Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Scrivner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kate. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was in high school, I decided to take an art class. I would’ve never guessed that art would become my passion and my safe haven. I started out doing a lot of drawing and painting here and there. After my first year in this class, I came in contact with Bo Bartlett, who is a world-renowned artist that resides in Columbus, GA. I was given the gift of studying under him during high school and have continued through college. He has mentored me now for almost five years. We began meeting regularly. He has taught me how to draw from life, how to charcoal, how to paint, and how to see the world as an artist. His view of living has inspired me. I learn so much from every conversation with him. So, in high school, I took three arts, one of them being an Advanced Placement course, and I enjoyed every second of it. When school was hard or when life was hard, I always found peace in art.
When it was time to start applying to colleges, I began to dream of big art schools away from my hometown. I believed that God would take me wherever I was supposed to go. He was leading me to stay right here in Columbus and enjoy the beautiful city I grew up in. I am a student at Columbus State University and I am working to earn my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. There is an overwhelming amount of support for the arts in Columbus. I am in my junior year at CSU and I live in the heart of downtown Columbus in a cute little studio apartment. I have always done little commissions here and there, but last August, I hit a turning point and decided that producing art for people was what I wanted to do. I have been meeting on Friday mornings for five years with a group of amazing artists creating figure drawings with live models. This group has been so encouraging to me and have given me advice and opportunities that have been so instrumental to my development. I was in a figure show called “Go Figure” with these artists, Garry Pound, Bo Bartlett, Suzanne Fine, Gloria Mani and many more. I sold multiple pieces of work and met lots of incredible people that have brought me so many cool opportunities. I met a woman named Dee Dee Tebeau, who has recently opened a gallery in Columbus, Highland Galerie. Highland Galerie is a local gallery that is celebrating local art in addition to aiding in the revitalization of the North Highland and Bibb City neighborhoods along with benefitting local art programs. My work is sold there and I’ve been able to meet lots of people through this relationship.
I have discovered portraiture over the last year and have done countless portraits of clients’ dogs and portraits of some really incredible people. I was commissioned by a wonderful organization to do Hal Averett’s portrait after he passed away. Hal was a friend of my family and a wonderful person who has done so much for our community and missions for our world. I was honored to be asked to do this commission.
The art community is amazing in Columbus and I have been so blessed by the opportunities that I have been given.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I decided that I wanted to study art, I had many people question the legitimacy of my plan. In high school, when I began to consider this as a possible career, my friends and peers and adults in my life questioned why I would do this and not take a safer career path. Many of my friends were going to school to get a business degree or a degree in the medical field. Throughout the end of my senior year and into college, I felt like I needed to prove to myself and others that I was making a good choice. All along, art has felt like the right thing. I know that God has called me to do something with art, whether I know what it is yet or not. Through the past four years, so many opportunities and experiences have come about that have led me to believe that I am on the right path to do what I have been called to do. I have people in my life that have lifted me up and supported me through everything. Thankfully, I have people that remind me of my strengths and I have been given opportunities that remind me that this is what I am supposed to be doing. My parents, my church, and so many friends and family have supported me and encouraged me in my journey and I am so thankful.
Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Kate Scrivner Art has always been a very organic idea and business. I am always trying new things and selling new things. I specialize right now in portraiture and watercolor, and commissioned art. I sell work in local galleries, but the majority of what I sell is through commissioned pieces. I began drawing people’s dogs last year and this has become a huge business. I have really enjoyed doing them. I also do portraits of people and watercolor paintings of people’s homes. I am always exploring new mediums and ways of representing a subject. Recently, I have gotten into prints. It is such a neat thing to be able to produce one piece of art and to be able to replicate it. This has helped me to reach more people since timing is not an issue. I have really enjoyed trying to grow my business and creating ways to connect with people.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as happiness and feeling like I am making a difference. When I give a piece to someone and they recognize their loved one or their fur baby, I feel like I have been successful. I have drawn many loved ones and dogs that have passed away. It is always so special when I meet this person and give them the piece and see them recognize their loved one and smile. Simply knowing that I have impacted them in a positive way makes me feel successful. It is not really about the business or the money. Being able to make money doing something you love is just the cherry on top.
Pricing:
- Graphite Dog Portraits – $150 (8×10), $180 (11×14)
- 11×14 Watercolor House – $175
- Bird Paintings – Originals ($120), Prints ($40)
- Graphite Portraits – $170 (8×10), $200 (11×14)
Contact Info:
- Address: Kate Scrivner
2930 Averett Drive
Columbus, GA 31906 - Website: katescrivnerart.com
- Phone: 7065802359
- Email: katescrivnerart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @katescrivnerart
- Facebook: Kate Scrivner Art
Image Credit:
Personal Photo – Kylee Alene Photography
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