About the Artist

     I think this is a statement all artists can make, “I have always been an artist whether it be with crayon, mud or finger paints”.   There has always been a need in me to create . I was very fortunate to have supportive parents, who always encouraged my pursuit of art. I focused on art throughout my education, graduating from SUNY New Paltz with a BA in painting. I strayed away from art after marrying and starting a family, but  I always kept a foot in the door. I painted store windows, created sets for plays, made jewelry and an innumerable amount of gifts for loved ones.  Then I was forced into retirement from being a stay at home mom. I guess they did have to grow up. I have been searching for my place in the art world ever since. I have dabbled in children's publishing, working as a freelance art assistant and then an illustrator for Highlights magazine, yes those great magazines at the dentist office. What I really wanted to do is paint. So here I go, I'm a painter. I'm loving it, it's a challenge, but so rewarding. I can't wait to see where this journey brings me.

That is my bio from the beginning of my journey, this is now.

           Cathy Copeland is a national award winning representational artist. Her choice of medium and passion is soft pastel. Cathy works En plein air, a fancy way to say outdoors, as well as in the studio. Working En plein air helps her to understand her subject on a higher level. How reflective light affects everything around it.  How after a rain colors tend to be more saturated, darks are darker, colors are brighter. There are so many nuances that are hard to recognize without being  immersed in nature. She has been recognized for her strong sense of composition, expressive mark making and use of light and shadow.  Not only does Cathy strives to capture the likeness of her subject but the emotional connection she feel with nature.   The peace of a morning snowshoe trek,  the happiness of a sparkling stream or the awe of an incredible vista after a long hike. 

 
“It is the glory of nature that inspires me and being able to share that through my art is a gift I am thankful for everyday“

Cathy is a member of several pastel society and a juried associate member of the American Pastel Society