'On the Sunny Side', oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches.
'The neighborhoods of Kansas City, Missouri, the region known as the Midwest and sometimes other residential locales have captured my attention and become the subject of my paintings for several years. I strive to find something of special interest or beauty in the mundane places where so many people have lived for decades.
My process begins with exploring neighborhoods, typically by bicycle which allows for better views than car travel yet faster than walking. I take photographs which I use for reference when back in the studio. Sometimes I return to a site with a sketchbook to better understand the space and information which can get lost in translation by a photograph. I then paint directly onto the canvas, beginning with very thin layers, which are painted over many times.
The painting develops slowly, usually taking several weeks to complete. When I think it is finished, I let the work sit for a week and invariably go back into the painting to make some changes.
Some people have said my work is highly nostalgic because of the subject matter. I like to think of it as familiar and aim to capture some of the mood I experience out and about in well worn places."
left to right: 'Farmhouse in the City', oil on linen, 36 x24 inches, 'Five O'Clock', oil on linen, 24 x 36 inches, 'Snowy Evening', oil on linen, 30 x 24 inches.
'By the Back Door', oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches.
Cathy Logan grew up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Living close to New York City's museums and galleries and being neighbors with
well known artists, made art an everyday part of her childhood.
She graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1974 with a BFA in sculpture. Later, she attended the Tyler School of Art for one year of graduate study. There, she explored her interest in painting on sculptural works, which ultimately led to embracing paint as her medium of choice.
In the early 1990s, she moved to Lee County, Florida where she continued to paint. Further educational opportunities led to a teaching certificate and a career in teaching art and writing curriculum for the Lee County, Florida public schools.
In 2005, she earned the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification.
In 2013, she retired from teaching and returned to Kansas City, Missouri, where she maintains a studio practice and shows at the
Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art Gallery.
'Turquoise House, Morning', oil on linen, 40 x 30 inches.
left to right: 'Sycamores', oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches,
'Deep Shade', oil on linen, 20 x 30 inches, 'Northeast View', oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches.
'Hudson' oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches.
left to right: 'Garden at the Guesthouse', oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches, 'One Fine Day', oil on linen, 30 x 20 inches,
'Sunrise Drive', oil on linen, 30 x 24inches.
'Hedge', oil on linen, 20 x 30 inches.
'Pear Trees', oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches.
Cathy Logan, in her studio.
website: www.cathyloganstudio.com
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