Artist Kat Dakota |
Artwork
Artist Statement
The need of self-expression through art, always resided within me. But it wasn’t until my late 50’s I discovered oil painting as my passion.
I find in any art form as a way to externalize feelings so you can look at them face to face. It’s like coming to a resolve, finding clarity and maybe even – answers. I liken the feeling to listening to a piece of music’s last trailing note, clapping after a pregnanted pause following a moving performance, watching a movie to the last closing credit line or reflecting on my dreams in the morning before opening my eyes. They’re simple actions. But they help me move forward.
Those choices clearly explain why I choose to paint one painting at a time – wet into wet –moving paint expressively and reaching its purpose before starting another composition.
I continue to aspire to paint what matters vs. subject matter by capturing the spirit of an animal, personality of a pet, essence of an individual or feelings experienced at a location or event.
Growing as an artist – for me – is forever. I can’t promise one style immerging or sticking – but I hope you recognize my art through my exploration of oil and mixed media and recognizable growth in creating art that speaks to you.
I was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky as a PK (preachers’ kid). Though being very quiet as a child – hardly speaking – I now love meeting strangers and ending the conversations as friends. My love for animals certainly started as a child living in the country, outside a VERY small Missouri farming community. There I adopted stray dog after stray dog. In the 70’s my father accepted a call to a church in Michigan. There in High school, my interest grew in theatre and art. I followed my artistic dream in my first years of college, studying ceramics and theatre, but later decided a Bachelor’s of Science in TV production would provide a larger paint brush for opportunities. Which it did – including producing and editing video programs, directing on-camera talent, designing production stages, writing scripts, creating digital media and designing corporate event outings.
In 2009 I moved to Suttons Bay, MI where my mom was born and raised and established a graphic design business, DakotaDoDat.
In 2017 I debuted my digital painting. Shortly after, I was invited to join the Northport Public Art Committee and soon awarded the opportunity to design the Northport Marina Mural titled, “Bay Presents”. That led to, friends encouraging me to “paint”! So, I did! (The image of the mural is included in the gallery images.)
My art academia list is small (a few art workshops, an ongoing on-line Alla Prima Bootcamp network and YouTube) but my support from giving artists is huge.
The catalyst in my growth as an artist comes from paying attention to the path God designed for me.
He gave me a talent to polish so I aspire to develop it for His glory. In His “Passion” He gave all. With my passion I aspire to share with others what He has given me.
2023 has been quite busy and exciting so far!
Below see events and shows I will be attending. I hope you stop and say hi!
2023
Leland Plein Air Event
May 27th!
Fantastic event! The Old Art Building was filled with great art and lots of sales! I'm grateful my plein air painting also sold.
Pit Spitters “Barks and Brews”
Enter to Win a Free Kat Dakota Oil Painting of your dog!
Where: Traverse City Northwoods Baseball League Pit Spitters
traverse-city-pit-spitters.nwltickets.com/SingleGame/Tickets
Traverse City Pit Spitters
333 Stadium Drive
Traverse City, MI 49685
When: Jun 27
(We were there May and 30th and June 6th. Sorry for not posting the information here earlier. But there is one more day!)
Come enjoy a night out with family, friends and your “Best Friend” – your dog! These three nights I and Eric, owner of the Traverse City Pet Supplies Plus Store, will be handing out trinkets and gifts and entry forms to enter to win a “FREE” Kat Dakota dog portrait painted in oil.
Gene Rantz Memorial Plein Air Paint Out
Where: Northport Arts Association (NAA) Building in Northport, Michigan
www.northportartsassociation.org/
301 Mill St, Northport, MI 49670
When: July 22nd
Open Reception: 6pm – 9pm
Gene Rantz founded the Plein Air Paint Out in Northport and it has become one of NAA’s biggest events of the season. They continue this event in Gene’s honor. Gene was a mentor and friend to many of the artist that attend. Artists from Michigan and beyond, love coming to Northport to paint for two days and share their artistic interpretations of the area with you!
Animal Lovers Exhibit:
Where: Northport Art Building in Northport, Michigan
www.northportartsassociation.org/
301 Mill St, Northport, MI 49670
When: August 12th – 26th
My pet portraits and wild life paintings will be on display with other animal artists on the same day as the popular Northport Dog Parade. If you haven’t heard about this parade, be sure to check it out! It’s a fun event and opportunity to show off your dog.
The Northport Art building is located on the same block as the parade’s starting point, so be sure to stop in to say hi and view the art show with your dog! You can stop by after the parade as well. I will be there before and after the parade if you would like to talk about commissioning a painting of your pet.
The Art Council just ask all pets to be on leash.
Eric from the Pet Supplies Plus Store located in Traverse City will also be at the Art Show handing our freebies!
When:
August 12th: 9am – 6pm
August 13th - 26th refer to Northport Art Building Regular Hours:
Wed - Sun 12-4pm
www.facebook.com/NorthportMIDogParade/
Leelanau Women’s Artist Show
Where: Old Art Building, Leland Michigan
www.oldartbuilding.com/
111 S Main St, Leland, MI 49654
When: October 20th – 22nd
The Old Art Building creates artistic experiences the community and visitors look forward every year. Come see for yourself what this culturally unique town offers. At least come meet me! I love starting conversations with strangers and ending our conversations as friends!
