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Catriona MacLeod (NicLeod)

In 1942, Josef Herman married Catriona MacLeod (1913-1985) in Glasgow. She was a relative of the 28th Chief of the MacLeod Clan of Dunvegan Castle in the Isle of Sky, Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod. Catriona had a twin brother, the late Sir John MacLeod who died in 1984. She was studying art in Glasgow when Herman arrived there and was known as a talented draftsperson as well as a musician. By marrying Josef Herman she became closely associated with his style of painting. She learnt a great deal from her husband’s craft as a painter and each maintained a studio in their home in Wales. Catriona was an experienced portraitist and painted many a local subject. Her still-life paintings show a Cezannean influence. She also painted local street scenes, which captured the spirit of the working class community. Catriona had a flamboyant personality and loved the outdoors, especially the sea. Tragically, their baby daughter Sandra died in infancy before they came to Ystradgynlais; their marriage ended in the latter 1950s and Josef re-married. Nevertheless, despite Herman’s influence, Catriona MacLeod maintained her own style of painting throughout her life. There is a family cottage on the Isle of Sky, which holds her work. It used to be her studio where she continued to paint until her death.

"Caryl Roberts" by Catriona MacLeod, 1949 oil on canvas 50x45cm

"Stil Life With Geranium" by Catriona MacLeod, 1954/5 oil on canvas 36x45cm