July 13th Meeting:

6 p.m., Business Meeting, via Zoom. Incoming President Joanna Samorow-Merzer Presiding

I am very honored to be chosen as the new president of the Bloomington Watercolor Society.

BWS is an organization premised on an explicit devotion to watercolor, and an implicit appreciation of camaraderie as a source of inspiration, support, insight, and joy as we all seek to grow as artists.

I assume the office of president of BWS at a time when, unfortunately, that vital camaraderie is challenged. At the present time, due to the coronavirus, physically gathering as a group clearly presents too great a health risk. We do not currently know if the situation will return to normal in a matter of months, or a year, or—let us hope not—even longer.

And so our challenge is to maintain a virtual camaraderie and to keep the spirit and mission of BWS alive through Zoom and perhaps other technologies. For me, and perhaps for many of you, it’s not an easy adaptation.

But I will undertake to keep BWS active and our membership connected even during this period of unwelcome isolation. We will strive to find new ways to exhibit our art. Let’s resolve to use this period of time to be productive as artists!

7 p.m. Program via Zoom: Discovering Your MUSEum… Carol Rhodes
Nancy Davis Metz

Program Description:

Feeling a bit cooped up? Dying to visit your favorite art museum, or any museum, for that matter? Needing a spark to ignite your creativity during this pandemic?

Carol Rhodes and Nancy Metz will show you how to tour the museums of the world in search of what inspires you. You will get a quick tutorial on how to do a quick sketch of an artpiece and a few tips on how translate the inspiration in to your own work.

Supplies: Sketchbook or paper, pencil

BWS Outgoing President’s Report

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As outgoing president I want to thank Bloomington Watercolor Society:  Officers, Chairs, Volunteers, and each and every Member!  Your continuing efforts and support have kept us going and growing!  Our organization is a myriad group of interesting, talented, good-natured people who enjoy belonging to a group that encourages the art of watercolor – something we all share in common.   Our members are deeply invested in our organization – I have been delighted to see phenomenal involvement from our members with virtually everything from participating in shows to volunteering for refreshments to stepping up to serve on the board and committees.  I applaud every one of you!

Bloomington Watercolor Society has gone through an extraordinary year on many fronts.  The year began with the cancellation of our first meeting in September due to the resurfacing of the parking lot at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church where we have customarily held our monthly meetings.  Aside from our traditional holiday party in December, we resumed our monthly meetings there, as normal, from October through March.  Then the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and we joined our global neighbors by reformulating our lives and activities.  

Bloomington Watercolor Society was determined to keep creativity flowing in spite of new restrictions placed on public gatherings.  When health protocols prohibited holding our meetings at St. Mark’s, we put technology to work.  Charlotte Griffin and Carol Rhodes took the reins and laid the groundwork for our continuing meetings.

Our first Zoom meeting in April was a first for BWS as well as for many of our members.  We were pleased to find out that even in a world of “social distancing” we could still connect and share our art and camaraderie.  May and June Zoom meetings were technically smoother and we ended the year with recognition of the outgoing board.  I want to thank each member of the executive board for devoting time and effort to keep BWS running smoothly.  

1^st VP – Kitty Garlock
2^nd VP – Jane Matranga
Secretary – Suzanne Thorin
Treasurer – Carol Rhodes

Committee chairs are an integral part of the board, often working “behind the scenes” to ensure the success of BWS.  For their continual willingness to do what it takes to make it happen, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation.  BWS thrives as a result of their combined voluntary efforts!

Activities – Katya Alexeeva
Brushstrokes – Nancy Metz and Jerry Harste
Finance – Carol Rhodes, Kathy Barton, and Jacqueline Ferrenette
Historian – Candi Bailey
Nominating – Bob Burris, Dawn Cartwright, and
Sara Steffey-McQueen
Programs – Jo Weddle
Paint-out – Betty Wagoner
Publicity – Cassidy Young
Refreshments – Carla Hedges
Scholarship – Jeanne Dutton
Show – Jessica McKinney
Technology – Charlotte Griffin and Carol Rhodes 

I am happy to welcome members stepping into leadership positions on our new board.  Each one brings unique talents and qualities to help guide our organization as it continues to evolve.  Our executive board for 2020-21 will be:

President – Joanna Samorow-Merzer
1^st VP – Patty Uffman
 2^nd VP – Kitty Garlock
 Secretary – Melissa Adkins
 Treasurer – Carol Rhodes

New committee chairs joining current committee chairs for 2020-21 include:
Activities – Cassidy Young
Publicity – Kriste Lindberg
Show – Kathy Barton
Historian – Linda Branstetter

Our BWS Scholarship Winner, Mikah Mevis, could not attend the June meeting, but Kitty Garlock offered brief remarks about Mikah’s selection and interest in art.

