“We Paint….”

2017 Membership Show

Opening Reception is Gallery Walk Friday, October 6, 5-8 pm

Spread the word and come enjoy the evening with your paint pals, friends, and family.

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage

121 E 6th Street in beautiful downtown Bloomington

The show will remain up through November.

Monthly Meeting

October 9, Monday, 6:00 pm

First Christian Church

Our program will be presented by Meri Reinhold,.  Her topic is “Courage in Profiles:  Drawing Faces without Fear”.

Members will be given instruction and handouts on the ten (10) steps to properly locate the features on a human head so their portrait work is more accurate. There will be an opportunity to put these steps into real practice during the session. Bring a pencil and an eraser; other materials will be provided.

BWS Scholarship

At September’s meeting, we were so pleased to welcome the 2017 BWS Art Scholarship recipient, Ben Zumbrun.  He has started his studies here at I.U. and we wish him great success!

Scholarship Recipient: Ben Zumbrun with his former teacher and BWS member Sara Steffey-McQueen

Daniel Smith, Inc.

John Conger, president and owner of Daniel Smith, Inc. and V-P Katherine Taylor treated 40 BWS members and guests to a wonderfully informative session about watercolors.  The rocks containing various pigments were fascinating, and hearing how much labor goes into producing a tube of paint created a new, true appreciation for watercolors.  Many thanks to John and Katherine for stopping in Bloomington on their national tour, and also to Andrew Preston of Preston Arts Center in Louisville for making the arrangements.

End-of-Summer Paint Out

BWS offers its sincere thanks to Steve Dawson for hosting us at his Farm on October 1.  Thanks, also, to his dad, Steve Sr., and son Ty for being helpful co-hosts and shuttle drivers!  The weather was perfect, the food delicious, and the camaraderie splendid.

Sande Nitti at her easel

Steve Dawsons painting of the pond on his property

Lunch time in front of the fireplace in “The Barn”

Member Activities

• Bob Burris, Signature Member, has an exhibit at the Columbus Regional Hospital, Well Connect Center located at 3rd and Washington Street, across from the Columbus courthouse.  On display now through October, “In the Beginning…” includes two Black/white paintings from Bob’s college days and six current paintings.  The opening reception is Friday Oct 6, 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
• Susan Savastuk, new BWS member, will have a show this month of October at the Needmore Coffee Roasters, 104 N Pete Ellis Drive.  This is Susan’s first exhibit and will include her first works in oil. The opening is October 15,  2:00-4:00 pm.  Stop by, meet Susan, and grab a cup of locally roasted coffee while you’re there.
• Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes introduced a “Paint Like the Masters” course through Ivy Tech’s Center for Lifelong Learning.  The students will stage an informal show-and-share event from 3 to 5 pm on Wednesday, October 25 at John Waldron Arts Center, Room W201, to display their favorite work resulting from the class.    During the 6-week course, students used water media and their own subjects to emulate the styles of JMW Turner, Georgia O’Keefe, Henri Matisse, Grandma Moses, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and more.

Leslie Gamboa, A work based on Pointillism

On Wednesday, October 25, you are invited to come and see the students’ creative accomplishments while you enjoy simple refreshments and the fun.        Among the attendees will be students and their guests, Ivy Tech staff, Ivy Tech marketing and perhaps a  H-T Photographer.

Accomplishments and Kudos

T.C. Steele Great American Outdoor Paint Out

BWS was well represented in the awards ceremony.  Cassidy Young won 2^nd place in adult watercolors, while Candi Bailey and Donna Whitsitt won honorable mentions.  Lory Winford took 1^st place in adult mixed media and Eric Brock received an honorable mention in adult oils.

Candi Bailey, Honorable Mention at T.C. Steele

Cassidy Young and friends at T. C. Steele

Meri Reinhold won two awards in the Mitchell Persimmon Festival Art Show.  “Tulip at Keukenhof Garden” took second place in the floral/still life category and “Denise” won second place in the portrait category.  Linda Endris won an honorable mention for her painting, “Avocado Fish Hatchery Pond.”  This year’s judge was local artist Troy Kilgore.

Meri Reinhold, Tulip at Keukenhof Garden

OPPORTUNITIES

BWS Portrait Painters

Deborah Rush, Portrait Sketch of Amira Sabbagh

The portrait group sessions are open to all BWS members and their guests. Participants are welcome to work in any medium. Typically models pose for 20 or 25 minute segments, alternating with 5-minute breaks. The cost of the models is shared with a minimum of $3 and a maximum of $5 charged for each session. Sessions are on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 1 to 3 pm at the Banneker Community Center, 930 West Seventh Street, Bloomington.

• October 12, Rachael Jones, former owner of Rachael’s Cafe
• October 26, Wenyan Xu, an MFA painting student at IU
• November 9, Amira Sabbagh, a local fabric and performance artist who modeled for us in early summer
• November 23, No meeting – it’s Thanksgiving!

Full details, including maps, directions, parking information, etc., can be obtained by sending an email to the group coordinator, Claude Cookman.

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

Upland has a full roster of Tuesday painting destinations lined up for this fall. Everyone is welcome to join in on any of these outings. Full details become available several days prior to each event, so the best way to learn more is email upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org about the date(s) you would like to attend.  The group meets on Tuesday mornings from 9am – noon.

Season Coordinator: Anne-Karine Bley

• October 10, Appleworks in Trafalgar, Host: Donna Whitsitt
• October 17, Gnaw Bone Camp, Host: Betty Wagoner
• October 24, Robin’s Farm, Host: Robin Edmundson
• October 31, Champs Barn, Host: Sande Nitti
• November 7 Kathy’s House Host: Kathy Barton
• November 14, Host: Nancy Metz
• January 17, Organization Meeting at Jacki’s, Host: Jacki Frey & Kristen Stamper

Monroe County Barn Tour

Registration due October 14

BWS Upland painters have organized a one-day exhibition and sale in conjunction with the Monroe County Barn Tour, an Indiana Barn Foundation event.  All BWS members are invited to participate with up to 3 rural-themed paintings. Participation requirements include a one-hour shift manning the exhibition, which will be held in a newly constructed event barn on the south side of Bloomington. Registration forms are due in the mail postmarked no later than October 14, 2017. Full details are available at bloomingtonwatercolor.org under the “Show Rules” tab.

IN/A

James Hubbard, president of the Indiana Artists, has invited Bloomington Watercolor Society artists to the IN/A Centennial Member Exhibit from November 5th to December 17th.   The opening is November 5 at the Brown County Art Gallery, 1 Artist Drive, Nashville.  www.indianaartists.org 

T.C. Steele Friends Exhibit
“Calling all Friends Member Artists! The Friends Member Art Show is coming up in November, and we want YOUR artwork in the Large Studio. This year’s theme and Steele quote comes from “The Artist’s Way of Seeing”:

“There is no universal or standard way of seeing. Each sees for himself and what he sees and how he sees is governed by the quality of his mind.”  –T.C. Steele

The entry form and guidelines are downloadable here: http://www.tcsteele.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Member-Show-GUIDELIINES-2017.docx

For more information go to http://www.tcsteele.org/programs/

Photo Credits

Photo credits to Kriste Lindberg, Charlotte Griffin, Penny Lulich, and Candi Bailey.

What’s Happening in the Neighborhood?

• Check out the Cinefest Event in Brown County October 15.  Addiction to Art: Three Women Who Changed the Art Culture in America – Films and presentations featuring stories of three bold and adventurous women whose mission was to bring modernity to the art world. Details at http://artalliancebrowncounty.org/event/cinefest
• Every Thursday from 1:00 – 3:00, the Lawrence County Art Association has a paint in at the headquarters in Bedford.  The session is hosted by artist, Phyllis Westfall.  Find more information by calling the gallery at 812-277-8280 during business hours, Thursday and Friday 1:00-6:00, or Saturday 10:00-1:00.

