Meet Catherine Cox | Artist, Eclectic Inc. Studios

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Cox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, why did you pursue a creative career?
Previously an event planner, I lost all work opportunity indefinitely when Covid struck March of 2020. At the time that our very first stimulus check was distributed, I spent many days and nights deciding upon how to spend that much needed money. The idea of an art studio sparked my interest. Having a grandfather who was a famous painter, I wondered if I might have inherited any skill level in painting. I’ve always had an interest in the arts and teach a dance class twice per month at Move! Dance Studio and Art Space in Lakewood on Saturdays.

Once this stimulus check was received, I quickly invested in the dream of becoming a painter. It was not a cheap investment to do so properly and difficult to comprehend that I may own some of the talents that run in my family. I questioned my capabilities many times along the way. Slowly but surely, I began to paint image reproductions from photographs and custom abstract paintings in watercolor for friends and family members. Painting gave me the opportunity to express myself creatively while also affording me the valuable opportunity of a having a new hobby to keep myself busy and my mind occupied while living alone during this pandemic.

Operating as eclectic inc. studios, I began to post my work on Facebook, Linkedin & Nextdoor. Many people took notice of my improvement and began commissioning me to paint works of art for them and for others as gifts.
I have been painting for one straight year and my calendar is currently booked. Additionally, an interior designer for future custom abstract work referral has contacted me.

During this Covid crisis, I successfully focused on positive endeavors and inventing new skills in order to replace the income that I had lost. I’ve literally turned a hobby into a business. Now-one year in, and with vaccinations now readily available, the event industry may be making a slow comeback. Should I return to events or continue moving forward doing something else that I love? To be honest, I am leaning towards painting!

Finally- in short, I decided to pursue an artistic and creative career due to this worldwide and destructive pandemic.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in image reproduction and/or special memories that are transferred to a painting in watercolor. This may be from a photograph or another work in oil or acrylic that someone would like to own their own version of. I have done landscapes, pet portraits and many reproductions of places, things, and art.

I also create custom abstract paintings and work in watercolor, acrylic and gouache. Abstract art is my true passion! Many of my abstract paintings include very special effects, such as metallic highlights and light glitter and iridescent washes.

I work with only the finest materials available and my size capability is vast. My works include smaller pieces from 7×7″ to very large ones @ 44×30″.

Teaching myself to paint during the pandemic has been a difficult & exciting process. I have learned from many mistakes made along the way. However, sometimes-“Good Art is Knowing Which Mistakes to Keep.” (particularly in abstract painting).

I would like others to know that anything is possible during this pandemic. You must change your mindset and strategy-but it is possible to be successful when everything else has been lost.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting and I wanted to show them the best time ever-I would take them to Trail Ridge Road in Estes Park and drive across to Grand Lake. There are so many interesting things to see along the way and most of my oldest friends are not local to Colorado. I would take them to the Stanley Hotel and dine at Twin Owls. The Wheel Bar in downtown Estes is always an interesting experience. It affords you the opportunity to meet locals and visitors; plus- they’ve got a great pool table! Upon reaching Grand Lake, we would check in to the Grand Lake Lodge and visit the Grand Lake Yacht Club. The drive back is as breathtaking as the drive over the Continental Divide. These are the highlights of our trip!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My entire family and all of my friends have been so supportive of my work. Joe Hebert purchased my first commissioned piece, and I would also like to give a Shoutout to Alicia Karczewski of Move! Dance Studio and Arts Space!

Linkedin: Catherine A. Cox eclectic inc. studios

Image Credits
Marcus Lewis-permission to reproduce “Little Havana”

Rick Cummings – main profile picture