At the outset of the year our original plein air group became a separate organization. Although a few members initially expressed concern about how drastically BWS might be affected, as the year progressed we realized that our ups and downs are quite normal, and by June of 2020 our membership total was virtually equal to the prior year.  Although some members did migrate from BWS to the plein air group, others remained in both, and a number of new members were added to our roster.  All in all, we were pleased to see our organization remain strong, creative, and resilient.

Gauging from increased participation and compliments offered from those who attended, our shows were very successful.  (Offering an array of complimentary snacks continues to attract a loyal fan base.)  The selection of The Mill for our Membership Show was impressive, but as a venue proved challenging due to limited hours.  Our Show Chair, Jessica McKinney, who recently moved to Indianapolis, summarized the exhibit and compiled recommendations, which will be passed along to our new Show Chair, Kathy Barton.

A variety of interesting programs throughout the year added to our members’ skill and knowledge – and once again I want to thank all our presenters for sharing their time and artistic talents.  Although we normally recess for the summer months, in view of the pandemic and its impact on our ability to convene as normal, we have agreed to hold Zoom meetings in July and August.  Joanna Samorow-Merzer, our new president, will preside over those meetings and will continue to monitor our regular meeting site, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, to see if and when we will be able to reconvene there. 

With great sorrow over the past year we said a final good-bye to two members:  Sande Nitti and Deloris Schneider.  Their passing was a tremendous personal and artistic loss to us, but we are so grateful for the time we shared with both of them.

Bloomington Watercolor Society is a unique organization with vibrant artists and generous volunteers who have kept it running steadily over the past 15 years, since its inception in 2005.  I have been happy to be a part of its history and will enjoy watching it evolve and thrive in the years to come!

To All Our Members:  It’s been my pleasure to serve as President for the past year, and I would like to thank you very much for everything you have done to keep BWS such a vital organization during my tenure and into the future!

Patty Uffman

Inside BWS

Karst Farm Part Paint-Out

July 11, 9 am-12

Betty Wagoner writes: “This park will be a real treat.  It offers lots to inspire an artist.  According to the Monroe County description, it is named for “its rolling terrain.”  It is the site of the former county poor farm.  Features include open prairies, woodlands, ponds, athletic fields, ball parks, picnic shelters, walking trails, children’s play areas, restrooms and parking.  It is located near the airport off of Airport Rd.

Go to https://mcparksandrec.org/wp/ for more information and a map.  Clicking on the menus will reveal photos of areas of the park.  For instance, photos of the woodlands and natural areas can be found under the Programs menu.”

Yellowwood Paint Out, June 20

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It was a beautiful day at the Yellowwood Lake Shelter for the first BWS paint-out of the year. Although it was hot in Bloomington, the lake and a breeze cooled us to a pleasant temperature.There were 10 painters plus three who came by for a visit.  Claude shared a container of much appreciated home-baked muffins.  The lake cooperated with alternating calm, reflective waters and breeze generated waves, plus variations of color.  Being a Saturday, the lake was filled with canoes and kayaks of many types and colors. A definite plus for plein air painting.  Everyone was pleased to be reconnecting and painting outdoors while maintaining safe distancing

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A Message From Grant Wood

Hi Guys – thought I would give you the link to a demo I did on some South African shipping trawlers in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxQ7oG48uNM&fbclid=IwAR3gMwQLuxMinR1dutJ-35wuzgwwzUlleJ8TQEFxXsjgVDoJWOWE4S-7eV4
Warm regards, Grant Wood.

