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 are so similar to how I move a paintbrush. They influence the painting’s 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. I understood on a deep level what this time provided for me. It provided 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 provided relief. It helped with how scared I felt inside all the time. It helped me know there was something that I 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. I unknowingly traded in on them for the life I thought I was supposed to live. Inside 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 would take me.
Painting has been a meaningful part of my life for many years. At its core, my work is inspired by the color of hope. It is also guided by a sense of wonder in everyday life. It’s rooted in the spirit of a young girl who already knew she was a creator. She wishes to share a sense of possibility beyond difficult times and experiences.
These paintings are visual stories from a life examined and still unfolding, evolving through the act of painting itself. I’m discovering that this path can become a simple yet richly woven tapestry of adventure over time.
* All artwork is original and copyrighted. Please contact me for permission to reproduce or share images.
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.
I love your style! And the vibrant colors you get. I do some oils but rather struggle to get brighter colors. Also I love flat artwork and have trouble letting it be that. Do you ever do classes/workshops? I’d like to build my skills and confidence in painting what I really like.
Hi Lynn! Thank you for the compliment and sharing a bit about your painting. I have done some classes and worked one on one with people. Right now I don’t have anything planned in terms of classes. I’d be happy to let you know if I start something. Catherine