Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, November 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.
Program: “Winter Strokes” by Penny Lulich
“I’m looking forward to sharing my painting techniques for winter scenes. Bring watercolor paper, paints, brushes, water containers, paper towels, salt, white gauche, and a spray bottle. We will explore painting winter sky and trees, adding snowfall, and using negative painting to create mountains.
Paint colors I use: yellow orchre, burnt sienna, cobalt blue, phthalo blue red shade, undersea green, green gold, other greens warm and cool shades, dioxazine purple, indigo, hansa yellow deep, new gamboge, red (any kind), and any other color you want to bring. My colors are geared more toward winter trees and skies. The gauche will be for adding snowfall. It shows up better than watercolor whites.
I use 140 lb watercolor paper. You can bring watercolor cards if you like. I’ve painted and sold many cards.
Hope to see you there!
Paintings by Penny Lulich
President’s Message: From Laura Brown
“Our next meeting is our final official meeting of the year. Come find out all the details of the plans for December and 2025! Thank you to all for who participated in our Fall Membership show. Make sure to check your emails as many important ones will be or have already been sent out.”
Keep on creating!
Support the BWS Art Scholarship: Reading, Writing, Bidding
The BWS Art Scholarship is managed by the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools (FMCCS) and awarded each spring to an aspiring young artist. Each fall, FMCCS holds an online auction to raise funds for scholarships and programs. Through donations from BWS artists and friends, and bids, we can raise money specifically for the BWS scholarship.
So far this year, we are offering a Phantom of the Opera music box, two framed paintings, a two-hour watercolor lesson, a set of three original holiday greeting cards, and two coupons for gutter cleaning. One person made a direct donation of $100 in lieu of an auction item!
Another item is a “unique handcrafted ukulele made from high-quality birch wood. This stunning instrument features an eye-catching underwater steampunk painting, blending artistry with music. Perfect for musicians and collectors alike!”
Watch for new items being added!
Registration is quick and easy at qtego.us/qlink/mccsc Bidding Opens: Monday, November 11th at 8 AM
Bidding Closes: Tuesday, November 19th at 8 PM
An Historical Tidbit
Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, reported that The Indiana Daily Student had a nice article in their newspaper on Monday, November 19, 2012 when Bloomington Watercolor Society had a show entitled, “We Paint Springs & Other Things” at the City Hall. The IDS article was focused specifically on promoting BWS and local artists.
October Reports
Our October Meeting: Thanks Andy!
When BWS met on October 14, Andy Roberts presented a program on Paul Klee’s Oil Transfer Technique. Essentially, the technique involves creating a kind of “carbon” paper by brushing black oil paint onto copy paper. The next step is to lay the “carbon” paper, oil side down, on watercolor paper. A sketch is then laid on top and the sketch traced over, causing the design to transfer to the watercolor paper.
Lifting the “carbon” paper and the sketch off the watercolor paper reveals the transferred design. Once the picture is painted with watercolor, it often has the look of a woodcut as watercolor resists the oil paint.
Thanks to Andy Roberts for prompting our creativity with a new technique!
Andy Roberts teaching “Klee’s Oil Transfer Technique”
Meri Reinhold & Zain Mackey showing off their masterpieces
Patty Uffman, Jaime Gonzalez, & Jerry Harste display their final products
“We PAINT…Faces & Places”
“Chickadee,” Linda Mann
BWS artists created thirty paintings for the annual membership show at the Vault which in turn created a really interesting mix! The opening reception during Gallery Walk on October 4th brought nearly 60 art lovers to the exhibit. It was a busy weekend with many other events happening. Lotus Fest, Hoosiers Outrun Cancer, Paint Bloomington, and the beautiful weather all combined to bring more visitors to town.
Now through November 22, you can enjoy the show in person Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E 6thStreet. Please call first to be sure someone is there. 812-334-9700.
VOTE in PERSON at the Vault for your favorite painting in the show. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced at the December Holiday Party and will receive a prize of $100.
“WE PAINT…Faces & Spaces” Reception, Photo compliments of Jeanne Dutton
Prevention & BWS:
The Out of the Darkness Walk is part of a national movement created by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to promote awareness. The local Walk took place in Bloomington on Sunday, October 27 with, according to coordinator Lisa Osmon, over 450 participants registered.
BWS partners with Project Stay’s initiative to provide painted “Prevention Rocks” for walkers to distribute during the event while Kiwanis SCI sponsors that initiative. Painted and decorated with words of affirmation, the rocks are laid along the B-Line in the hope of lending a positive, encouraging note to someone’s day…someone who may really need that encouraging note.
Michelle Martin Colman, co-founder of Project Stay, provided the rocks for the BWS artists to decorate. Then, a few members gathered around the dining table in early October, creating unique mini masterpieces with acrylic paints and Posca pens. Many thanks to Charlotte Griffin, Linda Branstetter, Sarah Ward, Julie Boyd, Laura Brown, Cheeri Dennis, and Judy Owens for painting over 50 rocks for the cause! Thank you, too, to Andrew Preston of Preston Arts Store in Louisville for sending the Posca Pens!
Remember, if you or someone you know needs help, call 988…the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Below are pictures of two of the volunteers (Sarah Ward & Charlotte Griffin) and some of the rock that were painted.
Paint Bloomington
Paint Bloomington 2024 was extremely successful, much thanks to the cooperation and talents of BWS!!! It was a gorgeous sunny day, and people showed up early to get their paper and canvas stamped, and then they disappeared. Cheri, Andy, and Kathy welcomed everyone in the BWS/Upland tent!!
Next, the families and individual artists came, and Carol Rhodes introduced them to the art of watercolor, and Sara Steffey made her wonderful nature wands.
Bruce Kell demonstrated urban sketching and memorialized the day!!! Anne Woods made paper for medallions and natural materials, another big success.
Jason Ballinger, with the help of Charlotte Griffin, did gelli prints, which was a major activity, and an all-day adventure.
The portrait group had a fabulous model. Zain Mackey taught creating abstract landscapes. Dan Alexander, a guest artist, did an incredible portrait of Kris Kristofferson on Yupo paper with watercolor.
Sara got out her gorgeous watercolors that she made with natural materials, and Patty Uffman demonstrated painting flowers with them.
People of all ages just plopped down everywhere and were drawing and painting. Penny Lulich did watercolor landscapes and Anne-Karine taught how to use a limited palette and Ellen Cramer did a still life with pastels, acrylic, and water-based oils (actually non-oils!!)
The day ended with Joanne Shank, Betty Wagoner, Mary Sue Schwab and Bill Schwab “judging” the best of the day!!
What was interesting this year was that so many people were really immersed in all the art classes, and no one wanted to leave the pavilion. We also had a lot of families who were new Immigrants to Bloomington, and from multiple places. They were thrilled to be able to have supplies to work with and Kitty and Angela helped them get started. One young girl told me she hadn’t painted since she left Afghanistan and that for me made my day.
Chandra Rettinger introduced Halloween masks of recycled materials!!
Kitty Garlock was the heroine of the day transporting tents, checking in people, and putting together a community mural!!!
Below are photos of Anne-Karine’s Plein Air Landscape, Bruce Kell’s Urban Landscape and finally
Outside BWS
Hoosier Art Salon
Shop Small, Shop Local Exhibit, November 16 – January 5, 2025 Reception, Saturday, December 7, 4:00-6:00 pm
Join us for the annual Invitational Exhibition, “Shop Small, Shop Local Fine Arts!” The gallery will exhibit members from Posey County and the surrounding area, from November 16 – January 5, 2025. A reception will be held on Saturday, December 7, 4 – 6 pm. We encourage our exhibiting artist to attend the reception to greet the public and discuss their art.
Art For Earth
Morgensterns bookstore held an “Art for Earth” sale of original paintings, posters, prints, and other artist works on November 2nd. Over 100 pieces valued at $3000 sold from $5 – $50 dollars each. 100% of the money went to various environmental non-profits chosen by the people who donated the art.
Swoop Art Museum
Light, Space, & Time
Light, Space, & Time is an online art site designed to help artist market their work. The next open competition is November 27, featuring nature.
Membership News
Timothy Lewis. I have two new watercolors:
“Barb’s Pumpkins” is a 15” x 11” watercolor of three pumpkins and a concrete rabbit displayed on the corner of our front entryway for Halloween 2024. You just have to love autumn colors.
“Panguitch” is an 11” x 7.5” watercolor of a rock formation near Panguitch, Utah from our western vacation a few years ago. (photo)
Jerry Harste. I attended WSI’s “Wild Woman Workshop” in Indianapolis from October 8 -11 with Jennifer Stone. Jennifer paints her figures on see-through collage papers which she has stamped and then picks up some of the stamping and integrates it within her final piece. Below is a detail of a painting that I created during the workshop.
Andy Roberts. Below is the painting I completed after the BWS Oil Transfer Demonstration in the Paul Klee style. I called it “Kosmos.” I thought those that participated might like to see it. I also wanted to thank all of those that participated it was a fun exercise and a great experience.
Jacki Frye. I recently hosted a paint-out for Upland Plein Air at Jackson Creek. Below is my painting of the area around the covered bridge.
CALENDER
Now to November 22: BWS Membership Show, The Vault.
November 11: BWS November Meeting, First Christan Church
November 11 to November 19: On-Line bidding in support of BWS Art Scholarship
December 10: BWS Holiday Party. Information to come.
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, October 14th, 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.
After the business meeting Andy Roberts will demonstrate anOil Transfer Technique used by Paul Klee in several of his paintings.
Supplies to bring: Watercolor Paper Watercolor Paint & Brushes Copy paper or Drawing Paper Sheets Drawing Pencil(s) All other needs to be supplied.
********************
It’s Showtime!!!!
Across Cowden Road 1 – Barbara Coffman, Spaces & Faces Exhibition
From the desk of the BWS President Laura Brown:
Our Fall Show for 2024 begins next week! Don’t forget to drop off your paintings on October 1st from 10am-noon at the Gallery Mortgage.
Spaces and Faces: To each of us these words will spark different meanings, emotions, pull us into dreams or into our very own realities. What artistic images do these words evoke? Come find out as the members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society displays their interpretations of all the spaces and faces they encounter!
OPENING RECEPTION: Gallery Walk Friday, October 4th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
SECOND RECEPTION: Gallery Walk Friday, November 1st 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Showing at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage October 4th 2024 – November 22nd, 2024 121 E 6th Street Bloomington, IN 47408 Normal Gallery Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday
The Percussionist – Timothy Lewis, Faces & Spaces Exhibition
******
Joanne Weddle – Upcoming BWS Programs
November 11th — Penny Lulich will demonstrate how she paints Winter Scenes like the two attached.
December9th– Christmas Party/Dinner, The Farm Restaurant, Bloomington. More information to follow.
********
SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER at the BWS GALLERY
“Art is Meditation”, an exhibit featuring the art of long time BWS board member Charlotte Griffin, is at the Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery during September and October. Her artwork covers many years of painting and a wide variety of mediums and subjects, creating a very enjoyable show.
The Gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30 – 4:30 or by appointment. Please call before you visit. 812-233-3286
Glad to say that all sales of fine art, prints and original greeting cards support the art programs of the Cancer Support Community.
Charlotte and other art lovers at the opening reception on September 13.
Coming this Week!!!Paint Bloomington!!!
One of BWS’activities this week centers around Paint Bloomington, a fun and free community art event on Saturday, October 5 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at Bryan Park in Bloomington. BWS and other sponsors will be at the shelter on the east side of the park. BWS wants to thank those of you who are volunteering to staff the event, donating supplies, and teaching classes.
Two ways to participate
Classes are offered from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; they are free and supplies are provided. There are classes suitable for all age groups and experience levels. Many individuals and families attend – bring a picnic! Classes offered include introduction to watercolor, making Halloween masks, portrait painting, and many more.
Artists can register between 9:30 and 11:30, have their canvases or papers stamped, and spend the day anywhere in Bloomington producing an artwork that can be turned in by 3:00 pm for display and prizes. Artwork is displayed and prizes are awarded in categories such as youth, teens, adults, professionals, and group collaborative pieces (fun for families and friends).
Look for the Welcome/Registration tables when you arrive.
Hope to see you there!
Artists for Climate Awareness: Using Natural Materials to Create a Color Palette
Maria Schechter is a bio-artist who uses foraged botanical mycelium and mineral palettes. Maria grows her color garden and works with materials such as flowers, fruits, mushrooms, and roots to develop organic painting palettes. Learn more and see Maria’s biography at: http://artistsforclimateawareness.org/maria-schechter-bio/
Join Maria Schechter in exploring natural materials to create color palettes from fruits, flowers, and earth pigments. Prepare a couple of pigments from a recipe, and then paint with them. The painting and some supplies will be yours to keep. — November 2, 2024, 10 am to 2 pm — Ivy Tech Bloomington, Indiana — Room D201
Highlights:
Begin with a virtual tour of the Lascaux Caves in France.
Learn about the history and use of earth pigments.
Discuss tannins and mordants (substances used to bind dyes to fabrics) that are used in natural dyeing.
Process and create botanical colors from materials like black walnuts, onion skins, avocado seeds, and blueberries.
Learn from Ellen Jacquart, director of MC IRIS, why native plants are important and find out what we can do to help preserve and maintain healthy landscapes.
Activities:
Examine ancient wall paintings and illuminated manuscripts.
Process one or two colors with a group of others using pre-prepared materials and a processing video.
Understand mordants, tannins, and alternative salts/metals for dyeing.
Materials Provided:
Stretched, recycled watercolor paper that has been prepared with layers of processed onion skins; pipettes and brushes
Definition list, dyer’s method recipe, and list of mordant modifiers.
Recipe journal, brushes, magnifying glass, and reference books.
Link to Maria’s YouTube channel for detailed instructions.
Takeaways:
Confidence in processing foraged materials at home.
Encouragement to explore and experiment with botanical dyeing
A two-color bio art painting
A gift bag with: — Recipes — A list of reference books and links to videos — A handmade recipe journal to write down your own recipes — Brushes and a handheld magnifying glass
No prior skill required, just a love for nature and curiosity!
Fee:$60 nonmembers; $35 for current Artists Climate Awareness members (Not a member? The nonmember workshop fee includes a new annual membership. Already a member? Contact art4climate@carolrhodes.netto register.)
