Watercolorist Katherine Ford presents a charming collection of paintings that quietly express her life as artist and observer. Visit her website to see more.
Living in the heart of Wisconsin, the natural beauty that surrounds me has been my greatest muse as a watercolor artist for the past two decades.
Around twenty years ago, I began infusing watercolor into my detailed drawings of prairie flowers. These illustrations evolved beyond mere depictions; they became what I fondly call object portraits.
Object portraits, to put it simply, are about capturing the essence of everyday things in an extraordinary way. It’s about finding the beauty in the mundane, breathing life into ordinary items through artistic interpretation.
My journey began with flowers, but soon I found inspiration in the simplicity of everyday objects – from the delicate petals of a flower to the organized chaos of a workbench.
Fly-fishing, a hobby I never thought much of, unexpectedly became a pivotal point in my creative story. A guided trip opened my eyes to the meticulous artistry of tied flies, which soon became the focus of my abstract watercolor works.
More than just painting these flies, I aimed to capture the deep connection between anglers and their catch, a sentiment that resonates profoundly with anyone deeply connected to the rhythms of nature.
Most of my creations come to life in my studio, where I transform photos into vibrant watercolor interpretations. While I’ve tried painting outdoors, Wisconsin’s unpredictable weather often keeps me indoors.
Despite the challenges, my art continues to evolve, reflecting my creativity and appreciation for the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Katherine Ford invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook.
Beautiful watercolors that reflect so much of Wisconsin. Thanks for sharing.
I am glad I was able to capture the unique qualities of Wisconsin and thankful for mentoring that helped in tis interpretation.