Catherine Stroud is a Galveston-based artist whose work both defies and transcends the typical demarcations between abstract and still-life. Using color as her primary vehicle in a technique reminiscent yet somehow even bolder than that of Henri Matisse, Catherine’s interpretations of very real subjects seek not merely to replicate, but to invoke and portray the energy and emotion of their existence far more than their physical likenesses.
About Catherine
Beginning with a continuous, sinuous line, Catherine allows color to guide her exploration, trusting the end result to reveal itself rather than forcing its completion. The outcome of this intuitive and ethereal approach is an image that deftly captivates the observer while serenading the core of human emotion, its palpable essence existing gracefully and most triumphantly in the space between the viewer and the canvas.
Graduating from Vanderbilt University with a minor in Studio Arts, Catherine’s artistic journey continued to evolve as she explored various mediums and genres, including collages and Abstract Expressionism. Yet, her fascination with the human form remained unwavering. She explains, “I have always loved focusing on the human form. I love the way a body can shift, I love its quirkiness.”
It was in this exploration of the human form that Catherine discovered the power of emotional aesthetics. Her artwork, primarily rendered in paint on canvas, features soft and subdued palettes that beautifully complement her bold interpretations of still life and human figures. Her pieces, though seemingly abstract to some, radiate with decisiveness, confidence, and an undeniable sense of beauty that transcends traditional standards.
Catherine’s artistic repertoire continues to expand as she embraces new techniques and mediums. From digital drawings on canvas to ceramics, videos, folk art, and even music, she relentlessly pursues a deeper understanding of her craft. In addition to her vocal performances, Catherine has embarked on a musical journey, mastering various instruments.
Amidst her creative endeavors, Catherine Stroud remains deeply connected to her community, finding endless inspiration on Galveston Island. She reflects, “There is a city-wide interest here; people recognize that art is important. There is an open community of all ages that either loves art or loves to participate in it.”
Catherine’s art is a testament to the profound impact of emotional aesthetics, urging us to look beyond the surface and discover beauty in unexpected places. Just as she finds the spirit in the old houses of her beloved city, Catherine’s art invites us to see the world through a different lens, a lens where beauty resides in the heart and soul of the beholder.
