Cathy began painting porcelain in a Dresen class taught by Diana Monroy in 2001 and continued with her through 2004. Diana taught her to paint many flowers, the odd furry animal, and birds. That was also where she learned to use Roman Gold, LBG, metallics,enamel/RBG, and regular china paints. Additionally, she was encouraged to do pieces out of class when learning a subject, to reinforce the lessons being taught. At this same time, she joined Orange County Porcelain Artists. Most recently she has been learning naturalistic style with Anita Schuler.
As a member of OCPA, Cathy has painted convention fvors for both CAPA and IPAT, and auction pieces for CAPA. She has also participated in many voluntary exchanges of eggs and Christmas ornaments/items. As a very active part of the Orange County Group. Cathy has held he Recording Secretary Office from 2003-04 through the present. During that same period, she was the Editor of the OCPA Newsletter and wrote the OCPA insert for the CAPA Newsletters from 2003-04 through 2006-07. Cathy also served as the CAPA Recording Secretary for Jerry Gearhart in 2005-06 and was appointed as the Door Prize Chair for the 2006 CAPA Convention. During 2005-07, she held the Inspiration position. She also worked with former OCPA President Liz Newberg in the Installation of Officers in 2005-06 (candies), 2006-07 (Flower seeds), and for current OCPA President Leigh Nelson in 2009-10 (China Paints, undercover).
As part of OCPA's outreach effort, Cathy has demonstrated at the Orange County Fair, Fountain Valley Library, the Orange Antique Store and the hardest of all, Team-taught a Girl Scout Troop leaf stamping, penwork, and washes, as well as a general introduction to China Painting, with Quiz to receive the badge. It was rewarding and exhausting.
Since belonging to CAPA. she has had the opportunity to participate in many of the annual seminars including: Alzora Zaremba, Patty Ringer, Ann Zitterkopf, Jerri Cook Barton, Consuelo Vargas, Cherryl Meggs, and Jean Fehl.
Other seminars and workshops she has taken include Roberta Denny, Irene Graham, Betty Ann Craig, Shelby Franklin and Cindy Moore.
As anyone can see, Cathy is truly addicted to china painting. If she can't do it, see it or read about it, she is just not happy.