Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Berse.
Hi Cathy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As far back as I can remember, I have been doing art. As a child, I painted neighbors’ garage doors, rec rooms, and windows at Christmas. There was an art store in our neighborhood, and when they saw my work, they traded art supplies for window painting. As I got older, I went to school to study graphic design. During this time, I taught seniors and children’s programs. I also painted a few pro-bono murals for the Atlantic Center for the Arts children’s programs. One of the board members, Mr. Pugh, needed a mural painted for his hanger at the Executive Airport. He saw my work and liked it. I did his mural, and before you knew it, the word was out, and I started painting murals full-time. It was fun, and I met a lot of wonderful people. About 14 years ago, I fell while cleaning, not painting, ugh! I shattered my heel and was laid up for almost a year. I needed to paint during my recovery, so I grabbed my old easel, oil paints, and canvases. I drove to Canaveral Seashore. One day, while painting, I ran into a group of artists who were painting. They looked like they were having fun. I asked them, “What are you doing?” They told me they were Plein Air artists. Plein Air is a French term that means “Open Air.” Their goal was to paint what might not be there tomorrow and have fun while doing it. I was hooked. I have a friend who owns a gallery. She took my work and started selling it. I heard about Paint Outs that are run for plein air artists. Most Paint Outs are run to benefit a good cause. I have been doing them for about 14 years now. I love it. I am out in nature and doing something good. It is the best feeling ever. Life is a series of adventures, and I’ve always loved adventures.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always bumps in the road of life, but with determination and patience, one can travel it. Today’s bump is the need for more art appreciation and education for our younger generation.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I start out looking for a spot that catches my eye. It might be how the light catches a leaf or how the sun sparkles on the water. I set up my easel, took a deep breath, and start to paint with oil paints. I use a canvas coated with a warm undercoat to warm the whole piece. I like to finish in one sitting, which is called ala prima. Sometimes, I will bring the work back to my studio to discuss a few points. Other artists may paint the same scene, but we all see things differently and are unique. I am proud that through my work, I have made people feel good and, many times, helped them financially.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband and family have been a great support. I have so many friends who have encouraged and helped me on my journey. Teresa Bowen, the friend who put you in touch with me, is one.
Pricing:
- $100.00-$2,500.00
Contact Info:
- Website: cathyberse.com
