September Brushstrokes

The August/September issue of Bloom magazine features artwork by BWS member Joe Lee.

Sept. 11
BWS meeting to focus
on best framing practices

Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, Sept. 11, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.

Matthew Schnaars from Framemakers, who will present the program on best practices for preserving and presenting watercolor artworks in a frame. “The final step of any painting is not placing the last brush stroke, but framing the artwork for the audience to view,” Matthew said. “Picture framing can enhance any work of art, but it can also protect it against the damages of time, and a skilled picture framer knows how to balance both aspects.”

Matthew will discuss topics such as mounting and matting options, working with watercolor paper as a framer, concerns about long-term preservation, different framing styles, and ways to work within a budget when framing your artwork. Matthew will bring some visual examples of all of the above to view and handle, and would be pleased to answer any and all questions that his time and experience will allow.

Member Show
“WE PAINT…Things We Love!”

The Fall Membership Show will hang at Viridian Moon Gallery, 1600 W. Bloomfield Rd., from Sept. 20 through Oct. 28. Viridian Moon Gallery will host an opening reception Sept. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Each member is invited to show one framed artwork no larger than 32 inches in either direction. For complete information, please consult the Show Prospectus on the BWS website: https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/member-shows-workshops/show-rules/prospectus/.

Important Show dates

Sept. 15, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Deliver painting to Viridian Moon. Consult Prospectus for labeling instructions.
Sept. 23, 3 – 5 p.m. Opening Reception
Oct. 28, 3 – 5 p.m. Closing Reception
Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pick up artwork

A $50 People’s Choice Award will be awarded at the closing reception, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m.
If you have questions, contact Laura or Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

August BWS meeting program

BWS member and professional clown Joe Lee transformed himself into “Jolais,” his clown persona, via costume and makeup while BWS members sketched and painted him. He talked about the significance, symbolism, and history of clowning using his own illustrations before striking a pose.


Peden Farm Volunteers needed!

BWS members will share an easy art project for all youth, parents and teachers attending the school-sponsored event at Peden Farm on Sept. 28 and 29. More than 2,000 patrons are expected this year so lots of volunteers are needed. You can volunteer for morning or afternoon shifts by contacting Sarah Ward: info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Breakfast and a barbecue lunch will be provided by our hosts.

THE LUME

Bloomington Watercolor Society has arranged a trip Wednesday, Oct. 18 to Newfields – The LUME to see a new version of the Van Gogh exhibit that many of us enjoyed last year. Aside from the vast array of spectacular images that surrounded us before, there will also be eight Japanese woodblocks and a “Sunflower Room” with seemingly endless fields of sunny flowers. Many aspects will be as brilliant this time as last, but we have learned that there will also be different effects with this newer version of the exhibit. If you saw the Van Gogh exhibit before, you know how stunning the immersive art, the classical music, the orchestrated lighting, and the interactive exhibits were. This is another chance to experience that once again without worrying about navigating traffic in Indianapolis.
Here are the particulars:
DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 18
COST: $25 per person (includes bus transportation, if desired)
OPEN TO BWS MEMBERS: One additional reservation may be made at the rate of $25 per guest
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF BUS SEATS: 26
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER: Rural Transit (Bus is NOT wheelchair equipped.)
MEETING TIME: 9:30 a.m. at Lowe’s (Please don’t be late.)
DEPARTURE: 9:45 a.m.
ARRIVAL AT NEWFIELDS: 10:45 a.m. (est.)
ENTER NEWFIELDS: 11 a.m.
DEPARTURE BACK TO BLOOMINGTON: 1:30 p.m.
ARRIVAL IN BLOOMINGTON: 2:30 – 3: p.m. (est.)
RESERVATION DEADLINE: Sept. 30
CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Oct. 10 (No refunds thereafter)

If you are interested, please don’t wait to make reservations; there is a limited number of bus seats. If you have not been to Newfields, there is a a gift shop (naturally) and a cafe where you can take a break if you like. To reserve your spot and pay electronically, go to https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/lume-roadtrip-2023/.
To pay by check, contact the BWS Treasurer, Barbara Coffman through info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Member News

Patty Uffman will be the featured artist for September and October at the Cancer Support Center. Her show, “Outside Influences,” includes acrylics as well as watercolors and can be seen at the Opening Reception Friday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cancer Support Center, 1719 W. Third St. in Bloomington. The Gallery will also be open daily for public viewing by appointment only. Email Stephanie@cancersupportscin.org or call 812-233-3286 to arrange a visit.

Three of Christine Peterson‘s paintings have received recognition this summer. “Remember Fishing” (above right) was juried in to the SALI National Abstract Art Exhibition XIX, to be shown at the Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis. Her painting “Waiting and Waiting” (above middle) was accepted into the NWS and Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour 2024 International Exchange Exhibition. And her “Morning Break” (above left) painting is currently hanging in the 41st Annual WSI juried exhibit at Newfields museum. She also won Grand Champion at the Monroe County Fair this summer with her painting “Old Man Winter.”