Outside BWS
The Hoosier Art Salon announces a shared exhibit viewing entitled “Two Friends; Two Perspectives.”
Featuring Barbara Northern & Linda Volz: A showcase of individual perspectives that led to fascinating differences.
NOW OPEN!THROUGH NOVEMBER 10TH, 2024 HOOSIER ART SALON507 CHURCH ST., NEW HARMONY, IN 47631
THURS & SUN 1:00 – 4:00PM FRI & SAT 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Watercolor Society of Indiana
WSI announces a “Wild Women Workshop” with Artist Jennifer Stone. October 8 to 11, 2024. Mixed Media.
Membership News
Andy Roberts. Here are two of my recent paintings. The top one is titled, “Jimsonweed in the Pumpkin Patch” and the bottom one is titled, “Sally’s Spartacus Dahlias.”
Saturday, October 12, 10 – 5 and Sunday, October 13, 12 – 4. Open house, refreshments and plenty of art. Stop by for a visit and see what she’s been up to at 560 E. Holland Dr.
Go to Bloomington Open Studios Tour to check out the website for other participating artists.
*************************************************
Meri Reinhold. My wave painting got an honorable mention at the Persimmon Festival art show.
Congratulations Meri!!
*********************************************
Jerome Harste. In addition to trying to learn to paint animals like Hazel Soan (you can see my painting of elephants in BWS’ Faces & Places Show), I took all of the flower pictures I snapped on a recent train trip to the West Coast and created this mash-up, Gustav Klimt-like, garden painting.
MarySue Schwab. Bill and I had a wonderful weekend painting with other artists in Madison Indiana with Indiana Plein Air Painters Association members. Attached are Bill and my paintings from that event. I won an honorable mention and sold my painting.
MarySue added ” Now is the time to sign-up now for watercolor painting classes at Ivy Tech. While you are at it, add Calligraphy to your repertoire! You will have fun and and learn a new skill! Next session at Ivy Tech begins October 31st!” MarySue added the schedule as well as three painting to entice.
Deborah Rush. The Springbok painting was inspired by watching a Hazel Soan videotape I found on-line. Hazel has a wonderful new book called “Learn to Paint Wildlife Quickly.”
Also attached is the painting I submitted for BWS’ fall show: Claude & Conner. As you know Claude Cookman became a grandfather recently. This painting is a celebration of that event.
********************************************
Calendar
October 1 — Drop off paintings for Spaces & Places Show, The Vault at Gallery Mortgage.
October 4 — Opening Reception for Spaces & Places Show, The Vault at Gallery Mortgage.
October 5 — Paint Bloomington! Bryan Park.
October 12 & 13 — Open Studio Tour.
October 14 — BWS Meeting and Program by Andy Roberts, Frist Christian Church
Now to October 25 — Art as Mediation Exhibit, CSC Center.
October 31 — Start of watercolor and calligraphy classes at Ivy Tech.
November 2 — Artist for Climate Awareness Workshop, Ivy Tech.
Now to November 10 — Two Friends; Two Perspectives Exhibit, Hoosier Art Salon.
Photo taken at May Creek Farms Paint-Out by Deborah Rush
Meeting–June 10
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, June 10, 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.
Remember: BWS is taking a summer break from business meetings! We’ll resume in September. Meanwhile, watch your email for announcements of summer activities.
Following the Business Meeting, Carol Rhodes and Nancy Metz will lead the evening’s program.
“Discovering your Artistic Voice”
“Every artist from beginner to professional possesses a unique voice: rich and powerful, shaped by their experiences and stories. This voice is encouraged to grow with practice and thought–not fabricated, but discovered. Your inner artistic voice is intrinsic and can be found in everyday experiences and choices in your life, reflected in things like personal handwriting, home decor, music, and favorite conversations. Your internal voice is always evolving; it is driven by continuous growth and inspiration, and your art will correspondingly change over time.
In our upcoming meeting on June 10, Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes, along with four panelists (Jerry Harste, Jacki Frey, Zain Mackey, and Tim Lewis) will explore “Discovering Your Artistic Voice” and guide you in identifying and nurturing your own distinct style.
For the workshop, bring 3-5 photos of your artwork that you particularly LIKE (cell phone or tablet is fine) plus a pencil and paper to jot down some thoughts. You will use these for some exercises.”
REMINDER: Those who made folded journals in the May meeting are encouraged to bring their partial or completed work to share at the June meeting!
Inside BWS
Be an “Artist in the Garden” at the Garden Walk
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday June 23, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Whether it’s the potting shed, the statuary, the vegetables, a magnolia tree in bloom, annual flowers or perennial flowering shrubs, you can find something to paint at one of the Bloomington Garden Club’s Garden Walk!
Want to go with a paint pal? Four of the six gardens have room for two artists. The attached descriptions explain which gardens can host more than one, so please read the attached to find one you might like.
(This year, there is a bit of confusion on the map about the numbering scheme for the gardens so let’s refer to the gardens by the street address and the owners’ names.)
Participating artist earn a free ticket for the day they aren’t painting. Just tell Kathy when you sign up.
Remember – this is a rain or shine event (within reason since a deluge of rain and paint don’t play well together).
Kathy Truelove Barton will be maintaining a signup sheet for each day. She will be sending reminders a few days ahead. If you need to cancel, please let Kathy know ASAP.
Descriptions of the Gardens
The first 2 of the gardens are compact and have space for only 1 artist each.
Jeff Soper & Erica Burrin — 900 w 2nd Street
There’s something for everyone here. A huge magnolia shades a splashing pond and a cool and calm dining retreat. Birds and their feeders abound. A small garden produces veggies. A charming playhouse is tucked in surrounded by a bounty of native and colorful plantings.
Joe & Merridee La Mantia – 82- W Howe Street
This small sunny garden uses space wisely. Tree peonies and annuals grown by seed fill the space between sidewalk and the street. In the back yard a “start” from a relative produced a jaw-dropping arbor covered with plump grapes. Willow trees offer privacy and their branches have been used in art projects.
The rest of the gardens below can each host 2 artists.
Beth Applegate & Trish Kerle – 911 W 3rd Street
Once you walk through the gate, you will be WOWED by this large, imaginative, and intricately designed garden. The path which is bordered by flowers and sculptures leads you to an infinity loop which spirals into a tour of more trees, plants, flowers, sculptures, and art.
Richard Balaban & Julie Bloom – 1916 E Ruby Lane
Welcome to the Zen Garden. This owner had problems to solve. Large trees and the lack of sun dictated the garden design and plant selection. Run off from a steep slope was diverted to create an attractive rock-filled dry stream bed. A small fountain and wisteria arbor combined to create a cool, calm retreat.
Vidan & Trace Jovanovic – 1209 S Pickwick Place
The front gardens give a clue to what is to come. Annuals planted among perennials provide summer long color. Zinnias of all types and colors grown from seed are favored by the owner. Beds of vegetables; heirloom tomatoes among them, create a continual feast for the tummy as well as the eyes.
Bob & Nancy Miller – 2369 E Linden Hill Drive
The owners designed, labored, and immersed their lives into creating this magnificent large hydrangea heaven. A walkway much like a tour takes you by a whimsical potting shed and off to see a tremendous variety of hydrangeas, Conifers, alliums, and imaginative vignettes.
Membership Renewal Time
Andy Roberts, BWS Membership Chair, wrote to say, “Just a reminder that membership renewal time is here and that our dues are still only $35.00 per year. Please go to our website: https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/ and click “Join Us” at top of the page. The alternative ways to remit and instructions are easy to follow. We look forward to another exciting year and extend an invitation to join us in all our many creative art activities along with our monthly meetings.
In closing, I would first like to thank all the members of BWS and especially the Executive Board that has allowed me the privilege of serving with them and BWS membership the past three years. I have enjoyed all that being an officer entails and would encourage those that have never served in this capacity to step out of your comfort zone and give it a try. It is personally rewarding as well as a great service to the Bloomington Arts Community.
Announcing the 2024 BWS Scholarship Winner!
The Scholarship Committee, led by Sarah Ward, is pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 BWS Scholarship. Graduating from BHSS with an exceptional GPA and headed for Washington University, Miss Seongwon Park explains her education goal:
“My interest in communication design was sparked by the use of symbols in Mexico’s metro stations, aiding navigation during times of high illiteracy. This intersection of art and communication deeply resonated with me, inspiring my ambition to create impactful designs. In college, I plan to pursue interdisciplinary studies alongside a focus on visual communication design, aiming to convey messages through thoughtful visual elements.
In the long term, I aspire to become a graphic or UX designer, or even a product designer, dedicated to creating designs that enhance the lives of minority groups such as immigrants, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. I aim to find creative solutions for effective communication and propose innovative ideas that improve daily life. As an immigrant myself, I relate to the challenges they face and hope to address them through my unique designs.”
Seongwon is shown here receiving the First Place Award for her entry in Bloomington’s 2024 Eco-Heroes contest. (Photo credit: Kriste Lindberg via City of Bloomington’s Environmental Commission).
Seong’s artwork is outstanding in many mediums, including this mixed media creation titled “Rotating Through Memories and Dreams.”
May Creek Farm Paint-Out
Photograph compliments of Kathleen Truelove Barton
Kathy Truelove Barton sent in a picture of BWS’ Paint-Out at May Creek Farms. She reported, “Many thanks to Sara Steffy McQueen, Sharon Parsons, and Betty Wagoner who were the hostess for the paint out at May Creek Farm during May. The day was sunny and pleasant. We had access to flower gardens, painting tables in the shelter house which opens to a pond. Some folks painted on easels on the dam looking toward the pond and beyond. We had about 11 artists painting that day, including Jeanne Dutton, Sarah Ward, Linda Brandstetter Ann Woods, Bruce Kell, Krista August, and Charlotte Griffin and her sister Carolyn Frey.
Artists are invited to bring their paintings to the June meeting to share.
SHARE YOUR ART – HAVE AN EXHIBIT and SUPPORT CSC ART PROGRAMS
Two years ago, the Cancer Support Community and BWS partnered to create the Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery and it’s been a fine success. Participating artists have seen combined sales of over $6500, averaging $650 per show!
The BWS Gallery is located at 1719 W Third (that’s at the intersection of West Third and Landmark Avenue) in the CSC facility. Great benefits for Exhibiting Artists include:
CSC hosts an Opening Reception on the 2nd Friday of the first month of the exhibit.
CSC provides professional marketing materials to support each exhibit.
CSC provides publicity through their mailing lists, social media, etc.
Staff assists the artist in hanging the show
Thirty Feet of wall space is available to display your 2-D artwork using a STAS rail system.
Racks for greeting cards and prints and unframed originals are available.
Artists retain 70% of sales, while the remaining 30% supports the CSC art programs. Share the Fun – Grab a Fellow Artist and have a DUO SHOW! APPLY NOW!
CSC holds programs 3-4 times per week, and the Gallery is open to the public Tuesday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The gallery will generally be available during normal office hours.
Currently exhibiting “Fields, Flowers, and Felines” are Barbara Coffman, Linda Branstetter, and Jeanne Dutton, now through the end of August. A reception is scheduled for Friday, July 12, from 4:00-7:00.
BWS to Participate in IU’s Mini University
BWS has been invited to participate in the Eskenazi Art Museum part of IU Mini-University. Five artists from BWS can show how they do their art to participants attending Mini-University. One hour is required on June 12 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Eskenazi. A table and a chair can be requested along with a parking pass. Laura Brown, Claude Cookman, Jamela Jafari, Jane Matranga, and Arkady Roytman have signed up for this opportunity.
In July BWS & Upland Will Share a Paint Out
BWS and Upland are joining forces again this July for a paint out extraordinaire! We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to paint at the home of Karen Pacific and David Shipley who, through their love of flowers and art, have created stunning sculptures and gardens that we get to enjoy and paint! Besides many garden areas and vistas to choose from they have chickens, horses, a donkey, pastures, little out buildings, a big barn, and a uniquely charming home. This is a paint out you do not want to miss.
Date: Saturday July 20th Time: 9:00-1:00| Place: Home of Karen Pacific and David Shipley, 1600 W. Dittemore Rd., Gosport Carpooling is encouraged as parked cars tend to distract from the view. A map will follow when the invitation is sent closer to the time of the paint out.
Photograph compliments of Kitty Garlock
Dali Alive!
BWS is sponsoring a road trip in late July to Newfields to see the LUME exhibit, “Dali Alive!”
The exhibit includes four original and amazing watercolors Dali created as opera set designs. The LUME videos are mesmerizing!
Transportation provided by Rural Transit. Be sure to watch your email around July 1 for all the details on time and cost for reservations.
A Little Bit of History
Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, sent in this note: “Wylie House exhibited paintings from Bloomington Watercolor Society March 1st to April 30th, 2014 from a previous paint out in July of the gardens, museum, and docents in period attire.”
Outside BWS
T. C. Steele Member Art Show
The show is open to all members of Friends of T.C. Steele or to non-members who apply for membership while completing the show’s entry form. BWS artists are invited to enter their artwork in the show.
Show dates: August 3 -24, 2024 at Brown County Art Gallery, Nashville, IN. Registration deadline: July 22, 2024 Delivery of Artwork: July 27- 28, 2024 Reception and Awards Ceremony: Aug. 3, 2024, 2-4 pm Pick-up Artwork: Aug. 25-26, 2024
Judge: Caleb Weintraub, Assoc. Professor, Area Head of Painting, and Director of Undergraduate at the Eskenazi School of Arts, Architecture, and Design at Indiana University.
All levels of art experience accepted. Award categories: Professional, Amateur/Emerging Artists, and Youth. Parents, grandparents, art tutors and teachers, please encourage young artists to enter the show.
Professional 2023 First Place; Photo Compliments of Betty Wagoner
Watercolor Society of Indiana
Tim Lewis, WSI President sent in this list of upcoming WSI events:
The Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Member’s Show opens June 14th at Gallery Forty-Two, 42 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, with a public reception at 6:00 pm. The show runs through July 26th.
The Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Juried Show opens August 2nd at the Waller Gallery in the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in Indianapolis. There is a a public reception and awards ceremony on August 4th at 2:00 pm and the show runs through September 28th.
