Kat Houseman has actively been pursuing art for over 20 years. She began her love of art in Great Falls Montana. Her Mother often would set up watercolors and art supplies for the kids to play with, and of course coloring books! Kat would regularly check out “how to draw” books from the school library. Her first easel and oil paint came from her Grandmother that had passed at an early age. Kat feels fortunate to have family that was supportive and understanding of the arts.
Her hometown is considered the “western art capital” home to the iconic western artist Charles M Russell. His home, studio, and museum offered endless inspiration. The annual Auction and associated shows solidified Kat’s desire to purse art as a career. While cowboys where often the theme, Kat was drawn to the horses, cows and wildlife depicted in western art.
In 2001 Kat attended Montana State University and received her BFA in fine art with a focus in painting. Art school was an interesting experience that broadened her approach. The university in Bozeman was a contemporary school with an emphasis on abstract and intuitive work. She continued to pursue representational subjects, and began to focus on birds and the abstraction of back grounds.
Over 15 years ago Kat and her husband Corey Urlacher (also and artist) moved to Washington. Once settled in Bellingham they quickly joined a studio and got involved in the local and Seattle art scenes. In the early years they would pack up their S-10 pickup and drive to fine art festivals throughout the west, including Portland and Bend OR, Everett WA and Jackson WY. Selling art directly, creating lots of original work, and meeting many talented and inspiring artists.
These years of traveling solidified being a “Wildlife Artist” especial after 10 years spent visiting Jackson WY and the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Bob Kuhn and Carl Rungus are absolute inspirations to her and so many artists. The importance of wildlife and nature conservation is imperative, something that she was passionate about at an early age. Kat’s uncle Kenneth (Chip) Houseman was a wildlife cinematographer and photographer who stressed the importance of that in his work.
Kat enjoys the idea of original art work. Being able to see the brushstrokes and process and so creates work as small as 3”x3” on up to 5’x5’. These variety of sizes allows for everyone to enjoy owning art. The work can be describes as bold, colorful, and impressionistic. She likes the paint to be paint and playing with all forms of application. Kat continues to focus on wildlife and has most recently started to paint landscapes.
Over the last several years she has gathered gallery connections and dedicates her time to suppling them with new work. As often as possible she participates in live painting event and museum fundraisers. Most recently she has started to teach day long and multi week workshops.
“Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment” - Claude Monet