Cathy Lorraway SCA, PAC, AOCA, BFA, BA, Bed
My painting process, style and subject matter have been shaped by my curiosity and thirst for lifelong learning. My studies at the Ontario College of Art Drawing and Painting program (A.O.C.A and BFA) and my experiences as a former high school Art, Photography teacher all provided the foundation for my current art practice. I currently teach classes and give workshops at the Dundas Valley School of Art and other local art organizations. I recently chaired the Burlington Fine Art Association's Juried show and am past president for Arts Burlington and past exhibition coordinator of their BFAA Fireside Lounge exhibitions. I am an Elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists and currently hold Pastel Artist Canada signature status. My work has found homes in Canada and abroad.
My landscape paintings have been inspired by my love of nature, travel and environmental conservation. I tell the story of the atmosphere, light and beauty of a season. Painting “plein air” often using pastels, allows me to portray the colour and ambient light patterns which move me emotionally. Using media and mark making in a gestural, loose way, I record my sensory memories: e.g. the changing light of cloud patterns and stunning impact of light filtering through colourful fall trees. I use pigment to translate my visual and emotional responses into paintings which allow the viewer to see and feel my plein air experience.
In the studio, I further explore on location studies and photographs with colour exploration, compositions and textural effects to create larger artworks in pastel, acrylic or oil. For example, I might employ impasto techniques to portray environments rich with natural textures e.g. fallen leaves. Metallic underpaintings might help convey the shimmer of moonlight or reflections on the water. Pastels on a suede board substrate help to convey a dreamlike atmosphere. My paintings are an exciting journey which blend my initial sensory experience on location with my exploration and imagination in the studio.
My painting process, style and subject matter have been shaped by my curiosity and thirst for lifelong learning. My studies at the Ontario College of Art Drawing and Painting program (A.O.C.A and BFA) and my experiences as a former high school Art, Photography teacher all provided the foundation for my current art practice. I currently teach classes and give workshops at the Dundas Valley School of Art and other local art organizations. I recently chaired the Burlington Fine Art Association's Juried show and am past president for Arts Burlington and past exhibition coordinator of their BFAA Fireside Lounge exhibitions. I am an Elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists and currently hold Pastel Artist Canada signature status. My work has found homes in Canada and abroad.
My landscape paintings have been inspired by my love of nature, travel and environmental conservation. I tell the story of the atmosphere, light and beauty of a season. Painting “plein air” often using pastels, allows me to portray the colour and ambient light patterns which move me emotionally. Using media and mark making in a gestural, loose way, I record my sensory memories: e.g. the changing light of cloud patterns and stunning impact of light filtering through colourful fall trees. I use pigment to translate my visual and emotional responses into paintings which allow the viewer to see and feel my plein air experience.
In the studio, I further explore on location studies and photographs with colour exploration, compositions and textural effects to create larger artworks in pastel, acrylic or oil. For example, I might employ impasto techniques to portray environments rich with natural textures e.g. fallen leaves. Metallic underpaintings might help convey the shimmer of moonlight or reflections on the water. Pastels on a suede board substrate help to convey a dreamlike atmosphere. My paintings are an exciting journey which blend my initial sensory experience on location with my exploration and imagination in the studio.