About Catherine Hale

I live and work in the Chilterns and as a self-taught artist use mixed media to create paintings that oscillate between abstraction and figuration. Walking provides inspiration for works that suggest visual journeys and a narrative response to the landscape. As I work, I focus not on the expansive landscape of the Chilterns, but the more secretive, hidden tracks that traverse beech woods, fields and villages. I am drawn to fragments that catch the eye; pools of light, unusual forms or incongruities and juxtapositions in the countryside. What I see ignites my imagination and evokes memories and emotions.

These fragments come together as new worlds in my paintings and hopefully invite the viewer to lean in a bit closer and find aspects that resonate with their own stories.

As a teacher, I have a life-long interest in children as artists and I continue to support young people in responding creatively to heritage as part of my work for a local charity.

Over the years my skills and knowledge of the creative process have been enhanced by inspirational teaching at Sunningwell School of Art, Ruskin College of Art, and St Ives School of Painting where I have recently completed the year long Porthmeor Programme.