Why “Art but make it Color”?

Hello, my name is Katerina Van Deren, but most call me Kat. From the time I was a child to my now adult years, I have always expressed myself in the form of art. I am sure you have heard that plenty before me but here is why my art is so inspiring to create. I grew up in New York where its known to be a concrete jungle. Most buildings lack color, only giving off grey casts. On a gloomy day, it seems like it would be the most depressing place on Earth, but the people and the culture inspire all around. From the beautiful artwork tucked inside old galleries & architecture, to tourists & residents expressing themselves in their fashion, accessories & makeup , to even just cultural food trucks and store fronts. In my own experience, I take for granted all these precious articles of life around me and how lucky I am to live in a place that most people save for years.

In hind sight, I may give off the same appearance, dark & lack of color. I do not express my physical body the same way I do with my art. Going to The Fashion Institute of Technology for their illustration and fine art programs, I was provided with opportunities to express myself more vividly, by using COLOR. Various professors allowed me to create art pieces that resonated with me while also being able to learn more structured ,traditional teachings like human anatomy, time management and the not so easy, color theory. These teachings helped me learn new techniques like the timing of oil painting, still life’s & a new medium, digital artwork.

Now, I am starting a brand new journey, post FIT, to create more & appreciating the colors of life that are all around me. Soooo enough to be said, if you like what you have seen so far, do not be afraid to follow me on this incredibly scary journey, in finding my place in the art world.