Meet Katie Garrison | Landscape Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Garrison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, how do you think about risk?
Over the last 6+ years running my own art business, I’ve learned that you can’t have success without risk. As my husband so eloquently put it, “If you’re not failing, you’re not trying.” Risk is necessary. Failure is necessary—and inevitable. They’re both stepping stones to successes—big and small. I took a risk starting this business in 2015. I took a risk when I completely shifted my focus and rebranded this year. I took a risk when my little family relocated from Virginia to Colorado in 2020. All these things felt risky and scary. But if you never try, you’ll never know. Now, in hindsight, I see how this business has been the greatest source of personal fulfillment. I see how a rebrand was necessary to build trust with customers/collectors and ultimately fuel my own passion. And I see how the risk of moving cross-country during a pandemic has given me endless amounts of inspiration that I could have never gotten if I played it safe and stayed in my hometown. I see now that risk is everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a landscape artist based in colorful Colorado, creating art for lovers of all things wild, woodland and whimsical. I’ve been a lifelong nature lover, finding inspiration in the varied and ever-changing landscape of the Rocky Mountains. I spend as much time as possible exploring every inch of my new home state—from snow-capped mountains to grass-covered plains. THIS is what fuels my work.

I’ve been running my art business for 6+ years, but after a rebrand this summer and doing a 180 with my medium and subject, I feel like I’ve finally found me “thing.” It feels good when the paintings flow and something just clicks. It’s been a long road. Many, many hours learning, researching, building, growing and creating. But someone asked me recently if I would continue my work if I was financially independent, and my answer was a resounding “YES!” It isn’t about the money (although it helps). It’s the sense of fulfillment creating something from nothing and allowing the world to experience it and find beauty in it.

I hope when people see my landscape art, they feel something. I hope they feel invited to explore the work and are drawn in by the simplicity. I’ve always been drawn to the impressionist style, and I’ve found that this style is what *wants* to come out of my hands when I paint. So I just let it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Coming to Colorado Springs for a visit? As a self-proclaimed introvert, I just have to warn you that I won’t show you the major tourist spots or take you out on the town. (Hope that’s OK.) We’d likely do a lot of hiking, off-roading, exploring the mountains to get the best views—and best reference photos for future paintings. We’d pack a lunch, grab some coffee on the way (of course) and set out for a day in the mountains. Maybe we’d drive a couple hours to beautiful Breckenridge or make it an epic road trip and escape to Ouray for a few days (Google it! It’s stunning.). And, of course, we’d have to check out the local shops and buy a souvenir or two. To me, being in nature is the best way to experience colorful Colorado.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Reuben, has been my greatest supporter, encouraging me to paint, draw, create and sell. As an artist, self-doubt and discouragement creep in daily (sometimes weekly if I’m lucky). But it’s his words of wisdom and simple reassurances that push me to create and keep on creating.

Website: katiegarrisonart.com

Instagram: instagram.com/katiegarrisonart

Facebook: Facebook.com/katiegarrisonart

Other: Etsy.com/shop/katiegarrisonart