ShenArts Presents the Wildlife Inspired Works of Kate Rice
Kate Rice has always used art to express herself. She was born in Connecticut but has lived all of her life in Virginia including Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Tappahannock spending time on family farms, horseback riding, hiking and exploring nature, all of which has given her plenty of inspiration. She is a passionate animal lover and nature admirer. These themes have always played a key role in her work.
Kate studied color theory, painting, and printmaking at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art. As her painting style matured, her primary focus became color symbolism which was displayed in her nature and landscape-themed oil paintings.
Since college Kate has focused her career on the art world. She worked with Wentworth Gallery where she was able to try her hand at art installation and sales. For years she has worked with the Phillips Collection in Washington D.C. learning about museum operations and experienced some spectacular art shows. She gained much from these opportunities which over time has led her back to a desire to create and sell her own artwork.
After she moved to Front Royal Virginia in 2015, Kate has finally been able to focus as a professional artist creating her own works. Now she draws, paints, and prints what she sees in nature with a few embellishments. Her art stays as Virginia-focused as possible, since there are so many beautiful plants and animals, especially in the Shenandoah Valley. Most recently her floral linoleum prints were featured in the Spring Art at the Mill at the Burwell-Morgan Mill.
Artist Statement:
I start with a drawing or even a watercolor. The medium changes depending on the
animal and mood. If an image sticks with me long enough it normally becomes an oil painting.
Everything I put into a piece is intentional, right down to the colors used. They are symbolic, I
think of the way a color makes me feel. The animals are also symbolic. For example, to me the
Bee is diligence, the deer is calmness, and the bear is strength. Everything in my art has a
meaning and everything has a purpose
.