There are several demonstrations and workshops by well known artists available through the Watercolor Society of Indiana over the next several months. Check out the WSI website for details: https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/
Membership News
Jerome Harste. While I don’t know whom to credit, I found this delightful poem on Facebook and decided it just had to be shared:
Tim Lewis. I have two new watercolors:
“Eventually” is a 15” x 22” watercolor of a local tavern near the OSU campus in Columbus, OH.
“Day’s End” is a 15” x 11” watercolor of three sandhill cranes returning to the Platt river in Nebraska to nest for the night.
Susan Savastuck. Susan shared her painting “Spring Iris After Dark.” Then added, “One more thing: Final Gallery Walk Reception at Bloomingfoods West : “Portraits in Pointillism.”
“Spring Iris After Dark” by Susan Savastuck
“Portraits in Pointillism” by Susan Savastruck
Andy Roberts. I have two recent paintings to share. Both paintings have been in some stage of completion for several months but I recently took time to complete them.
First: Owensburg District School- circa 1955 – was my school from 1st thru 8th grades. I have a lot of fond memories and some exaggerated stories from my days at Owensburg School. I am proud to finally put the image on paper. Pen and Ink- Watercolor
Second: Gnaw Bone Camp- Gnaw Bone, Indiana – a summer camp for girls that has been in operation for 50+ years and is a great place to paint en Plein Air. Pen and Ink- Watercolor.
Kitty Garlock. This painting was done at Terra Flora north of Bloomington and I always wanted to put something silhouetted in the very bright large space at the center right…an animal , person, a little thing of interest…any idea or suggestions as to do or not do?
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 10 – BWS Meeting – “Finding Your Artist Voice.” June 12 – Eskenazi Museum of Art, BWS artist providing “live art.” Registration required. June 22-23 – Garden Walk. July TBD – Dali Alive! Road Trip to Newfields. July 20 – Paint Out, Kitty Garlock, hosting, location TBA. August 10 – Paint Out at Owen Valley Winery, April Bledsoe and Zoe Dean, hosting. September 9 – BWS meetings resume. Show and share summer work.
“May is the most beautiful month of the year, a month alive with warm color. The flowers and trees are in full bloom, and even the sun joins this rhapsody be emitting warmer rays.” — Lillian Berliner,And The Month Was May: A Memoir — Painting, JCHarste
MEETING
Jeanne Dutton to Demonstrate Journal Making, May 13
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, May 13, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the upper room as work is being completed in the room we usually meet in. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Following the meeting, Jeanne Dutton will demonstrate how to create artist journals via different ways of folding watercolor paper.
Making a sketchbook out of a single piece of paper is a handy trick to have up your sleeve! These versatile sketchbooks can be made in a variety of sizes and used for drawing exercises, specific projects, special gifts, or even to accompany you on a plein air outing!
Easy to pack, take one on your summer vacation. Make them with the grandkids and create special memories. Remember, these journals aren’t fine art, they’re FUN art!
Jeanne says, “I love to pick a theme, gather quotations related to the theme, then get creative with my illustrations! The folds create pockets which can be filled with bookmarks, tiny paintings, or other ephemera.”
Jeanne will also bring several samples to, hopefully, inspire you!
Supplies to bring: A full or half sheet of 140# watercolor paper, plus a few smaller sizes. Scissors A bone folder for pressing creases Ideas for your theme Quotations related to that theme Bring whatever medium you want to start your journal with – pencil, pens, watercolor pens, etc.
Photo by Jeanne Dutton
INSIDE BWS
Presidential Notes of Thanks
Thank you to MarySue Schwaab, BWS Signature member, who presented the April program, “Using Color and White Space Effectively,” and discussed layering, using transparent watercolors.
Here’s a sample from the audience.
And kudos to Daniel Goebbert for sharing his Eclipse inspired painting at the meeting.
A Note of Urgency
Laura Brown, BWS Vice President, wrote to say:
“As I mentioned at one of the meetings, BWS activities are made possible by artists like YOU! There are a couple spots where we are in need of volunteers to make things possible this year. The hats to wear are very different from one another, so please read the entire email so you don’t miss what might be a perfect fit for you!
First off, every year for awhile now we have been taking a bus up to the Newfields Museum of Art in Indianapolis to see the LUME exhibit, a 360 walkthrough immersive art experience which has focused on great artists of the past. From the Impressionists to Van Gogh, this year’s exhibit is Salvador Dali! However, we still don’t have a trip coordinator to help make arrangements with the museum, verify our transportation, send reminder emails, and overall ensure a fun experience for our members. Without a coordinator, we will not be able to arrange this trip this year, something we all surely wouldn’t want to miss out on. Note, Dali Alive! closes on June 20.
Secondly, if you’re someone that would prefer to work behind the scenes, we have the perfect spot for you! We are in need of someone to edit Brushstrokes, our monthly online newsletter. It is the homebase for all our organization’s news, recaps, and upcoming events. Right from home, you could be the one that helps build a solid record of BWS events and a go-to spot for members and the public alike.
Please join BWS and Upland artists at the May Creek Farm for a morning of plein air painting on May 18 from 10 am to 1 pm. The beautiful rural farm offers a large grassy area surrounded by forest and a large pond with a babbling brook and outbuildings. In short, plenty of scenes to paint!
Directions: Head south on Rockport Road from S Rogers Street for about 8 miles. Look for a tall address sign on the left and the BWS sign. Park on the gravel parking lot and please be sure not to block someone’s driveway.
A shelter house and a large porch offer protection from the sun or the rain! A coffee pot and refrigerator are also available.
Transportation from the parking area is available for those with mobility challenges.
Hosts Betty Wagoner and Sara Steffey McQueen will be there to welcome you.Questions? Email info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org or call 812 420-0695.
Cancer Support Community Center
Jeanne Dutton, Barbara Coffman, & Linda Branstetter will be the featured artists at the South Center Indiana Community Cancer Support Center through May and June. The Exhibit is entitled, “Flowers, Fields, and Felines.” The opening reception will be May 10 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Historical Tidbit
Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, sent in this little bit of history from June 2, 2014. Troy Kilgore, Tricia Wente, and Jerome Harste were three Bloomington artists among 15 Indiana artists chosen for the Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibition that was on display through August of 2014 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Historical Center in Indianapolis. This was Harste’s first time being a part of the exhibit.
Hoosier Salon has exhibited art from many of Indiana’s most notable painters, sculptors, cartoonists, and mixed media artists including Hoosier group artists, members of Brown County Art Colony, and other artists with ties to Indiana.
OUTSIDE BWS
Artists for Climate Awareness: Workshop, May 11
MarySue Schwab wrote to say, “Sign up for my watercolor workshop on May 11th at Ivy Tech Community College, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Painting Pollinators, Birds, Butterflies and Bees. I’ll share some thing I’ve learned about bird anatomy, choosing the best reference photo, and various watercolor techniques.”
This workshop on pollinators is sponsored by Artists for Climate Awareness.
“We’ll delve into the world of pollinators through watercolor. This special event aligns with World Migratory Bird Day, spotlighting the vital role of birds and insects as pollinators. Our artistic journey will revolve around the intricate beauty of pollinators. From butterflies to bees, dragonflies to hummingbirds, we invite participants to capture the essence of these vital creatures through the graceful strokes of watercolor. You can bring your own photo references or subjects will be provided.
Autumn Brunelle, full-time naturalist for Monroe County Parks and Recreation (and annual Bugfest coordinator), will provide education about pollinators as well as information about the Indiana Master Naturalist Program and the Monroe County Parks and Recreation’s environmental programs.”
Watercolor Society of Indiana: Two Announcements!!
Membership Show: The Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Annual Members’ Show will be at Gallery Forty-Two at 42 East Washington St., Indianapolis, from June 14th through July 26th. There is a public reception on June 14th from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Call to Artists for Entries: The Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Juried Exhibition is accepting entries from members until 5:00 p.m. on May 24th. This Exhibition will be at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from August 2nd through September 28th. More information and a prospectus is available on the WSI website at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/ where you can also see information about upcoming classes, demonstrations and regional exhibitions.
Hoosier Art Salon: Call to Artists for Entries
Celebrating 100 Years, the Hoosier Art Salon’s Annual Exhibition will take place at the Indiana State Museum from August 26 until October 22. Apply online from May 6 to June 16 at juriedartservices.com. For complete rules visit hoosierartsalon.org.
$100,000 in Artist’s Awards and Commissions are hoping to be distributed!!
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Gene Harrawood. His is something I’m working on:
Here are some I finished.
Tim Lewis. I was accepted to be represented by a new gallery. Gallery 02 is located at 1115 Broadway in Fort Wayne and will hold a grand opening celebration from 5 until 8 p.m. on May 4th. I will have six watercolors available and on display at the opening including “Snowed In” and “Ghosts Of Fenns.”
“Snowed In” – 22” x 15” watercolor, Tim Lewis, Artist
“Ghosts Of Fenns” – 16” x 12” watercolor, Tim Lewis, Artist
Carolyn Roger Richard. For the month of May, I will be a Featured Artist at the Hoosier Artist Gallery, a cooperative gallery in Nashville, Indiana. Also featured is Anabel Hopkins of Nashville. There will be an Art Walk on Friday, May 4th from 4 to 7 p.m. All are invited to attend. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville, IN, directly behind the Brown County Art Guild.
One of the paintings being shown by Carolyn Roger Richards at the Hoosier Art Gallery
Zain Mackey. I’ve been having fun working with shapes and color mixing with abstracts. This painting “Ova Over Texas,” along with some older work is headed to the Boomerang Gallery, a pop-up art gallery at Boomerang Hall on Madison Street in Bloomington.
“Ova Over Texas,” Zain Mackey, Artist.
Patrica Uffman. This could be considered an homage to Linda Meyer-Wright. In one of her classes she told us that we could incorporate discarded items into our work; in fact, we could scape paint off our pallet to create something. That is what I did — scrape bits of hardened acrylic paint from my pallet to make this scene that I call “Paint Blob Panic.” It is 8” x 10” on canvas board.
“Paint Blob Panic,” Patricia Uffman, Artist.
Andy Roberts. I painted this En Plein Air as I love the house and many others in the Prospect Hill neighborhood. My Aunt Jennie actually lived in this house when I was a small child so hence the attraction also. Now that the weather is getting nice I hope to be more productive.
Andy Roberts, Artist.
Jerome Harste. One of the lessons the lions taught me during my last safari in South Africa is the secret to a long life. I’m calling this playful personification, “The Secret to Longevity: Marrying Well.”
Jerry also writes, “As many of you know I am a strong advocate of expanding society’s notions of literacy beyond reading and writing. To that end, when I teach courses (even those that deal with teaching reading and writing more effectively), I often ask students to recreate an artistic response to what they have learned rather than just asking them to write or talk about how they have grown. Below is a response from Elizabeth Pace, one of my students, that I thought was particularly powerful:”
Elizabeth Pace, Artist
“For this week’s art response, I felt that a butterfly would be a perfect representation of how my views on literacy have transformed over this course. Throughout this course, I have had to rethink what fundamental literacy means to me. Prior to starting this degree, I was very much a believer of a more phonics-based approach, especially in supporting students that had difficulties reading and writing. This has become what I now consider a “black and white” approach to literacy. Since then, my view of literacy has drastically changed to become one where fundamental literacy is the building blocks of who people identify themselves as and how they contribute to society, which has also become much more “bright and colourful”, as represented on the right side of the butterfly. Viewing literacy from a social perspective has improved my own practice, by stepping outside of the black and white, embracing more color, and finding new ways to engage, teach, and learn with students.”
Kathleen Barton. Here is one of the paintings I entered into my group show at Viridian Moon last spring. It is already framed and still available for purchase. More of my paintings can be viewed at: Https://www. Kathysartllc.Square.site
Additional security has been added to this site. Enjoy viewing.
Kathleen goes on to say, “I have been told by some people I have been influenced by Matisse. Below is a gesture painting I created following a drawing session by Claude Cookman in March. II try to maintain some naïveté; and I find some similarities to Matisse’s presentation on the paper or canvas of spatial placement .
Kathleen Barton, Artist
MarySue Schwab. There is still time to sign up for my workshop on May 11th on “Polinators” (Artistists for Climate Awareness entry above). I also wanted to let you know that my paintings of seascapes has been accepted for the Light, Space, & Time Art Competition entitled “Seascapes.” Light, Space & Time hosts an online art competition featuring artist from around the world.
“Before the Storm,” Aritist MarySue Schwab
“The Great Pacific,” Artist, MarySue Schwab
CALENDAR
May 1 to May 24 — Submit Entries to WSI’s Annual Exhibition, Indianapolis
May 6 to June 16 — Submit Entries to Hoosier Art Salon Annual Exhibition
May 10 — Open Reception for Dutton-Coffman-Branstetter Exhibit at Cancer Support Center
May 11 — Artists for Climate Awareness Workshop, 9-4, Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington
May 13 — BWS May Meeting & Program, First Christian Church, Bloomington
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, February 12th, 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.
February’s Feature Program
Painting Winter Scenes. This month’s program leader, Penny Lulich says, “I love painting snow scenes, so come and paint with me as we explore snow with mountains and pine trees, and maybe a skier or two. We’ll explore color, shadows, and even flick some paint! I find I enjoy myself more if I have my favorite things.”
So bring your usual watercolor supplies, plus a few small sheets of paper for practicing drawing trees and tree lines, a wax resist crayon, and some salt. Penny will show how to splatter snowflakes using white gouache, so you may want to bring an apron, too.
For Your Information here is Penny’s palette. (Stars ** represent most often used.) Permanent yellow light ** Yellow ochre ** Sap green Green gold Cobalt green ** Cobalt turquoise light Pyrrol scarlet Transparent pyrrol orange Alizarin Crimsom ** Opera, pink Ultramarine deep ** Indigo ** Cobalt blue Shadow violet ** Transparent brown oxide Quin deep gold ** Quin purple ** Burnt sienna New Gamboge
Penny recommends a number 10 round brush, and a three-quarter inch angle shader. It’s helpful to have a sword liner or an equivalent for the tiniest tree branches.
Penny will have a drawing for a couple of art giveaways.
Inside BWS
“WE PAINT…Peter, Paul and Mary”
February 2 – March 29, 2024
A BWS Exhibition Benefitting Teachers Warehouse!
