Artist Katherine McNeill Arrives in Colorado Springs
A small gift turns into a lifetime treasure
Colorado Springs, CO – The dramatic oil paintings by Katherine McNeill may never have
been created if an awe-struck acquaintance, who was deeply affected by her magical gift
at first sight, had not offered to pay for her private art lessons. McNeill was naturally
blessed with a special gift but life got in the way . . . temporarily.
Fortunately, she graciously accepted the generosity of
this admirer of her work, although it would mean
driving 150 miles from her Woodland Park home to
Denver to study under Lloyd Thorsten. She credits
Thorsten for helping her develop her distinctive
technique and style more than 20 years ago.
The journey McNeill took to develop her talents would
certainly have been harder without the aid of her
benevolent friend because, at the time, she and her
husband were already struggling with their own
business and busy raising three children. It was less
than a perfect time for launching a new career in the
risky art world. Pursuing her art was not practical in
spite of her persistent desire.
Following her brief training with Thorsten, life again managed to get in the way of her
artistic efforts. Being a responsible adult, she took a paying job to help her family and
her art was placed literally back in the closet -- but not for long. The company president
where McNeill worked purchased a piece for the business and upon delivery was so
impressed he commissioned eight pieces for his personal collection. Her paints and
canvasses came out of the closet and stayed within reach of her gifted hands.
“I have many faith-related stories,” says McNeill. “My work is a ministry. All the
adversities in my life have had a positive end-result. God really wanted me to paint and
showed me the way.” She is a full time professional artist today exhibiting in some of the
most prestigious galleries across the country and in Canada. A self-taught artist with the
will to do what she was born to accomplish, she has developed a recognizable style that
continues to evolve and capture the hearts of a growing audience.
Some may recognize a sort of spirituality in McNeill’s oils and others quickly feel an
immediate connection that take them on a journey through her light-filled natural
settings, to the point one almost believes they are standing in the middle of her scene
whether the outdoors towering with aspen trees, atop a majestic mountain, at the edge of
a seascape, or breathing in the fragrance of one of her magnificent floral paintings.
The newest venue for Katherine McNeill’s work is closer to her Castle Rock home. Now
showing at Hunter-Wolff Gallery located in Old Colorado City, Owner Sharon Wolff has
never witnessed such a positive response to a new artist in the gallery. Visitors are so
taken by her work they seem to be drawn to her paintings like a magnet. McNeill’s work
has only been in the gallery two weeks and has turned into an overnight success. “It’s so
exciting to offer such an accomplished artist’s work in Colorado Springs and to realize that
the generosity of one individual so many years ago made it possible for us to share this
amazing work. I would like to shake his hand and thank him for helping this wonderful
talent develop for all of us to enjoy,” says Wolff.
Hunter-Wolff Gallery is planning a spring Opening featuring Katherine McNeill and in the
interim will display her available works at 2510 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
along with 30 other professional artists working in a range of mediums including oil and
watercolor paintings, hand-blown glass, fine jewelry, pottery, furniture and other fine |
