The inner force of living things is what motivates me to paint the human form.  My first experience with figurative art took place when I was a child of eleven, viewing the Old Masters paintings at the Louvre Museum of Art. The paintings went beyond the illusion of real; they were alive. I felt the presence of the artist and a connection with humankind.

Exploration of the architecture of the body becomes a starting point into the meditation of what truly lies within. My desire is to evoke the mystery and gravity of being alive through the layered density of the painted human figure. It is through elegant and gracefully rendered forms that I wish to express that sensual quality of the transpersonal state of being. The same principles underlie my still life and landscape subjects.

My works in egg tempera are more ethereal in nature. These paintings express personal experiences of the mystical realm of existence. Inclusively, my work explores themes of metamorphosis, initiation, transfiguration, and ecstatic and mystical states of being.  Each genre (figure, still life, landscape) becomes a unique expression of these timeless themes.

Testimonials

C. Hilton

"I’m so happy to have your paintings in my collection. They’re just beautiful! I strategically placed them in my home so that I can see them from any angle. I never get tired of looking at them and it always delights me to see them each day! Thank you!"

Celia Cohen

“It’s so breath taking! I can't take my eyes off the horizon light just beneath the amazing sky. As a matter of fact, it's hard to stop following the swirls in the sky, the land, the body, and the lowest level and the golden serpent (dragon). I love your painting! Your work is inspiring, powerful and very thought provoking.”

Elaine Stevens

“Your painting is just beautiful ~ I can almost feel it breathe! Very uplifting, gently powerful, and very inspiring! Your paintings have life because they make us feel deeply and inspire us. I’m amazed at your “Heart-Eye-Hand” Talent. You never cease to amaze me!”

D. Allison

“So amazingly beautiful and spiritual……Exquisite! This is such a beautiful and well-conceived painting on so many levels. I love it! You’re a master”

Steven Levine

“A wonderful Synthesis of design and execution. The rendering of the figure is particularly fine.”

Karmen Sanchez

“Your painting is beyond amazing! I keep coming back to look at it. It’s so breath taking!”

Student

“Let there be light, let there be life”

“Catherine is truly a gifted instructor, and of course a top-notch artist herself, who is able to work with students of all ages and temperaments. I have observed her in her classes bringing out each student’s special skills. Her knowledge and ability to communicate and teach all the details of painting techniques ranging from color values, tonality, layouts, etc. is unique.”

~ C. Werder

"Let there be light, let there be life"

“I first met Catherine in the fall of 2011 through a Saturday course at Ringling School of Art.  Up to that time I had pursued throughout my 70 plus years various artistic endeavors ranging from Italian ceramics to drawing and painting.  However, I have always been drawn to all aspects of color.  Painting with oils provided the intensity and fluidity of color I desired.  Travels in France over the years provided me with many beautiful photos featuring nature, landscape, and a myriad of idyllic villages and street scenes.  I longed to capture these on canvas. 

I pursued oil painting techniques and classes.  I was drawn to the luminescence of the Old Masters.  However, I did not seem to be able to capture this light in my paintings.  I sensed a lack of depth and sensed a flatness, which did not do justice to what I was trying to portray.  I felt a disappointment in my painting but felt a longing to move forward. 

Along came Catherine! Teaching at the Ringling School Of Art a course entitled  “Painting in the Venetian Method”.  (Fall of 2011)  I loved the course!  After two years, and just beginning to learn and understand the method, Ringling canceled the course due to their own program changes.  I was lost for a few years ….searched for Catherine and found her again teaching a course in the Old Masters.  The Old Master style of painting was made for me.  I could not have found a better instructor.  To my delight, my paintings gradually began to come alive with color and light.  One painting was recently accepted into a national juried show.

Catherine is truly a gifted instructor (and of course a top-notch artist herself) who is able to work with students of all ages and temperaments  (I have observed her in her classes) bringing out each student’s special skills.   Her knowledge and ability to communicate and teach all the details of painting techniques ranging from color values, tonality, layouts, etc. is unique. 

