Katie Raquel is a Monterey Bay–area artist creating vibrant, illustrative paintings inspired by flowers, gardens, birds, coastal California, and the beauty of everyday life. Her work combines bold color, simplified forms, and a decorative, almost textile-like quality, reflecting her love of pattern, nature, and collected spaces.

Alongside her studio practice, Katie creates public-facing art projects designed to bring beauty and creativity into her Salinas neighborhoods. 

Her hand-painted Little Free Libraries are among her most recognizable projects, transforming functional community sharing spaces into joyful works of art. Her libraries have been created in part with Individual Artists Grants from Arts for Monterey County. 

Katie’s floral paintings are another central part of her work, ranging from original botanical pieces to select commissions. 

She is particularly interested in painting bouquets and flowers connected to meaningful occasions—such as weddings, anniversaries, memorials, or other personal milestones—turning fleeting arrangements into lasting works of art.

Her broader practice also includes illustration, surface and textile design, creative collaborations, and artwork intended to live beyond the traditional gallery wall.

You can follow along with Katie’s process and recent works through her Instagram: @RaquelDesignCompany. 

Katie can be contacted with commission and partnership inquiries at raqueldesignco@gmail.com