about Buffy Kaufman
Buffy Michelle Kaufman
| American b.1975 Orange, California |
About:
Buffy Kaufman is a watercolor pour artist whose work leans into abstraction, highlighting expressive color and distinctive mark-making. Inspired by the beauty of creation, her pieces are known for their emotion and atmosphere, inviting viewers to experience reflections of her time in nature.
She begins each painting using her Marks Method, a formula that guides the creative journey while leaving room for the unexpected. Poured washes of color establish atmosphere, and the image gradually emerges through reduction and minimal, deliberate touches. This approach allows each piece to celebrate the spontaneity of watercolor while maintaining a quiet sense of intention.
In addition to her studio work, Kaufman is an established instructor, having taught art to at-risk youth and children for over eight years before expanding into adult workshops in 2019. She turns her own studies and experiments into lessons that inspire freedom and joy in watercolor.
She lives in Calimesa, California, surrounded by the foothills of the San Gorgonio Pass. Kaufman is a Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador and a Signature Member of the Louisiana Watercolor Society, Women in Watercolor, and the Northwest Watercolor Society.
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.
Exhibitions & Events
Workshop or judging inquiries? Use the Contact Page
Signature Memberships:
2025 Northwest Watercolor Society | NWWS
2025 Women in Watercolor | WIW
2022 Louisiana Watercolor Society | LWS
Demos & Workshops:
2026 Terracotta Art | Stones to Story - Abstract Watercolor Workshop
2026 Coachella Valley Watercolor Society - A Taste of Watercolor -Workshop
2025 Valentines Floral Workshop Fallbrook School of the Arts
2025 Terracotta Art | Cherry Blossoms in Watercolor
2025 Valentines Floral Workshop Fallbrook School of the Arts
2025 DPAA California Desert Plein Air Festival Demo at The Galen Gallery
2025 Terracotta Art | Tree Groves
2025 Art Supply Warehouse Poured Florals
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
2024 Terracotta Art Expressive Florals
2024 Art Supply Warehouse Expressive Florals
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
2023 Opus Art Supplies Blooming Watercolor
2023 Plaza Art Supplies Lily Ponds
2023 Terracotta Art Atmospheric Landscape
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
2021 Etchr Studio Watercolor Greeting Cards
2020 Fallbrook Art Association Poured Yellow Rose
Exhibitions:
2026 Women in Watercolor Members International Exhibition
2026 North American Watercolor Society Inaugural Membership Online Exhibition
2025 Southwest Artistry Exhibition | Fallbrook Center for the Arts
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:
2026 Honorable Mention - Rhode Island Watercolor Society Making your Mark Show
2026 Painter of the Month 2nd Place - Coachella Valley Watercolor Society
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 Valley 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:
2026 Fabriano Acquarello Exhibition, Fabriano, Italy
2025 Fabriano Acquarello Exhibition, Fabriano, Italy
2025 50th Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition
Art Shows:
2026 Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Making your Mark Show
2026 Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Treasures National Show
2026 Las Laguna Gallery Black, White and Grey or Monochrome Show
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
En Plein Air Events :
2026 DPAA Quick Draw at The Gardens on El Paseo | Palm Desert
2026 California Desert Plein Air Festival
2025 California Desert Plein Air Festival
Original Artwork and Prints
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