Kathrine Lovell: Blending Tradition, Texture, and Timeless Artistry

Kathrine Lovell is a Rhode Island-based painter known for her unique blend of natural imagery, intricate patterns, and textured surfaces. Born in Sydney, Australia, and raised in New Jersey, Kathrine’s passion for art was sparked at a young age, influenced by her mother, a talented watercolorist, and a family lineage of artists and craftsmen dating back centuries. Her father, a scientist, instilled in her a curiosity for observation—an essential skill that shapes her artistic process.

Kathrine pursued her passion at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she earned a BFA in Painting. Her time at RISD, combined with formative experiences such as seeing Van Gogh’s self-portrait at the Fogg Museum, solidified her belief in the transformative power of art. This encounter taught her that viewing artwork in person reveals nuances and emotional depth that no reproduction can capture—a philosophy that continues to influence her creative approach.

Her artwork is characterized by its harmonious balance of ethereal natural elements and intricate geometric patterns. She often combines small, detailed images into larger compositions, evoking the appearance of tiles or mosaics. Kathrine’s preferred medium is acrylic paint, allowing her to work quickly and layer colors to create depth and texture. Working on birch plywood, she begins with a smooth surface, which she then distresses through layers of paint, crackling effects, and sanding. Over this textured base, she grids the surface and paints patterns that guide the final composition—though she rarely knows exactly what the finished piece will be when she begins.

A dedicated and hardworking artist, Kathrine treats her craft as both a passion and a profession. With over 25 years of experience in decorative painting, she has expanded her career through commissions, teaching, and creating artwork for reproduction. Her business, McKenna Design, LLC, has thrived for three decades, with her designs licensed for home décor products and displayed in galleries and collections across the United States. Recently, she has also taken on the challenge of running a gallery space within her studio, welcoming visitors Thursday through Sunday.

Kathrine’s artistic philosophy centers on seeing the world with fresh eyes, a practice she has cultivated since childhood. Her work reflects not only her technical skill but also her belief in the power of art to evoke emotion and inspire connection. Whether through her layered acrylic paintings, delicate watercolor landscapes created during her travels, or the intricate designs that adorn home décor, Kathrine Lovell continues to honor her family’s artistic legacy while carving out her own distinctive path.