Catherine McElroy 

CAPTURING THE WHIMSY OF NATURE THROUGH ART

Interview by Stacey Newman Weldon, who - when she isn’t exploring local artists, inspires people to create an adventure mindset over at www.adventurewednesdays.com

Catherine McElroy is an artist whose creativity knows no bounds. With a diverse range of artistic skills, she has carved a unique niche for herself in the world of art. From fluid acrylic land and seascapes to deep-hued watercolors to enameled copper jewelry, Catherine's creations are as diverse as they are captivating. Every piece she creates is one-of-a-kind, showcasing her talent and dedication to her craft. For the Fall Festival 2023, Catherine created a watercolor image to reflect the colors of nature she sees represent Corvallis. With the cascades of leaves and vibrant green hues symbolizing local nature, her artwork captures the essence of the season and the spirit of art. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the care she took to design a piece that would resonate with you, the festival's participants.

 One notable aspect of Catherine's work is her use of intense color saturation. She strives to replicate the vibrant colors she observes in nature as realistically as possible. The result is artwork that captivates viewers, drawing them in with its vivid hues and inviting them to explore the subject matter. Catherine finds endless inspiration in nature's creations, combining whimsy with realism to offer a unique perspective on the world.

Throughout her life, Catherine has been fortunate to work as an artist, exploring different creative paths along the way. Over the past 15 years, she focused on watercolor painting, crafting humorous images that she sold at art fairs and online. Before that, Catherine's artistic endeavors included silversmithing, dressmaking, and a variety of other creative pursuits. 

“I look at life as being full of lessons. Every day is a brand new day filled with new experiences that enhance the perception of our own reality. My hope is throughout my life, I will never stop learning and always be laughing,” says Catherine.

Catherine loves to explore various artistic mediums. At this year’s Fall Festival, you will see her new artistic obsession—acrylic paint pouring. This process involves pouring paint onto a surface and watching as the colors blend and flow, creating mesmerizing patterns. Catherine feels grateful for the magic she experiences every time she pours paint. Another medium she began exploring was enamel work, which brought her back to her jewelry-making roots.

While she is passionate about creating, she gives huge credit to her partner, Mo, who plays a vital role in her artistic journey, providing support, assistance, and management of various aspects of their creative endeavors.

Catherine will be an artist at this year's festival and attendees can find her in Booth #66.