About the Artist

Cathleen Lawless grew up in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania surrounded by her mother’s collection of antiques and so developed an appreciation for the craftsmanship and beauty of old things. She spent a lot of time at the home of her grandparents, who led a simple life of hard work. Her grandmother taught her to knit, crochet and sew, instilling in Cathleen her passion to create.  

Cathleen loved drawing as a child.  She studied medical technology and worked for most of her career in clinical microbiology. Her interest in creating art was rekindled when she was inspired to draw portraits of her two sons. This started her on a course of serious independent study, learning first from books and videos, and later taking classes and workshops to learn from contemporary masters including Daniel Greene, Robert Johnson, Danni Dawson, and Joshua LaRock. Over the years she has worked in a variety of media: graphite, charcoal, watercolor, and pastel. She now works primarily in oil.

Cathleen’s paintings harken back to themes from her childhood. She often incorporates her mother’s antiques and other family heirlooms into her still life paintings, imparting a sense of nostalgia while showcasing the beauty of their shapes. Flowers are prominent in many of her works and most of these she grows in her garden.  She enjoys painting birds and other animals as a way of preserving the joy they bring.     

Over the years Cathleen has received awards in local and regional juried shows.  Her work has been exhibited in the Salmagundi Club in New York City and the Byrne Gallery in Middleburg, Virginia.  Her paintings were selected for the 2024 and 2025 Eastern Regional Exhibitions of the Oil Painters of America (OPA).  She is a member of OPA and the Portrait Society of America.  She lives in Vienna, Virginia with her husband.

Cathleen invites you to visit her home studio and gallery, located in Northern Virginia.  Contact her by email to schedule a visit.