Patricia Coleman:  How to Create and Share Your Videos

If you, like me, are wanting to do demonstrations and/or share video recording, here is what I learned.

First off, if you are going to create video demonstrations you will definitely need a tripod to hold you iPhone, iPad, or camera.  Set up your camera so that the frame includes whatever you want to have in your video.

Most people recording classes are also using a web camera so that they can have a focus on themselves and their demonstration. If you have a web camera, you are fortunate because when I last checked, there are still none available in Bloomington stores. I ordered one and was told that it will arrive sometime in August.

Create a rough script of everything you wish to cover and begin by practicing setup and recording in your desired location. Gather everything you will be using and have it where you can easily reach it.

If you go to ‘The Wellness Art Cafe: Creatively Being’ to check out my videos, you will see various videos that I have created using my iPhone, iPad, and most recently my Mac Desktop using Photo Booth for story reading and storytelling. I mostly use the sound recording inside of my computer. I also have been setting up an audio book recording studio, but this a work in progress. At present I have a Blue Yeti microphone and pop-up screen to use when recording stories. You will also see that as I am reading a story I present the text using voice over and often insert music. The Mac Desktop, iPad and iPhone comes with iMovie and Garage Band. These apps make the process of creating multimodal texts very easy. 

I encourage you to set up your own YouTube Channel. You can do so by installing a YouTube app. This app allows you to upload your videos directly from your iPhone, iPad or any Mac or android phone or computer.  Once installed, you can set it to be private which allows you to download your videos, edit, or re-record before you go public. 

If you have not already done so, register for a free private Zoom account. YouTube videos can be shared on Zoom. 

If you want to live stream your recordings from YouTube to Zoom you will need to install Open Source Broadcasting (OSB).  It is easy to install, just follow the instructions that are provided.

If you use music other than your own, you will have to purchase the rights or get music that is in the public domain.  YouTube lists various resources. 

Hoping this helps. 

Patricia C. Coleman, @patriciaccolemanart, @localfoodbloomington and The Wellness Arts Cafe,
Quilter’s Comfort

How Members Are Spending Their Time

Phyllis Taylor (One of our Members from Oregon)

“In response to what we did during the pandemic, this has been a very weird Spring. As a cellist I went from having 15 concerts, a wedding and gobs of rehearsals scheduled to nothing–as have most musicians. So I painted a lot! I painted a young friend who is on the flute faculty at a small college in Los Angeles. She wonders what the future will hold for her as a musician and new faculty member. I tried to capture that pensiveness.”

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Susan Savastuk

“I have been trying some collage work. Above is a portrait of Lynne Gilliatt which I recently completed.” 

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Candice Bailey

“This painting is a pen and ink with watercolor which I haven’t tried for years and years.”

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MarySue Schwab

“I have been working on paintings that I have wanted to rework. It has been fun improving, and even completely changing some of my artwork. I am excited to add that I have a watercolor painting in the WSI Show at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields. The show will open August 9 and will be on exhibit until September 26. I posted the painting on Facebook and now have over 380 likes! Most ever for me! It is a painting of an old farmhouse on Kent road.”  (To see MarySue’s painting go to Outside BWS and read the WSI entry.)

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Robin Edmundson

“I have a show at The Venue (114 S Grant Street) from July 3-29. If you cannot make the show in person, you can view the show online here: https://www.robinedmundson.com/ramble“

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Jacki Frey

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Jerry Harste

“Since I missed Judy Mudd’s workshop, I decided to attend one of her online workshops. I was surprised with all I learned. I’m particularly pleased with the background in this painting as I never quite understood how to keep a background from overtaking the painting itself. The boat, I admit, leaves a little bit to be desired, but all the more reason to ruin another piece of paper tomorrow. On July 25th Judy is going to have an online workshop on how to paint a rainy street scene. You can bet I’ll be in attendance as I don’t know how to do that either.”

