04.25.2010 
Good morning! I am very excited about today’s behind the curtain feature. I’ve been a huge fan of Caitlin McGauley’s work since seeing it in the first issue of Lonny Magazine-- the fact that she agreed to a short interview is an absolute dream! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Ms. McGauley’s fabulous blog. She pairs each post with an original watercolor-- her artistic talent blows me away. I hope you enjoy!
Can you talk a little about your background? Are there any artists in the family besides yourself?
My grandfather was an artist later in life. I have one brother and my parents always joke about how different we are. I am the artist, and he has served in Iraq and Korea in the Army.
Have you always been interested in art? What drew you to watercolor?
Yes, always! Watercolor was the first medium I ever took classes in (we are talking 10 years old) and it just stuck.
Where did you go to undergrad, and what did you major in?
I went to Syracuse and did a little of everything, from textiles to fashion to illustration.
(Caitlin's work in Lonny)
How did you get involved with Lonny Magazine?
I left a comment on Michelle’s (editor of Lonny) blog and she went to my blog consequently.
What has been your most memorable experience working as an artist?
I posted a painting I did of a stranger on my blog because I liked their look, and they contacted me with their picture and said ‘that was me you painted!’. You never know who is looking at your work!
What is/are your favorite book(s)? design book(s)? magazine(s)?
I live for the day Vogue appears in my mailbox. I am reading Life with Picasso by Francoise Gilot. I highly recommend it. That time period was so important for art and literature. Now I am obsessed with reading every bio or memoir from that era.
Who are your favorite musicians?
My all time favorites are David Bowie (I love him as much for his style as his music), and Bob Dylan.
Being in college and on a budget, I'm all about little luxuries. Can you name some of yours?
Kerastase shampoo, Whole Foods coffee, and good sushi.
How would you describe your style?
My style is pretty basic. I wear jeans every single day, but I do like prints and I’m always looking for colorful printed tops.
What are some things that you can't live without?
J brand jeans, Dr. PH Martin’s watercolors, good paper, and of course my husband and family.
(All watercolors courtesy of Caitlin McGauley. Photo of Ms. McGauley from here).
Reader Comments (13)
What a great interview! I love her watercolors!
Staley-- thank you! It was very fun to put together :) I just adore her watercolors as well.
She is great isn't she! I love the style of her water color drawings. I would love to have a little something of hers in my sewing room. I find them very inpirering!
I'm obsessed with her work. I hoping she opens up a little etsy store in the future so I can purchase a piece of her artwork! xx
SWOONING!!! love her and her work and her answers!!!
fabulous interview. thanks for sharing!
xo Alison
Great interview. Love her work!
l-o-v-e her watercolors and whimsical style. wonderful artist* xo, jane
I've said it before and I will say it again, I love this series. And I love this girl! And I love that you run these on Mondays, gives me a bit more drive to get through the week!
ahh thank you! I'm SO happy that you all enjoyed this interview.. emailing back and forth with Caitlin was like talking with a celebrity. It was a ton of fun to put together :)
How cute is Ms. Caitlin? Best behind the curtain yet!
Cheers.
i am head over heels for her watercolors and so happy you were able to secure an interview with her! i love this series too :)
Lara-- I know! She is absolutely adorable.