greenwich is renowned for its charm and artistic spirit, and when we opened our doors in the spring of 2023, we set our hopes on becoming a haven for those seeking delectable dishes and intentional architecture. the interior seamlessly blends rustic elegance with modern touch, creating an inviting ambiance that's perfect for cozying up to a cup of coffee or a pastry. nestled among the cobblestone streets of the ever-bustling greenwich avenue, we set out to find an artist who would reflect the beauty of the neighborhood in a custom maman to-go cup… our search brought us the lovely kate foley and her watercolor wisdom.

kate finds herself drawn to many mediums, including fashion, art, and architecture, weaving in personal experiences into everything she creates. for her, art is a medium that should express all of life’s great moments: 

“my art is a collection of things inspired by weekend getaways, happy hours with friends, endless summers, objects i have… and some that i so wish i could afford! all the big and little things... because no detail should be overlooked!”

we sat down with kate for her thoughts on the artistic process & her favorite greenwich spots to visit.

when did you know that you wanted to be an artist? 

i would love to say i've always known.... but that wouldn't be right! i've always loved experiencing, exploring, thinking and seeing.... the easiest way for me to express, digest and interpret it all was to create. usually that was with a pencil or a brush in hand, sometimes with words instead. after many years of painting cards or gifts for family and friends, this year i had my first official art show with two best friends at half full brewery.... after having a few pieces sold and commissions lined up-- i officially felt like a true "artist"! now i’m riding out that feeling and can’t put the paintbrush down. 

did you study art in school or are you self taught? 

i did minor in art and have taken a few classes outside of school, but i would say i am mostly self taught! while in college i had a few amazing professors and teachers that really encouraged me to keep with it... but it wasn’t until after school that i found my stride and started to really focus on it. i am a fashion designer for work and am constantly sketching away…. sometimes my mind is restless with ideas after work and working through it with a paintbrush is the only solve!

what are 3 of your favorite spots or activities to do in greenwich? 

todds point is one of my all time favorite spots— i love it year round. can usually be found painting, walking, swimming or napping at the beach! also fun to pop over for a picnic on great captains around sunset! 

the ruins in pomerance and bible street park— great in the fall and spring for a walk! 

the flint gallery at greenwich library— curating 6 shows a year with a wide range of artist and mediums… bonus that it's free to wander in! 

do you have any rituals that you like to do before you start a new piece of art?

i’m not sure if i have any particular rituals before starting a new piece…. but usually i’ll tidy up where i am working, make sure i’m in a clean headspace! turn on some good lighting, set up my materials, have an iced coffee (or a cocktail nearby!) and some good music to listen to…. then i just get started! 

if i’m feeling any roadblocks i’ll usually step outside and go for a walk… something about the steps gets me back on track!

what’s your favorite medium to work with? 

i love watercolor! mostly because i can pretty much do it anywhere...  i’ve painted on planes, trains, cars, beaches… the freedom to not have to be at an easel for me is what i love! i especially love collaging some of my watercolors to make the pieces pop off the page or have a bit more dimension to them!

where do you get your inspiration from for your work?

all over, honestly! i'm inspired and influenced by interactions, fashion, art, architecture, world travel and everything in between! my art is a collection of things inspired by weekend getaways, happy hours with friends, endless summers, objects i have… and some that i so wish i could afford! all the big and little things.. 

describe your artistic process: are you a planner or more go-with-the flow? 

definitely a go-with-the-flow-er! 

if you could only pick 3 kinds of art supplies to work with, what would you choose?

i love to be on the go these are 3 things i carry with me almost always!: 

• travel watercolor set ( talens transparent watercolor set of 24 or windsor newton travel watercolor set if you want to invest a little more)
• mechanical pencils (pentel twist-erase click mechanical pencil— lots of erasing, and easy refills for me is key) 
• sakura pigma micron fineliner pens and gelly rolls in  white

what kind of color palette do you like to work with?

i usually work with a bright and colorful palette, but ground it in neutrals where i can. while my favorite color may be blue i love mixing and using all the brights on my watercolor tin. 

what advice would you give to your younger self?

trust that the hard work will pay off, and believe even more in myself! i didn’t start my career in art from the get go, but i kept taking classes, exercising my creativity, pushing myself… it’s been a long road but it’s been so rewarding and i’m proud of myself. 

what advice would you give to aspiring artists? 

even when you want to give up on a piece, keep pushing forward… you can learn so much from getting a little more uncomfortable or working through that tough time. if it doesn’t turn out the way you hoped, at least you learned something new along the way!