
Oil by Kate Cochrane
Hall Walls, Brough Castle
Kate Cochrane
I trained as a Graphic Designer in Canterbury then concentrated more on painting than design. Now I live and work in Frome, Somerset. Since first being able to hold a crayon I am at my happiest drawing and painting in my garden studio.
The inspiration for my work comes from my response to elements in the landscape: trees, rocks, ruins and reflections in water.
With the emphasis on colour, light and composition using layers of paint and glazing, I work in a variety of media including oils, acrylics, gouache, oil and dry pastels.
My enjoyment is in the process of producing a painting, often combined with the difficulty of expressing how I feel about the subject: the results are a rich tapestry of colour and texture. My wish is for the viewer to be able to sense the passion, joy and vitality of my work.Paintings have been shown at the Royal West of England Academy, The Mall, Bath Society of Arts Open, and Southampton Art Gallery.
My work can be seen at the First View Gallery, Stourhead where I am one of their resident artists.
Brough Castle stands on a ridge commanding the strategic Stainmore Pass, Cumbria. It now seems quite a desolate place visited mainly by sheep with few visitors. Despite the grey broken keep and buildings, plus the turmoil and heartache suffered, there would have been sumptuous gaiety amongst it all. The hall was accidently burnt down in 1521 after a Christmas party!
Oil on Canvas
64x64cm
Framed