Artitst's Statement
Within each of us inhabits the desire to express and create, reflecting the very character of the Divine Creator Himself, in whose image we are made.
My desire is to create a romance. A romance that sings to the desire for simpler things, a simpler time perhaps, or simply one that uncovers a hidden childlike warmth in the heart. A romance which applies color into the relational, whether depicted by mother cows licking their young, or people interacting with nature, with animals, or their environment. A romance that puts music to the passion and beauty which resides in each of us and in creation--that part which is lovely. I believe this also comes from the Great Romancer.
I realize that I have lived and been exposed to a lifestyle that few people do, who live in America in this generation. Western heritage is being paved over by the "concrete jungle" of technology and advancement: an inevitable consequence to the amazing testimony of how far the human mind can travel. And yet, how far will it travel from the beauty for which God purposed it?
Our expressions, no matter what form they take, communicate our hearts, our culture, our environment, and yes, our opinions and personalities. And hopefully, somewhere along the way, we find others who appreciate or can relate to what we are trying to say.
Resumé
Having lived on working cattle ranches in Montana, Nevada and California, Kate Davidson has flavored her paintings with a western spice. Baby calves, cows and horses are endeared as her favorite subjects; however, she employs her natural God-given talent to capture likenesses in portraiture as well. Scenes of ranch work are included in the repertoire, such as: a farrier cradling a horse's hoof, a cowboy preparing for work in the tack room of a hundred year old barn, and an old sheep herder sharpening his blade. Kate has also painted some Civil War scenes, as well as wildlife depictions. The variety is extensive--from still life to action.
Kate's works are based in realism, yet expressive in color and application. The medium used in many of her paintings is soft pastel. The term, however, is misleading; the colors produced are just as vibrant as oil or any other medium, and just as durable. She also paints in oils.
Born and raised in the Los Angeles area in 1960, Kate has been exposed to a very diversified arena of culture. After graduating High School as Valedictorian in 1978, she married her childhood sweetheart and made the dramatic transition into ranch life. The secluded lifestyle enabled her to explore and enhance her art ability; consequently, she is self taught.
Since returning to California in 1984, Kate has won various awards throughout California. Also included in her accomplishments is the cover painting on the Oakdale Rodeo Program, which Kate painted every year from 1990 until 1998. (Oakdale holds one of the most popular Professional Rodeos in the state.)
Kate has displayed original works in the Judith Hale Gallery in Los Olivos, CA, as well as the Kautz Ironstone Vineyards, and the Art Co-op Gallery--both located in Murphys, CA. She has been a participating artist in the Ceres Western Art Show, in the San Dimas Western Art Show, the Cattlemen's Western Art Show ( in Paso Robles), and the prestigious Peppertree Art Show (in Santa Inez, CA). Kate has also illustrated a children's book entitled Lord Teach Us To Pray, written by Colleen Townsend Evans and endorsed by Gloria Gaither and Billy Graham's late wife, Ruth. Kate was the winner of Ironstone Vineyard's Spring Symphony Theme Competition in 2001; thus, promoting her work worldwide as advertisement for the release of Ironstone's "Obsession" wine, vintage year 2000.
Currently, Kate and her husband, Mike, make their home on a small ranch outside of Oakdale, California.
Contact Information
Email: info@katedavidsonart.com