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The Hand Behind the Canvas
For Catherine Smith (Gillette), painting has always been connected to observation - of color, light, water, nature and the environments that shape how we feel. With a background in fine art and a career spanning more than thirty yrs. in Hospitality Interior Design project management, Catherine developed a deep appreciation for the relationship between art, architecture, and a sense of place. Her work took her into developing hotel resorts, timeshares, multifamily, theme parks and cruise ships, where she saw firsthand how color, light, textures and art can transform the experience of a space. Her style is very diverse which allows for collecting various pieces for your space.
She has since retired from her career and is devoting herself to Art/Painting which was the dream she had been carrying since a teenager - the one she told herself she would pursue one day when the time was right.
She lives in Central and St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband Steve where they enjoy being on the water and outdoors as much as possible. Both her husband and son (Garrett Gillette) have been instrumental in supporting her passion and are a great source of inspiration.
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Plein Air painting from the balcony at Coquina Key, Florida
My faith quietly shapes the way I see and interpret the natural world. I believe creation carries evidence of God's beauty, order and grace and painting gives me an opportunity to slow down and notice those gifts more deeply. My paintings are not necessarily intended to be overly religious; rather, I hope they reflect the sense of wonder I experience in God's creation and invite the viewer to be uplifted feeling a connection to something greater than themselves. For me, painting is both a creative expression and an act of gratitude - a way of honoring the beauty that surrounds us.
Featured Work & Media
Reviews & Feedback:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Extraordinary and Truly Personal Work of Art
Working with Catherine on a commissioned art piece for my niece's 50th Havana-themed birthday celebration was an absolute joy from start to finish. From the moment I shared a photo of my niece, I knew Catherine was talented, but I was completely amazed by the final result. The resemblance was incredible and captured my niece beautifully.
What made this piece even more meaningful was the care and thought Catherine put into incorporating treasured family heirlooms. She skillfully included brooches and earrings belonging to both me and my 90-year-old mother, creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that honored multiple generations of our family. These personal touches transformed the artwork from something beautiful into something truly priceless.
When my niece saw the portrait, she was overwhelmed with emotion and cried tears of happiness. She described it as the most personal, thoughtful, and memorable gift she had ever received. Displayed prominently at her Havana-themed 50th birthday party, it became a centerpiece of conversation and admiration from everyone in attendance.
Catherine's gift goes far beyond artistic talent. She has a remarkable ability to listen, understand a vision, and create something deeply meaningful that tells a story. She perfectly captured the spirit of the celebration while weaving in family history and cherished memories. The result is a timeless keepsake that our family will treasure forever.
If you are looking for an artist who can create something unique, personal, and unforgettable, I cannot recommend Catherine highly enough. Her creativity, attention to detail, and heartfelt dedication make her truly exceptional. Thank you, Catherine, for giving our family a memory that will last a lifetime. ❤️🎨✨ Dorothy Torres