Kathi Rudko

About the Artist:
Born in Powell River BC. I was educated in Powell River, Port Alberni, and attended the University of BC from 1968 - 1975, obtaining an BA degree in Psychology in 1973 and Teacher Qualification in 1975. I have taught school for almost 30 years, the last 28 in Campbell River.
As a teacher-librarian I am as impressed and inspired by the magic of illustration as I am by the world of words-- it is often the pictures that pull a child into a book and bring the child back to a book for years to come! As a teacher, I have enjoyed introducing students to famous artists and illustrators and love to watch children realize that they too can produce marvelous art!
Having drawn and dabbled in the arts all my life, I seriously took up the paint brush in 1998 and have been painting regularly ever since. I live at Miracle Beach in Black Creek, BC-- a semi rural coommunity on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island.
My work has been displayed in several restaurants and other venues - currently at the Pier Street Gallery- in Campbell River. In June 2005, “The Red Dress” won an Award of Excellence in the 23rd Annual CR Arts Council Members Show.
I paint primarily in acrylic or watercolour and accept a limited number of commissions.
My work can be viewed on-line at or kathleen.rudko

Artist’s Statement


I have always loved to draw and can‘t imagine viewing the world without wondering how to best capture it on paper. My daughters often accuse me of staring- my response is that I am just gathering reference material for future art works! Starting a new painting is always exciting-- especially the promise implicit in the first washes of a watercolour- and I find the process of painting both relaxing and stimulating.
I paint mainly in watercolour and acrylic; I love mainipulating the light and transparency of watercolour but enjoy the intensity and freedom of working with acrylics.
Although my subject matter is varied, drawing inspiration primarly from my west coast surroundings (ocean, forests and gardens) and the world of the human figure (especially children and the female form), my style is representational and appeals to the senses and emotions rather than the intellect.
Largely self-taught, I have attended numerous art workshops and used various media both recreationally and in my work as an educator. For the last 7 years I have enjoyed painting with the support of Campbell River artist Chris Wootton, whose amazing skill and generous instruction has allowed me and dozens of other local artists to ‘emerge’ artistically.
Quite simply I love to paint-- it is my favourite pastime. If others find beauty, fascination or even passing interest in my paintings, then the reward is even greater!