Inspired by the varied styles and eras of Peter Max, Paul Klee, and Mary Cassat, the artist members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society have created a wonderfully varied exhibit full of psychedelic color, cubism, and domestic scenes.
Showing at The Vault at Gallery Portage (121 E 6th Street). Normal Gallery Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday, except for days of receptions for which Gallery Hours are. 9am – 8pm.
And Breaking News from President Jeanne Dutton:
The show is up, the opening reception over, and now to announce the winners!
Three judges each choose their top three using certain criteria, including adherence to the theme, materials used, composition, and presentation, etc. Comparing notes, they then team up to choose the top two.
Silver Second is “FLOWER POWER 2” by Char Dapena.
Her painting was from a drawing she did back in her college days when Peter Max posters were everywhere. Char receives a certificate and $75 from BWS.
Best of Show is “INSIGHT,” alcohol ink on Yupo, from first-ever-exhibitor, Gail Fairfield. Gail receives a certificate and am award of $100 from The Vault.
Winners of the door prizes are Babette Ballinger taking away a #10 Round Aqua Elite watercolor brush; Lynne Gilliatt winning a Peter Max inspired tote from MoMA; and Sharon Parsons taking home a beautiful handmade, leatherbound journal.
Congratulations to all the winners!
The video tour of the exhibit can be seen on YouTube, and thanks to Bloomington North Rotary for sponsoring it once again.
A second reception is planned for March 1, 2024 during Gallery Walk.
Enjoy!
Applications are Now Open for Signature Membership
Andy Roberts, 2nd Vice President, announced that applications for Signature membership would be processed during the 2024 year. The process will begin by those who are interested contacting Andy to express their intent to apply by the end of March. Physical applications need to be submitted by April 30. Judging will take place in September.
Outside BWS
Upland Plein Air
The Upland Plein Air Member Show opens at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall on Saturday, February 3rd, with a reception from 1:00-3:00 pm. Upland members will exhibit works in a variety of subject matter, styles, and mediums. Cards, as well as artwork, will be for sale. The show runs through Saturday, March 2nd. Arts Alliance Center hours are Thursday – Saturday, 11:00 am-8:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00–6:00 p.m.
Cancer Support Center
Artists for Climate Awareness
Artists for Climate Awareness will host an in-person workshop February 13 from 5:30-8 p.m., entitled “Embracing Emotions through Abstract Watercolors”. The workshop invites artists to express their emotions as they delve into the intersection of art and environmental consciousness by reflecting on climate change through the powerful medium of abstract watercolors. For more information contact Carol Rhodes.
Artist for Climate Awareness will also host a Juried Exhibition for its members at the Art Alliance Center in Bloomington from April 1-18. The theme of that exhibition is, “Depictions: Earth, Life, and Our Shared Responsibility.”
The Hoosier Art Salon
The Hoosier Art Salon has several upcoming shows:
Young at Art: February 17 – March 31. Reception March 9th, 2-4 pm. Featuring the artwork of local students, Kindergarten-8th grade.
Field to Finish: April 13-16. Reception Wednesday, April 17th, 5-7 p.m. Showcasing the lovely “field” photographs and “finished” pieces of art that were produced during the First Blush of Spring Paint-Out by Indiana artists. Canvases must be stamped. Entry fee of $30 is required for non-Hoosier Art Salon members and $25 entry fee for members. All work must be for sale. Art must be received by April 8th.
Simplify through Color and Shape with Lon Brauer Workshop. April 15 & 16, 9-4pm. Painting is a language – a visual language – and our goal as artists is to find a way to translate what we see into a form that will represent that vision on canvas. Photographic reference will be discussed as a tool to help us better understand what two-dimensional imagery is all about. This workshop will benefit any painter regardless of the chosen subject matter.
The Watercolor Society of Indiana
The Watercolor Society of Indiana is hosting a Regional Exhibit of Indiana Artists at theBrown County Art Gallery, 1 Artist Drive, Nashville, from February 10th to March 28th. Any artist over 18 and a resident of Indiana can apply to show their work in this show.
The Annual WSI Exhibition will take place in June and July.
More information about either of these shows can be found on the WSI website.
Membership News
Timothy Lewis. I want to announce two upcoming opportunities:
WSI’s Annual Member Show prospectus will be sent to members in mid-February. This show allows any WSI member to exhibit one painting in the unjuried show. The show this year will be at th Gallery 42 in downtown Indianapolis.
WSI’s Annual Juried Show prospectus will also be sent to members in February. This juried show will be at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
I will be serving as President of the Watercolor Society of Indiana for 2024 and 2025.
I was featured in an article in the Greenfield Daily Reporter on Saturday, Jan. 20th for being a part of the “God’s Gift of Winter” show at the 43 East Gallery in Greenfield. I have two winter scene watercolors in this show which will run through the end of February.
New work: “Obscured” is a 16” x 12” watercolor of a solar eclipse in tribute to the April eclipse that will be visible across Indiana this year. Painted using QoR Watercolors on 300# Arches cold-pressed watercolor paper.
Jacki Frey. I put a painting of my ginger cat into the Upland show at Art Alliance. Consider this a personal invitation to come see the show!
Jerome Harste. I’ve been playing with pattern. I’ve entitled this, Landscape: My Ode to Kee. (Acrylic on 12×18″ cradle board).
And to experiment with color and explore the affect and effect of geometric patterns clashing with organic patterns, I created Eclipse. (3-D Collage Acrylic on 8×8″ canvas).
Bess Lee. Here is one of my paintings for the Cancer Support Center Art Show which features my work. The show will run March 3 to April 28.
Erika Wente. Here are three recently painted watercolors for the February Brushstrokes: (1) “ Three Horse Portraits” 14” x 11” ; 2) “Aspen” 7” x 8”; (3) “Mountain Snow” 11″ x 14.”
Deborah Rush. The only thing I managed to get finish is this painting of “Bridge at Stourhead Gardens.”
MarySue & Bill Schwab. Both of these paintings have a new home in Napa, California! Both are commissioned California scenes, I painted the field of poppies and Bill painted the old tree.
Meri Reinhold. I am in Antarctica on a Viking expedition ship Octantis. The majesty of the environment here is beyond words. However, one artist inspired me to try her very limited palette style. These two paintings are after Mona Eckhoff. Not really original works.
Andy Roberts. I have a painting that I created in anticipation of selling some of my works in Florida this next two months. I will be painting with the Sanibel-Captiva Art League and maybe enter a show of theirs while there. This painting is from a photo that I took last spring of a Sandpiper along waters edge. Watercolor on watercolor canvas.
Stephen Edwards. Attached is image for “Waiting For One Last Turn”. I was invited by the Hoosier Salon to participate in the Clowes Collaborative with 17 other artists. The work will have a reception on March 1st at the Hilbert Circle Theatre and be on display till June 9th. A fun little self portrait called “Just The Right Angle” I also attached. It is me taking a photo of an old lawnmower but looking at the scene in a reflected truck mirror propped up on the edge of the lawnmower. In the small circular mirror, you can see my wife holding a cell phone out to get the photo I worked from for the painting.
Calendar
February 1 to March 1 — Susan Savastuk’s Show at the Cancer Support Center.
February 1 to March 31 — Applications for Signature Status in BWS are open.
February 3 — Upland Plein Air’s Member Show at Arts Alliance.
February 10 to March 18 — WSI’s Regional Exhibit at Brown County Art Gallery.
February 12 — BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, Bloomington.
February 13 — Artist for Climate Awareness Workshop, Ivy Tech, Bloomington.
February 17 to March 31 — Young at Art Show at Hoosier Salon, New Harmony.
March 3 to April 25 — Bess Lee’s Show at Cancer Support Center.
Aril 1 to 18 — Artist for Climate Awareness Membership Show at Art Alliance.
April 13 to 16 — Field to Finish Show, Hoosier Salon, New Harmony.
April 15 & 16 — Lon Brauer Workshop, Hoosier Salon, New Harmony.
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, January 8th, 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.
Program: Transparent Watercolors: How to Use Color
MarySue Schwab says that people always ask her, “How do you use color effectively?” In response to that question, MarySue will conduct a mini-workshop around the use of color. Nuggets of her advice include: “Limit your palette! Know your colors! Remember complements create contrast! Know the temperature of your painting? Value trumps all else! And, save and use the white of your paper.
Supplies: Bring watercolor supplies (paper, brushes, paints, etc.) and a reference photo if you are starting a new project. If you are already working on something, bring that.
Close Up Images of MarySue Schwab’s artwork
Inside BWS
BWS’ Christmas Party
As the pictures below show, BWS’ 2023 Christmas Party (a Christmas Card Exchange) at Meadowwood was a huge success with over 40 people in attendance.
Up-Coming Benefit Show: We Paint….Peter, Paul and Mary!
This year’s show will benefit the Teachers’ Warehouse. The theme of the show is “We Paint….Peter, Paul, and Mary!” The show will be held from February 2 through March 29 at the Vault Gallery (121 E. 6th Street). The Opening Reception will be held on February 2 (Gallery Walk Friday) from 5 to 8 p.m.
In the prospectus, you will find all the details along with links to sites about Peter, Paul, and Mary, their lives and their art.
Any medium is welcome for this show, so BE INSPIRED, BE CREATIVE, and HAVE FUN!
Jeanne Dutton provided the following up-date for the Newsletter:
“Many thanks to Linda Branstetter, Denise Lessow, Marcy LaMaster, Meri Reinhold, and Lynne Gilliatt!
The Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools manages the BWS Art Scholarship. Due to the generosity of the artist members who contributed auction items, to those who made direct donations to the scholarship, and to those who bid on our items, the scholarship fund increased by over $300 in December.
MCCSC seniors may begin applying in February. Information will be available through their schools.
Signature Membership — Open Applications
Are you interested in applying for 2024 Signature Membership?
It’s the honored status for BWS members who have developed skills, gained education, and been juried into exhibits sponsored by prestigious art organizations, such the Hoosier Salon, National Watercolor Society, the Watercolor Society of Indiana, et al.
a. Indicate your interest in applying by MARCH 31.
b. Applications must be completed and submitted by APRIL 30.
c. Final judging will be completed by SEPTEMBER 30.
d. Award to successful applicants will be announced at the October meeting.
Andy Roberts, as 2nd VP and Membership Chair, oversees the application process. Please direct any questions to him at info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.
Outside BWS
Bloomington Portrait Group Reorganizes Along Upland Model
Arkady Roytman • Faces of Bloomington • Oil
Visual artists in the Bloomington area are fortunate to have several vibrant groups serving their interests. The groups share many members in common and have filial relationships. For example, the Upland Plein Air landscape group was a spin off from BWS. The Bloomington Portrait Group emerged from Upland.
In January 2017, it was too cold to paint outside, and Upland members were looking for an indoor winter activity. Somebody suggested a portrait session. Eight members met at Jacki Fry’s home in Ellettsville, where the first model was an Indiana University BFA student. Claude Cookman saw a vacuum and began scheduling bi-weekly sessions for artists to draw and paint portraits from live models. Since then, the group has met every other Thursday to paint and draw from live models. When the Covid-19 lock-down halted in-person sessions, Mary Sue Schwab suggested self-portraits. That expanded into monthly challenges — such as portraits of pets, statues, dolls, famous persons, and the artists’ younger selves — that members completed in their studios and shared by email.
BPG welcomes artists at every level from novices to professionals. The roster numbers about 50 regional artists, but typically 10 to 12 artists attend a session. They work in a range of mediums from oil and watercolor to charcoal, graphite, pastel, and collage. The group has met in several locations including the Banneker Community Center, the Monroe County Public Library, Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church, and The Vault at Gallery Mortgage. Recently it has alternated between Bloomington Parks and Recreation’s Switchyard Park Shelter House during the summer, and the Arts Alliance Center at the College Mall during the colder months.
Cookman recruited models who represent our community’s rich diversity in age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. During school vacations he scheduled children and teens. The youngest model was 8; the oldest, a nonagenarian. In addition to diversity, he also looked for people who help make Bloomington a safe and civil place to live: musicians, artists, athletes, ministers, WFIU radio personalities, journalists, fire fighters, and food security leaders. Models have included an IU women’s basketball star, performance poet, clown, belly dancer, cowboy, and roller derby skater. The one thing all models have in common is their interesting faces. “Interesting faces, interesting lives,” has become the BPG motto.
Because some artists like to include narrative in their portraits, models are asked to bring props that relate to their work or hobbies. Items have ranged from books and knitting to musical instruments and sports equipment. The most intriguing prop was Kundalini, a boa constrictor snake, which the model wore around his neck. The session got lively when the room warmed up and the snake started slithering across the floor. At that point, the moderator let the model break pose and retrieve his reptilian friend.
After six years as director, Cookman is stepping down at the end of December 2023. The group is reorganizing along the Upland model. Members will sign up for a month and be responsible for recruiting models and moderating sessions. Arkady Roytman has volunteered to be coordinator to keep things running smoothly and manage a website announcing the sessions.
If you are interested in participating in the Bloomington Portrait Group, go to this URL to join the mailing list and get information, invitations, and reminders about upcoming sessions!
Upland’s Membership Show will be held at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall from February 3th to March 2nd, 2024. Delivery of entries is on February 1 with the opening reception scheduled for February 3rd from 1 to 3 p.m.
Join us for a unique art workshop that goes beyond the canvas to explore the emotional impact of impending climate change. This workshop delves into the intersection of art and environmental consciousness, allowing participants to express their emotions and reflections on climate change through the powerful medium of abstract watercolors. Theme: The Emotional Landscape of Climate Change. In this workshop, we will explore the emotional depths inspired by the challenges our planet faces — droughts, fires, storms, oceanic changes, heat impacts, biodiversity damage, and more. Through abstract art, participants will have the opportunity to convey their feelings, fears, and hopes for the future in a visually compelling and evocative manner. Offered by Artists for Climate Awareness in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Living. Stephen Hale, board member, will provide a short educational piece about the organization’s many projects, and how you can help your home and community to be environmentally friendly. See https://ivytechbloomington.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=1506&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0
Zain Mackey, “Orca Rising”
Call for art. Juried gallery show opportunity: Depictions: Earth, Life, and Our Shared Responsibility
Artists for Climate Awareness is calling for 2-D and 3-D artwork to be displayed in a gallery exhibition April 1 – 28 at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall in Bloomington, IN.
