Cathy Abramson

Artist Statement

The fleeting moments I encounter in everyday life often go unnoticed. My paintings aim to capture these moments and reveal their underlying essence, inviting viewers to construct their own narratives and encouraging a personal connection with the artwork. I’m fascinated by how images and meaning transform through an intuitive handling of paint. My final paintings are representational oil paintings, but I strive to maintain the immediacy of the first energetic brushstrokes. This handling of paint contributes to the transitory nature of the scenes I paint.

I frequently use multiple figures in my paintings to convey a sense of the scene and a sense of community. I often paint people stopping at a diner for a cup of coffee or attending a concert or other gathering. My work has often been compared to Edward Hopper's. Often the figures in my paintings are a bit thoughtful or melancholic, engaged but a bit distant. This provides an unexpected contrast to a lively scene and encourages the viewer to ask questions and find meaning, it helps establish a mood. It also pulls the viewer into a scene and makes them a participant.

I work with photos I’ve taken, often combining elements from multiple photos in my work. These photos, combined with my ability to interpret them, infuse my work with both accuracy and vitality. I also work from life whenever possible to maintain my observation and drawing skills. Ultimately, the reason I paint is to capture the essence of a subject by whatever means necessary.