Kathryn Matthews biography

Kathryn studied at the Deva Art School in Holland before going on to obtain an Honours Degree in Visual Art from De Montfort University / Rotterdam Art Academy in 1993. After a short spell of working as an archaeological illustrator in Spain she returned to England where she has since been painting full-time in her seafront studio. 

Kathryn’s initial fascination with the shapes and vibrancy of harbour scenes began in her portside studio in Rotterdam in 1992 and is still evident today in her fresh interpretations of British coastal scenes. She is also an avid traveller and in recent years has found inspiration in the colourful climates of Haiti and Cuba.

Kathryn paints in oil on board, working from sketches, photos and memory. The image is built up using thin layers and glazes, giving the paintings a fresh, luminous quality. 

Over the last decade Kathryn has exhibited in solo and mixed shows across the country and in 2002 took part in joint shows in Paris, Dubai and New York. She has shown at Christies and The Royal College and her work can be seen regularly in galleries in London, Cambridge, Darlington and Ashbourne. 

Kathryn has recently been commissioned to paint three pictures for the new P & O Cruise Liner – The Arcadia - one of which is a three metre centre-piece. Other major commissions include a series of large paintings for ASK restaurants and Thompsons Cruises. 

Also available are four limited edition, hand-separated silk-screen prints  (‘Town on the Crooked Meadow’, ‘Evening in Bohemia’, ‘Harbour Gap’ and ‘Smeatons Pier’) published by Artizan Editions in Hove.

Posters will be available later in the year, published by the Seattle-based company Winn Devon. 

In May 2001, Kathryn and two fellow Brighton painters (Katty McMurray and John Marshall) opened their studio and gallery ‘Two Kats and a Cow’ which is situated in an old fisherman’s’ arch on Brighton Beach. You are welcome to visit the gallery at weekends from 11am – 5pm or by appointment.