Artist on my Radar: Catherine M. Elliott — Let All Creation GLOW!

“Blossom by blossom the spring begins.” — Algernon Charles Swinburne

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’” — Robin Williams

I’m not quite sure how I became acquainted with Catherine Elliott’s art. It may have been through Facebook connections, as she and I both hail from the same town in Connecticut.

However, I wouldn’t be profiling her work just because we share the same hometown! I was blown over by her work when I started delving more deeply.

I chose to highlight Catherine’s work this Easter weekend because her colors (like all Creation this Sunday) seem to rejoice! They radiate inner LIFE!

(All photos via Catherine’s website & Instagram account.)

And while she paints many scenes of flowers, cliffs, vistas, streams, and all types of landscapes, it is her TREES that made me fall first, and fall hard.

It is always amusing for me to look at her Instagram account, because I never know what hometown scene I’ll see next!

So without further ado, let’s hear from Catherine!

Catherine M. Elliot — Let Creation GLOW!

Amy: How did you start painting?

Catherine: I started painting very young, my parents home and lifestyle was always full of art, and I had a few professional artists in my family as well. I went to a private progressive high school where I was mentored by an accomplished artist who taught me to paint, stretch canvas, and color theory. Many of her assignments were to paint outside in nature, which I grew to love, long before the recent plein air painting movement was widely known or practiced in the arts.

I also took a few art classes in college and studied under a few nationally known artists. But I only entered the art world full-time at age 28, after having gotten married and  having three children!

Amy: Isn’t it funny how so many women end up pursuing new & creative careers post-kids? Must be something in the hormones!

Who are your biggest influences?

Catherine: I would say, in the early years, I was greatly influenced by the American impressionist movement of the late 1800s. As of late, I would say I enjoy and am inspired by artists Daniel Gerhartz and Mark Boedges, both highly recognized and internationally known painters.

Amy:  To me, works of art in the home foster momentary cessations from our daily doings — causing pause for a moment of prayer or poetry.  What does Art mean to you?

Catherine: My mission as an artist has always been to bring nature and the beauty of the world into our homes and workplaces. (AM: YES! Beauty in the home!) Art to me is the feeling of the familiar, of some thing we haven’t quite fully grasped yet, resembling our hearts search for beauty.

Amy: What inspires your vision?

Catherine: I’m inspired by the way a branch reaches to the sky. The way the light at 4 o’clock in the afternoon caresses on a birch tree. The way colors dance on a ocean waves.

Amy: Is there a particular piece of which you are particularly proud? Why?

Catherine: “A Brighter Day,” which 36 x 36 oil on linen. This is a recent painting where I turned up the color dial a bit. I think I’m especially fond of this piece because of the times we’re living in — with the pandemic and our hope of a brighter tomorrow within our vision.

Amy: While it can be difficult for galleries to make it these days of online shopping, the internet also allows new audiences — ones who may never have even thought about purchasing original art — find your work and fill their homes with beauty. How do you seek your audiences?

Catherine: Since I began painting professionally in 1986, finding my audience has morphed into different ways. In the beginning I was seeking awards, winning prizes at art shows and being featured in art magazines. I also was juried into a lot of plein air events and won quite a few awards there. I also taught art workshops in Ireland.

Today, of course, with social media and the visual aspect of art, my work has been seen by many more. Instagram and Facebook have extended my visibility very much over the years.

Amy: Do you accept commissions?  If so, what is that process like?

Catherine: I would say about 30% of my paintings are commissioned works. All my information about this process can be seen on my website.

Amy: Where can people buy your art?

Catherine: For the last 15 years I have had a gallery/studio in my home in Simsbury, Connecticut. (AM: My hometown!!) I do a good deal of painting sales there, where people can meet me and see the work in person. Gallery visits are by appointment and contact information is cmepaintings@gmail.com.  I also ship art out all over the country to people who have found me via social media. For currently available paintings, you can look to my website:  www.catherinemelliott.com.

I hope you will check out Catherine’s website and follow her on Instagram!