Kathy Rennell Forbes is focusing on her "Visual Stories" series. The Hawaiian quilts that Kathy previously made initially inspired the mandalas on wood panels. Instead of the design being symmetrical it changes as the story unfolds in a clockwise rotation. Typically there are 3 inner circles (sometimes 4) each adding a layer to the story. Both the symbols and images further elaborate the tale.

Kathy Rennell ForbesThe paintings have acquired a new dimension as Kathy is now incorporating a scratchboard engraving technique on top of the specially prepared wood panels. This allows for greater detail and depth. The paintings challenge the artist both intellectually and creatively while inspiring the viewer with rich hues and imagery. The artist also creates 3-D watermedia cutouts that are later incorporated into the larger “Visual Stories” paintings.

Kathy continues to combine her passion for art, travel and the outdoors in her traditional plein air paintings in watercolor, acrylic or oil. The artist has participated in multiple one-woman and group shows where she has won numerous awards. Her art has been displayed in over 100 local, regional, and national shows. The artist’s paintings are in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Australia and Europe. The International Olympic Committee selected her artwork as a gift to the country of France for the Atlanta Summer Games.

Kathy teaches art classes at several art education facilities and at her studio. For current class information please see happenings. She is a highly sought after teacher who encourages her students to develop their personal style at their own pace while mastering the basics.

Kathy served as the President of the Georgia Watercolor Society where she is a Signature Member, the highest level of accomplishment. She is also a Member of Excellence, the most esteemed achievement at the Atlanta Artists Center (the largest fine art association in the Southeastern US) and a Juried Member of the Watercolor Society of Alabama. She has served as a juror for several Georgia art shows.

Resume for Kathy Rennell Forbes

Education

Awards and Honors

2010
Honorable Mention Limelight Gallery Show
Juror for two shows at Arts Clayton and one show at Atlanta Artists Center

2008
Signature Membership in Georgia Watercolor Society

People's Choice Award at Atlanta Artists Center National Show



2007
Member of Excellence at Atlanta Artists Center for cumulative work

First Place "Reverberations Show"

Merit Award "National View at Grandview"



2006
Honorable Mention "Synchronicity Show" 

Juror's Choice Award Atlanta Artists Center "National Show"
Honorable Mention Atlanta Artists Center Traveling Show
Advanced Merit Member at Atlanta Artists Center



2005
Honorable Mention Dunwoody Fine Arts Southeast Regional Show
Second Place Atlanta Artists Center Renaissance Show

Second Place Atlanta Artists Center Synergy Show

Merit Member at Atlanta Artists Center



2004
Juried Member at Atlanta Artists Center

2003
Merit Award Atlanta Artists Center Dogwood Show

2002
Second Place Atlanta Artists Center Color Schemes
Merit Award Atlanta Artists Center Dogwood Show

Exhibitions

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Professional Activities

2006 - present Art Instructor at Chastain Arts Center
2007 - present Art Instructor at Kennesaw State University Continuing Education
2006 - present Private Art Instructor
2006 -2011 Board member of Georgia Watercolor Society, including role as President
Signature Member of Georgia Watercolor Society
Member of Excellence at Atlanta Artists Center
Juried Member of Watercolor Society of Alabama

Selected Collections

Paintings are in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Australia and Europe (including the Olympic Committee of France).