Kathleen Hannan
Maker Monday - November 2025
About the Artist
Name: Kathleen Hannan
Medium: Watercolor
Years creating: Form a young age
SCAA member: 2014
Based in: Wakefield, RI
Instagram: @Kathleensgarden
Click an image to view slideshow
“Kathleen first came to SCAA in 2014, when she started taking classes here. A few years later, she became an exhibiting artist. In addition to her involvement with SCAA, Kathleen (a retired registered nurse) is also a member and exhibitor at the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, New England Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, Plein Air Palm Beach, the Rhode Island based plein air group Painting Around, and the Providence Art Club. She is currently studying under the guidance of Anne Wert and Bill Lane, continually learning more about art.” - SCAA
Where are you from, and what do you make?
Originally, I’m from Woonsocket and currently live in Wakefield, RI and Wellington, FL. I create works on paper, collages, cyanotypes and watercolors. Watercolor has been my primary focus because I find the medium to be so elusive. I love the way the pigments blend and how they can have transparency or opacity and create a sense of atmosphere on a piece of paper.
How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
My paternal grandmother was a British watercolor artist and taught me how to hold a brush at a very young age. My earliest memories are sitting at her kitchen table and painting with her. While I didn’t have the opportunity to attend a formal art school, I had a fulfilling career as an oncology nurse on a bone marrow transplant unit. Being a caregiver was rewarding but stressful. When I retired, pursuing art became my pursuit of happiness. I enjoy the process of making art more than the end result.
What inspires you to create?
The inspiration for many of my pieces is found outdoors in the fresh air. I truly enjoy painting in my garden or meeting the plein air group, Painting Around, at various locations in Rhode Island. Elinor Thompson and Cindy DiDonato are the leaders of Painting Around and they have both been very generous in sharing their wealth of knowledge about having a creative life with me. I’m currently working on a series of sunflower paintings in my garden. As summer has gone into autumn the flowers have become giant seed heads that are very sculptural.
Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?
The artist who consistently impacts my work outside of my chosen medium is my aunt, Monique Mailloux. She is a potter and designer who founded Yria Design on the Greek island, Paros. Monique’s designs and pottery have clean lines, are functional and evoke a modern aesthetic. She has encouraged me to continue with my practice and to continue learning new things. Monique lives by what she preaches and is going to South Korea in November to study with a moon jar master., Kwak Kyungtae.
Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
J.M.W. Turner’s watercolors and oil paintings are an inspiration to me. Last year, I had the opportunity to see the Turner collection at the Tate Britain in London. I was completely blown away by the works he did later in life. Large, ethereal, abstract oil paintings that were so modern, the museum hung a Rothko beside them to show the comparison. It really struck me to keep enjoying the process and that age isn’t a limitation to creating pieces that look fresh.
As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
I’ve taken some wonderful classes at SCAA and met so many supportive people. Lori Jeremiah and Anne Bianchi are two of the teachers whose classes were impactful on my work. Their kindness and the skills they shared as artists have meant so much to me.
Tell us a joke.
Q. What do artists do on weekends?
A. Paint the town various shades of red.