“Brushstrokes” is an (almost) monthly

publication of the Bloomington (IN) Watercolor Society.

Jeanne Ellen Dutton, Editor

Info@BloomingtonWatercolor.Org

PO Box 5236

Bloomington, IN  47407

2016-2017 BWS State of the Society

Submitted by Charlotte Griffin, BWS President, 2016-2017

The year from July 2016 to June 2017 was very busy with many activities for artists to participate in.  The membership count was at 78 as of June 2017.

Many thanks to the committee chairs, co-chairs, and officers for 2016-2017 (listed below) for their work on behalf of BWS.

• Nancy Metz, 1^st VP
• Jeanne Dutton, 2^nd VP
• Patty Uffman, Treasurer
• Carol Rhodes, Secretary
• Activities:  Jeanne Dutton
• Brushstrokes:  Jeanne Dutton
• Historian: Candi Bailey
• Hospitality: Betty Wagoner and Mary Walker
• Nominating Committee: Patty Uffman, Kathy Barton, Bev Ohneck-Holly
• Programs:  Jo Weddle
• Publicity: Susie Graham
• Scholarship:  Jeanne Dutton and Jo Weddle
• Show: Tricia Wente and Anne-Karine Bley
• Technology:  Carol Rhodes and Charlotte Griffin
• Upland Painters:  Kristen Stamper

The treasury stood at $1633.58 as of June, 2017.

Meetings Programs and Activities

Our regular meetings throughout the year except in the two months of summer, have a business and an artistic component.  The artistic component is provided either by one of the members or by outside artists.  Our December meeting is a holiday celebration with no business component; however, we made the meeting “artful” by exchanging handmade holiday cards. Our programs this year were:

• September: Show and Share, members talking about work they created over the summer
• October: Sea Scape Demo by South African watercolor artist Grant Wood
• November: Grisalle Technique for Watercolor by Nancy Davis-Metz
• January: Perspective Techniques and One Minute Drawings by Steve Dawson
• February: Mastering Disasters (Fixing Errors) by Carol Rhodes and Tricia Wente
• March: Value Study Sketching by Jackie Frey
• April: Gamboling Goats by Jerry Harste
• May: Color Harmony by Robin Edmundson
• June: Watercolor Underpainting and Pastels by Sandra Nitti

Many members participated in the sporadic Saturday and the Tuesday (weekly) paint outs.  There are so many that not all can be listed here but here is a sampling.

Peden Farm (during the Children’s Festival), Bybee Limestone Company site, TC Steele Festival of Flowers, Bloomington Garden Walk (Artist in the Garden), May Creek Plein air, Columbus City, Butler Winery, Tibetan Center, Harvest Moon Farm, Moody Farm, and many more.

BWS had a number of shows during the 2016-2017 year and they were well attended by the artists and the public.

• From December 6, 2016 to February 19, 2017, BWS displayed its Members Show at the Monroe County History Center with Indiana’s Bicentennial as its theme
• In February, BWS participated in the Annual Art of Chocolate event which had a Mardi Gras theme.  Over 30 works were on display at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage during February
• The Upland Painters Plein Air group had a show of works done en plein air on April 6 through May 2 at the Bellevue Gallery at the Farmer House Museum
• The Signature Members of BWS had their own show at Meadowood between May 5 and May 27.

On November 5, 2016, BWS was fortunate to engage a visiting artist from South Africa named Grant Wood who gave 15 attendees a workshop showing watercolor techniques used in the seascapes that he sees from the deck of his house in South Africa.

In June 2017, the BWS Scholarship was awarded to Benjamin Zumbrun.  In an effort to raise the award in future years, a number of art supplies and books were contributed by members and were offered to other members at a table sale during regular meetings.  Proceeds were sent to the Foundation for Monroe County School System to be used in future awards.

BWS members often contribute their time and works to charities and philanthropic organizations.  This year was no exception.

• Three artists painted watercolor cards for sale to attendees at the Art of Chocolate Gala.  All proceeds went in support of Life Designs.
• Many members volunteered to be part of the Peden Farm Children’s Festival at a booth where local school children had the chance to learn about watercolor and color mixing using a card with thee dots of primary colors.

The Bloomington Watercolor Society begins its 13^th year as an active, convivial group of artists who share their love of art with everyone.

First Christian Church, 6:00 p.m.

Guests Welcome (Jane Matranga)

New Members Introduction: Recipient of scholarship is in attendance, there are no other guests.

Hospitality thanks (Mary Walker)

Minutes approval:  Motion:  Patty Uffman   Second: Ann Umphress

Treasurer’s report (Patty Uffman): 

• Balances: Dollar values are available from the Treasurer upon request
• BWS watercolor notecards are available (Notecard set II can be purchased at The Venue)

*Currently 82 BWS members

Report acceptance: Motion: Charlotte Griffin Second: Robin Edmundson

Old Business

New business

Possible Workshop Spring 2018—Circulate proposal: (Charlotte Griffin)

There is the possibility of a workshop to be scheduled in the spring. Dale Popovich did a demonstration (from Crown Point, IN) at T.C. Steele last weekend. He is an instructor and paints landscapes. Popovich has offered a class to BWS, but perhaps, it is a bit pricey. We will vote at the end of the meeting- a show of hands who is willing to take the class. Price: $145/person for the class (including fee, church space, janitor). We will need 15-20 people for the class. If Dale Popovich is beyond our budget then we will pursue a workshop with someone else.

Committee Reports 

Activities (Jeanne Dutton-out sick, Anne-Karine Bley sub)

• *T.C. Steele Outdoor Art- Cassidy Young – it was a good showing this year. We had fantastic weather with a few demonstrations – one from Dale Popovich. There was a demonstration by the Hoosier Salon group. Five awards were handed out to BWS @ the T.C. Steele event.

Cassidy Young received 2^nd place in watercolor.

Donna Whitsitt & Candi Bailey both received honorable mentions in watercolor.

Eric Brock received honorable mention in oils.

Lory Williams received honorable mention in mixed media.

• Daniel Smith presentation (Carol Rhodes)- The hands-on presentation will be held upstairs @ the church this Sunday, 2pm. Thirty-nine people have signed up, only one more opening is available. Andrew Preston will be here (w/ his family) with the Art Cart. BWS can shop for art supplies before or after the presentation. The event is sponsored by BWS, a suggested donation of $5 @ door. Bring your own paintbrushes/pencils. Paper will be provided.
• Jean Dutton reminds members to check emails about the end of summer paint out @ Steve Dawson’s farm- Sunday, Oct. 1^st 10am-2pm. Check Brushstrokes for more details. Chili potluck. Chili will be provided, BWS will bring other dishes.
• Peden Farm- volunteer opportunity. The table for kids will be set up in the barn. The kids will play with watercolor paper with dots of paint- they reactivate the paint with water. They will experience watercolor and learn about color theory. We need 7 volunteers to help with the kids. Time: Thursday, Sept. 28 & Friday, Sept. 29 @ 8am-2pm. Preschoolers will be there on Thursday, kindergarten-1^st grade on Friday. The kids are bussed in for their field trip. Last year 1200 kids showed up! If you volunteer for the 11am-1pm shift, you will receive lunch. If you volunteer for the morning shift, you will receive coffee/doughnuts. Please park in the field- golf carts will pick you up and take you to the site. Note: rugged walking- there is a designated drop-off gate if help is needed. Let Anne-Karine know if help is needed and we will take care of you. You can paint on site, but we ask that you volunteer for a shift at some point. Note: must go thru Ellettsville, cannot get thru 37 @ this time. Maple Grove-North.

Upland Painters Activities (Kristen Stamper)

Busy summer for Upland and this is our 3^rd year starting tonight!!! This is a great time to join if you’re interested! See Kitty Garlock if you would like to sign up. Upland Painters are coordinated by seasons (Fall- Anne-Karine Bley). The schedule is filled up thru mid-November. BWS members are welcome to come at all times. The schedule is printed and will be available @ every meeting and is also posted on Brushstrokes.

