Collection: Kat Houseman

Kat Houseman has been creating art for more than 20 years. Raised in Great Falls, Montana, she developed an early passion for drawing and painting with the encouragement of her family. Inspired by the rich Western art tradition of her hometown—including the legacy of Charles M. Russell—she was drawn to wildlife, horses, and the natural world from an early age.

In 2001, Kat earned a BFA in Fine Art with an emphasis in painting from Montana State University. While studying in a contemporary art environment, she remained committed to representational subjects, developing a distinctive style that combines wildlife imagery with expressive, abstract backgrounds.

More than 15 years ago, Kat and her husband, artist Corey Urlacher, relocated to Bellingham, Washington, where they immersed themselves in the regional art scene and exhibited throughout the West. Years of travel and exhibiting helped solidify Kat's identity as a wildlife artist, influenced by renowned painters Bob Kuhn and Carl Rungius and fueled by a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation.

Known for bold color, expressive brushwork, and an impressionistic style, Kat creates original works ranging from intimate 3" x 3" paintings to large-scale 5' x 5' pieces. While wildlife remains her primary focus, she has recently expanded into landscapes. Today, she works with galleries across the region, participates in live painting events and museum fundraisers, and shares her knowledge through workshops and classes.

"Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment." — Claude Monet.