We are proud to be offering this juried exhibition during Earth Month, and we anticipate exceptional patronage during that time. Bloomington is the hot spot for viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse, and we expect a tremendous influx of tourists to be in town, especially around April 8th. (https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/indiana-2024-eclipse)
We will be coordinating other climate awareness events related to this exhibition, including: a reception featuring environmentally themed new music performed by an IU Jacobs School of Music ensemble; a pastel workshop by nature artist Avon Waters; and a climate-themed poetry and dance performance entitled “Stormwash: Climate Awareness” by Bloomington Writers Guild and Windfall Dancers, Inc. For the prospectus, see https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/art-exhibition-prospectus/
In Memorial
Robert Anderson.
Susan Graham wrote to say “I learned the sad news last night that Bob Anderson passed away earlier this month. I don’t know if the HT ran an obit for him but here it is from Franklin, TN, where he and Frances have lived since 2020. I was lucky to work with Bob for years in the economic development community in addition to BWS. What a fun-loving and sweet gentleman he was. Also a talented painter!”
Dec 10, 2023 — Linda Meyer, affectionately known as “Linnie” or “Lin”, was born on January 24, 1946, and passed away on December 7, 2023.
After a social service career in Cincinnati, Ohio, Linda moved to Indiana in 1988. In 2000, she took her first art class and found a love for art and a joy in expression that has become her second career. Linda taught watercolor, acrylic, collage and mixed media classes for Ivy Tech’s Center for Lifelong Learning. Her style of teaching encouraged students to expand their watercolor horizons with surprising results, including quirky impressions and colors while exploring chaos and pattern.
Jeanne Dutton. Ivy Tech’s Center for Lifelong Learning offers a wide variety of visual arts classes. For the very amateur watercolor artist, I will teach Beginning Watercolor I starting January 25. Classes are 2:15-4:45 every Thursday through February 29 and will be held at the commons of the new Bloomington Fine Art Supply store. It’s located next to Rainbow Bakery at the corner of Rogers and Fourth Streets.
Note that I will be teaching Calligraphy and Drawing at Ivy Tech Bloomington, winter/spring session. Sign up now. Classes begin 1/18/2024 and space is limited, Use the link for easy registration!
Fundementals of Drawing Thursdays 10-12.: This class will help you to develop your drawing skills. Come just for the love of drawing, or to use the techniques to improve your other forms of art!
Calligraphy Thursdays 12:30-1:30.: Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing. Learn the basic strokes, size, and spacing of lettering so you can use these skills as a springboard for decorative lettering and flourishes.
Come join the fun!
Tim Lewis. Two of my watercolors, “Snowed In” and “Lonely Corner” are in the “God’s Gift Of Winter” invitational show at the Greenfield Christian Church in Greenfield, IN through March 3rd.
Jacki Frye. My granddaughter on the beach in Maui, entitled, “Surf’s Up!!”
Andy Roberts. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and productive paintings in 2024. I closed out this year with a painting I was commissioned to paint from a couple who traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii in June. It’s a watercolor on watercolor canvas. I like not having to put glass on these painting as you can coat with acrylic UV paint and frame. Thanks to all our BWS members for a wonderful year.
Susan Savastuk. The items in red under the flyer (below) are donations that can be brought to the Cancer Support Center. The donations will become part of the Cancer Comfort Kits which the Center offers to folks healing from cancer. Feel free to bring your donations whenever, or better yet, when you come to see my exhibition at the Center which opens January 8.
Patty Uffman. I have been juried into the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. My work focuses on watercolors, but also includes pastels, acrylics, and collage. The Arts Alliance showcases nearly every media: watercolor, woodworking, collage, fiber, oil, photography, jewelry, oils, stained glass, pen and ink, glass, candle-making, and writing. I’m happy to join other members of BWS who also exhibit there, including Andy Roberts, Carol Rhodes, Don Geyra, Henry Leck, Rose Brenner, Sara Steffey McQueen, and Susan Savastuk. Please stop by the Arts Alliance at the mall Thursdays-Sundays to enjoy the wide variety of artists on display!
Zain Mackey. As we reach the end of 2023 I’ve been working with watercolor and playing with mixed media ideas. Here’s one of my paintings on that theme titled “Fleeting Thoughts.”
Jerome Harste. I had the chance to visit the Light, Space & Time Online Art Gallery. They are featuring an “All Women” Art Show. Below are some of my favorite paintings:
Artists: Susan Morris, Viv Buckley, (First Row). Jana Gaul, Michele Munyak (Second Row).
Calendar
Now through March 3 –“God’s Gift of Winter Show,” Greenfield Christian Church
January 8 — BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, Bloomington
January 8 to March 1 — Susan Savartuk’s Show at Cancer Support Ctr., Blmgtn.
January 18 — MarySue Schwab’s classes begin at Ivy Tech, Bloomington
January 25 — Jeanne Dutton’s classes begin at the Fine Arts Store
February 2 to March 28 — BWS Benefit Show at The Vault Gallery, Bloomington
February 3 to March 2 — Upland Plein Air Show at Art Alliance, Bloomington
February 13 — Artist for Climate Awareness Workshop begins, Art Alliance
April 1 to April 28 — Artist for Climate Awareness Exhibition, Art Alliance, Blmgtn.
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, October 9th, 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.
Program
The October 9 program is a Fall Paint In led by Charlotte Griffin. There will be three still life setups for you to choose from. Two are flower arrangements and one is a scarecrow and some pumpkins. Bring you paper, brushes, and your palette filled with fall colors.
Inside BWS
State of the Society — Past President’s Report
Bloomington Watercolor Society State of the Society Report (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023)
Dear Members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society,
As I step down from my role as President, I take immense pride in the growth and accomplishments we have achieved together as the Bloomington Watercolor Society. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this remarkable community, and I am immensely proud of our collective achievements. The dedication, talent, and passion displayed by each member continue to inspire me and reaffirm my belief in the transformative power of art.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the entire executive committee and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make BWS a resounding success.
I am pleased to present to you the State of the Society report for our organization, summarizing the activities and events that took place from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. It was an eventful year, and we are grateful for the continued support and participation of our members.
Meetings:
Throughout the year, our society hosted a variety of meetings and workshops to engage our members in the world of watercolor art:
July 2022 – We kicked off the year with an Etagami workshop by Ruth Bogan.
August 8th, 2022 – A demonstration featuring Rachel Berenson Perry, author of Painter of the Dunes: A Life of Frank Virgil Dudley. Morgenstern’s Books was there with copies of the book to sell.
September 12th, 2022 – We had a Show and Share session and a Book Exchange.
October 10th – Sara Steffey McQueen led a Mandala Art workshop.
November 14th – Penny Lulich shared insights on “Finding Joy and Confidence with Watercolors,” along with her demonstration of painting the California coastline.
January 9, 2023 – We visited McCalla Elementary School, which is now an art gallery showcasing artworks collected by Indiana University affiliates.
February 2023 – Unfortunately, this meeting was canceled due to Covid.
March 13th, 2023 – We had a still life setup to paint, featuring flowers, fruit, shamrocks, and other objects.
April 10th – Carol Rhodes and Jeanne Dutton presented various watercolor mediums.
May 8th – The FrameMakers demo was canceled due to the presenter’s Covid situation, and business was conducted among officers only.
June 2023 – We had a Show and Share session, the installation of officers, and a farewell to Carol Rhodes as BWS President.
Paintouts:
Our paintout events provided opportunities for members to practice their skills in different locations:
July 16 – A paintout at Indiana University’s Hilltop Garden.
August 6th – Downtown Historic Places paintout in Downtown Bloomington.
September 10th – Great Outdoor Paint Out at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site.
October 8th – A Multi-Organization Paint Out at the citywide Paint “Bloomington!” event.
October 15th – A paint-out and pitch-in event at Peden Farm.
April 22nd – A paintout at T.C. Steele State Historic Site for Arts of the Earth Day.
May 20 – A paintout at Hilltop Garden Nature Center.
June 3rd – A paintout at Monroe County History Center on the Lawn.
June 10th and 11th – “Artist in the Garden” paintout in collaboration with the Bloomington Garden Club Garden Walk.
Gallery Shows:
Our members showcased their talents in various gallery exhibitions:
“We Paint…Historic Bloomington” October 7 through November 23, The Vault at Gallery Mortgage
“We Paint…Monet and More!” – February 3 – March 21, 2023 at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage which benefited Teachers Warehouse. $286 was donated from the proceeds.
Tue Apr 25th – Sat Jul 8th – “We Paint…Historic Bloomington” Encore at the Monroe County History Center.
Thu Jun 22nd – Sat Aug 5th – “BWS We Paint…Outside the Box” at Waldron Arts Center, featuring non-traditional watercolor pieces and various mediums.
Cancer Support Community Shows:
Our members contributed to meaningful exhibitions at the newly formed Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery, located in the Cancer Support Community. So far, the artists have raised over $1000 for CSC programs.
Fri 9/2/22-10/28/22 – “Places to Go, People to See” by Meri Reinhold
Fri 11/4 – Fri 12/23 – “Right Where You Are” by Laura Brown
Fri 1/9/23- Fri 2/24/23 – “Sunrise of Hope” by Rose Brenner
Fri 3/3 – Fri 4/28 – “Intuitive Acrylics” by Sara Steffey McQueen
Fri 5/5 – Fri 6/30 – “Spice of Life” by Christine Peterson
Special Events:
We enjoyed several special events throughout the year:
July 12 – Lilly Library watercolor book tour, where we admired antique watercolor works in the collection.
Sep 29th and 30th – BWS participated in the Peden Farm Children’s Festival, offering thumbprint activities for children.
October 8th – BWS offered thumbprint animals for children at “Paint Bloomington.”
Dec 7th – LUME field trip to the Monet and Impressionist Exhibition of lights at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
Dec 11th – BWS Holiday Party at Meadowwood, featuring dinner and activities.
Book Sale:
At our spring 2023 meetings, we held an informal book sale, with proceeds benefiting the Sande Nitti fund, which supports BWS participants attending art workshops. The sale was administered by Kathy Barton.
Workshops:
Our members had the opportunity to enhance their skills through workshops:
July 23, 2022 – An architectural drawing class instructed by Steve Dawson.
June 9, 2023 – A 3-D watercolor paintings workshop led by Anne Farley Gaines.
Scholarship Award:
We awarded a $500 scholarship to Danza Batson, a recent graduate from the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship who will be majoring in Fine Arts at Indiana University. The scholarship committee will attempt to arrange for Danza to showcase some of his work at our meeting.
Treasury:
Our treasury remains healthy, with a year-to-year balance increase of approximately $90. These funds were used to make BWS activities more affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for our members by supporting or subsidizing expenses.
Membership:
Membership has grown from 90 to 94 members from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. We are thrilled to welcome new members and continue fostering our watercolor community.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in the Bloomington Watercolor Society. We look forward to another year of creativity and artistic growth.
Sincerely,
Carol Rhodes
President, Bloomington Watercolor Society (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023)
Membership Show: “We Paint…Things We Love”
The Fall Membership Show is hanging in Viridian Moon Gallery, 1600 W. Bloomfield Rd., from Sept. 20 through Oct. 28. Viridian Moon Gallery hosted an opening reception Sept. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Important Show dates 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. Questions: contact Laura or Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org
Field Trip to “The Lume” on October 18
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.
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.
Second Annual “Paint Bloomington,” October 7
WHEN:Saturday, October 7, 2023. RAIN OR SHINE Registration begins at 9:30!
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 along with Bloomington Parks and Rec are teaming up to bring this fun event to Bloomington!
NO REGISTRATION FEE. Free!No advance registration required!. Artists check-in between 9.30 am and 11:00 a.m. at the Pavilion the day of the event. All artists should have canvas or multi-media paper stamped before beginning their work. Supplies will be available for classes at the Pavilion and some supplies are available for painting on the Bryan Park grounds.
HOW: Artists will be able to paint anywhere in Bloomington. The event is open to professional and emerging artists of all ages and skill levels to create original artwork of any subject in any medium. All stamped/tagged works must be completed that day by 3:00 p.m. to be eligible for judging.
Completed works need to be brought to the Woodlawn Pavilion by 3:00 marked with the artist’s name and email address or telephone number in 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 all media in the following categories: Professional artists, Emerging Artists, Teens (12-17), and Youth )7-11) and Collaborative Art!!
CLASSES will be at the Pavilion beginning 10:00-2:00 for youth and teens and adults.
DEMONSTRATIONS: Various artists will be giving demonstrations throughout the day and there will be opportunities to paint with them. Plein Air Painting will be all over town and the park!!
Music, Storytelling, Poetry readings will be at the Pavilion throughout the day. Bring a picnic!
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
May Creek Farm Paint-Out and Carry-In, October 14
BWS’s End of the Season Paint-Out and Carry-In will be held at May Creek Farm on Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arrive any time after 9:30 a.m. Please follow the signs to park in the parking area.
The shelter house is located across the field. Water, drinks, food, chairs, and electrical outlets are available at the shelter. If you or someone has difficulties walking, transportation across the field will be provided.
Set up anywhere in and around the field. Paint 10 to noon. At 12, lunch (white chili chicken and snacks) will be served. Please bring side dishes and desserts.
You are welcome to stay and paint after lunch. The event is over at 2:00 p.m.
Zain, Sharon, and Sara are excited to be your hosts.
Address: 8745 Rockport Road.
The easiest way to get to May Creek Farm is to follow Rockport Rd from Rogers Street for approximately 14 miles. You will go through the town of Kirksville. May Creek Farm is located about 1 mile past Kirksville on the left. Look for the signs.
NOTE: In case the paint-out needs to be cancelled due to weather, an email will be sent by 8 a.m. the day of the paint-out.
Out of Darkness Walk, October 22
Thanks to several member artists, BWS was able to contribute four dozen painted rocks to the Out of the Darkness walk! Scheduled for October 22 at Switchyard Park, walkers will receive a rock and “plant” it along the trail. This project is co-sponsored by Project STAY, Kiwanis, and BWS as part of a national program of suicide prevention.
Climate change is real. Come to a presentation of scientific and artistic visuals curated and presented by Ben Brabson, climate scientist and Emeritus Professor of Physics at Indiana University.
