CATHY POULOS CAPTURING LIFE'S QUIET MOMENTS

Cathy Poulos is a celebrated Wilmington artist known for her vibrant, evocative works that capture the beauty of everyday life. Her inspiration often stems from plein air painting events with fellow local artists, where she embraces the challenge of capturing fleeting moments in changing light. With a keen eye for the ordinary—whether it’s a child in motion or a pet basking in sunlight—Poulos finds beauty in the simplicity of daily routines.

By Sara Beck

Cathy Poulos gets inspired by attending plein air painting events with fellow local artists and friends—Ann Hair, Barbara Bear Jamison, Todd Carignan, Sarah Jane Tart, and Nicole White Kennedy, to name a few. Her art style, characterized by vibrant colors and a focus on everyday life, reflects her inspirations. “I think these events have been very impactful,” she reflects. “Trying to capture subjects in real life within an ever-changing window of light is a beautiful challenge that has helped me grow as an artist.” Her environment and the people she encounters daily are other sources of inspiration for her. Whether admiring or creating art, Poulos feels drawn to pieces that depict people and their routines. “It’s surprising how even mundane things may be inspiring if the light hits them a certain way if I can catch an animal or child in just the right moment,” she shares. 

Three mediums are central to Poulos’s work: watercolor, oil, and acrylic. “The subject often drives which medium I choose,” she explains. “Sometimes I feel strongly that a particular subject will translate better using a particular medium, depending on whether I want more transparency or bolder color and texture. Other times, my choice of medium is driven by different factors—acrylics and watercolors have faster drying times and keep subjects simple if I’m pressed for time. Oils are more forgiving when painting en plein air, as the paint stays more pliable and workable.”

Poulos has seen quite the career evolution since she started working with pastels and oils in high school. After graduating and becoming a physical therapist, art remained an important part of her life. “I painted as much as I could throughout the years while working as a medical professional, staying active in my church, spending time with my husband, and raising my children,” she recalls. Over the past 15 years, however, she has focused more on art as a career, even retiring from her full-time job in September of 2021. “I never knew how challenging it would be as an artist to keep your art in front of people,” she comments, “but I haven’t looked back.”

Her work has certainly paid off; since making this shift, Poulos has joined various art associations, routinely exhibits her work in galleries, and has won numerous awards. More importantly, she feels part of a community and enjoys doing what she loves daily. “Selling paintings,” she says, “is always encouraging to an artist. Knowing that others like and appreciate your art, which evokes emotion, is rewarding and satisfying. But I’m more about growing as an artist than commercial success. I hope that I am seen as someone whose work has evolved and that my paintings will speak for themselves by evoking memories and bringing joy for ages to come.”

Cathy Poulos is currently showing with Fine Art Local, in downtown Wilmington. To see more of her work, visit fineartlocal.com and cathypoulosart.com