kate schultz

For Kate Schultz, inspiration is often found just outside her door.

Drawing on the quiet beauty of her backyard, the North Carolina painter creates works that invite viewers to bring nature indoors –and to slow down long enough to notice life’s fleeting moments.

Artist: Schultz was born and grew up in Jackson, MS. Her interest in painting took off with high school art classes. But they weren’t enough. So she signed up for after-school oil painting classes with esteemed Mississippi artist Bob Tompkins.

In 2008, Schultz received an art scholarship to Delta State University in Cleveland, MS, but transferred after her freshman year to the University of Mississippi in Oxford, which has deep literary roots and a thriving arts, music scene. Schultz graduated from Ole Miss with a BFA in painting.

During college, Schultz started painting as a side hustle. She continued her part-time art practice for the next 10 years while working an administrative job.

In 2019, she and her husband moved to Charlotte, NC, for his new job. When Covid hit, Schultz started painting full time.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else with my time,” said Schultz, who has a studio in her home in Charlotte.

Art & materials: Acrylic paintings on canvas and mixed media works, using gold foil, paint pen, graphite pencil and watercolor pencils. ($375 to $6,000).

“My previous style was wild and abstract,” said Schultz, who took two months off from her art practice in 2023 to reevaluate and simplify her work. “I wanted people to look at my paintings and feel a sense of calm, not chaos,” said Schultz.

Themes: Peaceful scenes in nature.

Favorite tools: “My tiny paint brushes for perfect tiny details and bird feet,” said Schultz.

Influences:

The outdoors, including her garden, native plants and birds.
House cats.
Witches and wild animals.
Artists: Paul Klee, Milton Avery, Pablo Picasso, Mary Fedden, Arthur Dove and Gary Bunt.

Recent honors: Recently featured in Charlotte’s Queen City Lifestyle Magazine, The Summer Explore Issue. July 2026.

Recent project: First solo show, “The Scenic Route,” at Spoonbill Gallery in Greenville, SC, in June.

“It was truly a memorable moment in my art career,” said Schultz. “And I loved every piece from that show.”

What’s next: A group show at Shain Gallery in Charlotte, NC. August 7-19. Schultz will have 11 new paintings in the gallery.

Where to buy: At galleries, online and in person, including: