In spite of the current overcast weather, a taste of spring can be found in the new art exhibit on display at the HUB-Robeson Center.

Catherine O'Connell's abstract paintings, showcased in the Art Alley, are on display from through Feb. 22.

"I don't know if it's just my wishful thinking, but [O'Connell's] paintings remind me of spring," Amy Ueland (graduate-pre-medicine) said.

Ann Shields, head of the HUB-Robeson Galleries, said O'Connell's paintings are a perfect choice to bring the space alive, especially at this time of year.

"Her work is large and colorful," Shields said. "It reminds me very much of under the sea; incredibly beautiful and bright."

Ueland said she admires O'Connell's work. "I love the use of color," she said.

"Her paintings are really bright and vivid, and she uses some cool lines and pastels. I like them a lot," she added.

O'Connell, a recent graduate of Penn State, said she uses vibrant colors and patterns, both artificial and found and nature, for her paintings.

She also said color, style and texture are very important in her paintings.

"The color, style and textures of the paintings are distinct from one another ... but they spark a conversation within the paintings," she said.

Along with the color telling a narrative, O'Connell said that elements from the world around her influence her paintings.

"My daily exposure to the aspects of life such as nature, politics and human relationships play a major role in the creation of my paintings," O'Connell said. "Creating art allows me to make a canvas come to life."

O'Connell also said that spontaneity is at the heart of her style. "Although I do have technical and conceptual ideas in mind when I start, I never have a full outline when I begin a ny of my paintings," she said.

"Not having a blueprint allows me to be unrestricted in my style; it gives me freedom," she added.

O'Connell also said that she wants her paintings to be thought provoking to the viewer.

"I hope to reach others so that they will pause and reflect," she said.

O'Connell has been involved in multiple group exhibitions, including the BFA Undergraduate Exhibition, as well as a solo exhibition in the fall semester.

The Art Alley, a small area in the HUB that is set up as a study lounge, is there to expose students to a variety of art forms and expressions like O'Connell's abstract paintings, Shields said.

"It is important for students to appreciate what their colleagues are doing," Shields said.

"With the Art Alley, students can enjoy and discuss and have their minds broadened by it. It can be a very educational experience," she added.