Media
Fun Facts About the Artist
“I got the idea for my portrait collection when I came across some old paper dolls I played with as a child. When my model requested that her face not be included in the portraits, I knew the paper doll concept could work. The clothes and accessories would define the character. In many ways, my childhood experiences have shaped my artwork today.”
Kathleen Arthur
Kathleen’s Story:
I have been immersed in the arts for as long as I can remember, whether it be visual, literary, or
performing arts. Festivals and shows have always been a big part of my life.
Growing up before computers and the internet were available, much of my free time was spent
creating art. My parents enrolled me in private lessons at the age of 6, sculpting, drawing, and painting.
After graduating from college and launching a career in the legal field, my free time became scarce – and art fell by the wayside. Six years ago, my husband urged me to retire from the legal arena and revisit my creative side.
Since then I have written and illustrated two children’s books and one book for babies. Currently, I am painting a collection of portraits titled You Go, Girl born from the historical paper doll concept, which ideally results in the viewer putting themselves or a loved one in the portrait’s place. The portraits have been very popular, and I plan to add several more to this collection...
Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the deep South in a subtropical climate where the neighbors all knew each other, and the river was always running.
Tell us about your family.
My family is very supportive of my art. My mom was a teacher, and my dad was in the music business. When I was younger, even though we lived in the same household, my dad would mail letters to me written in rebus form, using illustrated pictures in the place of words.
Do you have pets? If yes, tell us about them.
We have a dog who loves to sing. He can do lots of tricks like dancing, rolling over, and doing yoga (downward dog), but his best talent is singing. When I move my arms around like I’m conducting an orchestra, that really gets him going.
When did you know that you would be an artist?
I realized my destiny in 10th grade when my high school English teacher made me stay after school to wash all the desks, because I supposed she was envious of my ability to draw masterpieces on desks with a No. 2 pencil.
What is your favorite media to work with?
My favorite medium is acrylics, because I like painting in layers. Shrek would say that my paintings are like onions.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do? Or what do you do when you’re not doing your art?
I enjoy tandem bicycling with my husband, church activities with my family, and cooking from scratch. And when the river runs in Tucson, I take pictures – because they last longer.