Using art for communication can raise awareness, provoke impactful dialogue, and inspire action about environmental issues. Brabson’s talk includes engaging and artful illustrations that simplify concepts of climate change for ordinary people, making the concepts more concrete, meaningful, and motivating.
Mary Sue Schwab to Conduct a Workshop on Painting Indiana’s Trees
Mary Sue Schwab at the WSI 2023 International Exhibition at Newfields
Sponsored by the Artists for Climate Awareness, Mary Sue Schwab will be conducting a one-day workshop at Ivy Tech on October. 27th, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. In that workshop she will demonstrate key techniques for watercolor success. Participants will paint native Indiana trees, landscapes and more. Participants will be instructed in multi-layered, wet-on-wet techniques employing watercolors to create highly effective tree formations using a mixture of warm and cool greens, juxtaposing shadow and form. Participants are encouraged to bring a reference, such as a photo for their own piece. This workshop is open to artists of all levels and each will receive individual attention. Limited space sign up soon!
During October and November, the Bloomington Portrait Group will exhibit work at The Vault at Mortgage Gallery, 121 E. 6th Street. Opening reception is 5 to 8 pm, Friday, October 6. The exhibition runs until Friday, November 24.
Many BWS members also participate in the Bloomington Portrait Group. Several work in watercolor. Come and support your fellow artists.
Jane Matranga • Watercolor • Donna Carlton in her belly dancing costume
WSI Sponsors a 3-Day Workshop
The Watercolor Society of Indiana is proud to bring Michael Holter to Indianapolis to teach a 3-day workshop, October 4 to 6, 2023. In this workshop Michael will help you build off of the principles of design to create emotional and expressive paintings, engage in exercises that will solidify the content that you are working on, spend time viewing other artists’ work, and discuss the methods that these artists achieve using their techniques.Michael welcomes novice and advanced students and tailors the experience to individual needs.
The Workshop takes place at Second Presbyterian Church in Indy. The room is equipped with Audio Visual Equipment, and each artist is given their own 8-foot table.
Fiber Arts on Display
The City of Bloomington, in collaboration with By Hand Gallery, presents “Threads of Meaning”, an exhibition of work by Bloomington-based textile artists on view at Fountain Square Mall Bloomington from July 1 – October 9, 2023. Closing reception is on October 6th, 6-8 pm. The exhibition features artists Beatrice Atencah, Ary Bird, David Joseff Sloma, Patricia Coleman, Alizah Sage, Nina Montenegro, Emily Chase, Ileana Haberman, and Alexis Zabor. Go check it out! The locations of the show are the following: Fountain Square Bloomington Gallery Wall in the main atrium and the Fountain Gallery Lower-Level Walls and Upper-Level Walls.
Trivia Night at Cardinal Spirits, October 1
The Cancer Support Community has been truly supportive of BWS artists through the establishment of the Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery. In return, here’s a fun way we can support their programs.
“From My Fair Lady to Lady Gaga, George Michael to Michael Scott, and Downton Abbey to Uptown Funk, join us at Cardinal Spirits for “That’s Entertainment,” a trivia game that’s all movies, music, TV, and pop culture through the decades!”
This event is to support the Cancer Support Community of South Central Indiana (CSCSCI) and will be hosted by Josh Johnson of Bloomington Pub Quiz. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the CSCSCI.
Food, drinks, fun, trivia, prizes!!!
Swope Art Museum to Host Rachel Branson Perry
The Swope Art Museum in Terra Haute will host a reception for RachelBerenson Perry on Friday, October 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Her latest book, “Painter of the Dunes: A Life of Frank Virgil Dudley,” is part of the Historical Society’s Youth Biography series. The author will give a lecture about Frank Dudley and his work. Her presentation will start at 6 p.m. sharp.
Rachel Berenson Perry is fine arts curator emerita of the Indiana State Museum. She has written numerous articles for “American Art Review” and “Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History” (Indiana Historical Society) and has completed seven books about historical and current Indiana artists.
Artist Talk with Max Ginsburg
The Hamilton County Artists Association is hosting a talk by Max Ginsburg on October 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lacy Art Building (848 Logan Street) in Noblesville. His artist talk is open and free to the public. Bill and Mary Sue Schwab have taken workshops with Max. Mary Sue reports, “Both Bill and I have taken workshops in New York with Max. I highly recommend his workshops. His Alla prima way of painting portraits is amazing!”
Artist Talk with Max Ginsburg October 3, 2023, 7:00 – 9:00 PM The Lacy Arts Building, 848 Logan St, Noblesville, IN 46060, USA
Membership News
Congratulations to Babette Ballinger on winning the Gallery’s Choice Award at Upland’s Members’ Show 2023!
Patty Uffman is the featured artist at the Community Cancer Support Center for September and October. Her show is entitled, “Outside Influences.” Although it will continue until October 26, the hours are limited: Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (or by appointment by calling 812-233-3286.). The holidays are coming. Patty has a variety of prints available for purchase as well as small framed artwork.
***********
Zain Mackey. Above is “Dusty River,” a watercolor that’s part of my new southwestern series. I’ve been remembering the trip my husband and I took driving across country last year.
**********
Jane Matranga. Everyone is invited to see my exhibition called,Wearing the Painting at the Bloomington Arts Alliance. Opening reception is this Friday, September 29th from 6-8pm. The show runs through October 22nd.
Mary Sue Schwab. “It’s Fall!” I recently sold my Plein Air painting of Ogle Lake at Brown County State Park.
Mary Sue closed her note with this announcements: “Coming soon, November and December, Allen Hunton and Mary Sue Schwab will have a BWS art show at The Cancer Support Center of Bloomington, watch for more information.”
Joanne Shank. Bloomington Open Studios Tour is Saturday, October 14 from 10-5 and Sunday, October 15, from 12-4. Fifteen artists will be participating this year. Find a map to studios and listing of all the artists at https://bloomingtonopenstudiostour.com/
Joanne Shank will be one of the artists. Her studio is now in her home and no longer downtown. She would love to have any BWS members stop by.
Stephen Edwards. Stephen writes “I’m finally painting again.” He’s also winning lots of awards!! “My ‘Tree of Life’ (Below: Painting 1) won Best of Show at the Artist Association of Madison County Open Annual Exhibition (now showing at the Anderson Museum of Art) and was also accepted in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society International Open Exhibition. ‘Keeping the Seat Warm’ (Painting 2) was accepted in the Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s 123th International Exhibition of Works on Paper. ‘Cola Wars’ (Painting 3) was accepted into the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s 41st Annual Exhibition now showing at Newfields.”
Timothy Lewis. It has been a busy month.
New work: watercolor, Old Faithful, Through The Mist. and Solitaire.
Nov. 3rd through Jan. 7th – My watercolor, Spring Fed, was juried into the 79th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition which will feature artwork by artists from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. The show is at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, IN.
October – I will have a solo show at the Midtown Gallery in Broad Ripple the entire month of October. All watercolors in the show will be for sale directly from the artist.
On October 10 I participated in a curated tour of the Quest For The West show at the Eiteljorg Museum. Our guide was Gayle Weisfield, a well known western watercolor painter and regular participant in the show. From the 11th through the 13th I participated in a workshop by Gayle at a private residence in Zionsville. This workshop was arranged through the Watercolor Society of Indiana and included 16 participants.
Andy Roberts. These are a couple of my recent paintings: (1) Fountain Square Downtown Bloomington- August Paint Out Plein Air; (2) T.C. Steele’s Outdoor Studio Wagon, T.C. Steele Historical Site – July Plein Air.
Anticipating seeing a large turnout for “Paint Bloomington” Saturday October 7th, and the dedicated BWS members who are participating or volunteering.
Patricia Coleman. I would like to share a link to my recent blog post on persimmon astringent at:
There are some references to persimmon astringent being used to strengthen some handmade papers and in stencil making and its use as a paint. Traditionally it has been used in ways similar to indigo.
Jacki Frey. Here is painting I did this Tuesday after visiting Gnawbone camp. I do not often paint horses, however, these guys posed for me!!
Betty Wagoner. I recently attended the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s 3-day workshop with Taos artist, Gayle Weisfield. A day before the workshop, we met at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis for a tour of the Quest for the West exhibit. Gayle was one of the artists featured in that exhibit. While there, we met an African-American artist in the show who gave an inspirational speech about his paintings and his life. The combination plein air and studio workshop itself was held on an estate in Zionsville. It featured wet-on-wet painting and storytelling. It was both eye-opening and inspirational. Gayle is a wonderful teacher. The hosts fed us a wonderful breakfast and lunch in their beautiful home. If you have a chance to attend one of Gayle’s workshops, I highly recommend it. Attached is a photo of a not quite finished painting of one of the workshop participants sitting at a creek that ran through the property.
Don Madwig. The Opening Reception to Don Madwig’s show at the Fell Gallery, entitled “Nocturnes – Variations on a Theme,” will be on October 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Don’s show runs through the month of November.
Calendar
Sept. 29 Opening Reception, Jane Matranga’s Wearing the Painting Exhibition, Art Alliance Oct. 1 Trivia Night at Cardinal Spirits, Cancer Support Community Oct. 3 Opening Reception, Don Madwig’s show at The Fell Gallery Oct. 4-6 WSI Workshop with Michael Holter, Indianapolis Oct. 6 Closing Reception, Fibers on Display, Fountain Square Mall Oct. 6 Opening Reception, Bloomington Portrait Group Exhibition, The Vault Oct. 7 2nd Annual Bloomington Paint-out, Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park Oct. 9 BWS October Meeting, First Christian Church Oct. 12 Ben Brabson at Ivy Tech, Artists for Climate Awareness Oct. 14-15 Open Studio Tours, Bloomington Oct. 18 BWS Field Trip to Newfield’s – The LUME Oct. 22 Out of Darkness Walk Oct. 27 Mary Sue Schwab Workshop at Ivy Tech 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
BWS’ August Meeting will be held at First Christian Church beginning 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.
Program:
Joe Lee said this about the August program: “I will be posing in my “Jolais” costume and makeup. I will demonstrate the makeup application, and talk about the significance, symbolism, and history of clowning using illustrations I have put together over the years.”
Following Joe’s presentation members will be invited to do his portrait, applying all they have learned about drawing portraits from last month’s BWS Meeting (see the entry “Five on the Floor! Five artists demonstrate portrait methods, field questions at the July BWS meeting” in this Newsletter).
Members can use any art materials they wish (charcoal, pencil, watercolor, gauche, etc.). So Remember: Bring supplies and enjoy a portrait session sponsored by BWS and featuring Bloomington’s favorite clown and political cartoonist!!
Inside BWS
We Paint…Out of the Box
Join us at The Waldron Arts Center on August for a final reception from 5-8 p.m. We Paint…Out of The Box has attracted a lot of traffic and gained a few new BWS members.
If you wish to see the exhibit before August 4th be aware that the hours have changed since we hung the show.
We have new pickup dates. You may pick up your work during these days and times:
Wednesday, August 9, from 5:45 to 7:45 pm
Friday August 11, from noon to 3 pm
Waldron’s NEW Summer hours: Wednesday and Thursday 12-5 pm; Friday 12-8 pm. Saturday/Sunday, by appointment only. To make an appointment, contact info@seeconstellation.org.
BWS Membership Show: “We Paint…Things We Love”
“Bottoms Up!!” by JCHarste
Show chair, Laura Brown, encourages members to work on paintings to place in the member show which is titled “WE PAINT…Things We Love”. The show will be from September 23 through October 28 at the Viridian Moon Gallery. The dates to remember are the following:
September 13, provide images (pictures taken of work before putting glass in front of the painting) for use in publicity and for the online gallery.
September 15, deliver framed painting to Viridian Moon between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
September 23, opening reception 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
October 28, closing reception 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Members should read details for the show in the show prospectus.
AUGUST PAINT OUT at OWEN VALLEY WINERY
Sat Aug 12th 11:00am – 3:00pm
Owen Valley Winery, 401 Timber Ridge Road, Spencer, IN 47460.
It’s nearly Harvest time at Owen Valley Winery and the vibrant green leaves and plump grapes are filling up the vines. This beautiful country setting is ripe for a paint out. Bring your brushes and your vintner’s spirit to the Paint Out on August 12th. The gate will be open at 10:45 (so you may come in and set up for an 11:00 a.m. start). The winery officially opens for business at 12:00 noon, but arrangements can be made for wine to be served when you set up. Please reach out to April @ nablespics@gmail.com or Zoe @ stevezoedean@gmail.com by Friday 8/11 5:00 pm with any early requests. Otherwise, when you want to stretch your legs, wander into the winery for a tasting, lunch and a slice of their famous house-made cheesecake at noon. This is a 3-generation family-run winery, where the vino is produced and bottled with a heart for craftsmanship. A member of Indiana Grown, Owen Valley is on the Indiana Uplands wine trail with Butler, Oliver, Brown County, French Lick, Huber, Winzerwald, Best Vineyards and Turtle Run wineries. PLEASE NOTE: Due to ATC and Health Department regulations, no outside food or alcohol is permitted. You’re welcome to bring your water bottles and coffee cups.
If you are interested in carpooling check with Charlotte Griffin who has volunteered to coordinate such efforts.
Directions: (Using GPS directions is not recommended, better to follow the directions below as you drive)
Coming from 46 West out of Ellettsville.
46 West. Turn left on Hwy 43 at the light just before McCormick’s Creek State Park. Proceed 2.5 miles, Turn Right on Freeman Road Go .8 miles Turn Left on Timber Ridge Road. Proceed on Timber Ridge Road 2 miles. Owen Valley Winery will be on the Right.
Coming from the South side of Bloomington via 3rd Street (48 West passing by the airport)
Proceed West on 48/43 passing the airport, and toward Whitehall about 4.2 miles. 48 splits off at Whitehall. Stay toward the right on 43.
Continue through Whitehall on 43 for 7.8 miles and the beautiful country drive. Turn left on Freeman Road Go .8 miles turn left on Timber Ridge Road.
Proceed on Timber Ridge Road 2 miles. Owen Valley Winery will be on the Right.
BWS Members Collaborate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
In mid-July a half dozen BWS members volunteered to “Paint Rocks” in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The rocks that were painted can be seen by participating in the AFSP’s 2023 Bloomington Out of the Darkness Walk held on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
Some of the rocks painted by BWS Members. Photo compliments of Charlotte Griffin.