For more information you can reach the upland painters thru email upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. There is a new contact sheet for those who are involved. See Kristen if you would like one.

Special Pop up show

Upland managed to arrange an exhibition (9am-5pm) with the Monroe County Barn Tour. You can sell paintings at the exhibition. Anyone from BWS is welcome to join. Fliers have been passed out. If you participate, the paintings are needed by 9am and need to be picked up by 5pm if not sold. Please volunteer to staff the exhibition by at least 1 hour that day. You can bring 1-3 paintings to sell. Subject matter must be rural themed (garden, back porch, country) doesn’t have to be barns, no cities or portraits. Please bring an easel to show your work (there will be no hanging work). There will be a $25 table and also an original cards section for sale. Five people on the committee will be working on this event- Babette Ballinger, Candi Bailey, Amy, Mari Reinhold, Kristen Stamper. There is a form that must be filled out if you participate. Forms must be filled out and turned in no later than October 14^th.

Scholarship (Jo Weddle)  Introduction of winner

Sara Steffey-McQueen announced her former student, Ben Zumbrun as the scholarship winner. Ben graduated from South High School. He is currently enrolled in Indiana University and will be transferring to The Art Institute of Chicago next year. Ben showed off his great work to BWS. Medium: linoleum carving under base, screen printed on top. Printmaking is Ben’s main medium. He is also working on fashion w/ textiles. He started with graphite drawings, moved to pen & ink, then printmaking. Ben has bought supplies with his scholarship and has given BWS a receipt!

Programs (Jo Weddle)

*Thank you for turning in ideas and thoughts. The list only goes thru December.

• Sept.17^th– Daniel Smith Presentation (Reservation Required), 2pm-4pm
• Sept. 28^th-29^th– Children’s Farm Festival @ Peden Farm (Reservation Required), 8am-2pm
• Oct. 1^st– Annual End-of-Summer Paint Out & Chili carry-in lunch, 10am-2pm
• Oct. 4^th– Deliver paintings for Membership Show, 10am-12n
• Oct. 6^th– Gallery Walk & Opening Reception- We Paint! 2017 Membership Show, 5pm-8pm
• Oct. 9^th– BWS Meeting, “Courage in Profiles: Drawing faces w/out fear” Meri Reinhold
• Oct. 28^th– Monroe County Barn Tour, 9am-5pm
• Nov. 3^rd– Gallery Walk, 2^nd Reception, Membership Show, 5pm-8pm
• Nov.13^th– BWS Meeting, “Turning Fine Art into Print” Ryan Rud-Cloud (White Rabbit Printing)
• Dec. 6^th– Holiday Party @ Meadowood (Reservations Required), 6pm

September-November–Tuesdays: BWS Upland Plein Air Painters offer paint outs

Shows (Anne-Karine Bley)

2017 Member show volunteers needed, food, publicity etc. This is our last meeting before the big Member Show. Get your pieces ready! Please follow the guidelines posted on Brushstrokes. When you hang your work, please use flat hangers not eye screws that stick out. Please make sure the wires are not super tight and not too loose. Size is limited to 24” edge to edge (matt and image) not including frame. The Prospectus has the label format, please follow the instructions. There will be more paperwork to fill out when you arrive. Your work doesn’t have to be for sale. If you do sell a piece, 25% of proceeds will be donated to the Stepping Stones charity (transitional housing for homeless youth in our community). The drop off date for paintings is Wednesday Oct 4^th. The opening reception will be First Friday of October. The  2^nd reception will be Nov 3^rd. Location: The Vault on 6^th street. If you cannot participate by bringing in a painting, you can participate by volunteering at the show. We need food donated for the show!

*Sara Steffey-McQueen– will post about the show on Facebook, please share the event with your friends! Sara will get the papers out for publicity. Come show your support! The Vault will be open M-F 9am-5pm. Go see Robin’s show at Vault now!

*Mary Walker- We need 2-3 volunteers for the food at the gallery walk. 4pm-8:30pm (clean up) you can show up for shifts! The Vault will accept donations when they open. We don’t know how many people will show up. Suggestion: we can offer food that would feed one serving for 30 people. Allergies- no nuts in food! Alcohol- must be in the back room, we do not have a liquor license (can’t serve to public). Theme: “We paint.” Painting has to be at least 50% watercolor (other 50% must be water media).

Charlotte Griffin Membership vote on Spring Workshop

We will have an email exchange to discuss more about the possibility of Dale coming. Charlotte will send out an email.

Announcements

• Meri Reinhold is offering an excellent drawing class. Fliers available. Oct. 16^th thru Nov. 15^th. 12n-3pm on Mondays & Wednesdays. Get a nice workout as well! $128/person for 10 sessions.
• Need donated paintings for Oct. 7^th The Vault-silent auction. Proceeds donated to: New Hope, an agency that helps find place for homeless families. Nest is for the children of the homeless families. They could use volunteers to read to the children, donations, pots, pans, linens, etc.
• First Friday Gallery Walk, 6:30pm- Jazz trio at the First Christian Church (FCC)
• Ladies night @ the FCC church: 2^nd Monday every month (crafts).
• Carol Rhodes announcement: Need new Brushstrokes editor – Jean is retiring after this year as editor. The hardest part is following up to get information from others. If interested please email info@Bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Jane adjourned the meeting @ 7:15pm 

Program: Show and Share summer paintings all members

MONTHLY MEETING

September 11, Monday, 6:00 pm

First Christian Church

Corner of Washington and Kirkwood

It’s time to SHOW and SHARE those summer masterpieces!  Nancy Metz will moderate as we display our paintings and journals from the summer.  Don’t be shy, but do be prepared for many compliments, gentle critiques, and accolades!

Final Reminder:  Annual Dues should already be paid, but if you’ve let it slip, please pay by PayPal on our website or bring a check to the September meeting.

AUTUMN 2017 CALENDAR

This is going to be a busy fall, full of fun and artistic energy!  Watch your email and the monthly issue of Brushstrokes for details.

• September 9, Saturday, TC Steele, Great Outdoor Art Contest, 7:00 – 2:00
• September 11, Monday, Monthly Meeting, Show and Share, 6:00
• September 17, Sunday, Daniel Smith Presentation, 2:00 – 4:00, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• September 28 and 29, Thursday and Friday, Children’s Farm Festival at Peden Farm, 8:00 – 2:00, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• October 1, Sunday, Annual End-of-Summer Paint Out and Chili Carry-In Lunch, 10:00 – 2:00
• October 4, Wednesday, Deliver Paintings for Membership Show, 10:00 – 12:00
• October 6, Friday, Gallery Walk and Opening Reception for We Paint! The 2017 Membership Show, 5:00 – 8:00
• October 9, Monday, Monthly Meeting, “Courage in Profiles:  Drawing Faces without Fear,” Meri Reinhold, 6:00
• October 28, Saturday, Monroe County Barn Tour, 9:00 – 5:00
• November 3, Friday, Gallery Walk, 2nd Reception, Membership Show, 5:00 – 8:00
• November 13, Monday, Monthly Meeting, “Mixed Media Abstracts,” Sara Steffey McQueen, BWS, 6:00
• December 6, Wednesday, Holiday Party at Meadowood, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, 6:00
• Tuesdays, September – November, BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SHOW, “We Paint!”

October 4 is drop off day for the annual BWS members show.  It will take place at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage, with the opening reception at Gallery Walk, October 6, 121 E. 6^th Street, Bloomington, IN.  Find all the info and instructions at http://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/bwsshows/prospectus-for-bws-member-show-1062017/

Member Activities

Tricia Wente & Bob Burris both Signature Members of BWS

July saw BWS saying “Au revoir!” to Tricia Wente.  Tricia has not only served for years as show chair, she is a Signature member, a founding member, past president, and creator of the famous BWS swish!   Thank you, Tricia.  You will be missed!

