ARTISTS STATEMENT
I observe, and participate in, the change of hues. I stand alone in a perspective influenced by the roads and detours that I’ve chosen. The subjects I interpret on canvas dance with tradition, yet underneath there exists a search for freedom from conformity.
ABOUT
The idea that life is like a work of art feels inspiring to me. Viewing life as an ongoing journey of discovery full of lessons in perspective and relationships parallels the experience of painting. The ups and downs, twists and turns are so similar to how I move a paintbrush and it’s influence on the paintings color, texture and presence.
As I consider my artistic journey, it began before my first breath. I arrived with a love for creating as I believe we all do. A more conscious desire to be an artist /painter began around age 7 or 8. Drawing, painting and working with color were activities where I could feel a connection unlike any other. Hours flew by like seconds as I entered the magical world of making something. I didn’t have words for the experience at that time but I understood on a deep level what this time provided for me and that was hope!
Hope was something that seemed to dissipate for me as grew up. While there was creativity in the home, a lot of chaos and uncertainty also existed. Creating, in the way I did through drawing and coloring was a form of relief from how scared inside I felt all the time. It helped me know there was something that I could feel secure in. I clung to that feeling.
My path since then has been one of searching for a way to honor that creative part of my being. For many years I “stuffed” my artistic desires and unknowingly traded in on them for the life I thought I was supposed to live; which wasn’t all bad. Inside my heart though parts of my soul were dying. It took an experience that turned my world upside down to “wake-up” and re-consider the path I was on. Slowly, I found some courage to face my artistic self and see where the art might take me.
Painting has been a big part of my life for some years now. At the core, my paintings are inspired by the color of hope and the power of wonder in every day life. They are founded upon that 7 or 8 year old girls desire to share her dream and the possibility of something beyond difficult times and experiences. These paintings are visual stories of an examined life that’s still in process and evolving through the experience of painting. I’m learning it can be a simple and rich tapestry of adventure over time.
* Be advised – All my paintings are originals and copyrighted. Any unauthorized users will be prosecuted.
CATHERINE J MARTZLOFF / Bright and Expressive Original Oil Paintings 
Cath, put your Etsy site link on here….so people know where to purchase your work!
Ok wendy thanks I will do that. I guess I’m not so confident about sales. Feel work isn’t that level yet. But I will put it on.
Hello Catherine, your story is inspirational. I’m just learning about my creativity, and what I am capable of – at 51. Thank you for following my blog!
Dedication and purity of concept. . . .in your paintings. Good work.
Hi Azeem, Thank you for the compliment and input.
Nice to meet you, thank you for stopping by my blog. You have a wonderful gallery of beautiful pieces, looking forward to following.
Hello, nice to meet you and thanks for the follow. You do some very beautiful work. Looking forward to seeing more of it.
Hello again, I nominated you and your blog for the Liebster Award. Read more about it on my blog post here. https://adayinthelifeofgloriaester.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/the-liebster-award/
Oh what a gorgeous shining soul you are! I am grateful you begun to follow along with my journey, but much more thankful that I have now found you! Your paintings speak all these words for you – love is truly the compass you follow now and that inner voice is so full of wisdom, creativity, and stunning beauty. I am in awe ❤ bunches of love to you, I am so eager to follow along and see more you create ❤ namaste, Luna XO
Inspiring. Thanks for your visit I’m enjoying mine as well 🙂
Enjoyed learning more about you, Catherine. So glad that we’ve connected.
Me too! And thank you!
Catherine, I am delighted to discover your work. It really resonates with me. It has wonderful power in its simplicity and your sense of color is truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your work. I look forward to seeing more.
Roy Vollmer
15 November 2020
Hi Roy. Thank you for the lovely compliment. I appreciate it. It’s always great to hear when someone resonates with the paintings. If you don’t mind my asking – how did you come upon my website?
Love this work! Found you on pinterest. Please add me to your email list!
Thank you. Could you confirm your email for me please. Thank you.