Oil Painting
Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn is a Brisbane painter who specialises in vibrant floral still life using oils.
Artist Profile
Kate Quinn is a Brisbane painter who specialises in vibrant floral still life using oils.
As an emerging Australian artist with a particular focus on capturing the beauty of flowers, ceramics, textiles, and pattern, Kate Quinn’s art is inspired by her domestic surroundings and the everyday scenes she encounters.
Before pursuing her passion for painting, Kate worked as a domestic violence social worker, however, she now paints full-time from her home studio. In addition to creating her own artwork, Kate teaches art classes and co-runs a business called Bloom Art Experiences. Through this business, Kate brings floral still life painting workshops to beautiful locations across Australia, giving others the opportunity to learn and create art in inspiring settings.
Although mainly self-taught, Kate’s paintings demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a natural talent for capturing the essence of her subjects. She is interested in playing with colour, texture, and shape to create interesting and dynamic compositions that bring out the unique qualities of her subjects. Through her work, Kate aims to showcase the beauty in everyday scenes and objects, inviting viewers to take a closer look and appreciate the world around them in a new way.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I paint 'alla prima' using oils on linen or cotton canvas, and enjoy the rich, creamy consistency, saturated colour, and slow drying time of oils, as it allows me to manipulate my work over a day or two as I create.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I am often inspired by flowers in my own garden, a beautiful bouquet posted online by a florist, or a particular ceramic vase. From this idea, I will hand sketch a scene, sometimes using a combination of fresh flowers in front of me, images from photos, and bits made up in my head. Sometimes, a collection of paintings will come together in a cohesive series around a theme, such as the seasons, or breakfast scenes, or pastel colours.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I work from a sunlit front room in my home in inner city Brisbane. I have two large windows that allow a lot of natural light and from which I can watch the passers-by as they frequently walk dogs past my house. I work on just one painting at a time, and get fully immersed in that piece before moving to the next. My studio has a lot of other people's art in it, photos, quotes, postcards, ceramics and other inspiration, and I love the colourful chaos in which I create.
Career Highlights
- Winning the 'Jumbled Art Superstar' competition in 2020
- 'Seasons' exhibition in Brisbane, 2023
- International Artists and Writers Residency at Chateau Orquevaux, Champagne, France, 2024
