

Kathleen Mooney
Born: 1954
Hometown: West Michigan
Based in: West Michigan
Born: 1954
Hometown: West Michigan
Based in: West Michigan
Kathleen Mooney, NWS, ISAP, ISEA-NF, ISEA-MF
Headquarters: Michigan, USA
Working in: WATER - Watercolor, Acrylic, Mixed Water Media (on paper or canvas)
Digging deep into the human drive to create what we need to see, Kathleen Mooney uses water and pigment, inspired by Neolithic art and archaeology to form thoughtful and thought-provoking contemporary abstract paintings. Art / Artifact / Abstraction collide, combine and cooperate in highly individual paintings that reveal more with each view.
“My art lives on the crossroad of imagination and memory. The lyrical abstractions, signs and symbols, mark-making and colors are carefully composed for maximum effect – the goal centers on balance, harmony and energy. Printmaking figures in many of my works – with unmatched direct delivery creating my rich multilayered surfaces”.
Mooney enjoys exploring Iceland, Ireland, the Great Lakes, the American Southwest (ancient oceans with big vistas), and US coastal regions. Anywhere the horizon is vast.
"I know that spending quality time in iconic locales with a focus on painting, sketching and photography is a powerful immersion - fueling my art practice and advancement".
Mooney is a Signature Member of National Watercolor Society, the International Society of Acrylic Painters, and the International Society of Experimental Artists.
Notable exhibitions: National Watercolor Society -The First 100 Years at Hilbert Museum of California Art. International Watercolor Society - Costa Rica, Czech Republic, and Ukraine. H2OMG - The Mukenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton, CA. Pier Arts Center, Orkney, Scotland. Big ARTS on Sanibel Island, FL. Forest Hills Fine Art Center in Grand Rapids, MI. National Watercolor Society, San Pedro, CA. ISEA/NWS CA/Wales, UK. NWS / China Exchange with a tour of 5 museums in China and CA.
Finalist Award in The Artist’s Magazine 30th Annual Competition - selected from a field of over 7,500 entries worldwide.
Grand Prize 2017 and Dusk to Dark Award 2019 at the Fresh Coast Plein Aire Competitions. Finalist Award 2019 Abstract category.
Selected by "Watercolor Artist" magazine as one of their annual "5 Talented Artists to Watch" featuring a 2-page spread of paintings and interviews.
Featured in the “Legends” Collection produced by Foreign Accents Rugs 2012 - 2018 - exhibited at the world’s largest home furnishings venue, High Point Market.
“My art lives on the crossroad of imagination and memory. The lyrical abstractions, signs and symbols, mark making and colors are carefully composed for maximum effect – the goal centers on balance, harmony and energy. Printmaking figures in many of my works – with unmatched direct delivery creating my rich multilayered surfaces - often featuring elements inspired by archeology and prehistory”.
What inspires you?
Archeology, prehistory, art, artifacts, other artists
Describe your creative process.
Layers, marks, symbols, many many layers of water media - usually on paper
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
prehistory, imagination and memory
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Richard Diebenkorn, Wayne Thiebaud, and Joan Kathleen Harding Eardley
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
The combination of water, pigment and timing.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Let it dry. Spend time with it.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Museums, books, artist websites, archeology digs, north Atlantic shorelines facing west...
Education
Various Art Residencies UK, USA, Ireland
United States of America, 2021
Various Colleges and Universities
United States of America, 1995
Awards
Western Federation 46th Annual
2021
IWM Intl Watercolour Masters Highly Commended
2021
ISEA Intl Society Experimental Artists - First Place Award
2020
Fresh Coast Plein Aire Grand Prize and Dusk to Dark Winner
2017
Exhibitions
IWE 2021 International Watermedia
United States of America, 2021
IWM Intl Watercolour Masters now 2022
United Kingdom, 2021
Western Federation 46th Annual
United States of America, 2021
Fallbrook Signature American
United States of America, 2021
NWS CANADA Exchange
Canada, 2020
IWS Intl Watercolor Soc Prague
Czechia, 2018
IWS Intl Watercolor Soc Costa Rica
Costa Rica, 2018
IWS Intl Watercolor Soc Ukraine
Ukraine, 2018
NWS CHINA Exchange
China, 2015
Press
Artists Magazine Finalist 2019&2020
2020
Watercolor Artist Magazine 5 Artists to Watch
2017
Cover Magazine UK Rug Design
2014
Interior Design Magazine - Rug Design
2014
Artist Magazine Finalist Abstract
2014