Local artist, author & educator from Lake Macquarie, NSW Australia

Hi, I’m Kathy Langlade - artist, author and educator.

I am Australian born with a French/Chinese cultural background. I am a self taught artist whose work is influenced by children’s book illustrators and the culture of the 1960s and 1970s.

I love all things vintage, fashion illustration, children’s picture books, Scandinavian design and colour.

I have explored various mediums over the years including acrylic paint, watercolour, pen and ink, mixed media, fabric and many forms of drawing. I have also been drawn to the simplicity and effectiveness of paper craft. I love the process of cutting and pasting and using tactile materials to create a unique piece of art. 

My canvas works of dinosaurs in platform shoes combine unique subject matters that represent my love of nature and fashion. I use upcycled fabrics from op shops to create all my hand sewn dinosaurs.

I mainly work in flat, 2D imagery with a focus on patterns and colour to create a dynamic energy in my work.

I have self published two short comics, one picture book and an art instruction book. The comics were inspired by my Chinese heritage and work background as a food inspector. The picture book was inspired by the comics as well as vintage themes. The art instruction book- Brain Wave was born out of my art student’s love for various warm up exercises I use in my creative classes.

I have held two solo exhibitions at Lake Macquarie libraries and had works exhibited at art galleries in Newcastle.

I completed a diploma in Graphic Design in 2025 and was the 2017 joint winner of wine bottle labels design for Innercity winemakers in Newcastle.

I have hosted general art classes that help people experience creativity, get to know more about themselves and challenge themselves in a fun and relaxed environment. I run ‘Brain Wave’ workshops which give people the opportunity to try exercises from the book in a guided group setting.

I connecy with the local community by participating in art events, donating my books to organisations including Books4outback and the John Hunter hospital and hosting free workshops for the U3A and at local libraries.

I hope you enjoy my art and books and that they inspire you in your own art journey.