Cassidy Young

“The quarantine has broken down the barriers that divide and compartmentalize my life; home, school, kids, art, and art business, etc. I haven’t yet decided if that is a good thing or not. That said, I am still holding firm to routines and attempting to create good new habits that I can take with me into my new normal. I’m gardening, baking, doing a couch to 5k program, planning and presenting a workshop for Ivy Tech, and working with the Bloomington Open Studio Tour (https://bloomingtonopenstudiostour.com/). I’m failing at planning for my fall semester, because I’m not ready to forecast the future, but taking several teaching and artist workshops to prepare in different ways. This may seem like a lot, but it doesn’t feel like it. I’m still spending time in the hammock and I’ve no interest in creating a large, time consuming, high energy, piece of artwork. I just don’t have the stamina. For me there’s been a lot of self-improvement, practice, and exercise. It’s okay that not everything I make is artwork to be presented. I’m being gentle and kind to myself, being grateful for what I have, and reminding myself that every little bit adds up. Included are exerpts from my visual journal and personal artist exercises.” (See additional sketches in the Photo Gallery.)

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Char Dapena

“I’ve been painting some floral cards because I don’t want to go to the store, and some portraits. Attached is a card, plus a portrait of my cat Mango. Both are watercolors. Thanks to Claude Cookman, who has kept the portrait group inspired with monthly portrait ideas.” 

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Bob Burris

“I  drew this several years ago. Looking for something to do, I decided to finish it.”

Meri Reinhold

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“The only finished work I have is my Tanzanian woman portrait and my two cats (RIP).  The Tanzanian woman was trying to see my jewelry but I talked her into letting me take her photo instead. The calico is Genny and the Himalayan is Sassy.  I think the Tanzanian lady was Maasai, but I’m not certain.  I was on my ‘bucket list’ trip in 2014 and did a photo safari through northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.”

Carol Rhodes

“Here is a pandemic entry.”

Nina Ost

My church, St. Thomas Lutheran, has flat parishioners made by members seated in the sanctuary for visual services. This is me.

Outside BWS

Kristen Stamper joins with 11 Bloomington artists for our 2020 Virtual Open Studio Tour featuring video visits for you to enjoy. Take a virtual tour now through July 23 at https://bloomingtonopenstudiostour.com

CALL FOR ENTRIES 15th Annual Member Exhibit                         Best of Show 2019 Appalachian Dancers by Carol Bosko New Harmony Gallery August 1 – September 6, 2020 Opening & Awards:Saturday, August 1, 2020, 12 – 4 p.m. Awards Presentation, 4 p.m., on FB Live   PROSPECTUS Pre-registration deadline: July 25.  Application Fee: $25 before July 15 or $30 after July 15 until July 25, 2020. You must be a current 2020 artist member of the Hoosier Salon. Delivery of Art to New Harmony: Sunday, July 26, 1-4 PM or Monday, July 27, 1-4 PM

Watercolor Society of Indiana

The WSI 2020 Annual Juried Exhibition is scheduled to open at the Indianapolis Museum of Art @ Newfields beginning August 7 and running through September 26th. The opening reception will be held on August 9 at the IMA, DeBoest Lecture Hall at 2 p.m. MarySue Schwab and Jerry Harste had their paintings accepted for the WSI 2020 Annual Juried Exhibition. Jerry will be receiving signature status in WSI at the opening reception on August 9th.

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Picture Gallery

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July Calendar

I asked Jeanne Dutton if she would share the July Calendar she painted in he personal journal. Here is what she said in regard to her painting:

“The larkspur is the flower of the month, so I included it along with a few bursts of splatters for fireworks.  Traditionally, Native Americans called this full moon the Buck Moon because a buck’s antlers are in full growth mode at this time. This year, the full buck moon rises on the 4th of July!

The tiny landscape next to the canton area of my “flag” is a reminder of one of my favorite songs, one that always touches the heart…”America the Beautiful.”  Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write the original poem as she stood at the top of Pikes Peak.  If you’ve ever been there and stood on the summit, you can understand how she would have been so inspired!

Remember These Dates

July 1-25 Prospectus Due: Hoosier Art Salon

July 3-29 Robin Edmundson’s Show at Venue

July 11 Karst Farm Park Paint Out
(9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

July 13 BWS Business Meeting (6 p.m.)
BWS Program (7 p.m.)

August 1-Sept. 6 Hoosier Art Salon Show,
New Harmony Gallery7

August 7-Sept. 26 WSI Exhibition at IMA