About Me
Hello, I’m so pleased to meet you.
I’m Catherine Short, an artist, author and nurse. For my day job, I’m an advance nurse practitioner working part-time in general practice. I’m happy to say that nursing keeps me sane, writing feeds my soul and creating art fills me with peace and joy.
I began writing over twenty years ago. I’ve had two health books published, firstly in 2010 and then in 2011, both of which are going to be updated and republished hopefully next year. I’ve also had short stories, features and articles published in magazines namely, Pick Me Up, The Weekly News and Yours. I was delighted when two of my short plays were shortlisted and performed at Swanwick Writer’s School.
My writing and publishing journey led me to be a regular newspaper review on Alan Beswick’s BBC Manchester Radio and a guest on BBC Five Live.
I launched my first novel, Finding Redemption in the summer of 2025. What a joy the whole process has been. I began writing my novel back in 2006 but other writing projects, work and family commitments slowed the process. However, I finally finished my novel and what a joy it is to see mainly 5* reviews popping up on my Amazon page. Thank you so much to those of you who have been kind enough to leave reviews.
I am currently working on my new novel, The Christmas Visitor and I hope to have this completed ready for publication by the autumn of 2026. I am very excited about this novel.
Although I hadn’t created any art since leaving school, I began experimenting with all forms of art very early in Lockdown. I quickly became addicted to drawing, painting, indeed, any form of art. Although Lockdown was truly terrifying in many ways, for me at least, it was a very creative, liberating time. I’m now addicted to all things art. I crave the company of other artists and love the sense of peace when I’m lost in the creative process.
I started creating pet portraits, firstly in pastel and later in coloured pencil. Both mediums take ages to complete, but I prefer working in coloured pencil. For example, a head and neck pet portrait on A4 paper will typically take between 25 and 30 hours to complete.
There is nothing more wonderful than to watch a client unwrap their pet commission. To witness their reaction and joy is priceless. It is a very emotional time for both the client and myself. I feel truly honoured to be part of that process.
I was given the opportunity recently by Altrincham Society of Artists to teach photo-realistic pet portraiture. Being able to share my newly acquired skills was most rewarding.
My artwork has been displayed in exhibitions and galleries mainly in the Greater Manchester area and the city of York. My work has also been sold to private collectors. I regularly exhibit in local Café’s and at Dunham Massey Barn.
In the summer of 2025 I was very fortunate to be offered a place as a Wild Card on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. My fellow wild-cards and I painted the beautiful Derwent Water in the Lake District. I cannot say any more about this until the show is aired early in 2026 but I will post about it when able. I have to say, this was the most exciting day and I met so many lovely people- a truly amazing experience.
If you would like to view more of my artwork, please browse through my shop to see current work for sale.
Please email me on catherineshortartist@gmail.com if you have any queries or would like to discuss a commission.
Have a wonderful day,
Cath
Catherine Short Art 