Eskenazi Museum of Art Live!
On July 15, the Eskenazi Museum of Art invited BWS members to come to the museum and paint as part of its “Art Live” program which the museum described as a “convergence of music, art, and community.” Several BWS members participated including Claude Cookman, Joanne Shank, and Leslie Asher. Below is a photo of Leslie Asher in the midst of painting on the second level of the atrium in the museum. When asked about the experience she said, “Painting at the Eskenazi Museum was really fun. I would definitely do it again.”
Five on the Floor!
Five artists demonstrate portrait methods, field questions at the July BWS meeting
It all started with Penny Lulich. She suggested a session titled “Four on the Floor” to BWS program chair Joanne Weddle. Penny’s idea was that four BWS members would paint portraits, while members kibbitzed and asked questions. Somehow, a fifth artist got added, and the whole enterprise shifted into higher gear. Five artists — Penny, Meri Reinhold, Deborah Rush, Jane Matranga, and Claude Cookman — demonstrated their methods, materials, and skills in the portraiture genre at the July 10 Bloomington Watercolor Society meeting at the First Christian Church. Despite working in the same genre, they produced extremely varied results, not merely because of the different content but because of their unique approach and handling of the materials.
Below are photos of the artists in action, their finished works, and their reflections on portraiture. Digital reproductions are never as good as seeing real work. Therefore, the five artists have agreed to bring their actual paintings/drawings to the BWS August meeting so you can see their final portraits in a mini exhibition.
Penny Lulich • Anna at the Creek • Watercolor
There are many ways you can paint a portrait, and I painted this one rather quickly and without a color photo to help me. I painted this because it inspired me with the beauty of the innocence of a young child exploring a creek for the first time, and I let values and shapes guide me.
Skin tones. The most asked question at my table, was, how do you make the color for the skin tones. I use Winsor & Newton “light red”, and go from there, adding other colors when needed such as burnt sienna, opera pink, cad red, and manganese blue hue.
Understatement. Someone said, “I can’t wait to see how you handle the rock that the child is sitting on.” I didn’t handle it very much, because I didn’t want the focus to be the rock, but rather the child. I hope it looks satisfactory.
Future. I felt like we had a good evening, and it was fun for everyone. I hope we do this again in other genres.
Penny Lulich takes a round brush to the portrait of her granddaughter, Anna, playing in a creek.
Meri Reinhold • St John Friend• Watercolor
Motivation. I am fascinated by the human form and love to draw it. The human face has so many incredible variations. It always captures my interest. As a member of the Bloomington Portrait Group, I was able to enjoy endless variety in features, from young people to elders and everyone in between; some in ethnic costume, some with instruments, even one young man with a snake wrapped around his neck.
Advice. As I teach drawing, I hear comments such as “I can’t do hands or teeth” or variations of that. But I can tell you that drawing is drawing is drawing…. It’s ALL the same and what you learn is perspective and the relationship of shapes and contours to each other.
Meri Reinhold works on her portrait as a BWS member looks on.
Deborah Rush • Anne • Watercolor
I’ve been drawing people since I was a child. A lot of times that’s the only thing you have to draw. If you want to draw, there are usually people around.
Objective. Other than a likeness, it’s capturing a spirit. It doesn’t have to look exactly like the person, but it has to have their character.
Method: I usually start with an oval and the line for the eyes and also down the middle of the face. And then I start drawing the eyes. They’re very, very important. And then I carry on from there, because everything is connected: do the eyes, come down the nose, do the mouth. And then refine. But it’s a very rough drawing.
You almost have to work in layers. I start with a thin layer of the darkest color — to get started, to get past that white-paper thing.
Anne. Part of it was her pose, part her beautiful coloring: the red hair and the pale skin. It’s like: you see something and it strikes you; it’s something you want to capture. Also, I had done a portrait of her at a Portrait Group session, and I didn’t like it. So, I wanted to do something better. I’m still not satisfied. I think I could work on it for another four hours, but I know I won’t.
Questions. Most of the questions were about the colors I was using for the skin tones. That seems to be a big mystery for people. And everybody uses something different. … I use new gamboge and opera rose, which is a pink. And when you mix them together in any strength, it looks like methylate, for people who are old enough to remember what that is. So, it’s a hideous color. But when you water it down and put it on paper, it’s a nice, sparkly skin tone. It’s absolutely appropriate, I think. It doesn’t get muddy.
Advice. The whole thing can be daunting. But if you start doing small studies of eyes, a nose, mouth. And don’t worry about how they all go together. But get familiar enough with those features that you know what the shapes are — any intricacies — then it’s much easier to put them together in a face.
Under the watchful eye of Barbara Coffman, Deborah Rush picks out a tube of color for her painting of Anne.
Jane Matranga • Elsa Schiaparelli • B&W charcoal
Drawing and painting portraits is perhaps my favorite form of art making besides designing clothes. I’ve drawn “figures” and “faces” since I was a toddler!
Objective. Early on, my reason for doing portraits was to capture a likeness and make sure the facial feature proportions were accurate. That is still important but, now I want to infuse the portrait with character, the subject’s and some of my own. I hope to accomplish that by being more loose with paint application and by using some unexpected, bold colors.
Model. I chose to draw Elsa Schiaparelli because she is my fashion idol. The image I used was a black and white photograph from the 1920’s so I used black and white charcoal on grey paper.
It was fun to create a portrait as people watched. It reminded me of doing portraits on the boardwalk in Atlantic City one summer.
Questions. Most people asked me questions about my painting of my parents on the velvet top I had on display.
Claude Cookman • Toni Morrison • Charcoal
Motivation. I’ve been trying to learn to draw since 1994. For me drawing is about seeing in a concentrated, purposeful way. In his book “Why We Draw,” Frederick Franck expressed it best: “I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen …” The human face is complex. We can always discover new facets.
Method. I’ve been drawing portraits seriously since the Bloomington Portrait Group launched in January 2017. After several frustrating years, I discovered a method published by Andrew Loomis in 1943. It lets you establish the structure of the head plus the proportion and arrangement of the features from any angle. I work in many different mediums but for the BWS session, I chose charcoal. I started by covering the paper with powdered charcoal, which got rid of all that intimidating white. It also let me draw negatively by erasing with cotton swabs, a chamois skin, and a kneaded eraser. I did the block-in with vine charcoal. It’s extremely malleable; you can erase and redraw endlessly. When I got the structure and tonal values down solid, I moved to compressed charcoal for dark values and charcoal pencils for fine details. I used a white charcoal pencil for a few small highlights on her face. Pardon my enthusiasm, but I also like charcoal because it’s great fun. Creating gradients, softening edges, or blending tones is like finger painting in grade school. I have more than 8 hours in this drawing, and am still not satisfied. I stood during the entire time, at BWS and also in my studio. This kept my arm off the table, allowing for gestural strokes, and let me step back from the drawing frequently to evaluate proportion, tones, transitions, etc.
Motif. I chose to draw Toni Morrison, the Nobel laureate in literature and one of my favorite authors. The reference photo captured her face, but I gave her a sad expression. At a time when politicians attempt to deny America’s history of slavery and the systemic racism that prolongs that era and when police officers still summarily execute unarmed young black men with impunity, I tried to imagine the sad wisdom that Ms Morrison expressed in “Beloved” and other novels, then convey it by her expression and dramatic tonal contrast.
With a vine charcoal stick, Claude Cookman blocks in his drawing of author Toni Morrison.
Outside BWS
“On MY Journey” by Zoe Dean Cancer Support Community
Mon Jul 10th – Fri Aug 25th
Cancer Support Community Building, 1719 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47403.
Zoe Dean is the featured artist for July/August at the Cancer Support Community. Her show is titled “On My Journey.” Gallery hours are Tuesday toThursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but visitors must make an appointment to avoid conflicts with other activities at the center. Make appointments by contacting Stephanie@cancersupportscin.org or call 812-233-3286.
Call for Artists: The Venue
Grand opening and reception: September 3, 2023.
Dave at the Venue invites artists to submit work for The Venue’s Juried Art Show, a part of The Art & Soul of Bloomington. APPLY NOW to participate. The prospectus can be found on the Venue’s website: http://thevenuebloomington.com.
The Venue is pleased to answer all of your questions by your calling 812-322-1661, emailing venueartshow@gmail.com.
Reminder: Call for entries for the Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show.
T.C.Steele, “Selma in the Garden” (Internet photo)
Show dates: August 25-September 23, 2023 Registration deadline: August 10, 2023 Closing reception: September 23, 2-4 pm. Features a guided tour of the Brown County Art Gallery with an emphasis on the history of the Brown County. Art Colony and an online tour of the T.C. Steele Trail.
Prizes awarded in all categories: 1) Professional 2) Amateur/Emerging Artist 3) Youth (18 and younger 4) Best-in-Show: $1000
All art media accepted, including photography.
Youth are encouraged to enter. (Parents, grandparents and art teachers/tutors, please encourage youth artists to enter their artwork.). Frames for youth artwork will be loaned for the duration of the show. We will frame the work at time of delivery of artwork.
The show is on exhibit during the Brown County Art Colony weekend that features paint-outs at T.C. Steele State Historic Site and Nashville.
Not a member? Join the Friends at time of registration.
Hancock Country Arts along will be hosting a Regional Portrait Society of American Exhibition on August 11th and 12th. In addition to exhibition there will be demonstration by artists creating portraits. Guests also are invited to take part in the annual Greenfield Chocolate Walk festivities.
The Exhibit opens August 5th at 11 a.m. and closes August 26th at 2 p.m. Hancock Country Arts Gallery, 20 West North Street, Greenfield, IN.
Watercolor Society of Indiana
WSI invites members and friends to attend the 41st Annual WSI Juried Exhibit at Newfields/ Indianapolis Museum of Art. The show runs from August 4 to September 30, 2023. On August 6th at 2 p.m. there will be an opening reception and an awards ceremony in the DeBoest Lecture Hall & Bret Waller Gallery at the museum.
WSI is also hosting a 3-day workshop (October 4 to 6) with Michael Holter at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street. The topic of the workshop is “Watercolor Impressionism: Landscape/Cityscape.” For more information and costs go to WSI’s website.
Impressionistic landscape by Michael Holter
Friday, August 4 & Saturday, August 5 West Baden Springs Hotel • Garden & Veranda
Local artists will be painting in the West Baden Springs Hotel garden and on the hotel veranda. The paintings will be displayed and available for purchase Saturday, August 5th, in the West Baden Springs Hotel lobby.
Artists for Climate Awareness
Have you ever noticed trees with knitted sweaters around the Courthouse in Bloomington? Artists for Climate Awareness will be a “tree hugger” this year with its own sweater! Artists for Climate Awareness are raising money toward the “Wrapped in Love 2023″ tree sweater project for Middle Way House. Sara Steffey McQueen and her women’s group have already planned a knitted/crocheted design. The tree Sara has reserved is near the corner of Kirkwood and Walnut, across from Uptown Cafe. (A highly trafficked location! ). Deadline for donations is September 8.
Viridian Moon Gallery
The Viridian Moon Gallery will be hosting an Upland Plein Air Exhibit starting August 9th with an opening reception on August 12.. Here is the link to the event: https://www.viridianmoon.art/events
Membership News
Joanna Samorow-Merzer. “George and Viola Taliaferro,” a painting by Joanna Samorow-Merzer, was accepted into the KWS Aqueous USA National Juried Exhibition. The exhibition is scheduled between July 27th through September 16th at the Preston Arts Center, 2660 S. Green Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.
“George and Viola Taliaferro,” by Joanna Samorow-Merzer
Timothy Lewis. Nothing new to show – working on 4 commission paintings right now. I do have a couple of items of note:
The Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Annual Juried Exhibition will open on August 5th in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. The show will have 45 of the best watercolors in Indiana on display through the end of September.
My watercolor, “Old Hamilton County Jail”, was included in the Nickel Plate Arts’ Noblesville Nostalgia show in Noblesville from July 6th through Julyt 29th.
“Old Hamilton County Jail” is a 16” x 12” watercolor using QoR paints on 300# Arches cold-pressed w/c paper
Patty Uffman. I asked Patty Uffman if she would mind my publishing her limerick (a ode to Carol Rhodes as an outgoing president) in the Newsletter as so members who were not at the July meeting might enjoy it. She agreed, so here it is: To Carol from All Of Us.
OUR HEARTFELT TRIBUTE
She has inspired us year after year. We respect her as both a leader and peer. Founding member of BWS… Who’s this person? Take a guess! Carol Rhodes is the one we honor here! With every office she has dutifully held From Prez on down, she’s always excelled. Talented, yet humble… Catching us if we stumble… With Carol on board, we’ve all been propelled. Carol has always stepped up to the plate, Arriving early for set-up – she’s never late. Need something done? Carol Rhodes is the one! She has the knack to make us look great! Wherever she’s present she offers a smile. She’s just a nice lady to talk with a while. She’s done more than most And knows how to host, And is quite accomplished as a true technophile! Carol’s a gift, we all must conclude. Her dedication we all have viewed. She has served us But now, no more fuss. Carol’s a model – just not in the nude!
Patty Uffman – On Behalf of Bloomington Watercolor Society – June, 2023.
Tricia Wente. Here are a few photos from a July event held here in Oregon. Every year there is a Lavender Festival and 150 artists are encouraged to paint up to 5 works during a period of 3 1/2 weeks at the lavender farms throughout the Willamette Valley. The paintings must be within certain sizes, and painted plein air. It is always a fun time since usually we have great weather. It culminates with a two day art exhibit for the public to enjoy at the local Newberg Arts Center. Of course, I sampled the wine at the Durant Winery which is my favorite site to paint.
Robin Edmundson has an exhibition at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage from August 3-Sept 29. You are invited to attend the opening reception on Friday, August 4 from 5-8pm. 121 E 6th St. #1, Bloomington, Indiana
Robin Edmundson, ‘Evening, Wabash River’, watercolor, 10×14 inches.
Kathy Truelove Barton.
Gazebo at Farmhouse Cafe and Gardens Painting by Kathy Truelove Barton 2022 Watercolor on paper with Acrylic white highlight on the gazebo. This painting was done with three layers of Daniel Smith watercolors.