Many thanks to Nancy Metz and family for hosting a going away party at their home.

B’town Vibes, Nancy Davis-Metz, BWS

Additional members whose work was juried into the Art and Soul of Bloomington were Zofia Matuszak-Czekierda, a member who lives in Poland, and Rose Brenner.  Signature member Nancy Davis Metz won Best of Show with her painting, “Btown Vibes.”

Jerry Harste, BWS, has received two honors.  “Jericho” was awarded the Outstanding Non-Objective Composition in the Hoosier Salon annual exhibition, accompanied by a $500 prize.  You can view the entire Hoosier Salon catalog at https://hoosiersalonorg.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/2017-hs-exhibit-catalog.pdf

Civilized Residue, Jerry Harste, BWS

Jerry’s mixed media collage, “Civilized Residue,” is accepted in the annual juried exhibit of the Watercolor Society of Indiana.  The WSI opening is scheduled for October 2nd at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

White Roofs, Robin Edmundson

Robin Edmundson’s “White Roofs” was also accepted into the WSI show, and Robin was a guest artist at Doodlewash.com.  Her exhibit at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage continues through September 29.  Robin invites you to stop in and enjoy the show.

Pink Flamingo, Pastel by Meri Reinhold

Meri Reinhold entered two pieces into the Indiana Wildlife Artists.  A pastel, “Pink Flamingo,” won honorable mention.  A watercolor, “Goodbye to Harambe,” was also accepted.  The show runs now through September 29 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

Wind Horse, Acrylic by Sara Steffey-McQueen, BWS

Sara Steffey McQueen is one of two featured artists at the Hoosier Artist Gallery for September. The gallery is located at 45 N. Jefferson Street, Nashville, IN. The gallery is also having a special exhibit this month,  ” A Horse of a Different Color”.

Joyce Stumpf, our BWS Colorado connection, shares her website.  http://www.paintingsbyjoyce.net

Annual End-of-Summer Paint Out and Chili Carry-In

Steve Dawson’s Farm

5111 E State Road 45, Bloomington

Sunday, October 1, 10:00am-2:00pm

The farm is 1.6 miles north of the intersection of 10th and Smith.  (Remember that East 10th Street curves and becomes SR 45 N.)

Look for the long black fence, the new red barn, and the BWS sign at the driveway.

Since it’s a carry-in, please plan to bring something delicious!  Chili, cornbread, veggie tray, shredded cheese, pumpkin pie.  If you would, please email info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org and let us know what you’d like to bring.

Peden Children’s Farm Festival

Interested in being a BWS volunteer working the activity booth at the annual Children’s Farm Festival at Peden Farm?  This will be our fourth year at the Festival and it’s really lots of fun, meeting and greeting the children and their parents and teachers.

Anne-Karine Bley, Kitty Garlock at Peden Farm 2016

Dates:  Thursday and Friday, September 28 and 29.

Times:  8:30 – 1:00ish; School busses start arriving at 9:00.

Working the BWS Booth:

• First shift should arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to check in and get set up.
• Plein air painters are welcome, but must register for a two hour shift at the booth.  THREE people per shift works great!
• For security purposes, ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE and CHECK IN for an ID tag.
• If you arrive early, you can unload by the barns.  If you come after 8:45, you must park in the field lot and catch a shuttle to the barn. Once the buses start arriving, no vehicles are allowed on the grounds.
• Volunteers are rewarded with a “continental” breakfast of coffee and donuts, and lunch, too.

How to Register:

• Watch your email for a volunteer invitation.  It’s simple: just click and pick your time.
• Registration deadline is September 21.

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters Fall Schedule

Upland has a full roster of Tuesday painting destinations lined up for this fall. You are welcome to join any of these outings. Full details become available several days prior to each event, so the best way to learn more is email upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org about the date(s) you would like to attend. We usually meet on Tuesday mornings from 9am – noon.

Season Coordinator: Anne-Karine Bley

• Tuesday, September 5, Nashville log cabin/town. Host: Lory Winford
• Tuesday, September 12, Monroe Dam. Host: Annie Umphress
• Tuesday, September 19, Rebecca Sink-Burris Property.   Host: Kristen Stamper
• Tuesday, September 26, Bloomington library & downtown. Host: Claude Cookman
• Tuesday, October 3, Burnham Woods. Host: Candi Bailey
• Tuesday, October 10, Appleworks in Trafalgar. Host: Donna Whitsitt
• Tuesday, October 17, Gnaw Bone Camp. Host: Betty Wagoner
• Tuesday, October 24, Robin’s Farm. Host: Robin Edmundson
• Tuesday, October 31, Champs Barn. Host: Sande Nitti
• Tuesday, November 7, Kathy’s House. Host: Kathy Barton
• Tuesday, November 14, TBD. Host: Nancy Metz

Barn Tour Exhibition

Saturday, October 28, 2017

BWS Upland painters have organized a one-day exhibition and sale in conjunction with the Monroe County Barn Tour, an Indiana Barn Foundation event. You are invited to participate with up to 3 rural-themed paintings. Participation requirements include a one-hour shift manning the exhibition, which will be held in a newly constructed event barn on the south side of Bloomington. Registration forms are due in the mail postmarked no later than October 14, 2017. Full details are available here.

T.C. Steele Great Outdoor Art Contest

Saturday, September 9, 7:00 – 2:00

On Saturday, September 9th, the 29th Great Outdoor Art Contest begins at 7am.

Part of Brown County Artist Colony Weekend, the GOAC first place and People’s Choice winners will be displayed at the Brown County Art Guild immediately following the Paint Out. This year judges Maggie Rapp and Dale Popovich will offer painting demonstrations during the day (Dale at 10:30am; Maggie at 12 noon), and Bob and Ellie Haan of the Haan Museum in Lafayette, IN will join them as judges of the contest.

First place adult winners in ALL categories will win $100 gift certificates to Jack Richeson & Co, Inc. art suppliers. Cardinal Stage Company and Pgymalion’s Art Supplies in Bloomington have prizes for the youth.  Hotel Nashville will sell lunch; Salt Creek Brewery will serve beer; and we’ll even have a visit from the Traveling Quarter, and Human Foosball! Download your registration materials here.

Fall Foliage Art Show

Monday, October 9

11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Art Sanctuary

190 N. Sycamore St.

Martinsville

Artists may enter up to four items in different categories: a craft, a fine art, an oil painting, a watercolor, or mixed media. Kids are $1.00 per entry. Adults are $7.00 per entry. Best of show offers a $100 prize. Forms to enter will be at public library next week, my studio, art sanctuary, post office, or you can just enter when you come in. Wire hangers or table easel only.

http://morgancountyfallfoliagefestival.com/art-show-2

It’s summer vacation, so BWS will not be holding meetings in July or August.

September 11, we’ll meet again for Show-and-Share, to be moderated by Nancy Metz. Plan to bring your paintings or travel journals or whatever artwork you’d like to share. Look for more details in the September issue.

At last month’s BWS meeting…

Sande Nitti presented the program at the June meeting about layering pastels over a watercolor underpainting. It was very interesting and many were heard saying, “I can’t wait to try that!” Thanks, Sande, for the inspiration!

Sande Nitti explaining pastels over watercolor underpainting

Summer Lane, Pastel, by Sande Nitti

A message from the treasurer, Patty Uffman:

Annual dues should now be paid. If you haven’t already paid, please pay by PayPal or mail to:
Bloomington Watercolor Society
Post Office Box 5236
Bloomington, IN 47407-5236
Dues are $25 for individuals / $40 for families / $10 for Associates or Students
Don’t know if you’ve paid or not? Send an email to info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

GARDEN WALK
Thanks to Charlotte Griffin for organizing BWS’ participation in the annual Garden Walk, to the artists who painted, and to Carla Hedges who sent most of these photos.

