I love to create wearable art. You may commission a custom pair of jeans like the ones I’m wearing here while I sing at the Grape Escape in Galena, IL. Make your next special event or gig even more memorable when you perform your art and wear it too. Visit my STORE for more details.

Do you have a bucket list? I must admit that I do have one. Seeing the majestic Northern Lights has always been right at the very top of my list. Last year, I was fortunate enough to gaze up into the night sky just outside my studio and enjoyed the breathtaking sight of the pulsating lights dancing in vibrant reds and greens. Just last week, I learned that the lights would once again be visible in my neighborhood. I stayed up late until 10:00 in the evening, put on a warm coat, and walked about 100 yards away from my home studio. I was truly amazed at the spectacle before me. Lo and behold, the reds and greens were back in full display, perfectly timed for the holiday season. The only thing missing was a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer racing through the crisp, cloudless sky.

Earlier this month, my husband Mark and I took a memorable trip to Washington State. We stayed with our college friends, Doug and Joanne, in their beautiful home perched on a cliff overlooking Goat and Sugarloaf Islands, nestled in a truly lovely area of Skagit Bay. Last Tuesday, we decided to drive up to Mt. Baker. As we began our ascent, light rain was falling gently on the windshield. However, as we climbed higher in elevation, those raindrops soon transformed into softly falling snow. When we finally reached the top of the mountain to view the glacier, we encountered near blizzard conditions, making it impossible to see beyond the parking lot. Despite this, the return journey was brightened by the sight of a lovely waterfall, proving that not all was lost. Below is a photo of Mark and me with Mt. Baker in the background, captured on a day filled with brilliant sunshine.

In addition to everything else, Springfield, I have another exciting and important announcement to share with you. I am now proudly represented by the Lincoln Plaza Galleria in Springfield, IL, located conveniently right across from the Old State Capitol. Many of my pieces are currently on display there, offering a wonderful opportunity for you to see my work in person. I will be sure to keep you updated and informed about when we will be hosting a special show featuring my artwork. Stay tuned for more details-!

I returned to Springfield this month to honor Bob Waldmire (1945-2009), a renowned Rt 66 artist, illustrator, and cartoonist. Scott Dahl, the Director of Tourism, had kindly suggested that I create a portrait of Bob to be included in a retrospective exhibition of his works. These pieces are currently on display in the Pharmacy Art Gallery in Springfield, and the exhibit will remain open through the end of 2026. I have a deep affection for Springfield, so I did not hesitate to donate a vibrant and colorful oil portrait of Bob. The gallery opening was held on July 11, attracting a large crowd. Among the attendees was the mayor, Waldmire’s brother, Scott and the gallery director who officially cut the ribbon to inaugurate the event.

My experience this year in Springfield did not end there. I met many lovely children which collected my donated prints of the Old State Capitol. Here we have a lovely child holding my print right in front of the very building which inspired my artwork.

In May of last year, one of my Lincoln paintings was honored by being selected for the Purchase Award at the Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield, Illinois. This significant recognition led to the painting now proudly hanging in the Brown, Hay + Stephens Law Office, also located in Springfield. This esteemed law office, established in 1828, holds the distinction of being the oldest law business in the state, and quite possibly the longest continuously operating business in Illinois. Our beloved Abraham Lincoln was actually a partner in this firm from 1837 to 1841.

But how did Lincoln come to be associated with this law office? During his service as a Captain in the Blackhawk War, Lincoln served alongside John Todd Stewart. Once their military duties concluded, Lincoln accepted a position at Stewart’s law firm and eventually became a partner. This role marked a remarkable step up from his earlier years, when his father required him to give all his labor earnings to the family—a common practice at the time. Now, Lincoln was a man earning his own livelihood, employing many of the talents that would later define his legacy.

This past May, while I was visiting Springfield to present my Lincoln collection at the Old Capitol Art Fair, David P. Hennessy approached me with a special invitation. He asked if I would accompany him across the street to his law office to view my painting, which had won the Purchase Award the previous year. Without hesitation, I accepted. We entered a beautifully maintained office building and took the elevator up to the Brown, Hay + Stephens law floor. There, I saw my Lincoln painting displayed—a striking scene of Lincoln on horseback set within a scenic landscape. The moment was deeply emotional and overwhelming for me.

