Searching now for painting subjects rather than magazine articles,
Katchen’s first painting trip was a hitchhiking adventure across
Africa with photographer Ed Klamm. The trip resulted in her first
solo exhibit at a professional gallery, Denver Art Galleries in
1971.
Many of her early works were
graphics--- drawings and prints--- praised for their strong sense of
design. Here she is seen pulling a large woodblock print.
From the beginning Katchen’s favorite painting subjects were
people. In the 70s she got permission to draw and paint during
rehearsals of The Denver Symphony Orchestra. Here she is with guest
conductor Mitch Miller.
Katchen’s second
hitchhiking/painting trip was along the Pan American Highway from
Mexico to Peru. Here she is sketching in the mountains of Colombia.
Living and painting in Colorado, Katchen was surrounded by
artists painting mountains, aspen trees and Indians. She continued
to choose her own unique subjects and to paint in the tradition of
the German Expressionists.
“Banjo Man” Collage 30" x 24"
Here Katchen
appears as a guest on The Denver Now television show with Beverly
Martinez.
By the mid-70s
Katchen was completely supporting herself with her painting and
writing about art. Here she is at a solo exhibit at Turkey Creek
Gallery outside Denver.