Kate Tooke is a representational oil painter focused on capturing an intimate connection with the animal subjects she paints. For Kate, a successful work goes beyond a technically competent depiction to create a relationship, even if it’s just a brief moment, between the seer and the seen.

Kate shares her life with with her husband, dogs, cats, horses and chickens in beautiful Vernon, BC. With their three kids grown and left home, she is dedicated to daily painting and continuously learning and honing her craft. Kate was juried into Active Member status with the Federation of Canadian Artists in 2020.

Artist Statement:

Painting feels like communicating in a language of pure love, beyond words, that speaks on a soul level. What our eyes “read” as truth in a painting is actually different that what the logical mind tells us we are seeing. Painting goes beyond technical expertise and accurately depicting local colour and detail. Learning to express in paint the beauty of what we can experience in the moment feels like the most compelling way I could possibly imagine spending my time.

When I began painting I focused on wildlife, connecting with the majesty of the mysterious wild creatures. After a ten-year hiatus from painting to pursue my own growth from an intensive series of life and relationship coach certifications, I’ve returned with a passion, maturity and dedication that I was not able to access before this deep inner work. Now I know that ineffable quality is not limited to animals in the wild, but exists within the humblest beings, and in us all. When I can successfully express the breath and soul of a chicken, it’s as though we all become more open to experiencing this beauty in ourselves.

Since the start of COVID, I have been painting with a commitment to practicing every day as well as studying with masterful and inspiring artists.

Exhibition History

2006 – True Nature | solo exhibition | Botega Salon & Gallery, Banff, Canada

2007 – True Being | solo exhibition | Botega Salon & Gallery, Banff, Canada

2008 – Creative Possibilities | solo exhibition | Botega Salon & Gallery, Banff, Canada

2011 – T&T – Topp & Tooke | Botega Salon & Gallery, Banff, Canada

2020 – Small Works Exhibition | juried show | Federation of Canadian Artists

2021 – Active Member Show | juried show | Federation of Canadian Artists

2021 – Playing with Light | juried show | Federation of Canadian Artists North Okanagan Chapter

2021 – Small Exhibition | juried show | Federation of Canadian Artists

2021 – Animalis | juried show | Federation of Canadian Artists

2022 – Arts of March | juried show | Federation of Canadian Artists North Okanagan Chapter

2022 – TNSC Spring Show | juried show | Federation of Canadian Artists Thompson Nicola Shuswap Chapter

2023 – Active Member Show |  juried show  | Federation of Canadian Artists

 

Awards/Recognition

First Place: “Snickers” – NOFCA Playing with Light – Vernon Arts Centre

Honourable Mention: “Red Rooster” – FCA Active Member Show – Federation Gallery Vancouver

Honourable Mention: “Morning Snooze” – FCA Active Member Show – Federation Gallery Vancouver

First Place: “Rooster Tail” – Animalis – Federation of Canadian Artists – Federation Gallery Vancouver

First Place: “Morning Light” – TNSC Spring Show – Federation of Canadian Artists – Kamloops Courthouse