Kelsey Howard loved her art classes more than her science classes in college. She went on to become a nurse, taking the time to paint every day to help manage the stress working in medicine. Her formal art education gave her the confidence to leave nursing and become a full-time artist.
Tell us more about your journey to becoming a full-time artist.
My journey was very slow and took me in circles! I went to college to be a doctor, but loved my art classes, and my science classes less. When I graduated, I had enough prerequisites to go to nursing school, and just planned to make art on the side.
When I was in nursing school, I really began to create more. I was really stressed out. Eventually when I went to work as a nurse, I painted nearly every day and sort of accidentally built up a business. I left nursing a little over four years ago to do it full time!
How does your time as a nurse influence your work? Or does it?
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I’m not sure that being a nurse entirely influences my work now, but it does make me appreciate what I do a little more every day. I was having a hard time managing my stress as a nurse. I feel very lucky I get to do something that brings me so much joy. I also have a ton of continued respect for nurses.
What different creative media do you use in your work?
I mostly use acrylic! I used oils in college and just didn’t stick with them. I also love occasionally playing with watercolor and gouache. I tend to use wood panels, watercolor paper, and mixed media paper to paint on. I’ve recently fallen in love with ink and colorful pens. They are so fun to sketch with.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Much of my inspiration comes from nature around me. I love also looking at the old impressionist masters.
Pierre Bonnard is one of my favorite painters. I will sometimes paint subjects inspired by my travels, too. I went to France in May, and there was endless inspiration! I hope I get to go on more trips in the future like that.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
I just started planning more recently! I used to improvise each series, but I realized that planning my year out helps me stress less.
I reached out to a studio manager and she helped me get more organized. I’m not a naturally organized person and definitely needed the help!
Describe your creative space.
A few years ago we converted our garage into a studio space. It has lots of room and is well lit. It’s actually one of my favorite parts of our home now. It’s very peaceful in there.
How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired?
I try to stick to a schedule, but have a hard time being super strict about it. Some days you just don’t get to paint. I am running things mostly by myself, but do have a studio assistant who helps me out occasionally. I am so grateful for that.
My parents also help me from time to time. On the painting days, I try to start in the mid-morning and end late afternoon.
I at least force myself to sketch or do a fun warm-up exercise. Sometimes those are my favorite pieces of the day. I usually make myself get in the studio even when I’m not entirely inspired, but I’m also learning when I just need a break!
Do you use a sketchbook, journal, or technology to plan or keep track of ideas? How does that help your work develop?
I save photos on my phone, Instagram, Pinterest, from magazines, and on my computer. Anytime I see something that inspires me, I save it. I also love playing around in a sketchbook before I move onto the more “serious” works.
While I do love looking at inspiration from others, I’m also working on gaining inspiration and confidence from within. Sometimes I get distracted when looking at so much inspiration outside of myself. It can make me forget how to paint from within.
What plays in the background while you work? Silence? Music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies? If so, what kind?
It depends on the day. I think I paint my best in silence, but I usually prefer to have something playing in the background. If I put a show or a movie on, it has to be something I’ve seen before or I’ll get too distracted. When I find the right audiobook, I feel like I could paint forever. I love a thriller/mystery (nothing too scary) or a romantic comedy.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I typically am working on more than one painting at a time. I find I usually can’t finish a painting in one sitting and need to take a break from it before completion. I like to do smaller paintings or sketches each day, but bigger paintings take me a few days. I like to allow several weeks for planning out and finishing a commission.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
My inspiration comes from all over the place. Whether it’s seasonal blooms, recent travels, or an interesting color, I’m always looking out for what might grab my attention. Collecting my thoughts and focusing can be an issue for me. I’ve found planning out ideas and writing down what inspires me helps me to stay on track.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
I love sketching out subjects. And then trying to carry that looseness and freedom over to the canvas/wood panel/paper.
I try to let the painting tell me what colors to use next. That’s really fun for me. It’s like figuring out a puzzle.
I’d say a challenge is just staying consistent and not comparing myself to others. Also not getting distracted by my phone or other things I have to do.
Working from home is wonderful, but it’s easy to get distracted. Keeping a good mindset helps me the most.
How does your formal art education help your work develop? Does it ever get in the way?
I would say my formal art education helped me gain confidence in my craft. I also love some of the relationships with other artists and art professors I made in school. The business side of art and continuing to develop my style were things I had to learn on my own.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
You have to make art for you. It’s difficult because as artists of course we want to be successful. However, creating your most authentic art comes from within. You can’t think about what others want.
How has your creativity evolved over the years?
My creativity has had many ups and downs over the years. I think my life has more balance now and I’ve overcome some hurdles that have given me more strength and confidence now.
I’m less afraid of my art looking weird. I’m more okay with making bad art. Not everything has to be a masterpiece.
You can paint whatever you want and just have fun with it. That’s where the magic happens. You have to trust yourself and the process and keep going.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
Like I mentioned previously, I think my life has more balance now. Making sure I’m taking care of myself first and foremost helps me to find more peace in my art. It’s hard to focus on one thing all the time. I’ve started going to more workout classes and am volunteering at a local animal shelter.
I feel much more refreshed facing my work each day when I have other activities to get me out of my head.
Where can people see your work?
I mostly share my work online, but if you are in Wilmington, NC, you can see my work in person at Jerry’s Food and Wine or Paysage Home.
My website: www.kelseyhowardart.com
Interview posted July 2025
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