Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Kidd.
Hi Kaitlin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Southeast Asia in an American expat community. Being American but not being raised in America gave me a unique cultural perspective from a young age. I was surrounded by people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and worldviews, which shaped the way I see the world and deeply influenced my artistic perspective. I was also exposed to a wide variety of artistic styles, traditions, and mediums early on.
Like many artists, I was always creating. I was the kid who was constantly doodling, painting, and choosing after-school art classes over sports. Art was always present in my life in some form, even before I knew it could become my career.
I attended Baylor University, where I earned my degree in Interior Design with a minor in Studio Art. At that point in my life, I didn’t know any full-time artists and didn’t see art as a realistic career path. I genuinely loved interior design and am incredibly grateful for the education and design foundation it gave me, but after working in the field for a few years, I realized my heart was being pulled somewhere else.
When my son was born in 2023, I made the decision to fully commit to pursuing art. That season of life became the beginning of discovering who I was as an artist while also learning how to navigate motherhood. Through painting, I began exploring the things that have always fascinated me: storytelling, nostalgia, human connection, and the emotions tied to places and moments.
I think the common thread between my childhood overseas and the work I create today is the belief that there is a story everywhere. Whether it is a landscape, a forgotten photograph, a person from the past, or a simple everyday moment, there is something that connects us all through our shared human experience.
When I begin developing a new collection, it usually starts with a feeling or a moment that feels universally recognizable. From there, I build a series of paintings — landscapes, portraits, or snapshots in time — that create a larger narrative. I often think of my collections almost like mood boards, gathering colors, textures, memories, and emotions to create a visual story that invites people to pause and connect.
I have now lived in Texas for almost as long as I lived overseas, and this place has become just as much a part of me as the first half of my life. Over time, Texas — its people, landscapes, history, and spirit — has deeply influenced the way I see and create. I find endless inspiration in the stories held within this state, from the vast landscapes to the traditions and lives that have shaped it.
As I continue discovering who I am as an artist, I feel like I am also discovering my relationship with Texas. This place has transformed my interests, my subject matter, and the stories I want to tell. I love capturing the character and nostalgia of Texas — the quiet moments, the people, and the landscapes that remind us of where we come from and what connects us all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. In many ways, it has been a lonely one. When I first started pursuing art professionally, I didn’t know anyone else who was doing it, and the idea of becoming an “artist” as a career felt overwhelming and, at times, discouraging. I had to navigate so much of it on my own and figure out what this path looked like without a clear roadmap.
Over time, I began building genuine relationships within the art community and eventually worked with an art business coach, which helped me realize there is no single way to be a successful artist. Every artist’s journey looks completely different, and finding my own path has been one of the most important parts of the process.
Motherhood and art have become deeply intertwined for me. In many ways, they are both acts of creating, and it is such a joy and privilege to be building a creative life alongside my children. The challenge, like so many mothers experience, is that there are seasons when my children need me more, and my art has to take a step back. I have often wrestled with the feeling that I am not doing enough because I am choosing to prioritize my family, but I have learned to remind myself that every season has its purpose. There will be seasons for creating, and there will be seasons for nurturing.
I still experience a lot of doubt, but I am amazed when I look back at the things I have pursued that, just a few years ago, I never would have imagined possible. Some opportunities have gone beautifully, and others have been learning experiences, but each step has grown my confidence and helped me trust myself more as an artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an oil painter and storyteller. I am less interested in creating something that is simply a beautiful image and more interested in exploring the “why” behind a piece — the story, emotion, or meaning that gives it depth. I hope my work creates a feeling and invites the viewer into a moment, memory, or experience.
My background in interior design has greatly influenced the way I approach painting. It has given me a unique sensitivity to composition, color, atmosphere, and the way a space or image can make someone feel. I am drawn to exploring themes of nostalgia, human connection, place, memory, and my faith, often finding inspiration in the stories that surround us.
My collections are created as intentional narratives rather than as disconnected paintings. I often begin with a feeling, a question, or a moment and build a body of work around that central idea. Whether I am painting a landscape, a forgotten photograph, or a scene inspired by Scripture, I want the viewer to feel a sense of belonging — as if they are stepping into a story that somehow feels familiar.
I think what sets my work apart is my desire to find the deeper meaning within ordinary and historical moments. I love taking something personal, nostalgic, or rooted in the past and creating a piece that allows people to see themselves within the story. At its core, my work is about connection — reminding us of the beauty, goodness, and shared experiences that tie us all together.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t know if I would say “luck” has played the biggest role in my journey. I think it has been much more about hard work, persistence, and being willing to step outside of my comfort zone. There have been many moments where I have had to set aside doubt and simply take the next step — whether that was reaching out to an interior designer I admired, applying for a show that felt outside of my reach, or putting my work in front of people before I felt completely ready.
I do think there is something special about being open to opportunities when they come, but I have learned that you can’t wait for the perfect moment or for someone to discover you. You have to be willing to put yourself out there.
The biggest thing I have learned is the importance of staying true to your artistic voice and being intentional about where you invest your time and energy. When you create work that is authentic to who you are and pursue opportunities that align with your vision, you may be surprised by the doors that open.
Pricing:
- small works $250
- medium work $1350
- large work: $4000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaitlinkiddart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinkiddart
