Kate Coleman received her Fine Art Degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. From there she went on to design and make a studio pottery line in collaboration with her husband, Ed Coleman. It was after discovering that both Kate and her daughter Irish shared a passion for painting that Kate began this creative journey. With her passion for birds and her love of painting, Kate was launched on this path of large scale bird portraits.

Every original painting is created by layering the story of each unique species of bird using text and illustration from vintage books.

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t an artist. All children are artists, and I never grew out of it. My most recent passion involves my love for the outdoors and a wanting for exploration. I discovered my love for painting, and found myself immersed in painting the unique portraits of birds. Defining them by more than appearance, I go further by layering information, sourced by vintage books, onto each specific bird portrait. The result is a unique collaboration of visual texture and defining text, presenting a unique piece. I try to reveal the true character of each bird, giving a warmth and a light to each one that I paint.

I like to work in a large scale when I paint. It allows me to better understand the amazing form and individuality that each bird expresses. Unlike any other animal, the bird takes on an almost infinite range of size, shape, and color, and is specifically created to be uniquely gifted in its natural environment.

These works are painted portraits of birds done in acrylic paint on wood panels. The feathers are made from pages of vintage books and include information to each specific bird. The piece is set in a hardwood frame with an identification tag for each piece.

Custom work is available upon request. Please contact me to discuss design, measurements, etc.