Kathryn Matthews

Kathryn studied at the Deva Art School in Holland before going on to obtain an Honours Degree in Visual Art from De Montfort University in Leicester in 1993. After a short spell of working as an archaeological illustrator in Spain she returned to England where she has since been painting full-time in her seafront studio.

Kathryn’s initial fascination with the shapes and vibrancy of harbour scenes began in her portside studio in Rotterdam in 1992 and is still evident today in her fresh interpretations of British coastal scenes. She is also an avid traveller and in recent years has found inspiration in the colourful climates of Africa and the Caribbean. .

Kathryn sketches out on location and uses these images as a basis from which to paint her oils on board back in the studio. It is often what is left out of the initial drawings though, that creates an element of abstraction in the final piece, having to rely solely on reminiscences. The image is built up using thin layers and glazes, giving the paintings a fresh, luminous quality. .

Over the last decade Kathryn has seen huge success in solo and mixed shows and has amassed a large following of collectors drawn to her vibrant colours and bold mark making. Her work is always in high demand in galleries across the country.

Commissions include three paintings for the new P & O Cruise Liner – The Arcadia - one of which is a three metre centre-piece and a series of large paintings for ASK restaurants and Thomsons Cruises. Her work is also collected by The Royal Bank of Scotland. .

Kathryn has been working alongside Artizan Editions in Hove to produce some beautiful hand made screen prints – ‘Spring Tide’, ‘Boardwalk’, ‘Smeaton’s Pier’ and ‘Harbour Gap’.