Lechner’s Garden, by Carla Hedges

Garden Walk Painting in Progress, by Carol Rhodes

At the History Center, by Kathy Barton

Joanne Shank painting during the garden walk

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
Congratulations to the BWS artists who placed at the T.C. Steele Festival of Flowers paint out. In the adult watercolor category, Nancy Metz took 2nd place while Betty Wagoner received an honorable mention. In the adult oils category, Anne-Karine Bley won an honorable mention.

Wet-on-Wet (the only thing possible in that much rain), by Nancy Davis-Metz

Meri Reinhold earned two Second Place awards at the Lawrence County Art Association’s judged show: “Denise” in the portrait category, and “Sweet Pea” in the animal category.

Denise, by Meri Reinhold

Sweetpea, by Meri Reinhold

Candi Bailey taught a watercolor class for the Monroe County History Center’s Art Camp in June.

Five BWS members had pieces juried into The Venue’s Art & Soul show, which celebrates all things Bloomington. Works by Candi Bailey, Erin Duff, Nancy Metz, Deborah Rush, and Joanne Shank will be on exhibit throughout July at The Venue, 114 S. Grant St., Bloomington.
Stop in to see the show. You can even vote for your favorite. The Venue is open Sunday Noon-4 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed on Monday.

Erin Duff has an oil painting accepted into the 93rd Annual Hoosier Salon Exhibition which opens July 26th.

Robin Edmundson has a solo show of her watercolors at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage from August 3 – September 29. The opening reception is during Gallery Walk, Friday, August 4 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Phyllis Taylor attended a painting workshop with Ted Nuttall in Bend, Oregon in June. She finished three paintings and two of those will hang at Tempo Gallery’s July Art Walk. These represent her continuing theme of the fishing culture in Astoria, Oregon with fisherwomen, kids, boats, and water scenes.

First Fish, by Phyllis Taylor

Rose Brenner will have a gallery show at the Bedford Wiley House, 14th and J Street, sponsored by the Lawrence County Art Association. It will run from July 28th thru Aug 19th, with an Open House on July 28 starting at 6pm. The show will feature about 30 oil paintings done in the past year, with an emphasis on three themes: Light and Shadow, Amazing Skies, and Flowers.

Plein Air Oil Painting, by Rose Brenner

Carla Hedges has an exhibit, “Through My Eyes,” now through July 16 at the Monroe County Convention Center’s Art Gallery.

Joanne Shank will hold a solo exhibit at the Venue, Fine Art and Gifts. The opening reception is on Gallery Walk Friday, August 4, from 5-8 pm.

OPPORTUNITIES

BWS Portrait Group

The portrait group schedule for July and August continues the quest for diversity among models in age, gender, ethnicity, et. al.
These sessions are open to all BWS members, and participants are welcome to work in any medium. Typically, models pose for 20-minute segments alternating with 5-minute breaks.

• Thursday, July 13, 1-3 p.m., at the Monroe County Public Library, Room 2B. Model: student from Tri-North Middle School
• Thursday, July 27, 1-3 p.m., at Meadowood Retirement’s main building. Connie Brorson, a BWS Signature member & great watercolorist
• Thursday, August 10, 1-3 p.m., at IU’s Eigenmann Hall. James Stewart, an African American gentleman who works for IU
• Thursday, August 24, 1-3 p.m., at Untitled Light, 127 S. Gentry. Wendy Rubin, a retired Monroe County Public Library reference librarian

If you would like full details including maps, directions, parking information, cost, etc., please email Claude Cookman.

“Mr. Stewart” Graphite and white chalk on buff toned paper by Claude Cookman

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters
Paint Out with Upland this summer at the following locations. Kitty Garlock is the summer coordinator. Got questions? Send an email to upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

• Tuesday, July 11, Tibetan Center, Host: Jacki Frey
• Tuesday, July 18, Starve Hollow State Park, Host: Betty Wagoner
• *Monday, July 24, Harvest Moon Farm, Host: Kristen Stamper
• Tuesday, August 15, Moody Farm, Host: Sande Nitti
• Tuesday, August 22, May Creek Farm, Host: Meri Reinhold

Sad News
Bloomington Watercolor Society will miss longtime member Patti Brundle, who died July 5. Although poor health prevented her from participating in many BWS activities, she shared her interests and ideas online with many of us. The family is planning a memorial service at a later date. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to the family at www.allencares.com.

At the Edge of the Woods

Minutes of the BWS Meeting

June 12, 2017 / 6:00 pm

First Christian Church

6:02 pm – Call to Order

Welcome and Guest Introductions

Charlotte Griffin introduced Diana Sokolova, a BWS guest.

Hospitality Thanks (Mary Walker)

Mary thanked members who brought refreshments:  Jan Britton, Char Dapena, Lynne Gilliatt, Barbara Coffman & Tom Tierney, Patty Uffman, and Betty Wagoner.

Minutes Approval

A motion to approve the minutes of the May meeting was made by Candi Bailey, and seconded by Jacki Frey. Minutes were accepted with a unanimous vote.

Treasurer’s Report (Patty Uffman)

Proceeds of the BWS table sale were sent to MCCSC.  Members were reminded that annual dues should be paid by the end of June.  Balances were reported for IUCU, PayPal, and Petty Cash.  Char Dapena motioned to accept the report, and Kathy Barton seconded the motion.

Old Business

Jane Matranga was introduced as the newly elected BWS President.

New Business

Committee Reports

• Activities (Jeanne Dutton)

The T.C. Steele Festival of Flowers held May 20 was highlighted. Awards were won by several BWS Members: Adult Watercolor, Nancy Metz, 2^nd; Betty Wagoner, Honorable Mention and Adult Oils: Anne-Karine Bley, Honorable Mention.

Charlotte reminded members of the Garden Walk June 17-18 and encouraged members to sign up to paint.

• Upland Painters (Kristen Stamper)

The second annual planning meeting was held June 6.   The group has grown to more than 40 members on list serve, 20 of which are active.  An overview of events planned for the summer was given.  If anyone is interested in joining in the plein air activities, they should email upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

• Scholarship (Jeanne Dutton)

The BWS scholarship winner, Benjamin Zumbrun of BHSS, was announced.

• Programs (Charlotte Griffin)

With June being our last meeting until September, upcoming programs were not announced; however, Charlotte did ask that anyone with suggestions submit them for consideration.

• Shows (Anne-Karine Bley)

An member’s exhibit at The Vault Gallery to be held October 6 – November 21 was announced.  Take-in will be from 10 am to noon on October 4.  No theme.  No size restrictions.  Seeking volunteers.  Not a juried show.  One piece allowed per member.  Reception Friday, October 6.  The complete prospectus will be ready soon.  It will be sent by email and published on the BWS website.

Working on juried show opportunities.  Several in June and July, including the Indiana State Fair, which Donna Whitsett said would be a good one to start with because the fee is only $30 for the Fine Arts category.  Anne-Karine has a list of exhibits (both juried and non-juried) and she will make it available to those who request it.

Announcements

•  Kathy Barton reminded members that Carla Hedges is exhibiting at the Convention Center.
• Betty Wagoner announced that there are two more “Arts in the Park” events coming up:  July 8 at T.C. Steele, and September 9 at Starved Hallow, featuring a Great Outdoor Art Contest.
• Meri Reinhold invited a small group (limited to four members) to join her to focus on “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.”
• Anne-Karine announced her two-week Artist in Residency at the Dunes from July 14-27.  She was at the National Lakeshore in the past and is happy to be returning.

Jeanne Dutton thanked our outgoing president, Charlotte Griffin, for her service and, on behalf of BWS, presented her with a number of small painting gifts.

Business Meeting Adjourned at 6:40 pm

Meri Reinhold motioned to adjourn our business meeting.  Cathy Korinek seconded the motion.

