your nice words.
Beautiful paintings, Kate! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you and also you’re very welcome Mary. I’m happy to see you like it.
I love your work, and will be following you on IG!
That’s really great. I’m so happy. Thank you!
Beautiful paintings and great advice!
Thanks a million Bekki
Truly great work! Thanks for the tips and the inspiration. Look forward to more of your beautiful creations.
Thank you very much. I’m so pleased to see another follower. Thanks for that.
Fantastic paintings! I can recognize a lot of the feelings you’re describing, and appreciate your great insights 🙂
Thank you. Happy to know I’m not all alone in all this artistic up and downs 😁 all the best for you
Amazing paintings!! I love them all! 😄
Thanks so very much Sarah
Your works are just amazing! Love the animals!
Thank you so much
Your paintings are just gorgeous! Beautiful work! I’m waiting for that inspiration. A nudge, something. Thank you for the advice!
I’m so pleased to read that, thank you so much. Happy I could help even a bit
Kate, your paintings are a visual delight. I’ve enjoyed looking for the stories within them. If you wouldn’t mind sharing, I’d like to know how you get those delicate white whiskers and other details over the watercolors? It doesn’t seem you could use a mask and get such thin lines. But maybe you can.
Thanks a million for your kind words. Of course I can share my “art secrets” with you 😁 there are two options: 1. Masking fluid – when I have tome to play 2. White gel pen – when I’m lazy. Masking fluid is tricky but the point is that if you learn how it works it will work for you. And another thing: it can be applied with almost anything not only with brush, so for the very thin lines I use very thin supplies like for example dip pens or sharpened bamboo sticks. Hope it helps. 😊
That’s very helpful, thank you for sharing. I’d never thought of using a gel pen. I sometimes use white gouache with a very skinny brush but I like your methods better.
You’re very welcome 😉
Fabulous animal and bird portraits!
Greatly appreciate
Your work is amazing, Kate! I think you hit the nail on the head describing the back and forth between inspirtion and struggle. I think the struggle is where you build up for the inspiration, but that doesn’t make it easier to endure. Thank you for sharing your art and story with us.
Thank you very much. I’m very happy to see you enjoyed my story.
What an inspiration! Your work is wonderful. Thank you for participating. 🙂
Many thanks for your kind words. And thank you for the opportunity.
Kate, your most beautiful art just blew me away! Your talent is phenomenal! I could just look at it all day, every day!
I’m so pleased to read your comment. Thank you so much. Some new things are coming to my online gallery so stay tuned 😉
Oh thank you so much for sharing! And I’m with you on Fabriano!
Yey! I new there’s more of us 😁 thanks a lot Lisa for your comment
Wow ! Love your work Kate, I am in awe. I am huge fan of Fabriano, making paper for 700 years, truly amazing. I’m a total paper junkie, and the sketchbooks and pads are building up here. We might need a support group !
Thanks a lot for your great comment. Salute to Fabriano power 😁
awe inspiring!
each one is a favorite
Thanks a lot
Lovely. Your ice cubes are amazing. And I want to buy them and your eyeglasses as huge posters.
Thank you. They might be soon available in my redbubble or some other shop so stay tuned 😉
These paintings are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing them 🙂
Thanks a million for your kind words. That was a big privilege to get opportunity to say few words about me and my art.
Your are just downright talented! Love our paintings!
Thanks a lot for your appreciation
our=your…fumble fingers 🙂