The rolling, hazy ridges of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia have quickly become the focus for my next series. My cross-country journey has brought me to Bath County, and I'm excited to capture this countryside through strong design.
I work hard to capture incredible views through interlocking shapes that dance and vibrate with one another. My style is loose and colorful, often laid in effortlessly over a strong structured drawing.
My paintings explore the daily surprises nature offers to those who take the time to observe. Because I move around frequently, I pay close attention to each new place. In the Appalachians, I'm especially drawn to the mountains against the sky, the emergence of spring, and the vibrant birdlife. This region is also steeped in history, from the ancient geological formations to the stories of the people who have called it home for generations. I find this layered history very interesting and looking forward to learning more.
I want my art to let people see the quiet beauty of the Appalachian landscape and appreciate the natural world. I want to show not just what it looks like, but what it feels like to be here. Thank you for joining me on this wild ride.
Katy Kirby
About the artist
Katy, a contemporary painter from the Pacific Northwest, creates vibrant landscape paintings inspired by her ongoing cross-country journey. For the past two years, she has immersed herself in the diverse landscapes, rich histories, and dynamic communities.. Her work explores the interplay between nature and human experience, capturing the fleeting moments of beauty found along her nomadic path. Katy's paintings have been featured in regional exhibitions, and she continues to develop her unique perspective on the American landscape.
Curriculum Vitae
Katy Kirby
Born in Boise, Idaho 1981
Currently in Hot Springs, Virginia
Solo Shows
2025 Mt Ascension - Helena, MT
2024 Margie’s - Helena, MT
2024 Kristin Alvarado Design - Poulsbo, WA
2021 Village Coffee - Portland, OR
2020 The Solo Club & Besaw’s- Portland, OR
2019 Descansa - Portland, OR
2018 Red Magnolia Salon - Portland, OR
2018 Leah Jorgensen Cellars - Portland, OR
2017 Parkside - Portland, OR
2016 Red Magnolia Salon - Portland, OR
2015 All In One Medicine - Portland, OR
2014 Pinky’s - Portland, OR
2014 Ginger Pop - Vancouver, WA
2014 Red Magnolia - Portland, OR
2013 Eastside Athletic Club - Clackamas, OR
2012 Cathedral Cafe - Portland, OR
2010 Atomic Pizza - Portland, OR
Group Shows
2025 The Holter Art Museum - Helena, MT
2023 Amity Artisan Goods - Portland, OR
2016 Bowie Prince, Pulse Gallery - Portland, OR
2011 Artisan Renovations - Beaverton, OR
Murals
2022 Nutshell Forest Farm - Hillsboro, OR
2022 The Fireside - Portland, OR
2021 The Automatic Bar - Portland, OR
2016 Highland Garden Design - Portland, OR
Performance
2023 Live Painting Charity Auction- Skytop Lodge - Skytop, PA
2023 Live Painting Art Fair - Blowing Rock, NC
2023 Live Painting - Beech Mt. Resort, NC
2023 Live Painting Charity Auction - Bandera, TX
2017 The Round, Abby Arts - Portland, OR
2016 Art Rally, Portland Art Museum - Portland, OR
2014 Live Face Painting - Beaverton, OR
2014 Wait Until Dark, Shoebox Theatre
Portland, OR
Commission
2025 Family Portrait - Private, Missoula, MT
2024 Family Portrait - Private, Asheville, NC
2024 Quiet Side of the Tetons - Private, Philadelphia, PA
2023 Big Wood, Private - Memphis, TN
2022 Sue, Private - Portland, OR
2022 Hugo and Viola, Private - Portland, OR
2022 Mirror Lake, Private - Salt Lake City, UT
2022 Magnolia, Private - Philadelphia, PA
2022 Sugar Maple, Private - Philadelphia, PA
2014 Whiskey Wall, Old Gold - Portland, OR
2021 Wild Flowers, Cafe Musette -
Philadelphia, PA
2020 Besaw’s - Portland, OR
2020 Tilly, Private - Portland, OR
2019 Horse, Private - Portland, OR
2019 Diptych, Private - Salt Lake City, UT
2016 Wild and Free, Backyard Social -
Portland, OR
2015 Triptych, Ginger Pop - Vancouver, WA
2015 Signage, Central Office - Portland, OR
Education
2001-2018 PCC Studio - Portland, OR
2015 Print Arts Northwest - Portland, OR
2010 New York Studio School - NYC, NY
2002 University of Oregon - Eugene, OR