• Dreamers, Doers & Nostalgics

    Whether your dreaming of new possibilities, taking action towards your goals, or just beginning to explore your potential, each balloon is painted to inspire and uplift you though the journey; the moments of doubt and triumphs of successes.

  • Inspiring Art

    You already possess everything you need to succeed! Sometimes you just need a little inspiration to spark your creativity, encouragement to push beyond your limits or simply a touch of joy to brighten your days.

  • Why Balloons?

    I've yet to meet anyone - young or old, who doesn't smile when given a balloon. Mylar balloons evoke a nostalgic feeling that brings pure joy. With every painting, I strive to recreate that magical feeling through art.

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    Hi! I'm Katie, an acrylic painter from Southern California. How did I get into balloon art?? I wish there was an amazing, grand story to tell you, but there simply isn't. Here's the short version:

    • In 2018, after a long break from painting, I began a 100-day painting challenge.
    • It ended with a "100" number balloons drawing.
    • A few months later, I participated in a community art project where I painted a 3-foot mylar dog balloon.
    • I've painted balloons, almost exclusively since.
    • I hope to paint larger scale artworks in the future.
    • I'm married, 4 kids, 2 fur babies.
    • I love Jesus and coffee ❤️

    If any of my artworks resonates with you, it's truly an honor and I am humbled to have you as a collector.

    xoxo, Katie

    Here's the long version....

    In roughly 2018, after a long break from painting part time-as a muralist, I was ready to create again but on a much smaller scale. With a toddler, 2-highschoolers and a homeschooled elementary student, I started drawing and painting in art books, journals and on canvases.

    Towards the end of the year, I challenged myself with a 100-day painting project. I explored a range of art genres, from sketching, drawing and painting landscapes, foods, people and everyday objects. The final day, I wanted to celebrate that I actually completed 100 days of painting, and what better way to do so than with balloons!

    The fascination with balloons didn't exactly begin there though. I was still painting other subjects, trying to figure out where I would 'fit in'; in the art world, especially in the online space. I was also struggling with what I wanted my art to convey-was I painting for purpose or just the sake of painting?

    A few months later, my local art museum had a call for artists to paint 3-foot steel dog cutouts. I submitted my information and references and they accepted me as a participating artist!!!

    Haha, this is where the obsession began! At first, I didn't know I was going to paint a dog balloon. As I was sketching different ideas, I glanced through my 100-day project journal and the last day, it just clicked, I'm going to paint a dog balloon?! This was a struggle to even comprehend in the beginning and throughout, but I was so in love with painting balloons by the end, I even included balloons on the backside within the landscape.

    Since then, I've almost exclusively painted mylar balloons. Each one, learning more details about creating the illusion of a "three-dimensional balloon" on a two-dimensional surface. This technique is called trompe-l'oeil and one I used often when I painted murals.

    At first, there was no specific goal other than improving my skill and get better at 'inflating' balloons so I could create my own balloon designs. One day, during a conversation with my toddler about the saying "when pigs fly", I realized I not only wanted but I needed my artwork to inspire others.

    My artistic process usually begins with a happy, nostalgic sentiment from childhood or current memories I'm making with my children. I'm grateful to be in a phase of my life where I'm blessed with the freedom and flexibility to create at my own pace and desires. This allows me to give each art piece the time it needs to naturally evolve, including the composition and color palette.

    Blending contemporary and realistic elements, like loose brushwork and intricate details keeps each painting visually pleasing. Currently, my focus is on creating smaller scale artworks, but I hope to explore larger pieces in the coming years...maybe even getting back into murals.

    Beyond the studio, life is full of life and every moment is a blessing. I enjoy making homemade bread every week, though that’s the extent of my baking adventures. Between homeschooling and sports, I still manage to try new hobbies and DIY projects. I’m married to my greatest love, we have 2 grown kids and 2 still at home, a playful-full of energy Basenji named Basil and a recently rescued kitty we named Bear.

    I hope you enjoy my works and if any piece resonates with you, it is truly an honor, to have you as a collector.
    xoxo, Katie

    Protect Our Skies: Mylar Balloon Waste Reduction Initiative

    Mylar balloons may bring joy to celebrations, but their environmental impact is anything but festive. When released, these balloons can become dangerous litter, harming wildlife, contributing to pollution, and even causing fires when they get tangled in power lines. Unlike natural materials, mylar balloons do not decompose easily, posing a long-term threat to our planet.

    I’m actively seeking to partner with non-profit organization(s) that focus on environmental protection and cleanup efforts, specifically targeting mylar balloon waste. I hope to raise awareness about the dangers of balloon pollution and promote eco-friendly disposal practices.

    If you represent a non-profit organization or have valuable insights to share, please contact me at katiesusanart@gmail.com.

    Stay tuned for updates and possibly ways to get involved!