I first fell in love with Kitty’s artwork on Instagram. I emailed to say that I’m coming to Folkestone (on the English Kent coast) and would love to meet her, only to find out we were fans of each others work as she had my book, The Little Book of Colour.

I went into her Folkestone store, asking if Kitty was there only to find out her name is Catherine Nice. As she later explained to me, Kitty McCall was her grandmother’s name. Yep, she gets this a lot.

We had a lovely chat discussing colour and her artwork and I just had to buy one of her prints. It’s of a colourful bunch of flowers in a big red vase. I just love it.

And naturally I asked Catherine if she would like to join me on the colour couch to share her love of colour and I was thrilled that she said yes. So it over to Catherine…

What is your earliest colour memory?

One of my favourite colour memories is of the beautiful bougainvillea flowers that grew in Nigeria.

What does colour mean to you?

Colour is a language in itself, and as an artist, I’m constantly experimenting with new colour combinations and exploring how they can be used to create new and exciting effects. Whether I’m working with a bright and vibrant palette or a more subdued and muted one, colour always plays a crucial role in my creative process, and it’s what makes my art truly unique and personal to me.

Do you have a favourite colour or a colour that you find yourself constantly drawn to? And why?

Green is my favourite colour because of its versatility and ability to evoke feelings of growth, renewal, and harmony with nature. I use it frequently in my work to represent the natural world and find it to be both soothing and invigorating. Its endless shades allow me to create depth and complexity in my pieces, making it a constant source of creative inspiration for me.

Do you have a colour you least like? And why?

I believe that all colours have a place within a palette, and it’s just about finding the right balance and fit for each one.

What do you love most about working with colour?

I Love the endless possibilities and creative freedom that comes with working with colour. There are so many different hues, shades, and combinations to explore, each with their own unique qualities and meanings. It’s an ongoing process of discovery and experimentation, and I always find myself learning new things and pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible.

What do you think your life would be like without colour? 

As an artist who places a great deal of importance on colour in my work, the thought of a world without colour is difficult to imagine. I believe that colour is an essential part of our human experience, and it has the power to shape our emotions, perceptions, and interactions with the world around us, and without it, our lives would be much less rich and nuanced.

Were you ever afraid or wary of colour? And what did you do to overcome this?

I have always been drawn to colour, even from a young age.

Do you have a favourite colour place that you visit (or have visited)?

Folkestone Harbour, surrounded by rows of brightly coloured fishing boats, each one painted in different shades. As the sun sets over the harbour, the colours seem to intensify, casting a warm and vibrant glow over the entire area. The water reflects the brilliant colours, creating a stunning mosaic of light and colour that changes with each passing minute.

For anyone afraid of colour what would your number 1 piece of advice be?

If you are someone who is afraid of using colour in your daily life, I completely understand where you are coming from. It can be intimidating to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. But as an artist, I’ve learned that colour has a way of adding joy and excitement to our lives, and it’s worth exploring how we can incorporate it into our surroundings.

My number one piece of advice would be to start small and build your confidence gradually. Consider adding a brightly coloured cushion or a colourful piece of artwork to a room. These small pops of colour can make a big difference in how a space feels and can help you get more comfortable with using colour.

Which colourful person do you most admire and would love me to interview for the On the Colour Couch series?

Lisa Congdon. She is so open and generous with her followers, and I absolutely adore her work.

When it comes to colourful English towns, Folkestone would have to be one of my favourites. And I agree with Catherine, there is something very special about the light and how it reflects off the water and the beautiful golden glow.

If you would like to discover more about Catherine and her colourful artwork, head over to her Instagram @kittymccall.

Wishing you a colourful day,
Karenx