With an instantly-recognisable style, a stall in Market Hall and an affinity with Stockport landmarks, it is no surprise that artist Kate O'Brien has become so well-known locally. 

Previously an art teacher, Kate started selling her artwork around six years ago at the aforementioned stall in the town centre. She has since built a strong reputation, with appearances on BBC One, and in magazines such as Cheshire Life and Country Living. 

Starting out as a professional artist seemed to be a natural progression. 

"Art has always been part and parcel of what I've done", Kate says. "If I wasn't selling it, I'd still be generating the work - It would just be piling up at home!"

Kate is perhaps best known locally for her artworks depicting Stockport landmarks, twinned with her distinctive style. In these paintings, the town's narrow industrial streets or confident grand facades are rendered with forensic detail, then bathed in rich, seeping colour. 

'The Mile' - Kate O'Brien

However, Kate admits that using Stockport as a muse did not meet with instant popularity.  

"When I first came in here, people were like: 'that's really pretty, but it's Stockport - Stockport is a bit grotty.' That was generally the attitude a couple of years ago.

"But now, it has definitely changed. People are much more proud of Stockport, and they genuinely want to have these images. It's not just a pretty picture, it's about celebrating the town."

And Kate firmly believes that the town is picturesque. "That's why I focussed on it from day one", she said. "There are all these Dickensian nooks and crannies around Stockport - we've got a really rich history. Don't get me wrong, some things have gone, but we still treasure the things we've got."

'The Viaduct and the Mersey' - Kate O'Brien

Nor is this merely a question of aesthetics. For Kate, not only does Stockport have its picturesque areas, but it is also starting to develop its own 'scene', with a host of independent businesses as well as a burgeoning artistic movement. 

"People are now embracing where they live - I hardly go into Manchester anymore", she says. "I'd much rather have awesome bars, restaurants and galleries on my doorstep.

"There weren't that many younger artists producing work on Stockport when I started. Now, there's a massive, really strong community."

'Jimi Hendrix' - Kate O'Brien

And what about inspiration? Kate, true to the artistic ideal, remains convinced that the best things 'fall out of the sky'. 

"I just think 'Oh, I'll do this, I'll do that'. It's good to be like a sponge - I don't necessarily go looking for information, I'll just have ideas."

Although Stockport may well be Kate's 'main muse', it certainly seems true that, for her, inspiration comes from many different sources. She also paints portraits, animals (including pets on commission), houses (also on commission) and more. 

Even as we spoke, Kate was finishing off a skull triptych, a triad of bold forms set amid the smoky bursts of colour which makes her art so distinctive. 

You can buy much of Kate's artwork from her stall in Market Hall, open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Alternatively, you can find an online shop and more on her website HERE. 

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter