Katie Allen centres her work primarily on the landscapes of her native South Wales , their changing seasons and shades, transforming them into a rich textile of patterns, forms and colours. The paintings when viewed as a whole are of recognisable landscapes and natural forms - trees and plants, insects and birds - but on closer inspection become detailed abstract patterns composed of intricate designs and subtle colour harmonies.

Katie says that “these new paintings have been greatly influenced by a recent trip to India; the vast palaces decorated with beautiful intricate patterns composed of gemstones and mirrors, reflecting the light so giving them a jewel like quality, the delicate miniature paintings and richly coloured textiles. I have tried in my work to capture some of these qualities and to create something beautiful and carefully crafted”.

This catalogue of paintings explore the play of scale from macro to micro and the movement between representational and abstract. They are enjoyed on different levels, with the viewer constantly finding new areas to explore and be drawn into. The rich colours and interplay of harmonies at once reflect the soothing landscapes on which they are based, and at the same time recall the vibrant energy of nature, creating a delicious tension between tranquillity and excitement, serenity and stimulation.

Katie Lives and works in Swansea , South Wales and is represented by Cube Gallery, Bristol UK.

1967 Born Kingston upon Thames

1975 Moved from London to Swansea

1978 - 1985 Attends Olchfa School Swansea

1985 - 1986 Art Foundation Course. Swansea

1986-1989 BA(hons) Fine Art Painting, Bath

1995 PGCE- Art and Design, Cardiff

1996-1998 Art Teacher Botswana , Africa

1998-2006 Art Teacher Brighton & Swansea

2006 Left teaching in order to pursue art career

2007 Joined Cube Gallery

1989-1990 Attic Gallery, Swansea

1995 Wales Open Art Exhibition. Aberystwyth

2000-2002 Skylark Gallery, Southbank, London

2001 London Affordable Artfair

2002-2004 Attic Gallery, Swansea

2003 Swansea Open Art Exhibition

2004 Swansea Open Art Exhibition

2007 (May-July) The Brownstone Gallery, Modbury, Devon

2007 - Present Cube Gallery, Bristol

2007 Wins Peoples Choice Prize, National Eisteddfod of Wales

2007 London AAF, Edinburgh Art Fair

2008 Form London, Chelsea Art Fair, Bristol AAF & London AAF, Edinburgh Art Fair

2009 Brussels AAF, 20-21, Cambridge Art Fair, Chelsea Art Fair, Amsterdam AAF

2010 Mostyn Gallery