Artist Katie Atkinson and her husband Paul live in Norfolk, Connecticut. Fondly known as “the ice box of Connecticut,” this area has been a great inspiration for her work. After spending her junior year in France, she received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut and then moved to New York City where she did freelance illustration and worked in the “bullpen” at William Esty for several years. Katie returned to Connecticut three years later and worked in the areas of illustration and graphic design.
As a child, Katie always loved the art in picture books. When she began reading to her two young boys, she renewed her love of children’s books and realized that she really wanted to have the freedom to paint her own ideas. Before long a whole new portfolio began to take shape. This collection of now over 100 images is marketed to a global audience through the Illustration Source at www.illustrationsource.com.
Christmas card created for Good Cause Greetings
As Katie added to the collection over time, her work began appearing in books, magazines, greeting cards and other licensed products. Some of Katie’s favorite themes are world peace, Christmas, healing, reading and childhood. She summarizes her working philosophy by saying, “In today’s fast-paced world, we are all searching for peace and simplicity in our lives. It gives me immense joy to create an uplifting, positive image that communicates a universal feeling which reaches out and connects with others all around the world.”
Most currently a new and rewarding direction for Katie is in leading therapeutic art workshops at recovery and wellness centers. “I find creating art is another pathway to self- expression and healing for clients in recovery. Art is a natural springboard to finding a deeper connection with self and others.