I find in any art form as a way to externalize feelings so you can look at them face to face. It’s like coming to a resolve, finding clarity and maybe even – answers. I liken the feeling to listening to a piece of music’s last trailing note, clapping after a pregnanted pause following a moving performance, watching a movie to the last closing credit line or reflecting on my dreams in the morning before opening my eyes. They’re simple actions. But they help me move forward.
Those choices clearly explain why I choose to paint one painting at a time – wet into wet –moving paint expressively and reaching its purpose before starting another composition.
I continue to aspire to paint what matters vs. subject matter by capturing the spirit of an animal, personality of a pet, essence of an individual or feelings experienced at a location or event.
Growing as an artist – for me – is forever. I can’t promise one style immerging or sticking – but I hope you recognize my art through my exploration of oil and mixed media and recognizable growth in creating art that speaks to you.
I was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky as a PK (preachers’ kid). Though being very quiet as a child – hardly speaking – I now love meeting strangers and ending the conversations as friends. My love for animals certainly started as a child living in the country, outside a VERY small Missouri farming community. There I adopted stray dog after stray dog. In the 70’s my father accepted a call to a church in Michigan. There in High school, my interest grew in theatre and art. I followed my artistic dream in my first years of college, studying ceramics and theatre, but later decided a Bachelor’s of Science in TV production would provide a larger paint brush for opportunities. Which it did – including producing and editing video programs, directing on-camera talent, designing production stages, writing scripts, creating digital media and designing corporate event outings.
In 2009 I moved to Suttons Bay, MI where my mom was born and raised and established a graphic design business, DakotaDoDat.
In 2017 I debuted my digital painting. Shortly after, I was invited to join the Northport Public Art Committee and soon awarded the opportunity to design the Northport Marina Mural titled, “Bay Presents”. That led to, friends encouraging me to “paint”! So, I did! (The image of the mural is included in the gallery images.)
My art academia list is small (a few art workshops, an ongoing on-line Alla Prima Bootcamp network and YouTube) but my support from giving artists is huge.
The catalyst in my growth as an artist comes from paying attention to the path God designed for me.
He gave me a talent to polish so I aspire to develop it for His glory. In His “Passion” He gave all. With my passion I aspire to share with others what He has given me.
2023 has been quite busy and exciting so far!
Below see events and shows I will be attending. I hope you stop and say hi!
2023
Leland Plein Air Event
May 27th!
Fantastic event! The Old Art Building was filled with great art and lots of sales! I'm grateful my plein air painting also sold.
Pit Spitters “Barks and Brews”
Enter to Win a Free Kat Dakota Oil Painting of your dog!
Where: Traverse City Northwoods Baseball League Pit Spitters
traverse-city-pit-spitters.nwltickets.com/SingleGame/Tickets
Traverse City Pit Spitters
333 Stadium Drive
Traverse City, MI 49685
When: Jun 27
(We were there May and 30th and June 6th. Sorry for not posting the information here earlier. But there is one more day!)
Come enjoy a night out with family, friends and your “Best Friend” – your dog! These three nights I and Eric, owner of the Traverse City Pet Supplies Plus Store, will be handing out trinkets and gifts and entry forms to enter to win a “FREE” Kat Dakota dog portrait painted in oil.
Gene Rantz Memorial Plein Air Paint Out
Where: Northport Arts Association (NAA) Building in Northport, Michigan
www.northportartsassociation.org/
301 Mill St, Northport, MI 49670
When: July 22nd
Open Reception: 6pm – 9pm
Gene Rantz founded the Plein Air Paint Out in Northport and it has become one of NAA’s biggest events of the season. They continue this event in Gene’s honor. Gene was a mentor and friend to many of the artist that attend. Artists from Michigan and beyond, love coming to Northport to paint for two days and share their artistic interpretations of the area with you!
Animal Lovers Exhibit:
Where: Northport Art Building in Northport, Michigan
www.northportartsassociation.org/
301 Mill St, Northport, MI 49670
When: August 12th – 26th
My pet portraits and wild life paintings will be on display with other animal artists on the same day as the popular Northport Dog Parade. If you haven’t heard about this parade, be sure to check it out! It’s a fun event and opportunity to show off your dog.
The Northport Art building is located on the same block as the parade’s starting point, so be sure to stop in to say hi and view the art show with your dog! You can stop by after the parade as well. I will be there before and after the parade if you would like to talk about commissioning a painting of your pet.
The Art Council just ask all pets to be on leash.
Eric from the Pet Supplies Plus Store located in Traverse City will also be at the Art Show handing our freebies!
When:
August 12th: 9am – 6pm
August 13th - 26th refer to Northport Art Building Regular Hours:
Wed - Sun 12-4pm
www.facebook.com/NorthportMIDogParade/
Leelanau Women’s Artist Show
Where: Old Art Building, Leland Michigan
www.oldartbuilding.com/
111 S Main St, Leland, MI 49654
When: October 20th – 22nd
The Old Art Building creates artistic experiences the community and visitors look forward every year. Come see for yourself what this culturally unique town offers. At least come meet me! I love starting conversations with strangers and ending our conversations as friends!
Artist Interview
Q: Q&A to Follow....
A: Winter of 2022 this fantastic group of women artists in Leelanau County invited me to join their organization! I'm thrilled they provided me this opportunity. In the future, I hope to post a Q&A here like several of the other artist have done. I look forward to meeting you all at our future shows!
A: Winter of 2022 this fantastic group of women artists in Leelanau County invited me to join their organization! I'm thrilled they provided me this opportunity. In the future, I hope to post a Q&A here like several of the other artist have done. I look forward to meeting you all at our future shows!