Cathie is a pastel artist who resides in Wodonga, North East Victoria.

Cathie had a long break of more than 30 years from any art as she dedicated her time to raising her children as a single mother and administration work at Albury TAFE. After retiring early in 2018 due to a lengthy illness, she wondered what she would do to fill the void. This was when she discovered pastels, remembering a day years earlier when viewing a very large pastel painting in Beechworth and how drawn she was to the vibrancy and smooth texture but which looked just like an oil painting.

This journey of rediscovery led Cathie to Pan Pastels. She fell in love with the multitude of colours as she adapted to working with brushes and sponges. Pan pastels have minimal binder and fillers, resulting in rich, ultra-soft, and super-blendable colours loaded with the finest quality artists’ pigments which have excellent lightfastness and are fully erasable.

 

Cathie’s art is deeply rooted in realism, a style that demands meticulous attention to detail and an innate understanding of light and shadow. Her creations are not mere representations but rather interpretations that breathe life into the subjects. With no formal training, Cathie worked diligently to refine her skills allowing the process to evolve.

 

Her artistic endeavours are not limited to a single subject. She is inspired by a variety of themes, including still life, botanicals, portraits of both people and animals, landscapes, and seascapes. Her versatility as an artist is evident in the diverse range of her work.

 

More recently, Cathie has devoted more time to painting Australian flora and birds. This stems from her deep love of the Australian bush and wildlife. Through her work, she aims to capture the essence of the Australian landscape and its inhabitants, bringing attention to the country's rich biodiversity.

In her studio, Cathie surrounds herself with the tools of her trade—brushes, sponges, and an array of Pan Pastels. The vibrant colours and smooth textures of the pastels ignite her
imagination, allowing her to experiment and explore different techniques. She finds joy in the process of blending and layering colours, creating depth and dimension in her work.

 

Cathie's journey into art has been one of self-discovery and resilience. The challenges she faced in life did not deter her; instead, they became the catalyst for her creative expression. Her story is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one's passion and embrace new beginnings.

 

Cathie's work has garnered admiration from art enthusiasts and fellow artists alike. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects have earned her a place in the art community. She participates in exhibitions and art shows, where her pieces are displayed for others to appreciate and enjoy.