Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Liddiard
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Northern Utah in 1984 and have been passionate about art from a young age. After high school, I attended Snow College, initially planning to follow a traditional college path. However, my fascination with classical art education led me to the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. Although financial challenges cut my time in Florence short, I returned to Utah and completed my training at the Masters Academy of Art under Ryan S. Brown. After graduating in 2014 and serving as the Assistant Director of the academy, I left in 2018 to dedicate myself fully to my art.
Now based in Salem, Utah, I work from my home studio, exploring themes of flora and fauna that deeply influence my work. I seek to capture beauty and the divine in everyday scenes, drawing inspiration from masters like Emile Friant, Jules Bastien-Lepage, and Henri Fantin-Latour. My art is a continual pursuit of harmony in color and design, striving to keep the essence of beauty alive in our world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many artists, I’ve navigated considerable challenges along the way. Financial hurdles were an early setback, especially during my studies in Florence, which were cut short due to these constraints. Financial issues are always on the backburner as an artist- it’s regularly feast or famine. On a more personal level, self-doubt has been a persistent companion, often questioning my decisions and direction in art. Balancing my career with family life adds another layer of complexity. Being a mother to two young children requires a lot of time and energy, which sometimes limits how much I can dedicate to my studio work. Additionally, finding my artistic voice has been a journey. Determining what to paint and how to express my perspective through my work has been both challenging and rewarding. Each struggle, however, has been a valuable part of my growth as an artist and as a person.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work primarily explores the delicate interplay of organic shapes within atmospheric settings, focusing on how these elements interact with the background to create a sense of depth and emotion, specifically in my floral paintings. I specialize in using traditional techniques that hark back to the old masters, whom I look to for guidance on paint handling, color harmonies, and composition. This classical approach ensures a high level of execution in each piece, pushing me to achieve standards that continually challenge and refine my skills.
I am most proud of the recognition my work has received within the art community, having won several awards for my floral pieces at national shows hosted by the Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. These accolades not only affirm my dedication to my craft but also encourage me to keep evolving as an artist.
What sets me apart is my commitment to merging traditional techniques and themes in a contemporary way, creating a unique blend that honors the past while connecting with the present. This balance of old and new invites a wider audience to relate with my work, finding novelty in the way these themes are handled.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is fundamentally about happiness, or contentment, and the ability to sustain my practice as an artist. While I have high aspirations, like having my work featured in museums and earning the respect and recognition of my peers, these are not my primary metrics for success. True success, in my view, is about having the financial stability that allows me to continue creating art. Each painting sold not only supports my family but also fuels the creation of the next piece. This cycle of creation and support is what keeps me motivated and fulfilled, making the very act of being able to continue my work the core of my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katieliddiardart.com
- Instagram: @katieliddiardart
- Facebook: @katieliddiardart
- Youtube: @katieliddiard
