We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cathy Hall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cathy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Prior to opening up my studio I was in the corporate world for 20 years… and I knew the meaning of stress! I had deadlines, lots of customers that needed my constant attention and I had budgets to make each month. It was not an easy world. Thank goodness I have a great work ethic. While my job enabled me to make a good living… it was not fulfilling. As a creative person I always yearned for the artists life!!.

About 5 years before I decided to leave the advertising world I started spending my spare time creating. works of art and people started noticing my paintings. The rush when someone bought my artwork was indescribable and gave me the confidence to paint more!!

I set up a studio in my home and when I wasn’t at work or with my grandchildren I was painting. Thank goodness I improved with time because right after covid… I decided it was time to leave the Advertising world and open up my own studio. I never looked back.

I now have a nice list of repeat clients, the opportunity to sell to new clients and a place that I call my “stress free” zone. As long as I’m paying my rent I’m happy.

So you ask…” Do I miss the big checks?” Absolutely not! I’m at the age where I realize money isn’t’ everything. Life is short. Just let me paint in my happy place.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always loved painting but, between children and work I simply could not find the time to paint. It took a great loss in my life to change all of that.

In 2007 our son passed away. The sadness was overwhelming and I found peace in solitude. During this time.. .I picked up a paintbrush again. I started slowly… and I found a way to channel my grief.

The vintage era was just getting started so I knew that I needed to get in on the Shabby Chic style. I started painting on old vintage windows…. and they started selling like crazy. This was the perfect niche to get my work noticed.

I have since moved on to painting on canvases and love the flexibility that they offer. I love working with acrylics… mainly because I’m too impatient to wait on oils to dry. Not only do I use my brushes but, I love pallet knife painting and fingerprinting. I paint with the brightest colors I can find and I do not hold back.

As a self-taught artist.. .I’m not afraid to try any medium. What you don’t know won’t hurt you.

If someone is looking for a “HAPPY” piece of art… they know they can come to me. I have put aside my grief and chosen to be happy. They can see it in my paintings.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’m not a young artist and I think because of my age I held back . I know when you reach a certain age the natural process tells us to move aside for the new generation, but what do you do when you are just getting started in your 50’s? Do I stay in the background and just be happy painting for me or do I forget what I was always told… and not let age be a factor?

It took me a while to get the confidence that I needed to keep moving forward. I had to tell myself that people were going to buy my art because they loved it and their purchase had nothing to do with my age.

Oh, what I would give to be young again. Does young at heart count? I vote YES!!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think for me… the most rewarding aspect is ACCEPTANCE.

Can you image what it feels like when someone purchases a piece of your artwork? They are taking something that only existed in my imagination and hanging it in their home, They have connected with my work. They have connected with me.

There is no better reward than knowing that my art will outlive me.

They get me!!

Contact Info:

• Website: CathyK Gallery
• Instagram: CathyKGallery
• Facebook: Cathy Hall and CathyK Gallery
• Other: TIK TOK: CathyK Gallery