“Out in the Piedmont” with Cathy Zimmerman

Written by Shayda Windle | Artwork by Cathy Zimmerman

Middleburg native Cathy Zimmerman stands out as a rare gem among residents. With her entire life steeped in the area’s rich equestrian heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, it’s hard to imagine a time when she wasn’t either painting or riding.

Zimmerman is primarily a watercolorist, and a self-proclaimed “outdoors enthusiast.” She fondly recalls, “There’s a picture of me at 18 months old on a donkey.” This early encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong companionship with nature, horses, and art.

Growing up on Buttonwood Farm — a quaint cattle and Christmas tree farm — Zimmerman’s artistic journey began at The Hill School under the instruction of Emily Sharp, where her passion for painting was first ignited. “The seed was planted there,” she reflects. She further honed her skills at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, during which time she met her husband, Tad Zimmerman, who’s been a Master of the Piedmont Hunt for 24 years.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Zimmerman is deeply engaged in the Middleburg community. Her involvement spans foxhunting, conservation efforts, and the upkeep of Buttonwood Farm, where she also watches over her two grandchildren. Despite her busy days, painting remains a constant in her life. Inspired by advice from her uncles, who were also artists, she maintains the practice of keeping a piece of artwork in the kitchen and having a project underway. “While dinner’s cooking, you can work on your painting,” she notes, a guiding principle she cherishes.

Zimmerman’s watercolor art beautifully captures the vistas she views “from on top of a horse” in Hunt Country. Her work features rolling hills and vibrant fields, snow-covered barns with a fox in the distance, and serene scenes like a blue jay perched on a cattail overlooking a tranquil pond. She also enjoys creating whimsical pieces, such as a fox riding a horse, accompanied by roosters and a squirrel atop a pig — an enchanting menagerie of animals gathering for a hunt. This playful piece, titled “Open Gate,” measures 16 by 13 inches. Another striking work, “Dinner,” showcases a hungry fox gazing at chickens emerging from a barn door, measuring 40 by 29 inches. “I love red barns and paint them frequently,” she shares.

From November 3 to December 29, Zimmerman will showcase an extensive collection of over 45 original watercolor pieces at the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America in Middleburg. The works, ranging in size from small décor additions to large enough to be mounted over the fireplace, will be available for purchase, as will notecards with original art, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the museum, a 501(c)(3) organization. An artist’s reception is scheduled for Sunday, November 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the museum. Members receive complimentary tickets, while non-members can purchase tickets for $25 each at mhhna.org/events-exhibits.

As a true embodiment of Hunt Country culture, Cathy Zimmerman continues to inspire both locals and visitors alike with her passion for art and her commitment to the community. Katrina A. Ryan, director of operations of MHHNA, says of the exhibit: “We are honored to display Cathy Zimmerman’s incredible work at our museum, as she beautifully captures the essence of the tradition of foxhunting in the Piedmont in what is our shared natural heritage. Her paintings are a reminder that we are all stewards of this pristine territory. Through her art of scenic views, Cathy not only celebrates the bucolic countryside but also raises awareness of the need to preserve and protect it, furthering the mission of land conservation that is so dear to us.” ML

Featured image: “Full Cry,” 31 x 24 inches.

Published in the November 2024 issue of Middleburg Life.