Katia Von Kral was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and is currently located in Phoenix, Arizona. For over twenty-four years, Katie Von Kral, also known as K.V.K., has been quite successful in sharing her artistic talents. At an early age, patterns, color, texture, design and intriguing subject matter became her inspiration and continues to incorporate all these elements in her work today. Her natural talent that emerged at this young age progressed over time as she received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Arizona State University and catered professionally to high-end residential and corporate markets in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Kral’s art and story has been featured on television and in magazines such as Phoenix Home and Garden, So Scottsdale, and My Vegas, just to name a few. She has had the privilege to do custom artwork and murals for celebrities and corporations including Google, Pulte, and Del Webb. She also had the opportunity to facilitate the restoration of the 1926 Historic Civic Plaza in downtown Phoenix.
KVK is most recognized for doing large originals in her own mixed-media/collage style that she displays at public and private exhibitions, auctions, and her studio. In addition, she allows her past, present, and future pieces to be available as affordable, limited edition giclees in all sizes and printed on different mediums. In her original mixed-media pieces, she includes repurposed materials which usually involve an actual envelope, a bird image, and many other charming collaged articles that create everlasting interest and symbolic meaning. Her work can be displayed beautifully in many settings because her subject matter and designs cover a wide range to suit many decorative purposes.
From Kral’s early collections to her “Solfege Family Collection” (once featured at the world-renowned Musical Instrument Museum gift shop) and “Cowboys and Instruments Collection,” she has been fortunate to gain many opportunities being showcased in retail stores throughout the West. These popular series’ also awarded her the chance to be the featured artist of the annual Festival of the West and Carousel Horse Show in Scottsdale, AZ.
A few years ago, Kral added another dimension to her artistry when she adopted the craft of speed painting. With this skill, she creates famous portraits or familiar scenes, to the sound of lively music in ten minutes or less. These performances take place live in front of large audiences. Sometimes these events are for pure entertainment. Generally, these events are for charity fundraisers where an auctioneer sells the work immediately after the show. Collectively, she has participated in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for several local charities, as well as national ones. She has opened for celebrity acts at Country Music Festivals, Culinary Arts Festivals, and famous comedians at the Celebrity Theater. Her favorite speed painting show thus far is the “Highwaymen Show,” which makes up portraits of all four country singing outlaws to the sound of their legendary music. Last year, KVK was named “Country’s favorite speed painter” by famous Country Music Doctor and Relationship Expert Dr. Gilda Carle.
Kral’s love for country and western things stems from her affinity for the outdoors, camping, fishing, riding horses, and other childhood memories with her family in Idaho, Montana, and Nevada. KVK is proud to be an American and is a strong supporter of our veterans and all those who serve. She also enjoys travelling and is greatly inspired by music (especially country music, country dancing, and country musicians). You will see that in all her work exists some kind of musical suggestion, even if the subject matter is different. Above all, faith, love, and helping others are most important to her.
So far, Kral has managed to keep my dream alive but not without a fight. The painful condition, called endometriosis, affects over 176 million women worldwide, including me. 30-40% of these women cannot have children and suffer from EXTREME pain! Therefore, a part of all the proceeds from my art sales is donated to support the Endometriosis Association, a charitable organization dear to her heart. You can read more about endo and her story by clicking here. If you have a charity and are interested in receiving donations through the sales of her artwork or live speed painting events, please click here.
Much of the artwork Katie creates is also available on decorative gift items such as pillows, blankets, coasters, mugs, note cards, clothing, and much more! Decorating any environment KVK style is a beautiful way to enhance your décor and invest in your future. She welcomes custom artwork on canvas, large murals, and any other idea that you may have in mind. I wholesale my work to retail outlets and license my images to those who qualify. Wholesale and licensing inquiries may be directed here. Shop art here, order products, or contact me direct at 480.420.4ART (4278) or artbykvk@gmail.com.
Conclusively, She is also certified by the Joe Blasco Makeup School in Hollywood, CA. Here, she learned the craft of beauty makeup, as well as special effects makeup including prosthetics. She has done makeup for several famous athletes and acclaimed actors. Her work has appeared on popular stations such as FOX. ABC, and ESPN. She still enjoys accepting makeup opportunities for film, television, print, weddings, Halloween, and special events. If you would like to inquire about booking her for your own makeup needs or see pictures of the work I have done, click here. Whether a job involves painting or makeup, her goals remain the same- produce quality work and exceed her clients’ expectations.