Award winning artist Kathy Bethurum began her love of painting at 12 years of age when she took her first painting class while living in the Philippines. That oil painting, of a child sitting on a water buffalo, still hangs in her studio.  She soon began bribing her siblings with candy so they would sit for long periods during portrait sessions. Thus began her lifelong journey as an artist inspired by her surroundings.

“I am inspired by using water media to capture water themes!” Kathy is inspired by the beautiful Puget Sound, as she revels in contemplating the constantly changing tidal ripples and reflections.  Her portfolio heavily reflects this passion. Watermedia with its unexpected “ouzels and blooms,” like the water itself are an exciting challenge to the artist.  She uses a wide range of colors to best present the subtle hues and values of each scene, as well as enunciating the water’s peaceful qualities. Kayaking is one of her favorite activities, which is also a favorite theme in her paintings.

Kathy’s love for the ocean integrates the aquatic life beneath the surface as well, which began when she started scuba diving.  Her use of “gyotaku,” a traditional form of Japanese fish printing or rubbing, is seen throughout her work.  These paintings are created as as collage, combining acrylic monoprints of actual fish and the paper background.

Kathy is a member of the Portrait Society of America and a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS). Kathy has received numerous awards from the Oregon Society of Artists and the Watercolor Society of Oregon (earning Silver merit status). She is a member of SPLASH, a professional artist’s group.