After a brief Members Meeting bringing us up to date on spring upcoming events for 2026, we will be treated to an zoom online demonstration by Virginia incredibly creative  watercolor artist and teacher Catherine Hillis.

Catherine Hillis has competed in national watermedia competitions and plein air events for decades, earning hundreds of awards and many signature memberships along the artistic way.      Her paintings can be described as traditional landscapes, still lifes and figures but she relies on a unique perspective to draw the viewer into the world as she sees it, incorporating humor or beauty whenever possible in unexpected places.  An eager traveler, and perhaps even a bit of a gypsy, she attains to view everyday subjects with fresh eyes. “I paint both en plein air and in the studio but I cannot tell you which I prefer. I only know that whatever piece I’m working on at the time is the one I am meant to create.”     Hillis’ works and articles about watercolor painting are published regularly. Among the many publications she’s contributed to are American Watercolor Weekly Newsletter, Watercolor Artist Magazine, the SPLASH books, PleinAir  Magazine, The Art of Watercolour and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine.  She’s served as Artist in Residence in Dinan, FR, at Hot Springs National Park, AR, and at Chateau d’ Orquevaux.  Watercolor paintings by Hillis are included in museums, corporations and the homes and offices of private collectors.          Known for her commonsense approach to teaching, the artist has taught throughout the Washington, DC region, across the country and overseas.  She believes in presenting multiple demonstrations and personalized individual coaching during each class or workshop.  “I believe in giving back to the community by sharing my skills with others.  It’s my desire to provide students with skills for a lifetime.”     “Our daily lives are hectic.  I like to think my work can slow the pace, and make a troubled world feel better as I take a wide view of the chaos and bring focus and order to the pandemonium around me by squinting and then positioning my pencil and brush onto paper or canvas.”The artist has earned Signature Memberships with  the National Watercolor Society, Laguna Plein Air Painters, the San Diego Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Virginia Watercolor Society, Missouri Watercolor Society, the Washington Society of Landscape Painters, Baltimore Watercolor Society and the Western Colorado Watercolor Society

Catherine Hillis is a daydreamer and a bit of a gypsy.  Wherever she happens to be is probably where she’ll be painting, whether in the studio or outdoors.  If the light is just right and there’s a compelling narrative, brushes and paint come out.  She invites viewers to join her on the journey and enjoy traveling to another time and place with a satisfied smile on your face.