Kate Mueller's lifelong relationship with art began early when her ability for and love of drawing set her apart from her peers. She grew up in the countryside of the Midwest, developing an enduring love of the beauty of nature and the simplicity of the countryside. Both of her parents were artists who encouraged all their children to work at and pursue their creative gifts, and their spirit continues to inspire Kate today.

 

Kate studied art and art history at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and then moved to San Francisco to hone her skills in the study of illustration with Howard Brodie, Thomas Blackshear, and others at the Academy of Art College. She then studied classical oil painting at The American Academy in Chicago, Illinois benefitting greatly from the instruction of Ted Smuskiewicz and Bill Parks. After leaving the American Academy she began a successful 14 year career as a freelance illustrator, working for clients as varied as Disney and Dell Computer, Smithsonian Magazine and AT&T.

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As the world of illustration became more computerized Kate made the decision to return to her original love, oil painting. Since that time she has been striving to convey her love of nature and the simple beauty of things in her artwork. Her work has been exhibited in local, regional, and national shows and is included in collections nationwide. Kate had to take several years off painting, during which time she battled and overcame cancer. She has returned to painting with renewed energy, dedication, and vision. She walks every day with her dog Chipper and soaks up the beauty around her to take back to her studio as inspiration.