Late bloomer says it with flowers

• By Kerry Lee

Kathy Chase, also known as K Chase, has since been painting up a storm. This weekend, the Waiuku-based artist is holding a Mother’s Day Creative Escape at Hilltop Haven Retreat.

“We’re visiting a gorgeous local venue this year, Hilltop Haven Retreat. We’ll be painting a stunning peacock feather and adding a little sparkle with metallic pigments,” she says.

“I often have two or sometimes three generations coming to my workshops. They are an ideal escape from day-to-day life for a few hours, whether as a treat for mum or a chance to spend valuable quality time together.”

Self-taught and a self-described ‘late bloomer’, Chase began painting aged 40 after attending local art group. With two toddlers at home, she found painting was a great way to introduce a little calm into her hectic life.

She specialises in botanical and nature-based artwork.

“My artwork is predominantly floral, with the occasional animal. I love colour, so alongside flowers there is often a bird or butterfly. Recently, I have combined use of metallic pigments and acrylics to further achieve a vintage feel.”

Watercolour has become Chase’s primary medium.

“Watercolour is a great fit for my style, perfect for delicate colours and high detail. I was keen on a challenge and watercolour is often considered to be a tricky medium because you never quite have control and the results can be unpredictable,” she says.

“I use an ink pen both to add further detail to my paintings, but also to create intricate drawings. I like thinking through how I can add tone and texture through patterns.”

In addition to selling prints and working on commission, Chase leads workshops across Franklin.

“In 2022, I started teaching ink pen drawing and watercolours with botanical and nature-based themes,” she adds. “My workshops are designed to be fun and informative, attracting budding creatives, avid gardeners and wildlife lovers too.”