I  started painting with oils at just 8 years old, after being given the paints from my  late uncle. I later went to the  South Devon College of Art to study painting. After completing my course I was offered a place at Liverpool School Of Art & Design, which is where I gained  a 1st degree with Honors in Fine Art. At this point I was working in oils and was very keen on portraiture and inspired by classical theatre and poetry.

 After leaving University, I worked in the London theatre as a costume designer and stage design artist, which again inspired my art style.  After marriage I painted from my studio at home as often as possible, and continued to take commissions.  Creating portraits in the style of old masters, still using oils at this point. During this time I also worked as  and illustrator with small publications including the original Diggers and Dreamers books at Lifespan Community Press in Yorkshire.  I continued my painting while being a mother, several of my children went on to be artists in their own right.

In recent years, I have returned to painting full time, now using acrylics as my preferred medium. I have been taking commissions for portraits for over 30 years and have found an audience for my own style of portraiture. Over the last ten years I have found a love of Spain and most recently the south of France, the Carcassonne area in particular. Being able to work and exhibit there has been very inspiring, so I try to spend time there as often as I can.

For my recent exhibition in Pittville Gallery and Guest House, I have been inspired by Wonderful Women through the ages, from Mary Shelley to the novelist Zadie Smith, Using my style of painting to capture their beauty as well as hopefully, some of their strong personality. I do hope you enjoy the work.

For my upcoming exhibition Wonderful Women have made the decision to donate 20% of the profit’s made from sales of my works to Women’s Aid - a charity that supports the women refuges. As someone who has both worked in a refuge, and also had to use them for myself and my family in the past, I am very  passionate about giving back and supporting those people in need.

© Kate Whiteley Smith BA

2024

Kate is open to commissions, portraits and landscapes, in her style of artwork get in touch for prices.