Kathy Williams minored in art at St. Michael's College in Vermont but didn't begin painting until 2005. When we saw Kathy's work featured in the For Art's Sake Community Exhibition this fall,2005 we were eager to ask her if she would teach a painting class and she modestly explained that she still felt new to painting. At first she started painting landscapes using watercolors and a year later switched over to oils, a medium that allows her to achieve rich color intensity as well as the ability to paint on a larger scale. Her paintings of rural landscapes, seascapes and still lifes are recognizably simple, direct, and vibrant in color. Kathy has a studio at Emerson Umbrella in Concord, Massachusetts. In addition, her work can be seen at the Artists Association of Nantucket's Seward Johnson Gallery.

When asked what influences her photo realistic style and use of colorful, geometric shapes Kathy explained, "I suppose my compositions are influenced by the Shaker philosophy of simplicity in design. I also have a huge appreciation of nature and love the effect of light as it changes at different times of day and in different weather. It's the juxtaposition of this natural beauty of the landscape and man-made objects that I play off of each other. My paintings move from geometric abstract-looking paintings to more realistic work as I add the component of light."

As a mother of four young children, some have wondered how Kathy finds the time to be so prolific with her work. Candidly Kathy explains, "There comes a point in your life when you ask yourself if you're getting the most out of it. I had to wait until I had a career and kids before I felt I could pursue this. Once my kids were all in school I dedicated my time to art. Painting is great at this point in my life because I can give it as much or as little time as my family life allows. Furthermore, I feel like I've accomplished something that is rewarding to me."

Kathy appreciates having studio space at Emerson Umbrella. "I love having this space because it's the only place in my life where I'll leave stuff undone. Having this dedicated space helps me focus on just the canvas...and other artists are around whom I can learn from and share experiences with." Kathy got into the swing of painting after taking a watercolor class at Emerson Umbrella and then started painting every day. After receiving a lot of encouragement from others who liked her work, she applied to the Art Association in Nantucket and was accepted. "It’s very competitive so getting in was a huge honor and it gave me a place to show and sell my work. That was really the breakthrough I needed to motivate me. I realize that being an artist was actually a career for some people and could be for me."

If you would like to see Kathy's work in person, you can visit her studio at Emerson Umbrella during Open Studios or by appointment. For more information on her paintings, prices or to contact the artist please email to william_kathy_@hotmail.com.