Kay Rebber Foote (March 3, 1923 – March 5, 2021), a native Californian, lived by the ocean in Laguna Beach, California. Her background includes a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the University of Southern California and graduate work at Art Center College and the Chouinard Art Institute.
Kay uses oil, watercolors, acrylic and egg tempera, selecting media for their natural affinity for expressing a certain mood. Her work reflects the influence of the French impressionists and she expresses admiration for the works of J.M.W. Turner (19th C. watercolorist) and Wm. Russel Flint (early 20th C. Scottish master).
In her own words:
“I find landscape the most challenging subject to paint. It has been called the visual equivalent of philosophy. Although painting a location, one is attempting to communicate the visual poetry that the artist has experienced when viewing a scene where the infinite aspects of earth and sky have worked together to create a sense of awe and wonder for the world in which we live. In the works of Corot, Turner and Monet, I have found fundamental sensibilities and a kindred vision.
I enjoy including architecture in landscapes because it gives a clue to the culture and history of the location.”
Spending a month in Europe nearly every year for over 25 years, she studied and painted in London, Paris, Florence, Munich, and other great centers in Europe. She was a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and was listed in Who's Who in the West, the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge England, and the International Directory of Distinguished Leadership.
Selected Awards and Exhibitions:
- City of Newport Beach Annual Juried Show, 1976–77
- Laguna Beach Art Museum, 1976–79
- Laguna Beach Festival Art, 1976–98
- DAFCA Show, Disney Studios, L.A. 1977
- Juror, California State Fair, 1979
- Special Award, Laguna Beach Art Museum, 1983
- San Bernadino County Museum Art, 1983
- Laguna Beach Art Museum Invitational, 1983
- Designs Recycled Gallery, Brea, 1984
- Brea Municipal Art Gallery, 1987
- Past President Award, National Watercolor Society, Los Angeles, 1987
- Realism Exhibition, John Wayne Airport, 1991
- Best of Show, Laguna Niguel Echos & Visions, 1997