Meet Kate: The Art Teacher Inspiring Over 548,000 People Online
From Primary School Classroom to a Community of 548K Art Lovers
Visual Art Specialist Kate shares her teaching journey, favourite classroom projects, practical paint pen tips, and how Surfpaints helps bring students' ideas to life.
When Kate answered our interview questions, we quickly realised this wasn't just about paint pens - it was about inspiring the next generation of artists.
1. Can you tell us a little about your journey as an artist and educator? What are you currently working on creatively?
|
I’ve been a primary school art teacher for 14 years. Before that, I was a primary classroom teacher and also spent some time as an acting Deputy Principal. When it came time to apply for the Deputy Principal role permanently, my principal at the time asked if I had submitted my application. That question made me really reflect on what I truly wanted. I realised I missed teaching deeply and wasn’t passionate about moving into behaviour management at that level. I decided not to apply, and my principal then suggested creating an Art Specialist role at the school, which hadn’t existed before. I jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back. Shop Kate's favourites → |
 |
2. How did you first discover Surfpaints, and what do you enjoy most about using them in your projects? Have Surfpaints helped solve or improve anything in your creative process?
|
I first came across Surfpaints on Facebook. I had been using acrylic paint pens regularly in my projects with students but hadn’t seen Surfpaints before. I loved that they were an Australian brand, so I reached out and was lucky enough to receive some to try. I’ve absolutely loved using them—they’re reliable, have beautiful colours, and apply so smoothly. They’re lovely, “juicy” pens, which makes a big difference in the classroom. Shop Kate's favourites → |
 |
3. Do you have a favourite project you’ve created? We’d love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.
|
One of my favourite projects was last year. It was inspired by a piece of artwork I saw in a hotel in Fremantle. I took a photo and looked up the artist, Moira Hazel, on Instagram. I contacted her to ask if I could use her work as inspiration for a classroom project, and she responded immediately, generously giving her permission. Amazingly, she also told me she had been following me for a while—and that her grandsons attend my school and were in my class! It was such a special connection. Later that year she visited Perth and came to see the class. They were so excited to share their artwork with her, and she brought along a painting she was working on showing sections of it that had actually been inspired by what the children had done in their paintings. I've attached some children's paintings inspired by Moira Hazel. We explored her beautiful abstract landscapes, focusing on colour, layering, and texture using acrylic paint. Students then created their own Australian-inspired landscapes. The Surfpaints were perfect for adding fine details and line work on top of painted surfaces, helping students really bring their ideas to life. Shop Kate's favourites → |
 |
4. As an experienced artist and teacher, what tips or techniques would you share with others using paint pens in their work?
|
In terms of teaching with paint pens, I’ve definitely learned a few key things! Making sure lids are properly clicked on is essential (probably the biggest challenge in a busy classroom!). I also teach students not to use paint pens on wet paint, and we practise controlled colouring techniques—lots of small lines rather than rough back-and-forth colouring—to get the best results. With clear expectations and routines, the students use them really well. Shop Kate's favourites → |
 |
Explore the Tools Kate Uses
Inspired by Kate's classroom projects? Here are the Surfpaints acrylic paint markers and accessories that help bring colourful ideas to life - from student artworks to large creative projects.
