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Brisbane-based artist Kate McGowan has been creating since she was a child, but art has recently come to play a greater role in her daily life. Kate's regular art practice centres on watercolour painting and crafting, and last year she held her first solo exhibition.

Kate creates colourful, whimsical scenes that aim to bring a smile to your face. It's not about trying to fix anything or change the world; her goal is simply to create 'a nice little moment'. Her inspiration often comes from the Brisbane cityscape, and her focus on finding joy in the little things. Through her paintings, Kate is bringing mini magical moments to life every day. 

Follow Kate on Instagram.

I take pictures constantly while out, frequently with the intent to paint those images later. I also use this practice therapeutically, taking pictures that create joy, perhaps while not feeling so well otherwise and painting them later to revisit those happy moments. This painting is a reflection of this; one of my happiest places is the Ekka and working on the painting based off this photograph was an exercise in focussing on something I love to create happiness amongst struggles.