About

With over 30 years of professional practice, Kate has earned numerous accolades as a Watercolour and Oil Painter, including being an elected member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour,The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour and the Society of Women Artists.
Kate’s location and landscape hugely influence her subject matter. Historically, she is a ‘painter of life,’ utilising en plein air sessions and life drawing to inform her narrative paintings. , Her fascination with mark-making, layering and textures fuels her passion for experimentation and constantly pushes through new techniques to develop into fresh ideas.
Kate’s narrative evolves from her love of the human form, pattern, chiaroscuro and theatricality.Her initial training as a Theatre Designer and Sculptor is apparent.
“Themes emerge, and the narrative becomes apparent, often stemming from life experiences, both past and present.” - Kate Bentley
Exhibition History
Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London 2024-22, 2020-13, 2010-05
Royal Society of Painters in Watercolour Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries. London 2024-22, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2008
Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh 2025-22, 2019, 2017
New English Art Club 2022
Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual -2021,2023
Royal Birmingham Society of Artists 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005
Royal Watercolour Society, Bankside.2014, 2013, 2009
Lakes Artists Society 2019-2007
Birmingham Watercolour Society 2013
Edinburgh Art Fair 2022, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014
Manchester Art Fair 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014
Society of Scottish Artists, Scottish Royal Academy 2021,2022,2023
Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh 2022,2023
New Light Prize Touring exhibitions 2020-21
&2023-24 -Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Birkenhead. Bankside Gallery, Southbank, London. Rheged Arts Centre, Penrith.The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle. The Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate.
Glasgow Art Club-Scottish Prize for Fine Art Exhibition- 2023
Women in Art Fair, The Mall Galleries, London -2023
Discerning Eye Exhibition, The Mall Galleries -2023
Society of Scottish Artists-Maclaurin Gallery,2023-4
Affordable Art Fair-Battersea,London 2024
Prizes, awards & memberships
2024-Awarded Membership to The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour
2023 -The Sea Pictures Gallery Award - Royal Society of Marine Painters Annual Exhibition
2023 -The Hosking House Trust Prize - 6th Annual Women’s Emerging Artist Painting Award
2023 -Awarded membership to the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours
2022 - The John Wood Award- The Holly Bush Emerging Woman Painter Prize, London
2020 - 3rd Prize -The Holly Bush Emerging Woman Painter Prize, London
2020 - Second Prize -The Upfront Open Exhibition, Upfront Gallery, Penrith
2019 - First Prize -The Upfront Open Exhibition, Upfront Gallery, Penrith
2018 - The John Entwistle People’s Choice Award-Lakes Artist Summer Exhibition
2018 - Awarded ‘The Private View Prize’-The Cumbrian Open Exhibition, Upfront Gallery, Penrith
2017 - The John Entwistle People’s Choice Award-Lakes Artist Summer Exhibition
2017 - Awarded-Lancashire Life's Landscape Artist of the Year
2017 - Prize Winner ‘2nd’ The Cumbrian Open Exhibition, Upfront Gallery, Penrith
2016 - ‘HRH Princess Michael of Kent Watercolour Award’-Mall Galleries, London.
2014 - Awarded associate membership to the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
2014 - Awarded Full membership to The Society of Women Artists, London
2013 - Prize-winner at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists ‘Annual Prize Exhibition’
2013 - Awarded associate membership to the The Society of Women Artists, London
2012 - Awarded membership to the Lakes Artists Society
2012 - Awarded membership to the Birmingham Watercolour Society
2012 - ‘The Peter Tyson Award’ -The Lakes Artists Society
2010 - ‘The Rheged Prize’ -The Lakes Artists Society
2008 - ‘The Winsor and Newton Choice Award’- The Society of Women Artists
2005 - Portrait Award- Granada TV. North-East Finalist-for programme “A Brush with Fame”