Wavism Foundations Mini-Guide

A glimpse into Katie McGowan’s vibrant world of painting wavism

Welcome to Wavism

Hi, I’m Katie, and I’m so happy you’re here.

This guide offers a small window into my signature painting style.

If you haven’t heard of Wavism before, that’s because it’s new — I created it. Or, more truthfully, it found me.

The word Wavism first came to me while sketching years ago, before I had even touched oil paint. I was experimenting with simple life drawing sketches, forming figures through waves of ink, letting my hand move freely across the page.

Those sketches were the starting point and over time, they grew into something I could never have imagined - a recognisable visual language that I now call my own.

At its core, Wavism is about what it feels like to be a woman. To move, to feel, to think, to live — to simply be. My work often comes from a place of calm, but other emotions surface too: sadness, frustration, joy, anger.

Whatever I feel, the work holds it. And when I share it with the world, the right people always seem to find it at the right time.

The Foundations of Wavism

 

Wavism is rooted in movement and intuition. It’s a practice of letting rhythm, energy, and feeling guide the brush.

The foundations are simple, but powerful:

  • Wavy ink sketches – where the style first began, gestures that captured movement without control.

  • Sweeping brushstrokes – alive, layered, and textured, flowing across the canvas.

  • Texture – Oil paint brings depth, richness, and fluidity to each piece.

  • Bold, expressive colour – uniquely chosen to match the emotion and energy of the artwork. 
     

Wavism is also about loosening your grip, allowing structure and preparation to support freedom. From a toned canvas and sketched framework, layers are built up — so when it’s time to let go, the work already has a foundation to hold it.

A New Way to See, Feel, and Create

 

Once you learn the techniques inside this course, you can build them into your own style and create something truly unique.

This way of painting can be applied to any source of inspiration: a landscape, a figure, an emotion, or something abstract within you.

If you’re attracted to this approach — loose, wavy brushstrokes, flowing curves, layered textures, and bold colours — Wavism is waiting for you.

Why Oil Painting?

 

Oil can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this course, Katie breaks it down step by step: how to mix it, how to layer it, and how to work with drying time and texture.

You’ll see how she uses oil to bring depth and movement into her work, but if you’re not ready for oil, you can absolutely follow along using acrylics instead.

Just know: the feel, finish, and flow will be different.

As Katie puts it: “It’s just about what gives you freedom.”

Inside My New Course

 

This new course with Arteway takes you inside my full process — from preparing the canvas through to those final flourishes.

Filmed in my studio in London, you’ll learn how I prepare the canvas, sketch with structure, apply anchor brushstrokes, paint skin and water, develop a colour palette and build a painting with movement and emotion.

You'll also get to know me better as an artist, along with some special bonuses such as a studio tour and how I find inspiration. 

It’s a window into the way I really work — and an invitation to be a part of Wavism and its continued evolution. 

 

Materials 

  • Canvas 
  • Acrylic or Oil paint *
  • Pencil & eraser 
  • Refined linseed oil
  • Brushes, palette knife

*Katie uses acrylics to tone and prepare the surface. The rest of the painting is done in oils, which offer texture, richness and a flowing quality that defines her style. 

If you’re not ready to dive into oils, you can still follow along with acrylics, just keep in mind it will create a slightly different effect.

What You’ll Take With You

 

A way into painting that begins with intuition and feeling, not a rigid plan.

A stronger grasp of movement, rhythm, and colour — the foundations of Wavism.

And a method you can trust, whether you’re just starting or finding your way back to the canvas.

Most of all, you’ll discover how to let Wavism guide you, then shape it into a style that’s uniquely your own.

This is your space to explore — with structure to ground you, and freedom to let the waves carry you forward.

Join The Movement

 

If this short guide has sparked something in you, the journey continues.

On September 9th, the new course goes live. You’ll step inside Katie’s full creative process, from sketch to final stroke, and learn how to shape the techniques into something uniquely your own.

With lifetime access to the course, bonus lessons, and a complete materials list, you’ll be able to take your time, revisit, and grow at your own pace.

We can’t wait to share this with you.

@katiemcgowanart x @arteway___

Presented By Arteway

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