American Impressionism, an adaptation of French Impressionism, took root in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. The style is characterized by loose brushwork and vivid colors with a wide array of subject matter, from landscapes to portraits of humans and domestic animals. The style remains a popular technique in today's masters of oil and canvas. Artist Kathleen Eaton adapts the intent of the Impressionistic movement into her lush chromatic style in creating her memorable "moments in time" images.
Kathleen grew up in Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by the influences of early American masters illuminating the walls of local museums. Kathleen says, "I've always been an artist; my mother was my earliest supporter; however, many teachers in my early years encouraged me as well." Like so many artists, Kathleen admits she resorted to a life of making a living, yet all in creative industries. As a mother of young children, Kathleen designed quilt and craft patterns for various companies and publications. McCall's Needlework & Crafts and Better Homes and Gardens magazines are among the names immediately recognizable. Kathleen also created textile designs for large home design corporations and is a published author of numerous quilting books. Eventually, building on a successful creative foundation, she started a small graphic design and marketing company.
The time came to turn her graphic design talents into a fine art focus. At this point, Kathleen focused on oil painting, emphasizing portraits, figurative works, and landscapes. To this end, she studied with notable artists such as Daniel Gerhartz, Everett Raymond Kinstler, C.W. Mundy, Nancy Guzik, Rose Frantzen, Romel de la Torre, Kathy Anderson, and Derek Penix. Kathleen says, “Much of my inspiration is from 30 years living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula." In 2013 and 2021, Kathleen participated in solo exhibits at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan; she was also a featured artist in an exhibition in 2022 at the Fine Line Designs Gallery in Door County, Wisconsin. The exhibitions raised the profile of her exquisitely rendered work and attracted corporate collectors. Locally, Kathleen’s work has been featured in the Best & Brightest of the Scottsdale Art School and several exhibits with the Sonoran Arts League.
"I paint 'moments in time.' Such moments are fleeting, and many memories are made in seconds. I want my work to exude the joy, love, passion, and emotion these memories bring forth so they are forever memorialized on canvas. Generations of families will view my work and see a story."
Today, Kathleen paints in her home studio in Peoria, Arizona. True to American Impressionist influences, she also enjoys painting en plein air. Asked about what inspires her creativity Kathleen says, "I paint 'moments in time.' Such moments are fleeting, and many memories are made in seconds. I want my work to exude the joy, love, passion, and emotion these memories bring forth so they are forever memorialized on canvas.
Generations of families will view my work and see a story." Recently Kathleen stepped into the realm of semi-abstract with her pieces Night Skies, Fireflies, and Field of Flowers, all available for viewing on her website. The works have increased in popularity with her client base in the last few years. Undoubtedly, artist Kathleen Eaton has made a name for herself and her work with corporate and private collections, hospitals, and university collections across the US. Her work is represented by Fine Line Designs Gallery in Ephraim, Wisconsin, Posterity Gallery in Grosse Point, Michigan, and the Finer Arts Gallery in Cave Creek, Arizona. Kathleen teaches locally in the Sun Cities and offers private lessons to students wishing to refine their skills.
Website: www.kathleeneatonart.com
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