Katy’s career began with exhibiting oil paintings in galleries. Her numerous travels to Europe during college to study art sparked a love for storytelling through symbolism. She began to find her artistic voice and style through making large paintings inspired by the old masters, but with a surrealistic flair. Since then, showing work in galleries has been an outlet for unrestrained creativity and experimentation of various media. She continues to actively participate in show in the Denver area.

The whimsical narratives in Katy’s paintings let her into the children’s book industry, where she illustrated books and magazines. After several years working in the publishing industry and learning the craft, she began to write and illustrate her own stories. She is proudly represented by Ethan and Heather Long as an author/illustrator at Tugeau 2 Art and Literary Agency, and is currently developing a middle grade fantasy series.

No matter what medium or context, nature themes are ever present in Katy’s work. Her passion for the great outdoors, hiking, and bird watching have led her into interpretive illustration for museums, nature centers, and parks, where she has partnered with interpretive designers to educate the public about natural history, stewardship and conservation. Oftentimes, the research involved in these projects cross-pollinate with concepts for books and gallery work.

In addition to working as a professional illustrator and fine artist, Katy has taught at the college level for over fifteen years. She was a full-time professor of Illustration at Ringling College of Art + Design, where she served as Interim Co-Chair and taught abroad in Italy. She now serves as Head of Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in Colorado.