We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Catherine Tirr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Catherine below.

Alright, Catherine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have known from a very early age that I enjoyed making things with my hands. I later had the opportunity to take a more academic path and chose art, simply because I enjoyed it more and it excited me.

Catherine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My father was a painter and a lecturer. He offered me scraps of canvas and paint to play with, from a very young age. Although creative pursuits were encouraged at home, I was advised not to pursue a degree in art, as life as an artist can be difficult. I chose a career in fine art despite the odds. I went to Chelsea School of Art in London and to Cranbrook Art Academy in Michigan to study printmaking. While still in college my work was beginning to be recognised, earning the Stowells Trophy from the Royal Academy of Art.

I soon became interested in painting with all types of media, as well as printmaking. Different media lend themselves better to certain subject matter. I find painting en plein air with watercolour to be one of the most engaging and rewarding activities. It is a total immersion like a meditation. What interests me the most is being in beautiful, natural environments and capturing the feeling and emotion of the experience. Being present and responding to the landscape in a unique, personal way is much more interesting than rendering. I do also work with acrylics and oils in my studio practice. I draw constantly and also make simple prints. I am known for my loose, painterly, abstract style and bold and imaginative colour. Licensing of digital images is something that. I offer, if clients are looking for images of a different scale to the original painting. I have been working with interior designers, who often look for large scale imagery. I paint almost every day and have a vast inventory of work.

I am proud to have launched a workshop series, teaching plein air, painting. It is now in its 9th year. Four or five times a year, I travel to exciting locations for long weekend retreats. Selecting the locations and organising the events is delightful, and I am lucky to be living in California, however, the weather can be an unpredictable factor.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Painting for me is not about the product, although that I can be a nice result from the effort. It is the creative process and experience that drives me. Seeing the world around me from different viewpoints and learning from each painting enables me to grow in new directions.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Life is never dull. There are always other artists to look at for stimulation and inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: catherinetirr.com
• Instagram: catherinetirrstudio

Image Credits
Catherine Tirr Demonstrating at Carmel Beach