How long have you been painting or doing art?

Like most kids, making art was a favorite activity. I have a memory of my brother and me coloring. I was six years old. He criticized me for coloring outside the lines! Since he was my older brother and I idolized him, I took it to heart. I think it stunted my artistic growth for a while. He eventually became a computer nerd with strong skills in programming, an exacting process – much like coloring inside the lines. I, of course, became a painter in love with smudges, drips, and imperfection.

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I most prefer to paint the human figure. I think my own physical imperfections have helped me to appreciate the absolute perfection of the human body. It is amazing to me that every person has their own unique form that is comprised of parts that are just like everyone else’s. Everyone is both unique and the same.

I love compositions that tell a story through body language and/or facial expression. Every body tells the story in its own unique way. Art is the same way. Think of how many landscapes have been painted, yet none are exactly the same. It’s a little mind-blowing when you think about it.

Best advice and what inspires me.

The most meaningful advice I’ve gotten was given to me more than once. It’s okay to use a photo as a reference, just be sure to take your painting beyond the photo. Don’t copy it. Use it as the reference it’s intended to be.

A photo can be a springboard for me. An image that resonates with me becomes a muse, the creative spark that inspires me to put a canvas on the easel. I can look at hundreds of images before I see the one that inspires me to start the creative process.

Where I’m from.

I was born and raised in Atlanta, but have a lot of midwestern culture built in because both parents were from Indiana. Also, Atlanta got too big so my husband and I left. I much prefer a little more land and fewer people and cars.

Awards and Accomplishments.

I have to say I’m proud of any ribbon I get, particularly the blue ones. I’ve been fortunate to get a few. I view the awards as validation as an artist and accomplishment for years of painting that got me to the point where I could create an award-worthy piece of art.

What artist would I like to talk to?

There are too many wonderful artists in the world to only pick one! I have a tendency to admire living artists and my list of favorites changes often. When I was in high school I loved Norman Rockwell. In college it was Peter Max; after college, Joan Miro. When I got serious about watercolor I started following Alex Powers and Dean Mitchell. These days I follow a lot of artists because of the internet.  A couple by name are Mark Boedges and Harry Ally.

Favorite places for art.

When I’m in Atlanta I like to visit a couple of galleries in Buckhead. Pryor Fine Art is my favorite because the owner, Susie Pryor, is an artist, and she finds amazing, up-and-coming artists from around the country and brings them to Atlanta. I happen to like the artists she chooses to show in her gallery.

Please visit Cathy McIntire’s website for more info on this artist and examples of her Fine Art.

Learn more about our other winners and the Lake Country Juried Art Show.

Above – Behind the scenes:  a peek at Cathy McIntire’s studio space.