Program (Sandra Nitti)

Sandra’s program on pastels included a demonstration of her techniques, starting with value studies.  As she painted, she showed how to call attention to the focal point by using the lightest lights and darkest darks.  She began with an under-painting and as her painting progressed, she offered hints such as to keep each corner of the painting distinct to create variety, to repeat the same color in several areas, and to look for interesting shapes of color.  Several tools she uses (e.g. as the proportional Compose-It-Grids) were passed around.

Adjourned at 7:55 pm

Monthly Meeting

June 12, 2017   6:00pm

First Christian Church, corner of Kirkwood and Washington

Beautiful downtown Bloomington

Note to you:  BWS does not meet during the summer months, but will resume September 11.  That’s Show-and-Share month, so plan to bring your summer masterpieces.

Annual Dues for Bloomington Watercolor Society are due by June 30.  
Pay via Paypal or send check to BWS, P.O. Box 5236, Bloomington, IN, 47407.
Or bring your check to the meeting on June 12.

June’s Program

Painting with Watercolor and Pastels, presented by Sande Nitti.

“Pastels and watercolor are a perfect combination when painting; the possibilities are endless using these complimenting mediums together. I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than a spontaneous wash and the mingling of watercolor paint; I have found the opaque nature of pastel shimmers over the soft luminosity of watercolor creating a beautiful effect.

“There are many ways to approach a pastel painting. I will demonstrate a landscape using one of my favorite techniques by setting the foundation and mood of the painting with a watercolor under painting then layering soft pastels to create depth and texture.”

You do not need to bring any supplies for this program.

Meet Your New President and Executive Board

May elections provided BWS with some new, and some solid “old,” leaders.  BWS is a vibrant, well-run organization, thanks to the coordinated efforts and dedication of your executive board and the committee chairs.  A hearty “Thank You!” to all those officers and committee chairs  who continue to work hard to make BWS what it is today.

Jane Matranga

Meet the new president, Jane Matranga.  You may not know her face, but you certainly know her art as it was featured on the cover of this year’s Art of Chocolate program and in the publicity for last year’s.  Jane has a B.F.A. in Drawing and Painting from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s in Fashion Design from Drexel University in Philadelphia.

She combines her apparel design and art backgrounds to design original hand painted garments.

Jane currently teaches fashion design at Indiana University.

Charlotte Griffin

Nancy Davis-Metz

Patty Uffman

Charlotte Griffin moves to the 1st VP position, and Nancy Davis Metz to 2nd VP.  Patty Uffman continues as treasurer and we welcome another new officer, Secretary Erin Duff.

Erin Duff

Erin is a full time medical illustrator and brand new to the professional fine arts scene.  Erin says, “Painting has become a powerful outlet for my creativity and allows self-expression beyond my daily work which is focused purely on anatomy of the human body. My current series studies the form and realism of flowers found in my local community. Focusing on the subtle change of color gradients, texture and imperfections throughout each leaf and petal has become a form of practicing mindfulness and meditation.

“I’m not sure which I enjoy more, mixing paint to match the vast array of colors that I interpret or dragging my brush across the canvas to create tiny shapes and blending them together to create a sense of harmony.”

Table Sale

With many thanks to members and non-members, as well, for their donations to the table sale.  Over $300 was raised and 100% goes directly into the BWS Scholarship Fund at the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools.  And wasn’t that fun?  Keep the table sale in mind as you clean, re-organize, and sort through your supplies.  Remember:  One artist’s junk is another artist’s masterpiece!

MEMBER ACTIVITIES

The Signature Member exhibit at Meadowood was well received and opened with a lovely reception.  Here are photos of their works of art.

Congratulations to Jerry Harste.  One of his famous goats was accepted into the juried show, “Figures of Speech,” sponsored by the Anderson Center for the Arts, Anderson, Indiana.  The pen and ink drawing is titled “Thinking Out of the Box.”

White Winter, Robin Edmundson

Congratulations also to Robin Edmundson.  Her painting, “White Winter,” was selected to hang in the Lt Governor’s office this year as part of the Hoosier Women Artist’s competition.   In 2018, it will move on to the Haan Museum of Indiana Art in Lafayette for another special exhibit of the HWA.  (On a side note, the Haan Museum has a very interesting and unexpected history.  See more about it at haanmuseum.org/Mansion.aspx.)

Great American Artworks Road Trip

BWS members visited the Great American Artworks Pastel operation in Cincinnati in mid-May. Babette Ballinger, Jo Baum, Sande Nitti and Claude Cookman heard founder and owner Bob Strohsahl share his wisdom about pastels and got to watch him make a batch of deep purple sticks. His associate, Diane Schear, gave a tour of the facility and helped pick out sticks for purchase at discount. Afterward, they visited the Cincinnati Museum of Art.

Sandy Hall, associate member from Greenfield IN, attended the Kanuga Watermedia workshops in Hendersonville NC, April 22-28, 2017.   Paul Jackson, known for his reflections and glassware paintings, led the week long workshop that Sandy attended.  Evening sessions included a demonstration night, a critique night, a special guest night and a tour to view the works by other students.

Over 350 artists participated, four from Indiana, with over a dozen instructors. Dates in 2018 are April 7-13 and registration starts June 1.  Every year they have a new list of instructors, nationally known and well versed in all watermedia techniques. Check out the website at kanugawatermediaworkshops.com
For registration or workshop/class information, contact the directors, Chris and Barbara Hutchison, at either KanugaWW@gmail.com or 615-202-0281.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Watercolor Workshop: Painting at Starve Hollow Lake

  Saturday, June 10, 2017, 9:30 – noon

  

  Starve Hollow, by Betty Wagoner

  Betty Wagoner, Instructor.

  After the workshop from 1:00-4:00, Betty will conduct demos using watercolor pencils and visitors are encouraged to experiment.

  To register, contact Betty.

  This program will be repeated on August 12.

• BWS Upland Plein Air Activities

  All BWS members are welcome to join in any of the paint outs. Activities typically take place on Tuesday mornings from 9 to noon; however, this occasionally changes. For details, just send an email to upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

  If you are interested in participating in Upland activities, you are invited to attend the organizational meeting and pitch-in lunch social on June 6 from 10:30 am – 1 pm.

  At this meeting, plans will be made for the remainder of 2017.  Each participating artist is expected to host at least one painting event per year.

  Tuesday, June 6, Organization meeting, Babette Ballinger & Kristen Stamper
  Tuesday, June 13, Horse Farm near Morgantown, Eric Brock

  *Saturday, Sunday, Bloomington Garden Walk, Coordinated by Charlotte Griffin, info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org
  Tuesday, June 20, Artful Blooms, Kitty Garlock
  Tuesday, July 11, Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, Jacki Frey

  Tuesday, July 18, Starve Hollow State Park, Betty Wagoner

  *Monday, July 24, Harvest Moon Farm, Kristen Stamper

• West Baden Paint Out

Artists are invited to “paint out” and sell their work commission free at an afternoon sale on the veranda. Artists are free to paint anywhere on the grounds and may sell paintings from their easels or to invitees at the reception. Previous work is allowed. Each artist is responsible for their own sales and displays, which must be in character with the hotel. For more information call Brown County Art Gallery at 812-988-4609.

• Portrait Painting
  

  Portrait by Deborah Rush

All artists interested in life drawing or painting are invited to join a portrait group from 1 to 3 pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

Sessions for June are:
June 8, Amira Sabbagh, a local actress, dancer, singer, and fabric artist.
June 22, Kelvin Burzon, a Filipino-American who just completed his MFA in art photography at IU. Mr. Burzon is also a modern jazz dancer with an expressive face.
Cost to pay the model varies from $3 to $5 per person per session. We attempt to schedule models who are as diverse as possible ​in age, gender, and ethnic heritage.  For complete information about these and future sessions, please email Claude Cookman.

