Born in Longview, Texas, in 1959, Katherine Houston is a contemporary artist celebrated for her vibrant contributions to the pop art movement. With a distinctive style that blends bold colors and playful imagery, her work captures the essence of modern culture while inviting viewers to engage with themes of nostalgia and identity.
In 1991, Katherine attended the University of Houston, where she pursued studies in business before starting a family. She returned to the University in 2008 to study Fine Art. Since then, Katherine has continued her artistic education, studying with renowned artists such as Ruth Munson, Will Clem, Polly Liu, Gary Hernandez, Skip Lawrence, Arthur Turner, Gael Staack, and Quang Ho. She has participated in programs at the Glassell School of Art, the Houston Art League, the Hudson River Valley Art School, and various workshops across the country.
Katherine’s art has gained critical acclaim and is collected globally, with notable pieces in private and corporate collections, including Baylor Scott + White Children’s Hospital, BBVA Compass Bank, ExxonMobil Headquarters, Coca-Cola, Texas Children’s Hospital, Amegy Bank, The Mayo Clinic, University of Houston, University of Houston Law School, Methodist Hospital, Skyward Financial, TDECU Stadium, and St. Luke’s Hospital.
Her work has been featured in prominent periodicals, including Houston Press, Architectural Digest, Paper City, ICON Magazine, Houston Chronicle, Genesis, Art Galleries and Artists of The South, Texas Monthly, Decorative Center Houston, Voyage Houston, Houston Lifestyle and Home, Luxury For the Home, Luxe Magazine, and 002 Magazine.
Katherine continues to explore the intersection of art and culture, inspiring others through her creative vision and community engagement. She lives and works in Houston, Texas.
Galleries
Hilary Whitaker Gallery, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Laura Rathe Fine Art, Houston, Texas
Laura Rathe Fine Art, Dallas, Texas
KHS Gallery, New York
Leslie Neilson Fine Art, Charlotte, North Carolina
ARTIST STATEMENT
For more than 25 years, I have lived and worked as an artist in the Houston area, exploring color, form, and process through reverse painting on plexiglass. This unconventional technique requires me to paint on the back surface, building each piece in reverse order and trusting that the final image will reveal itself only when the work is turned over.
My work centers on vibrant geometric forms, colorful cubes, linear compositions, and abstract paintings that celebrate the energy of color and the balance between structure and spontaneity. While the imagery often appears precise and controlled, the process itself requires a willingness to let go. Each layer must be applied with faith, knowing that what is hidden beneath the surface will ultimately shape the finished piece.
I am fascinated by the relationship between control and surrender. Much like trying to hold sand in your hand, control often emerges only after letting go. Reverse painting embodies this idea. I make decisions deliberately, yet I cannot fully see the results until the work is complete. The process challenges me to trust intuition, embrace uncertainty, and remain open to unexpected outcomes.
Color is at the heart of my practice. Inspired by the visual rhythms of cities, architecture, landscapes, and everyday experiences, I use bold palettes and layered forms to create works that are both energetic and contemplative. The transparency and reflective qualities of plexiglass add depth and luminosity, allowing the colors to interact with light in ways that continually transform the viewing experience.
Ultimately, my work is an exploration of discovery. When I turn a finished piece over for the first time, I see the culmination of countless decisions, risks, and surprises. It is in that moment that the hidden becomes visible, and the conversation between control and possibility is finally revealed.