Photo by Patty Spinks

Kathleen Lack, an award winning artist & teacher, works in oils and pastels, specializing in the portrait & the figure. She has garnered many family portrait commissions with up to 8 people in a single  portrait.  As with her portraits and figurative work, the body language and environment is informal, relaxed and fluid:  kids playing at the beach, climbing trees, observing nature - people being themselves. Her work includes paintings of “The Ballet”, a Western theme entitled ”Boots, Hats, & Horses”, “Musicians”, & “Figuratives”. Kathleen is represented by and/or associated with Lyon’s Head Gallery in Carmel Valley; Portrait Society of America;  Oil Painters of America;;  Marin Society of Artists, Ross; and Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, Novato.

Artist's Statement  2008

“Figures are my inspiration. Painting life is an energizing & spontaneous event for me.

Color is my passion. I love the never-ending search for exciting and compelling colors.

Emotion is my glue.  I’m drawn to capturing the emotional spontaneity before me, and the beauty of the human form.”

Collection of Comments from Viewers of my work 

• Ann Gubsen
  “I am delighted to have the opportunity to become acquainted with your work – the best figurative artist I have seen in years.”

• Ann Rinehart, Artist/Art Instructor Emeritus
  “You have a rare freedom when you paint. But, it's more than that. Like a gifted, acrobatic and remarkable "ice skater on thin ice"...you take the brush in your hand. You look. You dip your brush into pigment. Then, you spin your brush across the canvas surface with wizardry and a sure-footed beauty.  ….. I love the way your mind, your eye and your paint brush "skates".."twirls"..."spins" over the surface of your canvas. I think your work is plain terrific!!!!”  

• Barbara Dougherty, Art Calendar
  “...my favorite piece is "Merav I" - it reminds me of my daughters and the immense emotion we shared in recognizing that they were becoming women. Thank you for your entry.”
• Mary Connell, Novato Advance
  “Portraiture has accounted for some of Kathleen Lack's finest work.  Working in oils, pastels and watercolors, her paintings are highly evocative.”
• Victoria Dalkey, Sacramento Bee Art Correspondent
  “Among the standouts are ... and a skillfully handled portrait of a woman playing the cello by Kathleen Lack of Novato.”
• Jim Attwood, web browser
  “As a former Mr. Mom I was quite intrigued with your portrait of the little girl. ... They don't stay little forever but portraits like yours keep us thinking they do.”
• Whit Taylor, Lyonshead Gallery
  “Your technique exemplifies the perfect equipoise between intergrity of form and expressive freedom.”

Exhibits, Awards, Publications:

• 2008 California State Fair Fine Art, “Green Light” Merit Award
• The Richeson 75:Portrait/Figure Competition 2008, “Waiting for the Dance”
• Falkirk 2008, “Artist’s Passion”
• Artisans Gallery-Nostalgia, Merit Award for “Catcher’s Mitt”, 2008
• ALNC 4th National, “Artist’s Passion”
• American Art Collector, Alcove Books, copywrite 2006, 2007, 2008
• Marin Symphony Program Cover Artist, 2005/06 _ pg. 5,6,20,21
• Oil Painter's of America 2007 Western Regional Exhibition, “Reclining” & “On the Plaza”
• Finalist in The Artist's Magazine Portrait & Figure Competition for 2006
• American Art Collector, Alcove Books, copyright 2005
• Best of Show, IVA's Motion/Emotion 2005
• American Art Collector, Alcove Books, copyright 2004 p. 48
• Best of Show, IVA's In Respect to the Human Figure 2004
• Best in Show, Nor Cal Biennial,2003 NLAPW, Kendall-Jackson Wine Center Fulton, CA, for "At The Bar"
• Art of Northern California, Alcove Books, copywrite 2003, p. 132,133
• Vigil Gallery, Nevada City, Two person Show, 2003
• Sausalito Art Festival, 2003
• Falkirk, San Rafael, CA 2003 Juried Exhibition: "Before Class"
• Artisans "Scarlet": "Feather Fan" Open juried exhibition
• Third Place in IVA's "Define a Line" juried exhibition 2003
• Water Dragon Gallery: Invitational Group Show, 2002
• Solo Exhibition: Mt. Tam Raquet Club, Greenbrae, CA
• Second Place in IVA's "Habitat" juried exhibition 2002
• Best Of Show in IVA's "Arts & Flowers" for "Pink Ruffles" Juried exhibition April 2002
• Honor Award in NLAPW Bienniel 2002 National Art Competition in San Francisco for "Before Class"
• Best of Show in Gallery One's "Think Red" Exhibit for "Red Tights" November 2001
• Artisans "In Respect to the Human Figure": "The Ballet" & "The Orange Dress"
• Falkirk 2001 Juried Exhibition: "Camisole" and "The Veterinarian"
• Effie Belle Bowie Memorial Award, 2000 - NLAPW's 40th National Biennial Art Exhibit, George Mason Universary, Arlington, Virginia
• Award of Merit, at 1998 California Works, Calif. State Fair for "Black Hat"
• Marin Art Festival at the Lagoon, Juror '97 participant '97 thru '05
• Award of Excellence at 1996 California Works, Calif. State Fair for "The Cellist"
• Best of Show in Sumner Museum, Wash. D.C. NLAPW National Competition in May, 1996 for "The Flutist"
• Donald E. Works Memorial Award in 69th MSA Annual Show for "Blue Slip"
• Merit Award in Artisans "Human Figure" exhibition, 1996
• KTEH Preview Exhibit On air Art Auction, 1996
• Marin Open Studio participant 1995 - 2005
• First Place Award for "The Cellist", in Marin Society of Artists 1995 Exhibit
• Featured Cover Artist in "Arts, Antiques, and Collectables", July, 1992