About Catherine Goodwill
Based in Yorkshire, I pour my heart and soul into creating bespoke human and animal portraiture that captures genuine personality and character.
My journey back to art
Following my A-level art and an indefinite offer to study fine art at Jacob Kramer in Leeds, my deep love for horses took over, leading to years immersed in showjumping, horseracing, and bloodstock. A few years ago, when illness meant I needed to work independently at my own pace, my creative passion was reignited. Returning to painting revealed just how deeply art had been missed in my life, inspiring me to establish Catherine-McKeown-Art.
Capturing the soul through medium and detail
Whether portraying a beloved pet or a family member, once the portrait is mapped out, I always paint the eyes first. Truly the windows of the soul, they convey the unmistakable spirit of the subject. I work primarily in soft pastel to produce lifelike, near-photorealistic detail, whilst also embracing oil paints for pieces that call for a looser, more relaxed and expressive feel.
A thoughtful and personal commission process
Every portrait starts with your reference photographs. To ensure the finest outcome, I collaborate closely with you to select clear, high-quality images. When working on sensitive memorial portraits with older or less ideal photographs, I take immense care to bring out every possible nuance, communicating openly so you know exactly what can be achieved.