Catherine Hillis

Bio, Catherine Hillis

www.catherinehillis.com

For the past 30 years, Hillis has exhibited at numerous galleries, museums and art centers, both public and private, around the world. She authors comprehensive articles about watercolor painting and competes on the national plein air circuit as well as in international watercolor exhibitions, winning hundreds of awards.

“I paint. It's the thing I do best. I create light and movement with watercolors. When I see a scene with a story and the light is just right, I must paint. I find myself painting places that folks pass every day but fail to recognize the beauty. Many people say I see color and light that isn't there. I contend that I'm observing things as they really are, at least to me. Whenever possible, I try to make a statement through my work, employing a playful twist or edge that a viewer can appreciate.”

A popular educator, Catherine believes in a commonsense approach to teaching, with an intent to provide students with strong technical skills for use both in the studio and en plein air. With a background in theater, she presents materials with vivacious energy and a sense of humor. She is intensely passionate about her medium and considers herself to be an ambassador of the fluid mark. See her website for a schedule of workshops at home and around the world.

Hillis has served as Artist in Residence at Chateau d’Orquevaux and in Dinan, France as well as at Hot Springs National Park, USA. The artist has earned Signature Memberships with the Washington Society of Landscape Painters, the Laguna Plein Air Painters and 8 other national organizations. You can see her painting “Freefalling” at the American Watercolor Society Exhibit at the Salmagundi Club in NYC during April of 2025.