Our dear friend and PWS co-founder, Kay Montgomery, passed away on November 3, 2015 at the age of 91. Kay was an active PWS member and inspired us all with her beautiful paintings and generous spirit.

The following profile was written by Kay many years ago.

Kay Montgomery primarily works with transparent watercolor, but also uses acrylics, inks, fabric dyes, collage and gemstones, as well as pastels and colored pencil.  She usually has an idea about the direction a work is to go and uses whatever means are necessary to achieve that end, including happy accidents and mistakes.  Some pieces are abstract, others realistic, some are pure water media and others mixed media, and all are meant to be savored and enjoyed.

Montgomery is a native of Idaho, born in the desert county of southwestern Idaho and grew up on a ranch in that area.  She spent one year at Boise University before joining the Navy WAVES.  After being discharged from the service, she attended Concord College, Virginia; Duke University, North Carolina; Washington State University and the University of Idaho.  She lives on a small farm just west of Moscow where she and her husband raised four daughters.

Montgomery has displayed her award-winning work in many shows throughout the Northwest and has participated in many solo and group shows.  Her paintings are in permanent collections throughout the United States and Canada and her fiber artworks are in permanent collections of the First Bank of Troy, Idaho National Bank, Boise, and UI Student Union Building.

Artist's Statement:  "I usually paint in series and am currently involved in several ongoing efforts:  Shore Series, Earthstones, Earthbones, and Xeriscapes "Addictions."  Each one is approached in a different manner with a variety of materials and effects.  Texture is a very important element in many of my pieces as well as color and design.

The greatest influence on my work has been the many manifestations of nature itself.  I respond to colors, textures and underlying essences of living things in all seasons and ways of life.  I try to paint the emotion evoked by the ocean, the feeling that a fir tree elicits or the elation that a windy day arouses.  I paint for myself and to myself, wishing only that others feel pleasure in my paintings.  I am not a purist in my use of watercolor, but use whatever strikes my fancy and the mood of the moment."

Memberships:  Merit Member - Idaho Watercolor Society, Charter Member  - Palouse Watercolor Socius, Member - Northwest Watercolor Society