The patterns and colors of the world’s diverse cultures – seen since childhood through extensive world travel – have demonstrably influenced Cathy Drennan’s life and her art. Born in Abilene, Texas, she was five when her father joined the Foreign Service and they moved to Lebanon. She also lived with her family in Mexico, Iran and the Philippines, and visited them as an adult in such exotic places as Cyprus, Brazil, and Iceland. Experiencing great art in museums in Europe and other countries made a profound impression on her creative spirit.

Cathy majored in Fine Art at Abilene Christian University. She then concentrated on commercial art and photography, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Communication from the University of Texas in Arlington. Following a career path as a graphic designer, yet continuing to paint at home, Cathy lived many years in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, where her work was exhibited in various venues. Since moving to Wichita Falls in 2006 – where her husband Cohn Drennan is Director of the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University -- she has found more time to concentrate on her painting.

“As I paint, I find that my memories form an important part of my work, as do food, smell, and color. I believe they can bring a painting to life not only for me but for the viewer. Finding the right combination creates an emotional interest and is perhaps the reason we decide a certain piece of art is the one we want to possess,” she explains.

Her earlier paintings dealt with pattern as well as symbolic images from her past or dream images that haunted her. However, fabric designs have influenced her more recent work, and she continues to explore pattern and its relationship with texture. She primarily works in acrylics and enjoys its fast drying properties.

“Now I am interested in including texture and texture-as-pattern, while also bringing into play representational imagery of importance,” she explains. “I like to consider the juxtaposition of tight graphic patterns and loose abstract expressionist imagery -- a relationship that can be very appealing as well.”

Cathy is a member of the Wichita Falls Art Association. She has exhibited her work at WFMA’s annual show, and at the Gallerie Pavilion, MSU’s Fain Fine Arts Gallery, and the Wichita Falls Country Club. Contact her at drennancr@aol.com or (940) 696-6411, or 940-232-1397.