Catherine W Smith

*Biography*
Cathy began drawing when she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her late father's enthusiasm for painting contributed toward her childhood decision to become an artist. In high school and later as an art student, she exhibited in Chicago area art shows. Winning the American Academy of Art competition scholarship helped launch her fine art career. Her work is included in the Academy's permanent collection.
	For the last thirty years, Cathy's love for watercolor has dominated. Critics have called her paintings bold, sensitive and impacting. She describes her style as essentially loose realism and says she enjoys a variety of subjects and techniques. Strong underlying abstract design and captivating movement prevail in her images. In a 1997 feature article, one Chicago Tribune writer credits the vibrancy of her colors as a hallmark. In regard to subject matter Cathy says, "I'm drawn to whatever causes a sustained impact and earnest reaction; building the potential for a stronger, more honest work." Cathy and her husband reside in rural Elgin, Illinois.
For more than twenty years, Cathy has led watercolor workshops across the country. Combining inventive and traditional approaches, she knows how to teach and how to make workshops both inspiring and fun. Since Cathy takes great pleasure in sharing her many tips and techniques, it is no surprise that students keep returning to the friendly and informative programs for more.
	A Signature Member and recent president of the Midwest Watercolor Society (now called the Transparent Watercolor Society of America), Cathy is also one of the society's honored Master Artists (bronze medal recipient). In 1998, she won the MWS Skyledge Award (top award) and has won awards and/or shown in the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West, Georgia Watercolor Society (Signature Member), Watercolor USA, the Adirondacks National Exhibition, the San Diego International and more. Her paintings and writing contributions are published in Splash 4, North Light Books 1996; Creative Watercolor, Rockport Publishers 1995; The Artistic Touch 3, Creative Art Press 1999; Watercolor '88, an American Artist Magazine publication; International Artist Magazine, August 1998 and Watercolor Magic Magazine, Winter 1999 and 2000. Her biography is included in the world publication of Outstanding People of the 20th Century - Second Edition, Melrose Press Ltd. 2000, Cambridge, England.

Biography