Hello!

About Kat (Yekaterina)

I’m a painter and life coach exploring the Blue Ridge, swimming in waterfalls, and painting the gorgeous views of Western North Carolina.

I create vibrant and whimsical paintings of everyone’s favorite local spots around Asheville, NC: Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, scenic areas, waterfalls, and trails.

My paintings are emotionscapes: visual depictions of what we experience in places that make us feel awe, joy, aliveness, inspiration, or peace. Western North Carolina is rich in places like this. I find them everywhere I go. My favorite way to connect with others is through our mutual love and admiration of nature in its full splendor. (Like watching a sunset on Roan Mountain, or catching the peak bloom season in the Linville Gorge Wilderness!)

My original paintings and giclee prints (archival, highest quality, on textured watercolor paper that makes them look like the originals) make thoughtful gifts for those who love the Blue Ridge outdoors. Whether you're visiting Asheville or call it home, find a piece of art that reminds you of how gorgeous this part of the country is.

I split my time between hiking, painting, coaching, writing, podcasting, and hanging out with Klava, the supersoft cat who loves sitting on laps and rubbing against paintbrushes.

I’ve been an artist my whole life, but lost this core aspect of my identity between the ages of 18 and 28. I’m now back to doing what I love - painting whimsical, colorful landscapes that, at one point or another, captivated my heart and took my breath away.

In addition to the lush landscapes of the southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, I paint California redwoods, coastal views along highway 1, and the magical colorful southwest desert. All the places that make me feel happy and alive.

Fluffy cat resting beside paintbrushes in jars on a window sill.

Notable Achievements:

>> Credited TD (technical director) on 5 Pixar feature films

>> Led a team of technical artists as the Set Dressing Lead on Pixar’s Soul, helped define the visual language of the movie and the style of the environments

>> Currently displaying art for sale in 3 retail locations around Asheville, NC

>> Invited to teach the Spring 2026 art workshops (American Impressionism) at the Asheville Museum of Art

>> Upcoming solo fine art exhibition at Asheville School (Spring 2026)

Yekaterina Benson, the artist, in front of a neon sign that says "celebrate you" with a background of red flowers.
A painting of colorful trees on an easel, placed by a window with sunlight streaming in. A wooden surface holds a mug, a plant, and decorative items, with a visible book. The scene is cozy and artistic.

12 Fun Facts about me:

  1. I worked on 5 Pixar movies (Coco, Soul, Finding Dory, Toy Story 4, and Turning Red)

  2. I was born in Moscow, Russia

  3. I have a life coaching business centered around self-actualization, self-growth, health & energy

  4. I have a BFA in Film & Animation and made some fun little short animated films during my time at RIT!

  5. I am an ADAPT-Certified Functional Health Coach

  6. I battled Lyme disease, mold, candida, multiple autoimmune disorders and hypothyroidism (just to name a few) in my early-mid 20s - which is what led me to do health research and get my coaching certification

  7. I studied art at Palette Art Studio in CT (and you can still see my high school artwork here!)

  8. My husband and I LOVE Las Vegas and have been there 9 times in a 6-year span (2018-2024)

  9. I’m super passionate about astrology & Human Design

  10. I love singing and hope to explore this side of me more in the future

  11. Arts & crafts run in the family! My mama left her corporate job to be a full time maker, creating these adorable needle felted animals

  12. I’m currently writing a book on energy, health, and the problems women in leadership are facing

Desert landscape with red sandstone formations, sparse vegetation, and a clear blue sky.
Artist sitting on a rock in the mountains, painting a landscape scene. The art supplies include a wooden box with brushes, paints, and a notebook with a colorful painting. The background shows hills, trees, and a blue sky with clouds.

Interested in carrying my prints in your retail shop?

Contact me to get started!

I am currently working with shops in the greater Asheville / WNC area, Greenville, and Charlotte