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about Buffy Kaufman

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Buffy Michelle Kaufman 

| American b.1975 Orange, California | 
About: 

Humble beginnings—some of my earliest memories are of tearing pages from my mom’s books to sketch on. With just a bic pen and a vivid imagination, drawing became my way to explore the world. That early curiosity laid the foundation for a lifelong calling.

Mostly self-taught, my journey has been fueled by exploration. Art feels meant to be shared, which is why teaching has always been close to my heart. For over eight years, I taught art to at-risk youth and children's classes before shifting to adult workshops in 2019. I love turning my own studies and experiments into lessons that encourage freedom and joy in watercolor.

As a watercolor pour artist, my work embraces spontaneity and abstraction, often incorporating mixed media to deepen the expression. Inspired by the natural world, there’s a strong pull to wander God’s creation—whether painting en plein air or capturing photographs for studio reference. Stylized colors blend together to create pieces that reflect this deep connection to nature.

In Calimesa, California, where the foothills of the San Gorgonio Pass stretch wide, life is shared with my husband and our faithful Doberman, Cowboy. The shifting light here quietly guides the flow of both my art and everyday moments.

I’m thankful to be a Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador and a Signature Member of both the Louisiana Watercolor Society and Women in Watercolor. 

“You can never tell what untold glories a little humble path may lead if you follow it far enough.”
— Lilias Trotter

Artist Statement: 

Much of my work is inspired by time spent in nature, where I feel closest to God—Through abstract forms and poured washes, I try to echo that sense of peace and presence. 

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Exhibitions & Events

Workshop or judging inquiries? Use the Contact Page 

Demos & Workshops:

2025 Valentines Floral Workshop Fallbrook School of the Arts 

2025 DPAA California Desert Plein Air Festival Demo at The Galen Gallery

2024 Desert Plein Air Association Paint the Desert Festival Demo at The Galen Gallery

2024 Miami Watercolor Society Poured Palms Workshop

2024 Miami Watercolor Society Desert Palms Demo

2023 Coachella Valley Watercolor Society Poured Desertscapes Workshop

2023 Coachella Valley Watercolor Society Poured Palm Tree Demo

2023 Hawaii Watercolor Society Poured Plumeria Online Workshop

2023 Peaches and Cream Peonies Watercolor Workshop Fallbrook School of the Arts

2023 Fallbrook Art Association Dune Primrose Demo and Workshop

2022 Hawaii Watercolor Society Atmospheric Waves​ Online Workshop

2022 Into the Wild Watercolor Workshop Fallbrook School of the Arts

2021 Watercolor Textures Fallbrook School of the Arts

2020 Fallbrook Art Association Poured Yellow Rose

Retail Demo & Workshops:

2025 Terracotta Art | Cherry Blossoms in Watercolor

2025 Terracotta Art | Tree Groves 

2025 Art Supply Warehouse Poured Florals

2024 Terracotta Art Expressive Florals

2024 Art Supply Warehouse Expressive Florals

2023 Opus Art Supplies Blooming Watercolor

2023 Plaza Art Supplies Lily Ponds

2023 Terracotta Art Atmospheric Landscape

2021 Etchr Studio Watercolor Greeting Cards

Exhibitions:

2025 Northwest Watercolor Society 85th Annual International Open Exhibit 

2025 6th Annual Women in Watercolor International Competition​

2025 Fabriano Acquarello Exhibition, Fabriano, Italy

2025 Georgia Watercolor Society Member Exhibition

2025 50th Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition 

2024 Northwest Watercolor Society 84th Annual International Open Exhibit 

2024 Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador Group Exhibit, San Diego, CA.

2022 Louisiana Watercolor Society 52nd Annual International Exhibition

2022 3rd Annual Women in Watercolor International Competition​

2022 San Diego Watercolor Society's Spring, Summer, & Winter Triennial Exhibition

2021 Louisiana Watercolor Society 51st Annual International Exhibition​

2021 San Diego Watercolor Society 41st International Exhibition ​​​

2020 Louisiana Watercolor Society 50th Annual International Exhibition

Awards:

2025 Honorable Mention - Women in Watercolor International Competition​ 

2025 Mockingbird Award - 50th Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition 

2025 Painter of the Month 2nd Place - Coachella Watercolor Society

2024 M. Graham Merchandise Award - Northwest Watercolor Society 84th Annual International Open 

2024 Painter of the Year Honorable Mention - Coachella Watercolor Society 

2024 Painter of the Month Honorable Mention - Coachella Watercolor Society 

2022 Abstract Finalist - Women in Watercolor International Competition​ 

2020 3rd Place Watercolor Award - FAA Spring Show

2019 1st Place Mixed Media Award - Fallbrook Art Association

2018 2nd Place Watercolor Award - Fallbrook Art Association 

2017 1k Grand Prize Winner - Threadless Design Challenge

Museum Exhibitions:

2025 Fabriano Acquarello Exhibition, Fabriano, Italy

2025 50th Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition 

Art Shows:

2025 Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Color Symphony National Show

Judge/Juror: 

2025 Fallbrook Art Association Awards Judge October Show

2024 FAA April & December Art Show Awards Judge 

2024 Miami Watercolor Society Spring Exhibition Awards Judge 

2023 Women in Watercolor International Competition Awards Judge 

2023 My Hero, Our Heroes Art Competition Fallbrook CA

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Original Artwork and Prints 

Click on the shop page to explore works available at Saatchi Art

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