Recreating My Experiences With Pencils and Paints
I’m Katie Kennedy Milster, a professional artist. My art is based on the people, places, and things that I’ve encountered throughout my life.
An artist with a Flair for Teaching Others: My Biography
• I am a retired educator and fine artist.
• I have been actively creating visual arts as a professional most of my life; I began drawing and painting at age 5.
• I attended Herron School of Art of Indiana University/Purdue University in Indianapolis, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1976. I then earned a Master of Art Education degree from the same institution in 1979. In 2008, I earned an Educational Leadership Masters Degree from Drake University of Iowa - my second masters degree.
• In the past, I have been employed with the United States Navy’s Morale,
Welfare and Recreation department as a graphic designer and publicity director.
• I lived in Naples, Italy during the 1980s, doing free-lance artwork and experiencing the great works and architecture of the past in Italian culture.
• I have taught all grades, kindergarten through grade 12, in public schools.
• I have been an adjunct professor, teaching college-level Art Appreciation at Georgia Military College and Kirkwood Community College in Iowa. I also worked as head of the Art Department for the now defunct Clarke College in Indianapolis.
• I belong to the Colored Pencil Society of America and I am a retired member of the National Education and National Art Education Associations; I am a senior member of the Amana Arts Guild.
My Gallery
About Me
Since I was 5 years old, drawing and painting have been my passion. This led me to pursue formal education and eventually a master's degree in art. I spent the early parts of my career working as a freelance artist in Naples, Italy in the 1980s. It’s here where I experienced the great works and architecture of Italian culture.
Professional Career
I worked as a graphic designer and publicity director for the US Navy’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department. After this, I began teaching art to all grades in public schools and became an adjunct professor at the Georgia Military College and Kirkwood Community College in Iowa. I was also the head of the Art Department at the now-defunct Clarke College in Indianapolis.
These days, I have retired from teaching full time and have been focusing on creating artworks whenever I’m not doing substitute teaching.
My Art
Colored pencils, watercolor, and acrylic paints are the mediums I use for my art. My works are deeply influenced by the artists I’ve met and formed relationships with. I’m also inspired by different forms and styles of art, including works from those recognized in history. My latest works are colored pencil drawings that showcase my technical ability and the new methods available to artists.
Conversations Fuel My Creative Process
I hope that this gives you a glimpse into my life and what inspires me. If you have questions or would like to talk more about art, reach out to me today. I look forward to hearing from you.