When Kathryn Capp joined the Palmer Lake Art Group just a year and a half ago, she quickly discovered more than a place to display her artwork—she found a welcoming community. Within eight months of becoming a member, Kathryn stepped into the role of Board Secretary, eager to contribute to an organization that has become an important part of her artistic journey.

Kathryn works primarily in oils, the medium she has loved since first picking up a paintbrush 13 years ago. More recently, she has expanded her artistic practice by exploring acrylics, watercolors, and oil pastels as she continues to challenge herself creatively.

A Lifelong Creative Spirit

Although creativity has always been part of Kathryn’s life, oil painting was a dream she didn’t pursue until she and her husband, Duane, retired and moved to Arizona. There, a community center offered oil painting classes, and with a set of inexpensive paints and an encouraging instructor, Kathryn discovered a passion that would become central to her life.

“My teacher showed me that I could do anything,” Kathryn recalls. “I’ve always loved animals, and they inspire me every day.”

Today, Kathryn continues to grow through the Milan Art Institute’s online certification program, where she is learning new techniques, experimenting with different mediums, and broadening her artistic vision. Her long-term goal is to qualify for the Society of Professional Artists while continuing to explore new subjects and styles.

Influences That Shaped Her Journey

Kathryn has long admired the work of Claude Monet and hopes to study his impressionistic techniques more deeply in the future. She also speaks enthusiastically about renowned wildlife muralist and conservationist Robert Wyland, whose dedication to both art and nature she deeply respects.

Yet the person who had the greatest influence on her development was her first painting instructor, Lois Fox, whose patient instruction built Kathryn’s confidence and mastery of the fundamentals.

After moving several times—including a period in Utah where opportunities to paint with others were limited—Kathryn temporarily drifted away from painting. That changed when she discovered artist Ellie Milan through YouTube. Inspired by Milan’s expressive and fearless style, Kathryn enrolled in the Milan Art Institute. Although another move—this time to Colorado—briefly interrupted her studies, she has since returned with renewed enthusiasm.

“They are helping me grow in ways I never thought possible,” she says.

Finding Inspiration Through the Lens

Photography and painting have always gone hand in hand for Kathryn. She and Duane have spent more than five decades behind the camera, building an extensive photographic archive that now exceeds 45,000 images.

Many of Kathryn’s paintings begin with photographs she and her husband have captured over the years. Dogs remain her favorite subjects, followed closely by horses, Colorado wildlife, and farm animals—a reflection of her rural roots.

“Once I get a really good photo,” she says, “out comes the canvas, and I just start painting.”

A Creative Life

Kathryn’s story begins in Minnesota before her family settled in California, where she grew up in a household where creativity was less a luxury than a necessity. With limited resources, her mother made birthdays and holidays magical through imagination and handcrafted decorations, teaching Kathryn to sew when she was just six years old so she could make clothes for her Barbie dolls.

In school, art came naturally, and she excelled in every class. Although she was offered a scholarship to the Santa Barbara Art Institute, Kathryn pursued another passion—acting and dancing. Her path changed after meeting Duane while performing educational animal shows at Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. Following their marriage, she shifted her creative talents into new directions.

Together they built successful businesses in photography, floral design, and event decorating. Kathryn attended floral design school and became known for elaborate balloon artistry, creating installations for companies including Macy’s, California Pizza Kitchen, and Foot Locker. One of her most memorable projects included producing 800 balloons for Bob Hope’s 100th birthday celebration at the hospital that bore his name in Palm Springs. Kathryn also owned a successful floral business while she and Duane photographed countless weddings together.

Standing Behind the Value of Her Art

Like many artists, Kathryn has wrestled with self-doubt. One recent experience, however, strengthened her confidence.

During the Color Splash exhibit at Library 21c, a staff member shared that she had visited Kathryn’s painting, Springtime Symphony, every day and hoped to purchase it—but only at a discounted price.

Rather than lowering the value of the piece, Kathryn explained the time, effort, and craftsmanship that had gone into creating it. She instead offered smaller works that better fit the buyer’s budget while maintaining the original price of the painting.  After consideration, the staff member returned to purchase the original piece at full price.

The experience reinforced an important lesson: artists should recognize and confidently stand behind the value of their work.

Advice for Fellow Artists

Kathryn offers simple but heartfelt advice to other artists:

“As artists, we’re always wondering if we’re good enough. Do what your heart desires. If you paint something you love and it makes you happy, who cares what anyone else thinks?”

A Home Within PLAG

For Kathryn, PLAG has become much more than an art organization.

Meeting fellow artists, attending Meet & Greets, and exchanging ideas and techniques have all enriched her creative life. She values the camaraderie and encouragement she has found among the membership.

“I feel that I have found a safe haven to share my work,” she says. “It has given me opportunities to show what I do while making wonderful friends within the PLAG community.”

Serving on the PLAG Board has also been especially rewarding. Kathryn enjoys collaborating with fellow board members and event leaders as they continue expanding exhibition opportunities and strengthening relationships that benefit the entire membership.

When speaking of Kathryn, Rhonda Delmolino, PLAG’s President describes her as “an artist with a big heart, who is kind, beautiful, talented and a dedicated lady happy to help all of our artists. It’s such a pleasure to work with her and we are so lucky she found her way to our group!”

Family, Travel, and the Next Chapter

Kathryn and Duane recently celebrated more than 51 years of marriage. Their partnership extends far beyond family life, with Duane serving as Kathryn’s greatest supporter, trusted critic, and photographic collaborator. Together they have two children: Casey, a professional photographer who continues the family’s visual tradition, and Heather, an online retail influencer who reflects Kathryn’s entrepreneurial spirit.

This fall, Kathryn and Duane will travel to France for a ten-day oil painting workshop with impressionist artist Virginia “V” Vaughan, whose work is represented in galleries throughout the United States, including Broadmoor Galleries. The experience promises another exciting step in Kathryn’s continuing artistic evolution.

For Kathryn Capp, the journey of becoming an artist has never really been about reaching a destination. It has been about remaining curious, embracing growth, and finding joy in every new brushstroke. Through her dedication, generosity, and willingness to continue learning, she embodies the spirit of lifelong creativity that makes the Palmer Lake Art Group such a vibrant artistic community.

Kathleen Seelye, Author