Artist Kathy Tilley lives and paints on the Toandos (Coyle) Peninsula near Quilcene, Washington. Born in Aberdeen, she spent her childhood in small fishing communities in Alaska and on the Washington coast.
Kathy studied art in a two-year art program at Grays Harbor College with artist Erik Sandgren, and photography programs at Clover Park Technical College, and Everett Community College. She continues to attend artist workshops online and around the Pacific Northwest. Kathy began creating art full-time after a career in social work. She considers her education and work experience a factor in her art.
A principal theme in Kathy’s art is the desire to tell a story using the human figure, where the inner life of her subjects is left open to interpretation. She considers herself an impressionist painter and looks to several well-known painters for inspiration and technique. Kathy’s use of a variety of supports and painting tools provides a dimension to the finished painting that is appealing and impelling to one’s imagination.
Kathy’s desire is to continue her art education. For her it is an on-going exploration of artists from all disciplines; local artists, artists from the past, and those celebrated in the present.