About

Cathy Whittall is a British illustrator, artist, and graphic designer based in Worcestershire, UK. Her work moves fluidly between digital illustration, watercolour, and oil painting, combining a passion for vibrant wildlife, botanical forms, expressive portraiture, and architectural detail.

Her creative journey began with a Foundation in Art and Photography at St Helens College of Art and Design in 1984. Since then, she has exhibited her work at venues across the North West and East Midlands and continues to reach audiences worldwide through online galleries and collections.

Cathy's artistic practice is both deeply personal and far-reaching. Over the years, she has completed numerous private commissions in oils, watercolours, and digital illustration, working closely with clients to create meaningful and highly individual pieces.

Zachary, Cathy, Angus, Peter and Connor Whittall

Personal Tragedy

In 2014, Cathy experienced a profound personal tragedy when her eldest son, Zachary, was killed as he left work at the Olive Branch Restaurant in Clipsham, Rutland. This devastating loss would come to influence the emotional depth and direction of her artistic work.

County Court Trial

In 2016 during the County Court Trial surrounding Zach's death, drawing became a source of stability and healing. The illustration of a vivid kingfisher - capturing a moment of stillness, focus, and beauty - marked a significant turning point, reaffirming the role of creativity as both refuge and expression.

Dee sitting in leather chair

Portraits of Loss

In 2019, Cathy developed a powerful body of large-scale portraiture, creating 5 ft × 4 ft oil paintings on canvas informed by personal interviews and photographic studies. These works explore themes of loss, resilience, remembrance, and transformation, reflecting her enduring interest in the strength of the human spirit. One of these large-scale oil portraits is now part of the collection at Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong.

Three colorful notebooks with floral designs on a white background

Contemporary Illustrations

Alongside her fine art practice, Cathy creates bold contemporary digital illustrations inspired by flora and fauna. Her designs feature on a range of prints, textiles, notebooks, and homeware available through her online store.

Dog sitting on a brown leather armchair with decorative elements like a lamp, fruit bowl, and flowers.

Collections Around The World

Her work is held in private collections around the world. Whether creating intimate portraits, wildlife studies, or intricate botanical designs, Cathy seeks to capture beauty, connection, and the quiet resilience that exists within both nature and humanity.

Beyond Art

Beyond her creative practice, Cathy has held senior roles in marketing and communications and remains committed to supporting others through her community work. She serves as a Volunteer Counsellor, Trustee of a local charity, author of A Comprehensive Guide to Child Loss, and founder of Child Loss Online, an organisaton dedicated to supporting bereaved families.

Find a piece of art for your collection

Cathy offers a range of items containing her art to cater for all.