Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaitlyn Gaskin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I am actually a self-taught artist. I took art in high school, and that’s when I learned that I had potential with a paint brush. I continued painting all different types of subjects and challenging myself with them. Most of what I’ve learned has been through trial and error, but I also reference art books and videos. It’s been ten years now and my art has improved year after year. It takes a lot of practice and persistence. It is rare that a painting comes together without difficulty, and that can sometimes be my biggest obstacle. I have to get out of my own head and just work through the hard parts of a painting.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My art journey started in 2011 after learning I had potential to paint in my high school art class. I continued painting and would paint pictures for friends and family. Back then, it was a lot of sports art. Around 2017, I attempted to paint a portrait of my chocolate lab whom I love dearly. To my surprise, it turned out well. I kept practicing acrylic dog portraits and it wasn’t long before people started reaching out wanting commissioned portraits of their pets. I started participating in different Markets in my hometown and my name and my work gradually started reaching more people.
Everything I’ve learned has been self-taught and my growth is mainly contributed to my work ethic. I’m most proud of my drive and my persistence. I am always learning, and I enjoy challenging myself and pushing through the hard parts of a painting – that is typically when I learn the most. You simply cannot expect to get better at something if you don’t put in the work. It is the best feeling to see a vision come to life on a canvas.
I think what sets me apart from others is 1. my work ethic and 2. the connection with my clients. Having two dogs myself, I know how special they are in our lives. It brings me such joy to be able to paint pet portraits for my clients and to see their reactions when they receive them. Through the craziness of this world, I hope that my art brings a little joy and a little light to the lives of others. My journey as an artist has been so rewarding, and I hope that through my story, I inspire others to work hard and pursue their dreams.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing my improvements. Each painting has its own challenges, and it is really cool to see how I work through the different challenges to get to the finished product. Art allows endless learning and growth, and you almost can’t help but to improve with each painting.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think the main thing that non-creatives struggle to understand about creatives is that we need experiences that get our creative mind flowing and inspire us. For me, it’s being on the lake, visiting somewhere I’ve never been, or even visiting with other small businesses and shops. While fitness is a big part of my life, it also helps with my creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbykaitlyn.com
- Instagram: @__artbykaitlyn
- Facebook: Art by Kaitlyn