• 100+ Tips for Artists

Full of wisdom and fine advice, this article from Strathmore papers is a must-read.  You’ll be glad you did!   strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/the-best-pieces-of-art-advice

• The Art and Soul of Bloomington

Don’t forget – the Early Bird Deadline for application is June 10.  The final deadline is June 24.  Find all the details and contact information at http://www.thevenuebloomington.com/Jurried.html

Minutes of the Bloomington Watercolor Society Membership meeting

May 8, 2016, 6 pm     First Christian Church

6:05 pm: Call to Order

Welcome and Guest Introductions

Two new members, Joanna Matuszak and Sharon Parsons, were announced but were not present.

Hospitality thanks (Betty Wagoner/Mary Walker)

Special thanks to Penny Lulich, Tricia Wente, Claude Cookman, Kristen Stamper, Betty Wagoner, and Jodi Estell, who contributed various dishes.

Minutes approval

Approval was submitted by Kathy Truelove-Barton and seconded by Char Dapena. There was unanimous approval.

Treasurer’s report (Patty Uffman)

A reminder was issued to members to pay their annual dues by the end of June. BWS bank and fund balances were reported. A motion to accept was put forward by Betty Wagoner and Ann Umphress. There was unanimous approval.

Old Business

Elections:

The members present unanimously elected the following slate for the 2017-2018 season:

Officers:
President: Jane Matranga
First Vice President: Charlotte Griffin
Second Vice President: Nancy Metz
Treasurer: Patty Uffman
Secretary: Erin Duff

New Business:

Committee Reports:

Activities (Jeanne Dutton)

The May table sale’s unofficial count (as of the time of reporting) was $285.

Charlotte Griffin informed members that the annual Garden Walk would be June 17 and 18, and painters are sought to participate for all gardens on all days. A signup sheet was passed to the members.

Upland Painters Activities (Kristen Stamper)

Plein Air Exhibition at Bellevue Gallery

Thanks to all who showed at the 1^st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of Upland Plein Air Painters & Bloomington Watercolor Society at the Bellevue Gallery at the Farmer House Museum April 6 to May 2.

Scholarship (Jo Weddle)

A winner has been chosen but not announced yet.

Gallery Shows: (Tricia Wente and Anne-Karine Bley)

Signature Member show

A BWS Signature Member show opening reception was held 4:30 to 6 pm May 5 at Meadowwood Retirement Center. The show is planned from May 5-27.

2017 Member Show

Opening reception is planned for October 6 at The Vault. More information will be given to members at the June meeting and in September.

Area art shows:

A list of area art shows will be posted to Brushstrokes newsletter.

Programs (Jo Weddle)

June program: Sandi Nitti will deliver a presentation on pastels.

Announcements

History Center volunteer:

Tricia Wente asked for a 1-hour volunteer watercolor instructor to be at the Hoosier Art camp. Interested parties should contact her.

Portrait painting sessions are being organized by Claude Cookman for 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays. Those interested may contact him.

The May Monthly Program

Robin Edmundson presented a program on color Harmony.

Adjourned 8:40 pm

Submitted by Carol Rhodes, BWS Secretary.

BWS Calendar

• May 2, BWS Upland Plein Air Paint Out
• May 5, Signature Member Show, Opening Reception at Meadowood
• May 5, Gallery Walk
• May 8, BWS Monthly Meeting and Table Sale
• May 9, BWS Upland Plein Air Paint Out
• May 20, TC Steele Festival of Flowers Paint Out

NEXT MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, May 8, 6:00 p.m.

First Christian Church, Kirkwood Avenue and Washington Street

Three events happening:

1. the monthly business meeting;
2. the table sale to support the BWS Scholarship;

   It’s a Triple Win!  Your supplies go to a worthy cause.  You help the BWS Scholarship fund grow.  And your studio becomes organized and clean.  What’s not to like?!  All new and used (but clean!) art supplies and books are accepted.  You may drop them at Jeanne’s house this week or bring them to the church by 5:00 p.m. before the meeting.  If you are bringing the items to the church, please make sure they are priced beforehand!  Sales start at 5:30 and then again after the program is finished.  Cash or check only, and checks may be made to the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools with the memo marked “BWS Scholarship.”

Questions?  Contact Jeanne at info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.

(Hint: Two retired art teachers have already donated some very nice things, there are some great bargains!)

3. the program: Getting to Know Those Colors: Basic Color Theory for Artists,  presented by Robin Edmundson

“Color Theory is not a law that you have to obey to make great art.  It is a set of ideas that help you describe color and describe patterns of color behavior.  Knowing each color and how it acts around other colors can be really helpful as you work on a piece.  We’ll talk about each basic hue, its unique attributes and how it acts next to other colors, with special attention to chroma and value.  We’ll also talk about some basic color harmonies.   We’ll do some experiments with paint as we have time.

Bring: color tools/wheels/books if you have them, and paint, brushes and paper so you can play a bit.”

WELCOME

BWS has three new members and we offer a hearty welcome to all of them:  Joanna Matuszak, Barbara Coffman and Tom Tierney.

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
BWS Signature Show and Opening Reception

Friday, May 5, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Meadowood Gallery

The Signature Members of BWS will open their 2^nd Annual Exhibit at the Meadowood Gallery this Friday.  The show will be up through May 26.  Meadowood is located at 2455 Tamarack Trail on the north side of Bloomington.

Jerry Harste and Gamboling Goats
The April meeting was a fun – and messy – one, for sure.  And everyone had a great time!  Although the theme was goats, many captured their own favorite animal to the project, including elephants, dogs, fish, and bugs.  Here are a few photos from that evening’s play.

Bear

Bulldog

Rainbow Goat

Koi

BWS Plein Air Exhibit

Reception Goodies, picture by Candi Bailey

BWS Upland Plein Air Exhibit Wall

It was a nice evening with a good turnout for the opening reception of the plein air exhibit.  As you can see, the tradition of delicious foods continued.
Gallery Walk
Friday, May 5, 2017, Flowing Colors Studio arts demonstration with Joanne Shank demonstrating spring flower painting with bamboo brush in the entry way of Caveat Emptor, 112 North Walnut Street, Suite 600, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Phone or text questions to Kathy at 812-679-6353.  For studio hours and info, link to http://flowingcolorsstudio.blogspot.com
Color Class
Robin Edmundson is teaching a class on Color Harmonies at her studio in Solsberry on Saturday, May 27 from 1:00 pm -5:00 pm.  You will start with a bit of formal color theory and then explore several different types of color harmonies using color wheels and other tools.  This is a small class taught at her home studio with no more than four people so you’ll get a lot of individual attention.  Workshop includes a project consultation for each person.  Bring a project or two that you have color questions about and she will discuss it with you and help you find some workable options to get you back on track.   Price discount for BWS members – $50 [Instead of $65].  More information here:  https://www.robinedmundson.com/shop-1/color-harmonies-may-27-2017-1-pm-5-pm
Exhibit in Bedford
Paintings by Don Geyra: New and Ancient
May 5 – May 20
Don, an avid outdoor painter, has an exhibit that opens at the Wiley House in Bedford May 5 with a reception, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.   Wiley House, located at the corner of 14th and J Streets, is the home of the Lawrence County Art Association and is open Thursday thru Saturday from 1-6 pm.

OPPORTUNITIES

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

This is a partial May schedule.  Please contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org for details.

• Tuesday, May 2, Champs Barn, Host: Sandi Nitti
• Tuesday, May 9, Griffy Lake, Host: Penny Lulich

Arts in the Parks
Saturday, May 13, 2017
1:00 – 4:00 pm, T.C. Steele State Historic Site
Watercolor Painting in Plein Air on T.C. Steele Grounds
Betty Wagoner will lead a class as they explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques and paint in the historic structures, gardens, and natural features of the site.   For details, contact Betty Wagoner.

