My work falls into two main categories: portraits (including Caricatures) and abstracts. As an artist colour and texture are important elements in my work but also humour and provoking thought. I enjoy beauty and creating beautiful pieces and, sometimes, that involves seeing the beautiful in unexpected places. I find people fascinating. The expressiveness of the human face and the mechanics of the body convey so many emotions, power and grace, there is always something new to discover. There is nothing more beautiful than an unadorned face whatever the age or features. All we need to do is look with fresh eyes!

My abstract style concentrates on the fragmentation and repetition of simple forms to construct a more complex whole. I regard my abstracts as being my most original and interesting work. My fascination with structure, texture and movement leads to the creation of abstracts reflecting the interaction of these three elements.

 

I'm originally from Manchester, growing up amidst the decaying mills of the Cotton industry. I have always had an interest in art but, due to circumstances, decided I needed a steady income. I moved to Oxford in 1983 where I trained as an Occupational Therapist (a career I pursued successfully until 2006). The use of art was an essential component of my practice. I moved to Buckinghamshire in 1988, when I married Andrew. We now have 3 children and live just outside Buckingham..

 

I finally decided to pursue an art career in 2008, the need to create becoming too strong to ignore anymore. Since then I have been building a body of work and developing my technical skills. I have completed a number of successful commissions, mainly caricatures.

I am also a committed Christian and am actively involved in my local church

Website:www.cathyread.com