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life with katrin
life with katrin
Ciao, Piacere!
I'm KATRIN SCHROEDER
As a Minnesota-born artist with roots in the Midwest, I braid my American heritage and Italian life into a single tapestry. Through my work – whether painting evocative portraits, sharing stories of my journey, or finding inspiration as a muse – I explore the complexity of what it means to be human.
Renaissance Woman
Sometimes THE ARTIST, sometimes THE MUSE, always CURIOUS
I use traditional oil painting techniques to explore what it means to be human in today’s world. My work grows from a desire to look beneath the masks society asks us to wear, and from a belief that depicting someone honestly requires empathy. Art will always reflect the hand that created it. For me, the more self-aware I become as an artist, the more honestly I can reflect the humanity of the people I paint. I draw on the language of classical portraiture while bringing a contemporary perspective that is progressive, inclusive, and unafraid to question convention.
The Beginning of My Adventure
For some, Florence is a dream destination. For me, it’s become a second home. My love affair with this city began when I was a teenager visiting on a family vacation. Walking the cobblestone streets, I turned to my parents and declared, “I’m going to move here someday!” In 2021, I made good on that promise, driven by my passion for painting and the artistic traditions Florence embodies.
Art has been a guiding light throughout my life. As a child, I spent countless hours painting, drawing, creating, and getting lost in my own world. What began as play evolved into a calling.
Today, I live and work in Florence, weaving my classical training with a progressive vision to create portraits that are as nuanced and layered as the people they represent. In 2027, I’ll be tending to my practice more seriously back across the Atlantic – growing from my existing studio in Colorado towards a return to the Midwest.
Portraits beyond the standard
CELEBRATING what makes us each UNIQUE
Every body is a good body
My own experiences with an eating disorder and recovery have deeply shaped the way I see, and appreciate, the human form. Through my work, I strive to create work that honors every shape, size, and age without asking anyone to conform to an ideal.
Commitment to Anti-Racism
As a white American woman, I believe that doing the work of anti-racism is an ongoing responsibility, both in my personal and professional life. Art has the power to broaden whose stories are seen and remembered, and I’m committed to creating a safe space for contributing to that expansion.
LGBTQ+ Individuals are Always Welcome
I want my studio to be a space in which every person who enters it feels like they can show up as themselves. You are welcome as you are.
"I 💕💕💕💕💕 the painting I'm feeling joy every time I look at it. In fact I moved my chair so I could be facing it whenever I sit down."
— Danielle Peterson
Work with me
Let me paint you like one of my italian girls!
Whether from a photo or from life, I would love to capture your inner and outer beauty with pigment and create a timeless memory for you.
Modeling
Interested in collaborating with me creative to creative?
Do you have a shoot you’re envisioning and would love to work with me? I am happy to support fellow creatives and would love to hear from you!
Brand Collaboration
Looking to tell a story for your brand?
Are you a brand (big or small) who would like to work with me? If it seems like our values align I would love to hear what you have in mind!