Updated 1/3/2013

Edited by Ian Petty

Sorry this is the first update since late last year but it has been a difficult time for Kate. Further health issues have appeared but hopefully to have finally been resolved. She is now taking time out to enjoy Ian's retirement and everything is in place for the big wilderness expeditions that have been planned for the last two years. The first in the plans is to go there and back to Albany on both the Bibbulmun Track and Mundabiddi Trail before travelling further on Australia's wonderful network of tracks and trails so that she can experience more of the Great Australian Bush.

After her illness Kate took a much needed break and tried out the new Scott bicycles and Bob trailers on the Mundabiddi Trail Covering around 360Km before having to pull up with a damaged cartilage. She got plenty of inspiration though and some much needed R&R and is looking forward to my retirement early next year.

After finally finishing her painful jaw rebuild and thankfully not having to have any further procedures, Kate took a much needed vacation to see her family in the UK and taking a break in Rhodes. She has returned rejuvenated and anxious to get back into full swing again, as if she ever stops!. Her exhibition at Rocksgate Winery is taking priority but as usual she has been busy elsewhere as well. The Byford Fine Arts 2011 Exhibition were she is a member of the organising committee was a great success. She received the top award for pastel at York Society Exhibition, Highly Commended at the Watercolour Society of W.A. Annual Awards and has sold several works since she got back home.

Kate has to undergo a series of medical procedures throughout 2011 but refuses to stop working. She has finally stood down as President of the Watercolour Society of W.A. after her third year. This was a particularly busy year for the society as it was their 30th anniversary with several high profile exhibitions. She also has her own exhibitions going on, as well as trying to fit in a trip to U.K. and she will not stop any of her teaching classes and workshops. Oh and don't forget all the judging and painting in between. Maybe the surgeons need to get into training to try and keep up with her as I am sure she will not stop unless cornered and anesthetised!

The special anniversary exhibition at Perth Town Hall, Perth 2010-As We See It  was an exhibition of paintings by the members of the Watercolour Society of WA depicting scenes from around the Perth CBD and created huge interest not only as an art exhibition but as an historic time capsule for future generations. A special photo book, edited by Kate, is for sale at Blurb. Available in hard or soft cover the first print has been snapped up and it is about to go to a reprint. Great as a gift for those that love Perth. It is also available at the university and public libraries.

Not only is Kate a member of the Watercolour Society of WA and member of Armadale Society of Artists but a member of the Byford Progressive Association who with the support of The Glades Development are showcasing the talent of local artists and are rapidly making Byford the artistic centre of Perth's south west. The Glades have plans for an arts and cultural centre which is due to commence in 2011.

The website has not been updated as regularly as usual so far this year due to more pressing matters. Please accept our apologises.

For those that have not heard Kate has been fighting cancer and as usual Kate has been concentrating on positive attitude and not allowing the negatives that can come with the illness and its treatment, to dominate her life. The two operations to remove the Melanoma from her leg appear to have been successful and her recovery continues. Only four weeks after the surgery she walked over 150Km of the Bibbulmun Track painting scenes and amazing other walkers along the way.

She has continued her watercolour teaching classes and her work promoting the watercolour medium throughout the ordeal, refusing to have her focus distracted from "these more important issues"

Kate was elected President of the Watercolour Society of Western Australia in August 2007, until she stood down because of health issues in August 2010.