Watercolor Classes
Beginning Watercolor I and II
Begin with the very basics, learn about supplies and various ways to apply paint to paper. Each class will feature hands-on activities, progressing from simple exercises to a painted piece.
Carol Rhodes will teach these two classes this summer on Monday evenings at the Waldron.  To register, go to https://www.ivytech.edu/bloomington/cll/16634.html#summer or call 812-330-4400.

The Art and Soul of Bloomington
“The Venue challenges you, as an artist, to identify and express your personal experience of Bloomington.”  Early Bird Application Deadline: June 10th, 2017; Final Application Deadline: June 24th, 2017.
The prospectus can be found at http://www.thevenuebloomington.com/Jurried.html

Indiana Artists Exhibit

The 85^th Annual Indiana Artists Exhibit is currently on display through June 11 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in the Bret Waller Gallery.  This exhibit is free to the public and is located across from the gift shop at the IMA.

TC Steele Festival of Flowers Paint Out
Saturday, May 20, 7:00 – 4:00, marks the final spring paint out.  Preregistration is requested, and all the details can be found at http://www.tcsteele.org/programs/

“Brushstrokes” is the (almost) monthly newsletter
of the Bloomington (Indiana) Watercolor Society
Editor, Jeanne Ellen Dutton
BloomingtonWatercolor.org
WePaintBloomington.org
Info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Coming Monthly Meeting

Monday, April 10, 2017  6:00 p.m.

First Christian Church

Corner of Kirkwood and Washington Streets

Bloomington, IN

After a brief and important business meeting and some delicious refreshments, Jerry Harste, BWS Signature member, will present the program, “Gamboling Goats.”

Jerry paints “goats” as a warm up exercise.  Each time he sits down to paint, he first paints a goat trying a different water media technique.  In this program, he will share a technique he calls “Finding Figures in Foil Prints.”  Participants will do a “Where is Waldo” painting (on 8”x8” watercolor paper) as well as a “Goat” (or an animal of their choice) on an 8”x8” canvas panel (which has been prepared with a coating of gesso and absorbent ground so watercolor paints will adhere). His PowerPoint presentation will walk participants through each procedure as well as show some other painting in which Jerry has used this technique as part of the painting.  All materials will be provided, although it would be nice if some of you would bring your hair dryer.  All he asks is that you come ready to play.

BWS Events Calendar (See below for further details.)

Friday, April 7, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Opening Reception

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters 1st Annual Plein Air Exhibition

Opening Reception Friday, April 7, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
1st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of the Bloomington Watercolor Society’s Upland Plein Air Painters.

The show will be on exhibit from April 6 – May 2, 2017 at Bellevue Gallery in the Farmer House Museum, 529 North College, Bloomington, IN.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00  p.m.  Contact the Gallery at 812.336.5597.

Saturday, April 29, Weekend Paint Out at the Farm

10:00 – 2:00, Hosts Steve Dawson and Jeanne Dutton

Friday, May 5, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Opening Reception

BWS Signature Member Show (Details to be announced.)

Monday, May 8, 6:00 p.m., Monthly Meeting and TABLE SALE

Saturday, May 20 – Festival of Flowers Paint Out at T.C. Steele, 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Table Sale to Support the Scholarship

Ladies and Gentlemen, have you started your spring cleaning?  Especially in your studio?  Please consider donating all your extra art supplies to BWS – you know you have plenty of extra, right?!  As all we artists do?

At the May meeting, starting at 5:30 and then after the meeting, the supplies you donate will be sold to fellow members and all proceeds go to support the BWS Scholarship.  Last year was a great success, so pitch in!  Good, clean, useable art supplies are welcome.

For details and information, contact Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Member Activities

Congratulations to two BWS Signature members, Jerry Harste and Sara Steffey McQueen.

One of Jerry’s paintings is the cover for the latest issue of “Literacy Practice and Research” magazine.

Literacy Practice & Research magazine cover by Jerry Harste, BWS

Sara Steffey-McQueen next to “Wild Women”

Sara’s linocut print, “Wild Women,” was accepted into the 37^th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink Contemporary Gallery at 300 E. Main Street in Fort Wayne.  The exhibit runs March 31-May 7, 2017.  For hours and more, contact the gallery at (260) 424-7195.

Phyllis Taylor is the featured artist for April at the Tempo Gallery in Astoria, Oregon.  It’s an all-watercolor show featuring (mostly) portraits.  Phyllis says, “In addition to framed portraits, I’m going to have all the snippets of Arches paper with studies of eyes, mouths, noses, & rough sketches pinned to a big cork board with a header of ‘Practice, practice, practice!’

Sleepy by Phyllis Taylor 2017

Don Geyra is having an exhibit at the Wiley Art Center, 1402 J Street in Bedford, April 27 to May 19.  The reception is Friday, April 28 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome.  Light refreshments will be served.

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

Finally, spring is here – let the outdoor painting begin!  Everyone is welcome to join in these events.  For details, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

• Wednesday, April 12, Azalea Park & Arboretum, Host: Kathy Barton  NOTE: This site is 2 hours away, so it’s an all-day event.
• Tuesday, April 18, TC Steele Historic Site, Host: Anne-Karine Bley
• Tuesday, April 25, Shades State Park, Host: Betty Wagoner
• Tuesday, May 2, Champs Barn, Host: Sandi Nitti
• Tuesday, May 9, Griffy Lake, Host: Penny Lulich

Arts in the Parks Workshops with artist Betty Wagoner

Saturday, May 13, 2017, 1-4 p.m. at T.C. Steele State Historic Site.

Watercolor Painting in Plein Air on T.C. Steele Grounds

We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques and paint the historic structures, gardens, and natural features of the site.

Saturday, June 10, 2017, 9:30 am-4 pm at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Watercolor Painting at the Lake

• 9:30-Noon – We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques
• 12:30-4pm – Open house featuring watercolor pencil demos and visitor experimentation with watercolor pencils.

Saturday July 8, 2017, 1-4 p.m. at T.C. Steele State Historic Site

Watercolor Painting in Plein Air on T.C. Steele Grounds.

• We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques and paint the historic structures, gardens, and natural features of the site.

Saturday, August 12, 9:30 am-4 pm – Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Watercolor Painting at the Lake

• 9:30-Noon – We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques
• 12:30-4pm – Open house featuring watercolor pencil demos and visitor experimentation with watercolor pencils.

BWS Spring Workshop

Well, that was interesting!  Lynn Busch from Louisville treated us to a fun day playing with a new medium, alcohol inks.  Dropping and drizzling on plastic “paper” known as Yupo, the designs were free flowing.  Many thanks to all who helped set up, take down, and clean up.  And to Andrew Preston of Preston Arts Center for his help, too, in organizing with the artist instructor.

Diane Thayer being creative

Jeanne Dutton’s journal with alcohol ink

Maura Stanton & Nancy Metz working with alcohol ink on Yupo

OPPORTUNITIES

Call for Entries for the Art and Soul of Bloomington II

“We at The Venue believe that Bloomington is a very special place, a place that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit of those who are privileged to call it home, and those who only visit for days, weeks, months, or years. While we recognize that Bloomington has its challenges, we are not shy about our belief in Bloomington Exceptionalism. The Venue challenges you, as an artist, to identify and express your personal experience of Bloomington.”

Early Bird Application Deadline: June 10th, 2017;  Final Application Deadline: June 24th, 2017.

The prospectus can be found at http://www.thevenuebloomington.com/Jurried.html

2018 Call for Submissions

Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center

March 22-May 12, 2017

Find the details at https://ivytech.slideroom.com/#/Login

“Audubon: Drawn to Nature”

This exhibit is at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, April 1 – July 30. Check it out at http://www.imamuseum.org/exhibition/audubon-drawn-nature

“Brushstrokes” is the (almost) monthly newsletter

of the Bloomington (Indiana) Watercolor Society

Editor, Jeanne Ellen Dutton

BloomingtonWatercolor.org

WePaintBloomington.org

Info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org