Kathy Oconner

There are many life experiences that cannot be portrayed in representational art. Expressing emotions is at the heart of my abstract work in acrylic and mixed media.

Utilizing my own life and the lives of others as inspiration, I reach deep into memories of emotion and life experience. Music often plays a role in my inspiration. I play music while I paint and songs trigger memories and emotions of times past and present. Sometimes the painting comes first and then the music solidifies it. Sometimes it’s the other way around.

Exploring new materials and applications brings joy to my creativity. The feeling of paint, its various viscosities, and adding subtle and not-so-subtle effects, allows me to express the subject and engage the viewer to feel what I feel. Perhaps even generating their own emotional memories.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ART, CHICAGO

Taking Up Space Group Show, Curtis Center 2023
5 Elements Solo Show 2023
Genesis Gallery Inaugural Exhibition 2023
40West Arts Exhibit Group Show 2023
LUMC Fundraiser 2023
Blue Bench Benefit Show 2023
Women's Caucus for the Arts-CO 2023
Cafe Leopold, Music as Muse solo show 2023
Mint & Serif, solo show 2023
Marigold Project Larimer Square. 2022
40 West Arts Textures show 2022
Brooklyn Art Library Sketchbook collection. 2022
Pirate Art Gallery Outsiders Show 2022
Audacity, solo show 2022
French Press, solo show 2022
Women's Caucus for Art, Small Works 2022
3 C’s Art Collective, Small Works show 2022
40West Women’s Homelessness Art Benefit 2022
LasLagunas Gallery 50+ Exhibit 2022
LasLagunas Gallery Women in Art show 2022
Colorado Mills Gallery 4-½, group show 2022
40West Arts, group shows 2022
Brooklyn Art Library Sketchbook collection 2021
Serenity Studios, solo show 2005
Trocadero Apartments, solo exhibit 2003
Java Creek, solo show 2000
Pearl Street Cafe, solo show...