Collection: In The Studio with Kate Rawal

Where did you grow up? Tell us a little bit about Kate as a child. 

• I was born and raised in Columbus, GA. I was a very strong-willed child who was either coloring at the kitchen table or putting on a show for my family.

Who or what were a few of your early art influences? 

• I grew up surrounded by female painters, all in my family. So they were definitely inspiring. Cézanne & Degas were the first to heavily inspire and influence me.

At what point did you realize you wanted to be an artist?

• During my senior year at the College of Charleston, during my first painting class! 

What is a piece of advice that has stuck with you after graduating with a degree in art? 

• I remember my professor saying “there’s a lot of art out there that I hate, but I’m really glad people are making it." Just an encouraging reminder to keep creating, even when it feels rough!

How did your time establishing yourself as an artist in Charleston, SC provide a foundation for your career? 

• Charleston is such a hub for so many different avenues. Being known by other artists, designers, and clients in the area certainly helped to provide a good foundation.

Who are a few artists who have inspired you within the last few years? 

• Patrick Puckett and Noelle Phares are my current favorites. Helen Frankenthaler & Perle Fine have always inspired me.

Besides artists, what else inspires your work? 

• Definitely nature. Color schemes are everywhere & I’m always looking for them. My husband’s cooking skills are also inspiring… I want my paintings to pop as much as all of his flavors!

Do you have any tips for work/life balance when you’re building your own brand? 

• Learning to generally treat it as a normal 9-5...this was when I started to see the most growth. Consistency & not comparing your work to others is also very beneficial.

What are must-haves for when you’re looking for a studio space? 

• Natural light & I love texture on the walls.

Are there a few lifestyle items you’re loving in your studio right now? (Candles, laptop stands, studio supplies, bags, accessories, etc?) 

• Always have a Volcano candle! My latest obsession is having flowers for the studio from Grace Rose Farms - they’re stunning!

Outside the studio, are there a few purchases you’ve made recently that make you happy? 

• Tatcha moisturizer, Caudalie Purifying Face Mask & dress from Staud!

Favorite beauty product to add a touch of color? 

• Ilia multi stick in “All of me."

Interior Design influences? 

• Love Mallory Mathison Inc. & Andrew Howard Interiors

Any late summer or early fall colors that are inspiring you right now? 

• Deep purples and browns currently have my eye. Hope to incorporate more of them into my work!

If you ever feel creatively drained, how do you power through feeling “stuck?”

• I either flip through some coffee table books that I love or go on a walk.

What is your favorite place to go on vacation?

• Ponte Vedra Beach or southern France!

What are a few of your favorite restaurants in Atlanta? 

• The Optimist, Umi, Le Colonial

If a friend was visiting Atlanta for the first time, what are a few activities that you would have on the itinerary? 

• We’d go walk on the Beltline, take a trip to the High Museum & grab a drink at the Garden Room!

Defining moment in your career? In your personal life?

• Being in Traditional Home Magazine was very exciting! I think the most defining moment was when I was truly confident in my work after a few years of battling not being so. 

Flowers are a favorite subject of yours. What are a few of your favorite flowers? What flowers were in your wedding bouquet? 

• Peonies, Poppies, Ranunculus and Anemones are my favorites. Could paint them forever. All of those but poppies were in my bouquet.

Books or podcast? 

• Books!

Favorite quote? 

• “Whatever our souls are made of, his & mine are the same”. - Wuthering Heights

Piece of advice for an artist who is just getting started in his or her career? 

• Find a subject and make it your own. Paint every day & know that success doesn’t look the same for everyone.

Last best book you read or podcast you listened to?  

• Verity & The Silent Patient were my favorite books of this year. So good.

What are you looking forward to this fall? 

• I love the cooler nights & all of the colors to come.

What are you most excited about sharing with your community of collectors in the next couple of months? 

• I’m excited to show a different style & technique. I hope it’s refreshing!