I now am on a pathway pursuing light and life on canvas.  I have much more to learn and to develop.  I’m only at the very beginning of my journey.  I now see and sense light and color, shadows, and forms in ways I never did before.  I feel painting keeps me connected both physically and spiritually to life.  The smooth stroke of the brush, a small dab of color, the excitement of a painting coming to life gives me a welcome sanctuary from the chaos of a stressful world.   Thank you Catherine!”

~ C. Werder

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Student

“You are the reason my paintings take on life - if not for your teaching, techniques, time and encouragement, I probably wouldn't paint. I can't say enough good things about you to everyone I know. You're the best!”

~ Cindy Rennie

“I always loved to paint, but 40 years passed by before I could find the time to practice old talents and to develop new ones.  Taking classes from Catherine Lucas changed my perceptions about painting in a number of ways.  I looked at her work and knew I needed to learn how to bring a subject to life whether human or inanimate.  One of her paintings in particular, the one with a nude swimmer lying on the side of the pool, creates an atmosphere that captured my imagination and created a feeling of euphoria.  I was intrigued with learning how to make a painting speak. This meant learning painting techniques totally new to me.   Under Catherine’s guidance, I learned the effects of creating a grisaille first, then layering paint and finally glazing to intensify color.  She encouraged me to experiment with all kinds of subjects and offered very helpful criticism in a totally uplifting manner.  The real lesson she imparted was and is to paint from the heart, to engage the canvas and make it reflect whatever emotion or message you bring to it.  Catherine is really an excellent teacher and a great mentor”.

 ~ Cindy Rennie.

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Student

“Over the last couple of years I have taken several classes with Catherine, and each session, I continue to learn new nuances to painting like a Master. It’s been and continues to be an amazing experience.”

~ Ralph LaGro.

“Prior to enrolling in Catherine’s class, “ How to Paint Like The Old Master’s”, my primary medium was Pastel and an occasional Acrylic. Now I usually have two paintings in progress, one is always an Oil.

It’s hard to explain how much, I‘ve learned studying with Catherine.  Beginning with transferring the drawing to the canvas and transforming it into a monochromatic under painting was just the beginning. Learning color value using this technique is amazing.  As you progress by applying glazes, the color begins to jump out at you, particularly, when the light is expressed by different color values.  Over the last couple of years I have taken several classes with Catherine, and each session, I continue to learn new nuances to painting like a Master. It’s been and continues to be an amazing experience”.

~ Ralph LaGro.

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Student

“There is a wonderful intrinsic quality to Catherine's class where we are each welcomed at our own level.”

~ Trish Adams

“Being in Catherine's class has been one of the most rewarding painting experiences I have had, both artistically and at a profound level. The class is about painting like the master and Catherine has shown our class how a classical painter starts with the grisaille and builds the surface in layers. I have been able to slow down my process and examine more closely the impact of each layer. I am finding there are always ways to improve the luminosity of each layer. That's amazing to me.  I can look at an object in the sunlight and marvel at its translucent qualities. The more I look the more there is to see.  Learning to see beyond the initial surface and subject to its underlying layers, to its essence or meaning. It is often these more intellectual questions that draw me in and make me want to find out more, delving deeper.  Catherine's intellectual approach is the gateway to this knowledge and I am glad to be on the journey with such a inspiring and compassionate companion.

Catherine's class has also proved to be that rarefied environment where group of people have come together to enjoy a synergy of purpose. We speak of the complexities of artistic expression and interpretation, each on our own journey and ability working towards personal goals of meaning with Catherine's perfect guidance. Each of us has an effect on the other. Each of us joins the group as stranger meeting at the right time with the right teacher.

I look forward to more experiences and maybe even a field trip with Catherine Lucas. I have always thought art was more intellectual than most realize and Catherine has proved that is this is true. I hope to continue the journey.   Thanks, Catherine!”

~ Trish Adams

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