Starlight and Blossoms 30″ x 24″ – Oil on canvas – NFS
Starlight and Blossoms is the fourth piece in my ongoing collection. It explores the lives and inner worlds of women I encounter through my imagination and collage work. The figure that drew me in here carries a quiet strength. Her gaze is both contemplative and distant. It hints at the richness of her travels—real or imagined. The pattern on her dress is inspired by celestial forms. It echoes a universe within. There is a sense of wonder and possibility that seems to surround her.
The surrounding elements emerged organically. I built the composition from a 10 x 8 collage. The delicate, bare branches suggest a subtle nod to Asian landscapes. They evoke the image of an oriental cherry tree in quiet bloom. The juxtaposition of the floral arrangements, teacup, and geometric forms creates a narrative tension. It invites the viewer to imagine where this woman has been. What stories does she carry?
Color played a central role in this portrait. I initially referenced the imagery in the collage. Then, I allowed the palette to evolve intuitively. It blended unexpected hues and accentuated contrasts that convey both vitality and serenity. Each element, from the blossoms to the patterns, adds to a layered world. The figure is both grounded and ethereal. Starlight and Blossoms invites reflection, offering a glimpse into a life that feels both intimately familiar and enchantingly unknown.
Below are some images of the piece close up. As I mentioned this began from a 10″x 8″ collage. The next phase was to paint it on a 20″ x16″ canvas panel. The final phase was expanding to the 30″ x 24″ oil painting featured here.
If you have any questions on this piece please email me at cmartzloffart@gmail.com. This will be part of a show coming up in October of 2026 at Luminary Cafe in Lambertville, NJ.
Catherine
Categories: Flowers, New Paintings, People, The Figure
CATHERINE J MARTZLOFF / Bright and Expressive Original Oil Paintings 
Love it!
Catherine, this is lovely! It has the same sense of space and shape as your still lifes, and the emotion of the woman is so well conveyed. You mention that this is the fourth, and I would love to see the other three, but I think you have not shared them yet, right?
Thank you Sarah! I appreciate hearing you see a connection between this piece and my still lifes. Yes, this is the fourth. I have a few others on my website under Beyond the Portrait. I think I shared some of them earlier in the year. It’s a project I gave to myself for 2025 and I will continue a bit into 2026 so I have enough for the show.
The intrigue you have set up intuitively in this painting definitely draws the viewer in. It’s a beautiful piece and will garner much attention and admiration (and sales) in your show at Luminary Café.
Thank you Louise. I really appreciate your reflection back around this painting. I hope it stirs curiosity. Have a good weekend! Catherine