My name is Katherine, and I am studying Fine Art & English at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I specialise in portraiture painting and other fine arts, including photography and digital illustration. My work explores how emotion and symbolism can be conveyed through an expansive colour range. I draw inspiration from my own writing. The effects of light and shade are also a focal point of my work, and I have recently been experimenting with elements of surrealism.

I am inspired by the works in art galleries I have visited, including Allison Janae Hamilton’s “Pitch” and an exhibition of Turner’s work at MFA Boston. I enjoy the works of Herge, especially the Tintin comics, and many online digital illustrators. I try to incorporate elements of my home country, England, into my work whenever possible.

In November 2022 I was selected for a solo exhibition of my work in my hometown. My portrait commission work and portfolio development is ongoing.

AP Drawing Portfolio score of 5/5
AP Illustration Portfolio score of 5/5
AP Art History score of 5/5

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards:
2023: Two Gold Keys (Painting), One Silver Key (Portfolio)
2022: One Gold Key (Painting), One Honourable Mention (Painting/Print)
2021: Three Silver Keys (Painting)
2020: One Silver Key (Photography), Two Honourable Mentions (Painting)
2019: One Silver Key (Painting)
2018: One Honourable Mention (Drawing)

Camera Equipment
– Fujifilm X-E2
– Lenses: Pentax 50mm, 18-55mm, 23mm, 55-200mm
– Post processing with Photoshop

I enjoy using the X-E2 because it’s small, convenient, and easy to use. I shoot manually, both with settings and with focus. My favourite lens is my 1960s Pentax 50mm lens, which allows for high quality photos with high aperture. It was also cheap, which is good because I’m a student. It’s a manual lens, which most people avoid because they prefer autofocus lenses. I’ve been experimenting with street photography, and I take inspiration from Vivian Maier and her unique style.