Kathy lives in Gig Harbor, Washington. Her interest in painting started as a child with painting lessons at a Seattle art gallery, but due to her nursing career and raising her three children, painting was put on hold. Kathy has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco.

Until 2006 she worked as a school nurse at South Kitsap School District. In 2006 when the nest was empty and she retired, Kathy signed up for painting classes at Tacoma Community College. A cultural exchange visit with Artists in China (October 2007.) inspired her to explore new styles of painting. She has taken Gongbi (Chinese detail painting,) Classes since November 2007 from Patsy Surh O’Connell.

Kathy paints in acrylic, watercolor, and Chinese ink and color.

My paintings are an expression of my vision of the natural world. Nature, especially near the water of Puget Sound , is my inspiration. I love being in touch with the light as it plays on the waters of areas I kayak, or while I walk in the woods or my garden. I enjoy photographing and researching the details of an historical or wilderness setting. For those who journey with me through my paintings, my hope is that you find joy and peace.  

My favored medium is Chinese ink and color painted on rice paper in the Gongbi style. Gongbi is an ancient form of meticulous detail painting developed in ancient China. A sketch of the painting is placed under rice paper and it is inked in with ink using bamboo brushes. After it is shaded, layers of color are applied building rich colors and depth. This medium is my favorite for showing dimensionality, fluidity and light in a contemporary manner. 

I am a member of Peninsula Art League and Rainier League of Arts.

KathyThur@aol.com

253-265-1712