I make this wonderful dessert on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12.

As a celebration of another sort, my husband, Mark, and I had the wonderful opportunity to perform music at the Tempe Center for the Arts last month. During this meaningful event, I sang two songs that hold deep significance for me: "I'll Fly Away" and "Edelweiss." These particular songs were ones I learned in preparation for my sister's funeral, which took place earlier in January.

See more of Cat’s stunningly beautiful painting of Abraham Lincoln displayed prominently on Olivia Troy’s backwall during her broadcasts on CNN and MSNBC. The artwork adds a rich visual element to the setting and enhances the overall viewing experience for the audience.

Yesterday this Hot Air Balloon landed in our front yard. Our boat dock is to the left of the balloon in this picture. On Oct. 16th while I was sitting in our living room behind the trees you see I witnessed a shocking sight. The balloon’s pilot, Garrett Hillary of Galena, IL preformed a "Splash and Dash." This maneuver is designed to display the skills of the balloon essionist.

Here is a funny picture of my husband, Mark and me posing in the King's and Queen's mockup chairs.

This landscape oil painting will hang in a public building in our capitol city.

(PHOTO) IRTA Executive Director Jim Bachman and Renowned Artist Cat Clausen

December 12, 2023

In a heartfelt tribute to their outgoing Executive Director, Jim Bachman, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) Board of Directors commissioned a special painting by the renowned Abraham Lincoln artist, Cat Clausen. This unique gesture not only honored Bachman’s significant contributions to the association but also intertwines the rich history of Illinois with his legacy.

Jim Bachman, who has been a pivotal figure in advocating for the rights and benefits of retired educators in Illinois, is stepping down after years of dedicated service. His tenure at IRTA has been marked by significant achievements, including enhanced member benefits and the strengthening of the organization’s financial health.

To commemorate his retirement, the IRTA Board chose Cat Clausen, an artist famed for her captivating portraits of Abraham Lincoln, to create a bespoke artwork. Clausen, whose work is noted for its historical accuracy and emotional depth, brings a unique perspective to this commission. Her ability to weave historical elements with contemporary themes is expected to result in a piece that encapsulates Bachman’s impact on the organization and its members.

The painting turned out to be a fusion of Clausen’s signature style with elements representing Bachman’s career and contributions to the retired educator community. This collaboration is seen as a fitting tribute, aligning the educational legacy of Abraham Lincoln with the modern-day efforts of Jim Bachman in supporting retired educators.

Clausen worked from a photo of Lincoln by Matthew Brady (circa February – April of 1865) to create the portrait. “I love it that Lincoln has this smile and a twinkle in his eye. He’s also very weary. He’s worked a long time like Jim,” Clausen said about the image. “He’s holding a pen that he used to sign the emancipation proclamation. It’s probably my favorite picture of Lincoln. In this one he just looks so human to me, such a hard worker.”

“It’s beautiful and I am overwhelmed,” Bachman emotionally said as the painting was unveiled. “From the very first time I saw Cat’s work at our art fair I’ve loved her work. It’s beautiful and I thank the board for presenting this to me, I really appreciate it.”

“I worked on it with a pallet knife. And I put a lot of love and care into it for Jim. Thank you for your service and what an honor to be a part of this,” Clausen concluded.

The original portrait will hang in the IRTA Board Room at the state office in Springfield alongside other great images of Lincoln. Jim received a framed and signed print of the original portrait to hang in his home. Jim’s tenure is a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community and an inspiration for future retired educators.

For more information about the artist Cat Clausen and her work, visit Cat Clausen’s website. To learn more about the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, visit the official website at www.irtaonline.org.

Text and photo provided by, Nathan Mihelich

Olivia also collected a 24” high “LINCOLN: Better Days” canvas print which she hangs in her home. You can view this piece when she is on CNN.

Day three of progress on this piece.

Here I am buying a Jo Davidson LINCOLN bust made in 1947.

Photo by Mark Battrell

Photo by Mark Battrell

Photo by Mark Battrell

Photo by Mark Battrell

Photo by Mark Battrell