Artist-in-Residence, Beach Street Studios
Artist Statement
I began drawing as a child and was discovered at a young age by the nuns at my elementary school. They gave me my first “commission”: drawing cherubs and angels on greeting cards for the Bishop. By the time I was in the fifth grade I had become the art teacher for my class.
Today I am a practicing painter and printmaker, specializing in monotype. Monotype offers me the chance to both design a series and work spontaneously. I can experiment with different mediums and surprise myself with the results. My inspiration comes from seemingly ordinary places: the stand of trees at the end of my road or the intricate structure of a seashell.
Because monotypes are printed while the paint is wet the artist must work quickly, However, I still try to plan my designs carefully. I sketch a design on tracing paper, reverse it and position it under the plexiglass plate to provide some structure for my painting. I mix the inks carefully before I begin to work on the plate. If I want layers of colors to appear in the final print, it is important that the colors be of the right value. Rather than relying on a brush, I prefer to use brayers or rollers to apply layers of paint. I can use the side of the brayer to make lines where needed and then use a rag to wipe out areas and add a new color. As a last step, paint is removed or blocked out from those areas that are to appear white in the final print. These sections are often the most exciting areas when the final print is pulled.
Color, texture and patterns are integral to my work. I often press found objects and fabrics into my paintings and prints to create a more interesting surface. I love colors found in nature–corals, blues and greens–and often design a series of prints or paintings around a color scheme I want to explore.
Recently, I have been allowing printing techniques to inform my painting. I enjoy painting in pastel and oil and move freely from one medium to another depending on the result I am seeking. I love the experience of looking closely at an object or scene and enlarging it in my mind to the point of abstraction.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my life as an artist is the inspiration and support I find at Beach Street Studios. Working with other artists encourages me to continue to develop as an artist.
Web Site: www.kathyconnolly.com
Exhibitions
Endicott College Art Gallery, Beverly MA, 2009
Mingo Gallery, Beverly MA, 2002, 2008
Tewkbury Library, Tewsbury MA, 2007
University Place, Cambridge MA, 2006
Great House Crane Estate, Ipswich MA, 2005, 2006
Manchester Town Hall, Manchester MA 1999-2005
Essex Greenbelt Association, Art in the Barn, Essex MA, 2003
Hamilton-Wenham Library, Wenham MA, 2002
Attleboro Art Museum, Newport RI, 1999
Commissions
Sit & Ponder Chairs for Children, Pathways for Children, Gloucester MA, 2006
Lobstarry Night Installation, Pathways for Children, Gloucester MA, 2005
Apple Trees Oil on Canvas, Gift of Notre Dame Montessori, Parents Association, Wenham MA, 2005
Portrait Commissions
Dyane and Andrew Cotreau
Sue and Bart Geer
Jennifer and James Buchanan
Ira and Sue Evans
Collections
Betsy And Jeff Cunningham, Manchester MA
Sheila and Herb Collins, Gloucester MA
Dr. Robert Spingler, South Hamilton, MA
Hospice of the North Shore, Danvers MA
Dawna and Ray Ozzie, Seattle WA
Bonnie and Chris Covington, Boston MA
Susan and David Williams, Beverly Farms MA
Krys and Brian Owen, Manchester MA
Maureen Lantz, Hamilton MA
Marysue and Bill Emhiser, Bittiford Pond, ME
Dyane and Andrew Cotreau, Manchester MA
Pauline and Peter Honigsberg, No, Andover MA
Sara and Vito Canuso, Philadelphia PA
Elaine and Fred Granger, London UK
Kerry and Sean Healy, Boston MA
Eileen and Vincent Reilly, Philadelphia, PA
Gail Snyder, Boston MA
Experience
In 1999, I co-founded Beach Street Studios in downtown Manchester. Together with other artists I manage and operate the studio/gallery. The studio provides a setting where I can continue to improve my skills as a painter and printmaker.
Art Education
2005 Pastel Painting – Albert Handel
2001,2004 Monotype- Joyce Zavorskas
2002,2003 Portrait Painting – Robert Cormier
2004 Portrait Painting – Richard Whitney
1996, 1997 Montserratt College of Art
1989, 1990 Massachusetts College of Art
Education
1973 Albertus Magnus College