Self-Taught Painter

When Katherine Michael moved from small-town Illinois to Tampa in 1999, she transformed her family's kitchen table into an art studio.

Since then, the walls of her West Meadows home have been covered in brightly colored original paintings. She paints everything from landscapes representing Florida's beaches to unique portraits.

Michael is the North Tampa Arts League's Artist of the Month for September. Her works will be on display at the New Tampa Regional Library through Sept. 30. Michael also will participate in the Art for Haiti fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at Saint Leo University.

Q. What inspired you to start painting?

A. Well, I've always been very creative, but I have no formal art training. I'm self-taught. In Illinois, I was a hairdresser. When I came to Florida, I thought, "Why not try painting?" I started painting what I saw. I have no idea how a trained artist would go about it. I just do it my way.

Q. You describe yourself as a folk artist. Does that mean your art tells a story?

A. I paint series based on certain subject matter. The series tells the story, like my latest series, "The Family Table." It was inspired by old black-and-white photographs of my father's family growing up in 1940s Illinois.

Q. Is the series close to your heart?

A. Yes. My father recently passed away, and the paintings are dedicated to him. One of the paintings I priced at a million dollars because I just don't want to part with it.

Q. Will the rest be on display and for sale at the New Tampa Regional Library show?

A. They will all be on display. Some will be for sale. They are priced from $125 to $300.

Q. What inspires you as an artist?

A. People and places. Sometimes, I like to take my paints to different places and work on location. I traveled to Europe and painted in Italy and France. In Florida, I like to paint the beaches. I use realistic subject matter, and then I take liberties with it. I add my own spin.

Q. Do you paint with oil or acrylic?

A. I use acrylic because it's what I started with and what I'm used to. Plus, I paint at my kitchen table, and with oils it would just be too risky to make a bigger mess.

Q. What does your family think about having an artist in the house?

A. My husband and children are so supportive. I thank God for them. They don't mind me being a starving artist. They all appreciate art. My children love painting and photography.

Q. How did you get involved with the North Tampa Arts League?

A. I heard about it and went to a meeting. It's been wonderful. The league is such a big help with promoting art and getting members into shows. They've given me so many opportunities, and I'll take as much as they can throw at me.

Q. What advice would you give to other untrained artists?

A. Don't be afraid. Paint as you see it. It's OK to make mistakes. I think mistakes make a painting more beautiful. Creativity comes from the soul.

Q. Why is creativity important to you?

A. I'm kind of a shy person, so my art is how I communicate. My art is very emotional. When someone has seen my paintings, I feel like they know me.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Katherine Michael art show

WHEN: From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 30

WHERE: New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

WEB SITE: www.katherine michael.com