Hello Out There. My new painting "Strange Magic II"

It certainly has been quite a while since I've sat down to write about my art and life. For so many years, life was simply too busy, and I never seemed to find the time. But now, at this point in my life, I feel ready to share a little more.

So much has changed. Sam is now 32, Max is living in Belfast, Maine, where he has become a sought-after portrait painter, and Zach is creating amazing video and commercial work for his clients. And perhaps one of the most wonderful changes of all is that I am now a grandmother! It's brought a kind of joy into my life that I can't really explain! 

After 17 years, I finally have a brand-new website, www.catherinenolin.com, where I can share my paintings and a little more of the world behind them. I also have three new pieces available at the moment, which I'm excited to share.

Life is certainly bittersweet. The years bring changes, challenges, unexpected joys, and moments that make you wish time would slow down just a little.

Through it all, I remain deeply grateful that I get to wake up every day and do what I love most — paint.

Thank you to everyone who has followed my work over the years. It means more to me than you know.

Warmly,
Catherine

It feels like a Saturday yet it's a Thursdays.  It's been almost 3 weeks since my mother left us.  The night before she died, I had Sam  face-time her and although neither Sam not my mother could speak I felt they both connected one final time.  My sister Deb was there to hold the phone for my mother and she opened her eyes several times.  It's so hard to believe she is really gone.  I still live in the town we grew up in and everything reminds me of her.  She loved looking at my paintings and always acted surprised when I told her that I  sold one- as though it was my first! Painting is the only thing that keeps me from thinking about her or anything for that matter.  I am so glad it works that way for me at least.  Everyone says  "TGIF  "  I say TGIM  Thank God It's Monday.  I am working on a variety of new pieces some on small canvas squares which I am really enjoying.  I have a few still lifes in the works as well as beautiful interesting women, animals and interiors.  

Happy Independence day 2020.  

Waiting for the paint to dry.

 Between not being able to bring our son home on the weekends and not seeing my mother weekly, you would think I would be writing  more blog posts.     The truth is,  I am painting a lot more and my online print shop is busier than ever,  so here I am literally waiting for a few layers of paint to dry on my latest pieces.  Yes, I am painting two at once !
 A little update, Maxwell has moved to Belfast Maine where he is doing terrific with a long wait list for portraits. I am so proud of him and he now gives me painting tips.  Zachary is fortunate to be riding out the virus with his wife in beautiful Scarborough Maine.  Since he is also an artist he can work from anywhere.   Sam is actually doing pretty wonderful as well.  We though not coming home would have a real negative impact on his overall being, but he has been great with no meltdowns or sickness.  I am truly grateful that my mother, soon to be 92 has come out of a series of infections and now appears to be improving dramatically.  My heart goes out to all those suffering from this terrible virus and their loved ones.  I feel for all the small businesses and jobs affected as well.   Art might not be essential but film, literature, television, music, visual art, are certainly helping me get through this time.  Take care.
Catherine     

It's been a while......

When it rains it pours! I have been working on so many projects that I am not painting on my own work as often as I would like. Lots of commissions lately.  My print business has been really taking off and I find myself needing a larger space but I so love working from home.  My mother (soon to be 92)  has been moved to Kennebunk Maine to be closer to my three older sisters as she  has been declining both mentally and physically. I try to see her once a week .   At the same time,  Sam has been going through another rough patch but is starting to get better.    I am so grateful for that.

 This new painting was inspired by a family  I came across on Instagram.    The mom  posts such wonderful everyday  scenes of life with 6 children! I am from a family of  seven BTW.  I was totally inspired by their amazing old world shabby chic home. in England.   This piece "Family Portrait" is 20x16 painted on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  It would make a great mother's day gift.  

Thanks for looking and have a nice day today.  

What I'm working on.

  I am still dreaming about our trip to Italy.  One of the most beautiful places EVER.   Having Max there, touring his program and meeting some of his new friends, made the trip very special.  I am already seeing an evolution in his paintings.
   I was so inspired and overwhelmed by the beauty at every turn.  It was the attention to detail in the most humblest of places that pretty much blew me away.  The churches, the little towns, the jaw-dropping Tuscan landscape and of course the amazing food.  I have come away from that experience with a desire to  slow things down in my life and in my work, (if possible).  I am interested in increasing texture and color combinations and finding the light both literally and spirituality . 










 

My last painting

Tomorrow, God willing, I will be wrapping up this new painting that I am quite excited about.  This is just a cell phone shot,  which doesn't capture the detail, shadows and depth of colors .   We leave a week from Thursday (my birthday)  for Italy! We will be visiting my son Maxwell in Florence and then off to Chianti as well as Cinque terre.   Scott and I have never traveled so far together because  of Sam but my awesome oldest son will hold down the fort for the time we are away.   

 This is my last painting for a while.    I wanted to create a  classic interiors with a favorite narrative. I have put many long hours into this painting I've lost track.  Some of the furniture is from Get The Gusto ~an amazing shop of art, objects and furniture in Florida.  

Thanks for stopping by.  Catherine 

Peacock Place and Hide and Seek 2 new paintings

Lately I have been living vicariously through my son Max's time in Florence Italy.  He is there taking an intensive workshop at the Florence Academy Of Art learning the old masters techniques.  He calls me everyday on his way home to discuss what he has learned.  I am so proud and excited for him during this once in a life time experience.  I cannot wait to visit in October and see for myself! 

I am enjoying working in these rich jewel tones.  I am a huge fan of 16th and 17th century classical still life paintings especially Dutch .  I see both of these pieces in a baroque style gold frame.  

I have had quite a few calls for more Tree Of Life paintings but I can only paint them when I feel inspired to do so.  They are coming but at the right time.  Thanks for looking and stay tuned! 

Enjoy the fall foliage.   

www.catherinenolin.org