Tim Lewis‘s watercolor, “Sunshine Came Softly,” (above) received the Bob Bratton Memorial Award presented by Between Paper & Palette (5th place) in the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Annual Juried Exhibition. The show is in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and runs through Sept. 30. You can also view all 45 paintings in the show at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/WSI-Store .

Tim’s watercolor, “Fixing the Outrigger,” (above) will be a part of the Nickel Plate Arts Members Only Show at the Judge Stone House in Noblesville from Sept. 1 – 30.

Rose Brenner won 2nd place at the Good Ole Summertime Hoosier Art Salon competition in New Harmony. Her painting, “Early Morning Walk,” (above) is a 16″x20″ oil.

Andy Roberts (above — on the left) shared a $500 Best of Show award for his watercolor painting of the West Baden Hotel Valley View. He participated last month in the plein air event sponsored by the Indiana Heritage Arts of Nashville at the West Baden Springs property.


Beyond BWS

Viridian Moon announces the final reception and People’s Choice Winner announcement Saturday, Sept. 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. for the Upland Plein Air Member Show – 2023. Until that day Viridian Moon will be collecting votes for the Show’s pieces. Please come to support/vote for your favorite artist!

Upland Plein Air Member Show


Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show
Aug. 25 – Sept. 23
Closing reception: Sept. 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
Brown County Art Gallery
1 Artist Drive, Nashville, IN.
Gallery hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.
The show features work from several BWS members: Katya Alexeeva, Kathy Barton, Jacki Frey, Betty Wagoner, Joanne Shank, and Andy Roberts.

WHAT: Second Annual Bloomington Paint Out
WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023. RAIN OR SHINE
WHERE: Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park (Next to the swimming pool).
HOSTED BY: Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. Bloomington Watercolor Society, Upland Plein Air, The Portrait Group, and Artists for Climate Awareness are teaming up with Bloomington Parks and Rec for our second annual Paint Bloomington!
NO REGISTRATION FEE: Free. No advance registration required.
Artists check in between 9.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Pavilion the day of the event to have their canvasses or multi-media paper stamped before beginning their work. Supplies available for classes at the Pavilion and for painting on the Bryan Park grounds. Artists will be able to paint anywhere in Bloomington.
HOW: Open to professional and emerging artists of all ages and skill levels to create original artwork of any subject in any medium. Stamped/tagged works must be completed by 3 p.m. for judging.
Completed works need to be brought to the Woodlawn Pavilion marked with the artist’s name and email address on the back. Please do not sign artwork until after judging. Wet Oil paintings should be in a frame for safe handling or BYO easel/display.AWARDS: ALL stamped works completed that day will be eligible for judging.
Awards will be for artists in the following categories in ALL media: Professional artists, Adult Artists, Teens (12-17), and Youth (7-11) and Collaborative art.
Please email paintbloomington@gmail.com for additional information.
CLASSES will be at the Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all ages.
DEMONSTRATIONS: Various artists will be giving demonstrations throughout the day and there will be opportunities to paint with them.
Music, Storytelling, and Poetry readings will be at the Pavilion throughout the day. Picnickers and friends and family members and all observers welcome! All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Please email paintbloomington@gmail.com for additional information.

Workshop!
Establishing the Painting with
Personal Choice & Perspective

Friday, September 8th marks the beginning
of Art Colony Weekend. Spend the day with
award-winning Guild artist and instructor,
David M. Seward.

??Are you struggling with decision making
in your painting process? Look no further!

With David’s guidance, you will learn how to make informed decisions about color, composition, and other important aspects of painting.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, his techniques will help take your skills to the next level!

The cost is $150/$175. To register, go to https://browncountyartguild.org/.

Calendar

Aug. 25 – Sept. 23 Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show, Brown County Art Gallery
Sept. 8 David M. Seward Workshop – Establishing the Painting with Personal Choice & Perspective
Sept. 8 4-7 p.m. Opening Reception for Patty Uffman’s “Outside Influences” at Cancer Support Center
Sept. 11 6 p.m. BWS meeting, First Christian Church
Sept. 15 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Deliver paintings to Viridian Moon for Member Show
Sept. 16 3-5 p.m. Final Reception and People’s Choice Award announcement for Upland Plein Air Member Show
Sept. 22 Opening Reception for Fall Splendor show at Brown County Art Gallery
Sept. 23 3-5 p.m. Opening Reception for Member Show at Viridian Moon
Sept. 23 2-4 p.m. Closing Reception for Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show, Brown County Art Gallery
Sept. 28-29 BWS volunteers at Peden Farm
Sept. 30 Reservation deadliner for BWS Field Trip to Newfield’s – The LUME
Oct. 7 2nd Annual Bloomington Paint-out, Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park
Oct. 18 BWS Field Trip to Newfield’s – The LUME
Oct. 28 3-5 p.m. Closing Reception for Member Show, Viridian Moon
Nov. 1 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pick up Member Show paintings at Viridian Moon