In my studio at home
Kat Morgan
Wildlife and Nature Artist, Working in Acrylic Gouache
Celebrating nature, wildlife and wild landscapes through vibrant use of colour and precise detailing
Capturing fleeting moments in nature is a theme I am particularly focussed on. That brief but exhilarating moment a whale breaches the water’s surface, or you lock eyes with a wild monkey as they scramble through jungle overhead. Painting the often momentary effect sunlight has shining through leaves. I want to place the viewer in that fleeting moment but give them the time to truly absorb the intense colours and emotions of the experience.
My Painting Practice
Each piece begins with a precise freehand sketch, usually drawn from my own photographic references, before I get started with paint. I work with acrylic gouache as it allows me to achieve the matt finish I love, while maintaining rich colour intensity.
I choose bold, vibrant tones and paint in well defined blocks of colour rather than soft washes or gradients. This approach gives my work a sharpness and precision, so subjects are often captured in intricate detail.
Travelling with my trusty camera and very long lens, somewhere in Ecuador
Meet the Artist
Travel and time spent in nature play a central role in my creative life. I am continually drawn to observing wildlife and natural environments first-hand, and these experiences often form the starting point for my paintings.
Although I always enjoyed drawing and painting, I majored in photography at university and followed a different career path for several years. I rediscovered my passion for painting in 2020.
My work is primarily inspired by photographs I take during my travels. Seeing whales in Canada, howler monkeys in Costa Rica, and many incredible species in the Galapagos Islands, has allowed me to build a personal visual archive from which I create my collections.
Working from my own photography and memories, I hope my work is infused with a feeling of connection to the subject matter, and that it shows a deep understanding of the light, detail and atmosphere of the moment.
Outside the studio, I am rarely far from plants (my house slightly resembles a jungle), travel planning (still so many places to go) and cats (I must stop and befriend any cat I meet).
Meeting a friendly cat in Petra, Jordan