Artist Catherine Wagner Minnery creates painterly landscapes that bridge the gap between abstraction and realism. Visit her website to see more.
![abstract landscape painting of a lake by Catherine Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Use-for-lead-in-image-CWM_Lock52_oilon-wood-panel_12_x12_.jpg)
“Lock 52″ oil on wood panel, 12″ x 12”
I am an observational artist who is not constrained by visual reality. I’m also a life-long artist. I don’t think my love of drawing and obsessing over colors is unusual for a child, but we who end up pursuing the arts probably hang on longer to those childish delights and consequently get addicted to this experience. At least that is my story.
![abstract landscape painting of a delta with a tree by Cathering Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_Along-the-DeltaRhythm-and-Bayou-Highway1_oil_24_x48_.jpg)
“Along the Delta Rhythm and Bayou Highway 1″ oil on canvas, 48″ x 24”
When I entered college, I was unsure what to do with this calling and decided to study design. That’s where I started, but after three semesters I changed colleges and pursued studio arts. Yet after graduation I found employment as a graphic designer and illustrator. I truly enjoyed most of those years working in commercial art and learned so much about design and organization.
![abstract oil landscape by Catherine Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_You-are-Here2_.oil_36_x36_.jpg)
“You Are Here #2” oil on canvas, 36″ x 36″
Creating art, however, was still my calling, and wanting to have more time to paint eventually overwhelmed me. I managed to find that time by being a freelancer and also working part time jobs that had nothing to do with art. This new schedule actually gave me the flexibility I needed to spend more time painting.
![abstract landscape painting of trees and mountain by Cathering Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_You-are-Here1_oil_36_x36_.jpg)
“You Are Here #1″ oil on canvas, 36″ x 36”
Today I continue to pursue my art. I am an avid sketch hunter. By this I mean that I am always on the lookout for possible subject matter to paint. I see possibilities almost everywhere!
![a few of artist Catherine Wagner Minnery's sketchbooks](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_A-few-Sketchbooks_-.jpg)
A few of artist Catherine Wagner Minnery’s sketchbooks
When a place excites me or an idea is formed, I quickly lay it out in simple forms with a marker or pen, making notes on the drawing and taking photos. This sketch is the most important part of a future piece since it records my first impression and gesture of a place. It is a personal reminder that photos don’t record everything.
![abstract landscape painting of a break in the rain by Catherine Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_Break-in-Rain_oil_15_-x-30_cropped.jpg)
“Break in Rain” oil on canvas, 30″ x 15″
Sometimes I will take the time to do a small study or start a larger painting on site. It all depends on where I am. Larger studies are worked up in the studio from all the information I have gathered. Then I decide if it will work in an even larger format.
![abstract landscape painting of a river through the woods by Catherine Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_SummerQuiet_oil_36_x36_resized.jpg)
“Summer Quiet” oil on canvas, 36″ x 36″
In an effort to create a more personal painting, I am constantly pushing and pulling between abstraction and reality. Sometimes I find I need to go back to a place to make further observations.
![abstract landscape painting of a river before the falls by Catherine Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_Before-the-Falls_oil_30_x40_resized.jpg)
“Before the Falls” oil on canvas, 40″ x 30″
In the past, I only painted on site. Over the years, I have found that the combination of on-site observation and painting in the studio works best for me.
![abstract landscape painting of the coast by Catherine Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_What-I-See-and-Dont-See_oil_36_-x-60_-.jpg)
“What I See and Don’t See” oil on canvas, 60″ x 36″
The underlying abstraction of a place, I feel, is its spiritual core—it is painting the unseen. This is a goal that I sometimes get close to and at other times not as close as I’d hoped. I’ve realized that I will never totally “figure out” painting and that’s okay. It keeps me eager to deepen my search and work harder. There is always much more to discover.
![abstract landscape painting of morning over the water by Catherine Wagner Minnery](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CWM_Awakening_oil_36_x48_.jpg)
“Awakening” oil on canvas, 48″ x 36″
Paul Klee’s creative credo resonates with me, “Art does not replicate what we see; rather it makes us see.”
Artist Catherine Wagner Minnery invites you to follow her on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
I really admire these. Summer Quiet is my favorite.
Thank you for your comment ! I truly appreciate that you took the time to tell me that you liked it.
These are all quite beautiful- very dreamy.
Thank you for your lovely comment !