Make it personal
Your story, My hand.
A painting that tells your story
There’s a kind of magic that happens when memory meets paintbrush.
I don’t need to see the exact details of how it happened to create the magic of how it felt. Through symbolism, color, and elements that only your story could know we’ll co-create a painting that is truly one-of-a-kind.
10/10 experience working with Katie. I saw her art at Elemental Bakery in Denver and was immediately taken by it. I saw she did custom paintings and thought it would be the perfect gift for my sister’s elopement! Katie took the time to understand our vision and made professional recommendations to make sure it was perfect.
My sister and her husband just got it last week and LOVE IT. They said it was the best gift they’ve ever received and brought them to tears.
- Alaina
How It Works
A Phone Call
In a 20-minute call, we'll chat about what you're dreaming up, my process, the symbolism we can add and of course your budget. I do the best I can to work within your budget and respect my time to make sure we both come out winning in this co-creation.
Preliminary Sketch
Each project comes with a preliminary sketch to give you and idea of where everything will land on the page. If anything feels off this is your time to make changes.
A Heirloom
Once the sketch is approved I get to work. You won't see the painting until it's completely finished and we do an in-person or virtual reveal. You'll also have the option of working with me on having it framed or choosing to frame it yourself.
Create a family heirloom
No story is too small
Custom paintings range from $500-$3,000, reflecting the size, complexity, and hours of dedicated artistry that go into each piece. Unlike mass-produced wall art, these paintings become family heirlooms. And with the original in your home, you add just a little more soul to your space.
Perhaps you’ve been searching for a way to honor a milestone, celebrate a holiday, or simply capture the ordinary beauty of your everyday life. A photograph holds the literal, but a painting holds the spiritual. It’s able to not only show you what a moment in time looked like, but how it felt.
**Kitchen memories is a painting of my grandmother's kitchen done by memory. A custom painting doesn't have to be of people but could be a place that will always have your heart.
A colorful painting that holds your best moments.
My artwork has been described as children’s books for adults. There’s something magical about that. The use of vivid colors that don’t overwhelm but still emphasize the magic of a moment. The texture of paint, the fluidity of watercolor, and of course a style that’s developed over the years, gives you a painting that only we could co-create together.
From the places that held us to the people we hold onto
Almost anything can become a painting. A story of your nieces and nephews on a hike with your favorite view behind them, to an image of the one nook of your home that you sold last year you never want to forget.
I can work from a single reference photo or a handful put together and your story doesn't have to be 100% accurate (I promise, I won't tell!) Paintings don't have to be photojournalistically true, they have to make you feel something that's true.
That's what drives all my art–to make you feel something deep inside that you know to be true.
Katie’s painting of our home is such a gift. After losing our home to a fire, having this painting has been such a sweet memory. Thank you!!!
- Mckendree
Frequently asked questions
How long does the process take?
From initial consultation to finished piece typically takes 4-6 weeks, depending on complexity and my current commission schedule.
What reference photos work best?
Clear, well-lit photos work wonderfully, but don't worry about perfection. Sometimes the candid, imperfect moments make the most beautiful paintings. I can work with multiple reference photos to create the perfect composition.
What sizes are available?
I work from 11×14-24×30. Of course, I can go larger for the right painting but because it takes so much longer, it has to be a piece we're both excited about. 24×30 paintings will be done in acrylic and not watercolors. Know that if you want your piece to take up more space on the wall you can achieve this through your frame choice too!
Can I Request Details Not In The Reference Photo?
Heck yes! I love making a piece as personal as possible. So whether it's changing the color scheme to fit your decor, adding in extra details, or tweaking the background to fit what a place felt like more than what it literally looked like, I'm here for it. The beauty of art is that we are going for a feeling, not reality.
Do you only paint people?
While people tell powerful stories, I also create custom landscape paintings from your favorite places or capture your favorite home/room to keep forever.
Can I have it framed?
I like to work with Framebridge where your piece will be dropped off, framed, and then shipped to you directly. This can take an extra few weeks (Plan for 2 weeks) but their framing is great, and if something happens during transit, they'll take care of you. There's also a location in Denver so if you're local you can always pick up there too!
Can I give a custom painting as a gift?
Absolutely! Custom paintings make extraordinary gifts for weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, and milestone birthdays. If you need help having it framed, mailed to your loved one, or anything else, I'm happy to help!
Can we add gold foil to it?
Yes! I love adding gold foil to a painting to make it extra special. I use both an artificial gold and a real gold option depending on your budget for this luxe add on.
Can I have Prints made?
Heck yes! I print 8×10 and 11×14 prints in-house. Larger format will be sent to my printers and shipped back to me for quality inspection and to hand sign them. Once they're approved I can either mail them to you or schedule a pickup/delivery in Denver. Just let me know the number and sizes you need and I'll add it to your quote.
How do I care for my painting?
Gouache paintings should be framed under glass and kept away from direct sunlight to preserve their vibrant colors for generations. You will also want this professionally framed to ensure that it is safe from outside elements. Acrylic paintings don't need to be enclosed in glass and are best framed in something that will protect the edges of the painting.
Tell me about the moment you want to capture