Catherine Pumphrey works primarily in oils; she loves the messiness and versatility to alter a painting as it evolves. Her work is figurative and inspired by the world around her; garden flowers, light through coloured glass, a fleeting expression. 

She paints to bring missing things to life. During Covid she began portraiture to see more faces. Her still life often features a forgotten heirloom. She captures low winter sunlight on those rare days when light is scarce, and colourful flowers during winter months.

Her colour palette is bold, vivid and aims to capture optimism and joy.

Catherine is a full-time artist and teacher from Abingdon. She has shown in several exhibitions in the beautiful West Ox Gallery in Bampton, and exhibits twice a year with Abingdon Artists. In 2025 her work was selected for the ING Discerning Eye exhibition in the Mall Galleries, London. She teaches oil painting at home.