Where Watercolors Mend: A Conversation with Kate Alexandra Hennessy
- squint
- May 9
- 6 min read
Art has long been a refuge for those seeking solace, understanding, or a way to process the parts of life that can’t be easily put into words. Its healing power lies not just in the final creation, but in the quiet, meditative act of making—where time slows down, thoughts untangle, and something internal begins to mend. For many, art becomes a companion through grief, recovery, and personal transformation.
This has certainly been true for Kate Alexandra Hennessy, a watercolor artist and full-time gardener living in the South West of the UK. After enduring several turbulent years and confronting the realities of loss, Kate found her way back to painting—not just as a creative pursuit, but as a lifeline. Her portraits and landscapes reflect both her sensitivity to the world around her and the emotional honesty of someone who has rebuilt their life with intention and grace. In the following interview, Kate speaks candidly about her journey, the role art has played in her recovery, and the quiet joy she finds in every brushstroke.
Kate, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I moved to the Uk when I was 13 with my mum and brother and we settled in the South West. I have had various jobs; civil service; health care and am currently a full time gardener after retraining in my 30’s. I take my dog Teddy to work everyday and the two of us live quite a quiet life these days. I have been few some very turbulent years and I have been grieving for the last several of those which is why art is now such a important part of my life and hopefully the beginning of my new journey.
When did you discover your interest in art?
I have always been interest in art! Ironically growing up abroad we didn’t have art classes in my school but I was forever drawing or painting. I then went on to do A’level art in the Uk but life changes, I had little confidence and then I had two young children to bring up, I intermittently did life drawing classes, I have always loved painting people and played with abstract art as-well as free form crochet and crochet portraiture.
Do you believe that art has a healing power?
I believe art has huge healing benefits and would like to get more involved with that aspect of it. In the not so distant past I was in a bad place and I went into a detox centre as I had over time become physically dependant on alcohol, I was at risk of seizures while trying to cut down so had to be admitted to a clinic, I am a recovering alcoholic now. When I was away and in the early days of my recovery I was told stopping drinking is just the beginning of your journey, I needed to replace alcohol with something else and more importantly find a purpose to live for. Art came back into my life. Art is very mindful, centres you and makes you live in the moment something addicts like myself never are when using.
What time of day do you like to paint? Do you have a daily routine?
I garden full time so every evening and weekends. If I am not painting I am thinking about and planning the next painting.
Are there any masters whose art you like or new artists you follow?
Ooh great question. I love Turner, he painted in watercolour more than people realise and travelled around the world using his leather watercolour palettes which would have been challenging using hard watercolour blocks of the time.
I am also inspired by Christopher Stephen, Scott Swinson and Tony Smibert watercolour landscape artists also interested in Turner .
As well as Liz Chadderton’s and Lorraine Simonds’ watercolour portraiture who are both contemporary artists who I really admire.
How do you decide what to paint? Do you receive commissioned requests?
Something usually just comes to me within a day, recently spent a few months doing landscape studies, trying to improve my trees and middle distance whereas at the moment I am really focusing on portraiture. I am in the process of doing a ‘30faces30days’ challenge with ‘Sktchy’ online where you are sent a muse everyday to paint which is brilliant.
I do do commissions aswell as sell what I paint on Instagram.
You paint watercolor portraits in a style that is unique to you. Your tone blends with watercolor are remarkable. What are the difficulties or advantages of painting portraits with this technique?
Watercolour will do what it wants you can try and control it but it’s unpredictable. Abit like life! You can learn techniques to try and limit this but it’s a challenge which I enjoy. It can be a tricky medium to use but you also get happy accidents when colours mix and cauliflowers occur where in the right place can look great.
Do the places in your landscape paintings have any meaning for you?
Some of my landscapes have meaning to me, sketches from work or the local landscape here in Somerset and Dorset others are imaginary studies or tutorials I have done with Christopher Stephen art. I have recently been using cling film and other household things to paint foliage on trees so they are not so uniform, fun things like that.
In watercolor, a wrong brush stroke can be irreversible. Do you draw sketches before you start painting?
I do draw sketches but I am not precious about my paintings so if a mistake is made I try again and think about what went wrong. I try and enjoy the whole process and think of everything as learning.
What do you think about social media? Does it contribute to your artistic development?
I believe social media is great for people like myself who work full time and have financial limitations. There are so many online courses and forums you can join. Becoming part of artistic communities that share advice, knowledge and ideas as well as projects and challenges like Sktchy. I struggle to find face to face classes that are not in working hrs. I have done various online courses that have helped me along my path.
Do you have plans to learn a new technique in the future?
I may like to try oil painting again, it’s been many years but I am aware of the environmental impact of both oils and acrylics so I am unsure, for now I am just enjoying watercolour and the journey it’s taking me along.
Do you think there is an age limit for getting involved in art? Can you give advice to people who want to get started in art?
There is no age limit to art which is wonderful and can give people huge pleasure and a sense of achievement. I would recommend anyone to give it ago and join something online or otherwise as having a project gives you a focal point when you don’t really know where to begin.
Where do you see your art going in the next few years?
I have always dabbled with arts and crafts but now it seems a huge part of my life and my recovery. I don’t know where it’s going but I am excited and just really love learning . In December 2023 I couldn’t hold a pencil due to my alcohol dependency and now I have my own little studio which puts a smile on my face.
How would you define your art in one sentence?
I think my art is hopeful, well I hope so.x
Kate’s story is a powerful reminder that art is not just about talent or technique—it’s about connection, healing, and the courage to begin again. Through her watercolors, she captures fleeting moments of beauty and emotion, often layered with the quiet strength of someone who has walked a long road back to herself. Her openness, both in life and in art, invites others to do the same: to explore, to express, and to heal. We’re deeply grateful to Kate for sharing her journey with such honesty and heart, and for reminding us that it’s never too late to rediscover joy through creativity. Thank you, Kate.
