Masterfully capturing the beauty of nature, nationally acclaimed artist Kathleen Dunphy paints with a passion that soulfully radiates her reverence for the natural world. Nearly two decades after American Artist Magazine recognized her as one of its Top Ten Emerging Artists, Kathleen's star continues rising through her devotion to her career, proliferation of works, participation in distinguished national exhibitions, and sharing of her abilities as a popular instructor to students of all levels. Kathleen has earned signature status with the Society of Animal Artists, the California Art Club, Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, Laguna Plein Air Painters, the American Society of Marine Artists, and Artists for Conservation. In 2012, she was honored with being asked to join the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America, where she served as vice president from 2016-2017. Her awards are many and include: Best of Show from the American Impressionist Society; Award of Excellence from Oil Painters of America; accolades at the Federal Duck Stamp Competition; Grand Prize at the Acadia Invitational Exhibition in Bar Harbor, Maine; and honorary participation in multiple juried shows such as Birds in Art, Arts for the Parks, and the California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibitions. Her highest honor to date came when the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum purchased one of her paintings from its acclaimed Birds in Art show for inclusion in its permanent collection. Her work continues to receive coverage in respected publications such as Plein Air Magazine, The Artist Magazine, The American Society of Marine Artists News and Journal, Art of the West, Southwest Art, Western Art & Architecture, and Western Art Collector. Kathleen owned a floral design business for several years while traveling the world while her husband, Randy Smart, was in the Air Force. Once back in the U.S., she began focusing on developing her fine art career. In 2000, Kathleen was awarded a scholarship at the renowned Academy of Art University in San Francisco, an institution where she maintains strong ties. Since 2003, Kathleen and Randy have happily been settled in the pristine Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. Their ranch, complete with goats, chickens, cats, and dogs, also contains a studio of her own design, enabling her to find endless inspiration for her work within footsteps. An avid outdoors person and hiker, she relishes painting several times a month "en plein air" with her sidekick and canine companion Ellie.