The path to creating the art I do today wasn’t defined by a single moment—it evolved over time. I started painting professionally at just 17, and back then, simply getting paid to create anything felt like a huge accomplishment. I took on almost any project that came my way, grateful for the opportunity to do what I loved. It was another artist, Tina Gianatassio-Dia—now a lifelong friend—who first saw my potential and encouraged me to take art seriously as a career. She hired me as an assistant, and we made a great team (aside from the one time I forgot to wash the brushes properly—a mistake we still laugh about).
People often ask when I first realized I had artistic talent. The truth is, art has been part of me for as long as I can remember. As a pastor’s daughter attending church multiple times a week, I would often sketch during sermons—not to distract myself, but to focus. Drawing helped me process what I was hearing, something I later recognized as a unique aspect of my ADHD. Even as a child, my drawings were detailed beyond my years, but I never saw art as my path. It was my friend’s encouragement that changed my perspective—until then, I had assumed I’d take a more traditional academic route.
My career began with murals and custom paintings, eventually leading to working for myself, speed painting, and even hosting a television show. On the show, I collaborated with well-known clients to create meaningful art projects, each culminating in a powerful reveal that honored personal stories of resilience and heroism. Through this, I learned how deeply art can inspire, transform, and connect people.
One of the most defining moments in my career was creating the 462-square-foot mural honoring the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots—firefighters who lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill Fire. Spanning 11 panels, this collage was built from extensive research, interviews with family members, and visits to memorial sites. Every detail—the portraits, symbols, quotes, even the juniper tree they saved—was designed to tell their story with honor and authenticity. The unveiling on the 10th anniversary of their sacrifice was profoundly moving. Standing alongside community leaders and loved ones, I felt the true weight of what art can represent. Today, the mural remains a symbol of resilience in Prescott, Arizona, honoring lives that were lived with courage and integrity.
Not all of my work is this deep—sometimes, I simply paint people, objects, or concepts that I love. Sometimes, the meaning is as simple as "I just like the way this looks." Other times, an image sparks a personal memory. Artistically, I’ve explored many styles, from repurposed collage elements to my signature speed-painting pop art. Over time, my mentors, like the late Frederick J. Brown, and my experience in speed-painting taught me to embrace expression over perfection. Today, I focus on creating art that is both meaningful and joyful—pieces that are rich in symbolism but also fun, bold, and visually magnetic.
From storytelling through murals to creating more expressive works, my goal remains the same: to craft art that resonates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact—both in meaning and in visual presence. I strive to create pieces that not only tell a story but also command attention, spark emotion, and remain imprinted in the minds of those who experience them.
More artwork by Katie
Mural Samples
Speed painting celebrity portraits
Custom Live painting
Pat Tillman Beast Mode
Porsche hood logo painting
Jesus on Cross live speed painting
Secretariat horse Speed painting
Have an idea in mind?
Post a job and interested artists will be in touch to discuss your project.