If you want to get to know someone, spend time with them. Listen, ask questions, watch. If you want to know me look at my art.

Although I have received some private training in the basics of art and attended the local art school, I've never studied art on an academic level. Because of this, I am blessed with the freedom to paint what I feel in my own independent style.

Why do I paint? I paint to communicate. To share. I have always been a quiet person. I am a woman of few words, but oh! how I love to observe. To sit on the beach and watch the beauty of the ocean, waves rising in strength, yet caressing the sand in tenderness. The mother sitting on a blanket, wiping the sand off her child's cheek then gently kissing that smiling face. The lovers walking by, hand in hand, their affection for each other warmer than the sun on their shoulders.

What wondrous beauty. I can't help but transfer these emotions of love, contentment, joy and beauty onto paper for others to see. Yes. I could draw a face as it is. A child standing rigid, a man sitting in quiet disconcern, a woman posing. But no, I see more than a face, a body, a person. I see a soul, a spirit, a question of love. I have had people look at my art and have tears come to their eyes. It is not only my painting they are looking at, it is my soul, my spirit, my creation of love.

I have often wondered where this blessing, this creativity, this desire to capture love on paper came from. From my mother I received so much love and strength. But I think it was through my father's family that I inherited the love of expressing through art. His mother died when he was only eight years old. He spent his childhood drawing in pencil and charcoal in an effort to express himself. His mother's father died when she was only three. She spent most of her short life writing beautiful poetry, mostly about love. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one day I could go to Ireland and meet my relatives. Maybe I will meet someone who shares my love of love on paper.

My father tells me there are a number of relatives still in Gortlehragh Parish, County Leitrim. The Parish Priest, Father John Quinn, (no relation), told my dad last year that they are thinking of renaming the area 'Quinntown,' (only kidding).

My Grandmother was raised on a small farm in Drumshambo South on the southern shore of Drumshambo Lough. Her brother John died on that farm at the age of 83, never having indoor plumbing. There is the story that he reclaimed three and a half acres of land from the lough, by hand. What a wonderful heritage. I sense that I share so much with the grandmother I never met.

I realize there are not many 'famous' artists who were Irish. Or should I say painters. Although James Barry comes to mind. Maybe it is a coincidence that my father's aunt married a Barry. But this I do know. The Irish are well known for their artistry through poetry, writing, and music. The sensitivity of the Irish is renowned. But as for painters, well maybe they were quiet like me.

But I firmly believe I share this one thing with these artists and that is to share the beauty of this world. In this time of fear and disaster we all need to have reassurance of peace, of beauty, of love. The comfort of your father's arms, thejoy of finding the perfect pumpkin, the love of your new born child. I have too much to keep to myself, please allow me to share.

Kathy's work can be purchased from her web site at www.allartbrokers.com. To contact Kathy call (631) 261 2244 or email kathy61@mail.com