Katie ✨

Join me on a 15 day painting adventure! #paintwithkatie Like many other artists have expressed this past week, Instagram just isn't the same anymore. Many of us are struggling to stay afloat against an everchanging algorithm and now we have to battle against AI. I, however, like several others, cannot afford to leave the platform. In a post from @wolfandbear.co last week, they stated, "...in general, logging into Instagram and Facebook has begun to feel like walking into a room full of strangers every time..." and I couldn't agree more. Definitely go check out their entire post, but I really resonated with that statement. The algorithm is all about finding new people to follow and though that's not necessarily a bad thing, social media feels a lot like fast fashion these days. With the implementation of reels, people get bored easily. Let's bring back old Instagram. I know I'm not the first to start up a painting challenge, and I surely won't be the last! However, I don't think there are enough of these during the summer months and I really want to bring back a sense of community here with you all. I want you to join in on this challenge. Paint alongside me and share other participant's art on your stories. Comment on their posts if you love their take on a prompt. Lift each other up. Take the time to really look at someone's piece for a while and take it all in. It's likely they spent hours working on it. I for one will be sharing everyone's art on my stories. I want to bring the fun back in posting again. Not with reels, but with good ole photos and hashtags. So this Wednesday, June 12th is when I will be starting this challenge. I won't be posting on the weekend, but I want you to create whenever you can. Do what you can. Tag your post with #paintwithkatie or #hiddenfauna . I will be checking them everyday and sharing all of your beautiful art. I will only be posting mine on weekdays, but I intend to do every single one in order. :) I hope this will motivate you all to create, good luck! ❤️ Editing to add that I will be posting mine June 12-14, 17-21, 24-28 & July 1-2 #artchallenge

I've finished it! I'm feeling so accomplished with this painting. Swipe to see some progress shots I took of the fluffy bumblebee! 🐝 This is an 8x10" painting that I'm going to make into a print, but the original will also be available soon. Thank you all for following along with this one. #watercolor #watercolorart #painting #artwork #bumblebee #bee #beepainting #beeart #ladybug #illustration #drawing

This lil guy is ready for his next adventure with the help of his lucky charm 🍄 #watercolor #watercolors #watercolour #watercolours #artwork #illustration #artistoninstagram #artistsofinstagram #chickadee #tinyart #drawing #painting #watercolorpainting #watercolorbird

Hello everyone, I just listed these 3 originals from my drawing challenge over on Etsy. 💖💖💖 Hopefully I can list a few more later tonight. :) Thank you so much for your continued support. You guys motivate me everyday to paint! #watercolor #badger #owl #sootyowl #dragonfly

Day 13/15: Moth I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone's kind words on my last post. I will be taking the time today to read through all of my messages and just know I appreciate them so much! With that being said, I won't be posting my daughter often, if at all on this page. I know most of you are here for my art and it will stay like that. I just thought it was important to mention this life-changing event to ya'll because I may go awol in October/November! However, I will try my best to continue running my business and creating as often as I can. :) #watercolor #moth #hiddenfauna #paintwithkatie

I haven't officially shared here yet, but my husband and I are excited to welcome a baby girl in October! 💖

12/15: Horse I could definitely spend more time on this piece...but since I'm already late on this prompt, I decided to stop here. I've been in a good bit of pain today (unusual, but I am 22 weeks pregnant) and I think it really showed in the painting. I just couldn't continue.😭 #horse #horseart #hiddenfauna #paintwithkatie

Day 11/15: Dragonfly (Imbued with magic of course!) ✨ #watercolor #dragonfly #hiddenfauna #paintwithkatie

Day 10/15: Pond I used 140lb paper instead of my usual 300lb for this one and I love how it turned out! #watercolor #painting #hiddenfauna #paintwithkatie

Day 9/15: Iris ✨ I have been wanting to create another swan & iris painting to match my first one, so I kept this one loose and as similar as possible to the other. :) I am thinking of offering them as a set. #watercolor #hiddenfauna #paintwithkatie

Day 8/15: Badger (posting this one so late in the day, but better late than never! 😅) #badger #watercolor #hiddenfauna #paintwithkatie

Day 7/15: Owl ✨ I absolutely love how this one turned out! I can't believe we are basically halfway done with the art challenge. #watercolor #owl #sootyowl #hiddenfauna #paintwithkatie