Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Katie McGowan, a contemporary figurative painter and the founder of Wavism—a rhythmic, immersive painting style that captures movement, emotion, and the fluidity of the human experience, particularly through the female form. I use sweeping, layered brushstrokes and bold colour palettes to create dynamic works that feel alive and expressive.

What’s your art background, and how did you get into art?

I’ve always loved art, especially at school, but I didn’t study it at university. After graduating and moving to London, I found myself really missing the creative part of my life. So, I signed up for a six-week painting course—and I was instantly hooked. It all evolved quite organically from there: I started with the basics—still lifes, life drawing—and gradually became more drawn to expressive, textural ways of painting. When I discovered Wavism, I found a style I truly loved creating in, and I haven’t looked back since.

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I’m based in London, and living in a city with such a vibrant artistic energy has definitely influenced my work. The other day I was on the Victoria line and suddenly felt like seeing the Turner collection at Tate Britain—15 minutes later, I was standing in front of his paintings. It reminded me how lucky I am to have such incredible access to art.

Why do you do what you do?

Painting allows me to express things that are difficult to articulate with words (I’ve never been good with words). It’s meditative, intuitive, and deeply fulfilling. I also love that my work resonates with and empowers women; that sense of connection feels incredibly meaningful to me.

Who are your biggest artistic influences? What art do you most identify with?

I’ve always been drawn to Impressionism—the freedom of brushwork, the celebration of colour. Contemporary artists like Joseph Lee and Elena Gual have also influenced me, especially in their use of oils and impasto techniques. I’d say my work is a fusion of both: emotionally expressive and physically textured.

What themes do you pursue?

The female experience is central to my work—strength, vulnerability, identity, and transformation. I’m fascinated by how emotion can be conveyed through movement and colour, and how brushstrokes can tell a story all on their own.

Tell me about your favourite medium.

Oil paint, without a doubt. The richness of colour, the way it reflects in the sunlight, the thickness and texture—it allows me to build up layers of light and movement in a way no other medium can.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere—and usually when I’m not looking. Colour palettes in nature or fashion, films, music, travel, photography, other artists’ work… inspiration often comes in unexpected moments.

How does colour play a role in your artwork?

Colour is absolutely essential—I can’t work without it. I love pushing flesh tones in new directions, often using unexpected palettes to make the figures feel more alive, vibrant, and expressive.

How do you work? What is the process of making your artwork?

My process centres around Wavism—each painting is created entirely from small, wave-like brushstrokes. It started with quick ink studies and developed into a full technique using oil paint. I let the figure emerge organically through these layered movements, rather than relying on rigid outlines.