With a background in textile design and a true love of colour – Cat’s painting work consists of medium sized, expressive pieces using very deliberate, textured brush strokes and broad colour palettes. Having grown up close to nature and studying in amongst rolling hills, nature has become her main inspiration. Showing appreciation to the positivity we gain from being amidst nature is the purpose of her work.

Acrylics are her main medium of choice, enjoying the way quick brushstrokes allow gradual blending of the colours on the canvas to add more depth to each piece. Her colour work focuses on the impact it has on us and how it can conjure up positive emotions. Cat wants to evoke optimistic feelings for the viewer.

From left to right, ‘Ellipsis’ and ‘Dazzle’
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 65cm.

‘Happiness Blooms from Within’ began in 2023 when Cat went Freelance and found the most enjoyment in creating lively floral and abstract studies on canvas. This work has now blossomed and covers a range of subjects from wildlife, dreamscapes, landscapes and florals.

All of Cat’s artworks begin with a photograph. She is constantly capturing little moments from her day-to-day life, and this is what drives the inspiration to begin a painting. With her recent exploration of dreamscape works, she lets her creativity flow and enjoys piecing together elements to tell stories within the work, whilst thinking about the symbolism behind it.

Although this collection may at first seem an eclectic mix of subjects, there are certain aspects that bring them together. The heavy use of Prussian Blue paint, moody skies, and symbols of transformation and happiness, such as butterflies and certain flowers. Cat creates her work based on what brings her joy. She is continually working on her practice to share that positivity we can all appreciate and gain from what is around us.

Above, ‘Little Houses’, Acrylic on canvas study measuring 120 x 81cm

‘Happiness Blooms from Within’ runs from Nov 7th – Nov 21st
at Six Foot Gallery

Follow Cat’s artistic journey and see shots from her working Studio with her two ‘”‘Studio Assistants’”‘ over on Instagram @catgemmillart or on her website.