Artist Spotlight: Kathleen Gray Farthing

How did you get started and then develop your career?
Kathleen Gray Farthing: While out painting, the question I am most often asked is, “How long have you been painting? I respond that I have been doing artwork my whole life. I have a portrait drawing I did at age three which my mom saved! I earned a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University followed by a career as an illustrator/ graphic designer. I felt lucky to earn a living doing what I loved. But when my youngest left for college, I decided it was time to do my own artwork again.

After a slow start with studio painting, I noticed an old college friend (Ed Cahill) posting painting after painting. When I asked him how he was managing to be so prolific, he introduced me to plein air painting. One afternoon of painting in my back field was all it took– I was hooked.

Now I feel like I am in a race for time. What I love more than anything is traveling and painting. My calendar fills up with plein air events, workshops and travel. Beyond the competition, what thrills me is exploring new places. During a 2-week residency on the exquisite Olympic Peninsula, I put 2000 miles on the rental car, painting all over the peninsula.

To read more about Kathleen and see her works, visit:
www.KathleenGrayFarthing.com