She Writes with Paint – 20″ x 16″ Oil on canvas $1450
Working in my studio can sometimes feel confining. I’m drawn to the outdoors—the air, the space, the movement—which is what has long attracted me to plein-air painting. As the weather cools, I go out less, and turning inward in the studio becomes essential. I have memories of painting in bitter cold with fellow artists, fingers barely moving. I’m not sure how I did it then, and it’s not something I seek out now, even though winter is still one of my favorite seasons.
Around the time of Covid another shift occurred and that was saying goodbye to my 20-year-old car. It quietly reached the end of its life. I’ve been living without a vehicle for awhile now. That change brought a sense of vulnerability in the beginning. But encouraged me to see my world differently and to reconnect with painting in a more grounded way.
This piece grew out of those circumstances—working with what was around me in the studio and allowing uncertainty to guide the arrangement. Beginning without knowing the outcome became part of the point.
In the finished painting, each object holds a thread of meaning. The draped cloth suggests softness and fluidity. The oak paneling lines hint at a spiritual connection I sometimes struggle to access. My painting hat waits like a promise for the next outing. The smaller paintings echo my sense of purpose. An antique piano stool reflects my love of history and craftsmanship, while a simple paint can nods to the care I’ve poured into my home.
My basement studio has been supporting me for over 25 years, slowly becoming what it is today. It’s still evolving—just like I am.
This was painted on a gallery wrapped canvas in oils. Please contact me at cmartzloffart@gmail.com with any questions or to purchase this oil painting.
Categories: Interiors, Original oil paintings, Poetry, Still Life
CATHERINE J MARTZLOFF / Bright and Expressive Original Oil Paintings 
Dear work in progress…, Catherine, I love this post and the deep connection and thoughtfulness of the painting. I most love the your words “The draping cloth touches on a fluidity and softness that I’ve had forever……” From my perspective, this is the incredible spiritual strength within the the painting and the artist. This is exquisite!
Hi Liza, Thank you so much! I feel you “get it” and that’s awesome to experience on my end. It means a lot.
You are so welcome!
Your words, Catherine, brought with them such gentleness and vulnerable honesty. To be able to show others your heart with no fear is such a gift, one that must be earned through years of inner healing which grows self-confidence. Your painting and the way you described it, isn’t something I would even know and I thank you for sharing this piece of you. Through your paintings I don’t see a struggle to be connected to the spiritual for to me at least, I see the spiritual in your paintings. I think perhaps we don’t “think” we are connecting to the spiritual due to what “man” has “taught” us what a spiritual connection is. When you step outside of the box and develop your own way to connect to Divinity, which I believe you have, you will then see how you’ve been connected all along. (smile) What a beautiful soul you are!!! (((HUGS))) xo
Hi Amy. I feel as though you have seen me when I read your comment. There is a lot in that painting that in the process of painting it I was not aware of. It was through the writing that I made the connection. It felt very vulnerable. I so appreciate hearing that you recognize the spiritual aspect through the paintings. I never considered that perhaps it’s hard to recognize that myself because of as you say “what “man” has “taught” us with regard to that connection”. That makes a lot of sense to me. I really appreciate you and send hugs back. Thank you my friend for your reflection back. Enjoy your weekend and have a blessed Thanksgiving! Cathy
Aw, Cathy. I’m so touched I could help you SEE yourself more clearly. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!! xoxoxo