Cups of Connection

Figures, portraits, still lifes…artist Kathy Coe is a talented painter of them all, but an upcoming show at George Billis Gallery will showcase her small-scale teacup paintings, a subject that has been part of her repertoire for roughly 20 years.

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The Music of Silence, oil on linen, 6 x6"

She was surprised to find that her teacup paintings also had the story element that had drawn her to portraiture early on. They also allowed her to paint solely from life, which she prefers. People responded to the small works, sharing their own stories about their favorite cups and loaning them to her to paint. She even received commissions.

One of the most significant commissions of her career came from the late, media personality Joan Rivers. People Magazine had enlisted Coe to paint a portrait of one of Rivers’ (many) dogs, Spike, as a gift. Rivers liked it so much, she went on to commission Coe directly to paint tiny renderings of the rest of her beloved pets, at least a half dozen. Each Christmas, Rivers would receive a unique cup designed specifically for the Royal Family from Prince Charles, with whom she had a close relationship.