For years as a trial lawyer in the state of Maryland while sitting at counsel table waiting for a judge to do his/her unrelated trial duties I found myself sketching my courtroom surrounds, the judge, the jury, the sheriffs, the court stenographer, anyone or anything that came into my line of vision. Three decades of trial work interfered with but did not diminish my interest in art.

My interest in art began before I was able to read. My father, a full time chemist and part time artist, easily ignited an interest in art for his entire family. Some of my earliest memories are of weekend picnics with a basket filled with food and boxes full of crayons, pencils, pastels, paints and sketch pads. These frequent family outings in the Washington, D.C. area naturally lead to more formal studies. Sometimes I would tag along with my father to his Georgetown studio where he was mentored by a world-renowned artist, Andrea Zerega. Zerega , at the time Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at Marymount College in Virginia and part time professor at Catholic University, was a larger than life character who could rival Zorba the Greek for his energy and joie de vivre. Just being around him was inspirational. It was during my childhood that on Saturday mornings, my parents would drop my brother and me off at the Corcoran Gallery of Art to attend art class.

Marriage, a career, law school, another career and a son all combined to monopolize my time and put my interest in art on a back burner. Then in 1999 I entered a new phase in my life. I became semi-retired and with my husband moved to Rehoboth where I joined a community of artists.

I am a founding member of the Delaware Shore Artists Group and the Rehoboth Art League. I have exhibited work at the Wilmington University, the St. Peter’s Art Fair in Lewes, Delaware, as well as several commercial establishments. I have also accepted commissions.

I paint in both acrylics and oils. I like to create scenes that suggest stories and invite the viewer to interpret them. Often my subjects are individuals, families, and groups in their “unguarded” moments. I am particularly fond of depicting people in playful or whimsical ways.

judycatterton@comcast.net