Kathy’s painting was exhibited at the Will Vawter Show, hosted by Hancock County Arts, at Twenty North Gallery. The show came down in July. Three other Bloomington artists also exhibited; Betty Wagoner, Irina Shishova (owner of Viridian Moon Gallery, and Katya Alexeeva.
Laura Brown. These are a few examples of the paintings I’ve done for the July World Water Color Month hosted by @doodlewashed on Instagram . The first is called “Diversion” (the road sign); the second, “Flavor” (the boulion cubes). Each piece is approximately 5.5 by 8.5 inches.
July World of Watercolor paintings by Laura Brown
Joanne Shank. Here is the poster and description of the show I’m having at the Venue during August.
The blurb for the show reads: Joanne Shank is fascinated by the energy of movement and how that can be expressed in her artwork.
She enjoys sketching musicians while they are performing. The music inspires the lines as she tries to capture the essence and energy of the moment. The exhibit will have a number of large drawings of musicians playing a variety of instruments.
Joanne is also inspired by the energy in spontaneity that she captures in small finger paintings. She has made large acrylic paintings in an effort to duplicate this movement and energy. Being a dancer as well as painter, Joanne finds satisfaction in trying to express movement in a large 2D format.
Joanne works in several different styles. She will have her watercolors on display at the Bloomington Open Studios Artists Exhibit at the Backspace Gallery, with an opening reception the same evening, August 4th. See her work at both places!
Joanne adds a personal note: On July 15th, I participated in the event at the Eskinasi and drew musicians in two bands that played. The musicians loved the drawings, so I gave them away. Wore my BWS badge proudly! Appreciated the opportunity. Thanks
Calendar
August 1 – August 25. Zoe Dean’s Exhibition, Cancer Support Community Center.
August 3 – September 29. Robin Edmundson Exhibit, The Vault.
August 4 – August 5. West Baden Garden & Hotel Vernada Paintout.
August 4. Reception, “We Paint…Out of the Box,” Waldron, 5-8 p.m.
August 4 – 27. Joanne Shank’s show at the Venue. Opening Reception: August 5.
August 4 – September 28. WSI’s 41st Annual Juried Exhibition, Indianapolis Museum of Art.
August 5 – August 25. “Portraits.” Hancock County Art Gallery, Greenfield.
August 12. BWS Paintout: Owen Valley Winery, Spencer.
August 14. BWS August Meeting, 6-8 p.m., First Christian Church.
August 25 – September 23. T. C. Steele Member Art Show.
September 23 – October 28. BWS Membership Show, Viridian Moon Gallery.
September 3. Grand opening and reception, Art and Soul of Bloomington, The Venue.
October 4 – October 6. WSI’s 3-Day Workshop with Michael Holter, First Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis.
October 22. “Out of Darkness Walk,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
In June, and in conjunction with our yearly change of officers, BWS celebrated Carol Rhodes’ long-time commitment to the organization by giving her a Jane Matranga silk hand-painted and sewn tote bag full of well-wishes from individual members. Pictured above are Carol Rhodes, Patty Uffman, Jeanne Dutton, and Linda Branstettler. Photos compliments of Nancy Metz.
BWS Monthly Meeting: July 10th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Business Meeting:
BWS’ July Meeting will be held at First Christian Church beginning 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.
Program: “Five on the Floor”
Watch five BWS artists create portraits.
Penny Lulich • Ethan • Watercolor
We are fascinated by faces. Child psychologists tell us that after only a few hours newborn infants can distinguish their mothers’ faces. For millennia artists have portrayed the human face in every medium from charcoal to chalk, silverpoint, ink, graphite, pastel, watercolor, and oil, as well as three-dimensional representations in wood, clay, stone, and metals. Humans are compelled to create portraits.
Meri Reinhold • Massai Jeweler • Watercolor
All forms of artistic expression are equally valid, but portraiture is more exacting than other genres. In landscape, it is not essential to get every tree exactly in place. With still lifes and florals, there is latitude in size, contour, and value. In a portrait, however, if a feature is a few millimeters out of place, if an angle is askew, or a proportion slightly off, viewers will sense something amiss.
Deborah Rush • Claire • Watercolor
At July’s BWS meeting you will have the opportunity to see five BWS artists paint and draw portraits from reference photos of their choice. They are: Penny Lulich, Meri Reinhold, Deborah Rush, Jane Matranga, and Claude Cookman. Each will give a brief description of her/his process, then go to work. Members are encouraged to circulate, watch them in action, and ask questions. During the program, there will be a mini exhibition of portraits by the five participating artists. A handout on portraiture will also be available.
Jane Matranga • Donna Carlton • Watercolor
Claude Cookman • Wendell Willkie bust in IMUnion • Charcoal
If you need motivation to kick start your own portrait making, visit these URLs:
An audio slideshow of work by the Bloomington Portrait Group, which shares many members in common with BWS.
The finals of the British Portrait Artist of the Year Competition. Watch six exceptional portraitists, including a watercolorist. British actor, Sir Ian McKellen, is painted in different styles with different materials. Worth the time.
Inside BWS
BWS Membership Show
“WE PAINT…Things We Love!” September 20 – October 28, 2023
BWS Show Chair, Laura Brown, announced that this year’s theme is “We Paint…Things We Love!“
For Mary Cassatt it was “The Goodnight Hug.” For some, that may be a family heirloom. For others, the house where they grew up. For gardeners, these amazing spring flowers. For portrait painters, your beautiful grandkids! And the list goes on…. Whatever you love and whatever makes you happy, paint it!
This year’s show will be at the Viridian Moon Gallery (1600 W Bloomfield Rd, Suite B). Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Opening Reception will be on Saturday, September 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. The Closing Reception will be on October 28, from 3 to 5 p.m.
See the Prospectus on BWS’ website. Now is the time to begin work on your contribution. Let’s make this the best Membership Show yet!
We Paint…Historic Bloomington!
“Uncle Bruce & Aunt Vearl’s House” by Jane Matranga. The house at 607 E. 12th Street belonged to Jane Matranga’s great uncle and aunt, Bruce and Vearl Callahan, and their children, Conrad (Connie) and Carolyn. The house was built in 1920. “My family drove down to Bloomington from Franklin many times for family gatherings and especially to visit before and after IU football or basketball games. The house is five blocks from Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall. “Bruce and Vearl welcomed my sisters and me when each of us attended IU in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s.”
Closing Reception: Gallery Walk Friday – July 7 – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Monroe County History Center
Catch your last glimpse of the Historic Bloomington exhibit before it becomes, well, Historic! Then pop around the corner to the Waldron to enjoy “We Paint…Out of the Box!”
We Paint…Out of the Box!
BWS (with the support of the Sande Nitti Education Fund) offered a workshop on Friday, June 9 by Anne Farley Gains entitled “Exploration in 3-D Watercolor”. The 3-D art produced by Jerry Harste, Leslie Gamboa Asher, and Linda Mann, (shown above) are a part of the Out of the Box Waldron show.
June 22 – August 5
The Bloomington Watercolor Society includes talented watercolorists who are also accomplished in other mediums. This exhibit includes work by BWS members who go “out of the box” and create art in myriad mediums or produce works that use watercolor in unconventional ways.
See our works at The Waldron Arts Center Education Gallery!
Receptions are during First Friday Gallery Walk times: 5-8 pm on July 7 & August 4.
Note: Kate Galvin, Artistic director at the Waldron Arts Center, advises us that there is a small modification to public gallery hours for July and August, as this is the slow part of the year in Bloomington. Beginning on July 1, the galleries will be open to the public at the following times:
Wed and Thurs 12pm-5pm
Friday 12pm-8pm
Sat and Sun by appointment only
Galleries will also be open during all performances. For folks wishing to visit the galleries over the weekend, the Waldron crew will be very happy to accommodate them; people will just need to email info@seeconstellation.org in advance to make arrangements. This information will be updated on their websites and on Google beginning on Saturday and they will also post signage on the doors.
Gallery Walk will be next Friday July 7 as per usual, and we hope to have a great turnout for that! Please encourage everyone to come out!
Garden Club’s Garden Walk
This year’s Garden Walk on June 10 and 11 saw ten BWS and Plein Air painters displaying their talents. The gardens were in full bloom and, for the most part, the rain stayed away. Below are some pictures of the gardens and the paintings that were created.
July is officially World Watercolor Month!
Begun by Charlie O’Shields of Doodlewash in 2016, this month celebrates all things watercolor! The challenge is to paint a little something everyday – 31 days, 31 paintings. Find inspirational prompts and ideas at https://doodlewash.com/world-watercolor-month-july/
We got the Rocks! You got the Creativity! A Suicide Prevention Effort
Thursday – July 13 – 1:00 p.m.
BWS has been invited to join Project STAY and Kiwanis on a project to paint rocks as part of a National Suicide Prevention. Kiwanis is purchasing the supplies, including acrylic paints, Posca paint pens, and brushes, all for your creative use! Much thanks, too, to Preston Arts Center for making supplies affordable.
Later that week, after the paint dries and before they’re varnished, a tag will be added that gives credit to BWS and Kiwanis.
Thursday, July 13 we’ll meet at the home of Michelle Martin Colman, SafeTalk trainer. She’ll serve iced tea and coffee and treats while we do the painting.
Want to join in for a couple hours of fun and chatter? We can do a lot with 6-8 artists. Please let Jeanne know with an email to info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. You’ll be glad you did!
Announcements
Betty Wagoner — The Friends of T.C. Steele announces a new project, a virtual or driving trail, with maps, that explore the life and work of T.C. Steele, one of Indiana’s greatest impressionist painters. For more information go directly to “The Trail”: https://trail.tcsteele.org
Nancy Metz – The Eskenazi Museum of Art has an exhibition of “Landscape and Abstraction in Watercolor, 1780-1980” from September 5 through December 10.
Sarah Ward, BWS Scholarship Committee Chair, announces that the BWS scholarship has been awarded to Danza Batson who is a recent graduate from the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship and will be attending Indiana University to major in Fine Arts. The scholarship committee will try to get Danza to come to our meeting to show some of his work.
BWS Paintouts
Paint the Park — Saturday, July 15th, 9 am to 1 pm., Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park, Bloomington, IN 47404. Hosted by Carol Rhodes. Announcement will be sent to members. for more information, contact info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.
Paint a Vineyard Scenein August–Owen Valley Winery, 401 Timber Ridge Road, Spencer, IN 47460, USA. Owen Valley Winery sits on a high ridge in a beautiful country setting featuring the vineyards, a cafe, a front porch, out buildings – all the things that make for a fine day of painting. The winery opens at 12:00, but hosts April Bledsoe and Zoe Dean will be on hand to open the gates and greet our plein air painters at 11:00. The cafe offers lunch, wine tasting, and a place to cool off in the August heat. Carpooling for members is available – watch “Brushstrokes” and your email for details. Email Info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org with questions. For more information about the winery, go to https://www.owenvalleywinery.com/about/
Outside BWS
An Invitation: Art Alliance of Greater Bloomington
Henry Luck, President of AAGB, sent BWS members this invitation: Upland Plein Air and AAGB are co-sponsoring a FREE art demo, pitch in and music evening with Rick Wilson !!!
Thursday night, July 6. 6:00 -8:00 pm at the Flex Space at the Arts Alliance Center. Rick Wilson is known nationally and is highly respected as a landscape oil painter. He has a current exhibit at the Flex Space. We’ve asked him if he would be willing to share his approach to painting. So he will do a 90 minute demonstration, showing his approach to the art of painting . (We won’t be painting.) I think this will be a valuable session for painters of all mediums. He is also a guitar player. So after the demo, he will play a few tunes while we enjoy each others company and share in a pitch in (hors d’oeuvres/desserts). AAGB will provide the wine !
This should be a really fun opportunity to relax and socialize as a visual arts community in Bloomington.
Upland and AAGB are sharing the cost for the evening, so it will be free to all. Please help us spread the word !!!!!
Call for Artists: The Venue
Dave at the Venue invites artists to submit work for The Venue’s Juried Art Show, a part of The Art & Soul of Bloomington. APPLY NOW to participate. The prospectus can be found on the Venue’s website: http://thevenuebloomington.com.
The Venue is pleased to answer all of your questions by your calling 812-322-1661, emailing venueartshow@gmail.com.
Call for Entries: Friends of T.C. Steele Member Show
Artists with active membership in the Friends of T.C. Steele are invited to enter the show. Non-members are welcome to the show after the completion of the membership application.
The show is open during the Brown County Art Colony Weekend, September 8-10! That means more visitors to see the show.
Categories of Artists: 1) Professional Artist 2) Amateur/Emerging Artist (New this year) 3) Youth (18 and younger)
Win up to $1000! Parents, grandparents, art teachers and tutors, please encourage your young artists to enter the show. They could win a prize for their school art program and a gift certificate for themselves!
Dates: Registration deadline: August 10 Deliver artwork. August 19 – 20, 2023, 12-4pm Show Opening. August 25, 2023 Closing Reception. September, 23 2023. 2-4pm Pick-up of Artworks: September 23 after reception & September 12-4pm
The Hoosier Salon’s current show is “Timeless Treasures.” This will we followed with its annual “Good Ole Summertime Exhibition” from July 15 to September 3. The Hoosier Salon is open Thursday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.
Watercolor Society of Indiana
If you have not yet seen the WSI Annual Membership Exhibit, you have got to see this show! There are 75 beautiful pieces of original art.
Open until July 22 at McFarland Hall Gallery at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.
Membership News
Lynne Gilliatt wants to invite you to Jane Haley and her fiber art show at the Vault Gallery from now until the end of July.
Robin Edmundson. I have a show coming up in early in August. Here is the postcard announcement.
Tim Lewis. I have a new watercolor that I finished in June: “Rapid Transit” (15″ x 11″ transparent watercolor).
My watercolor, “Sunshine Came Softly” (15″ x 22″ transparent watercolor) was accepted into the Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Juried Show which will hang in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from August 4th through September 30th.
Two of my watercolors, “Entropy” (15” x 22” transparent watercolor) and “Caw Caw Perspective” were juried into the Hancock County Arts’ Annual Will Vawter Show and “Entropy” was awarded “Best Of Show”. This show will be at the 20 North Gallery in Greenfield through July 15th.
Leslie Asher wrote to share a picture she did while traveling in France this summer.
Susan Savastuk and local photographer Don Waters have teamed up for a Gallery-Walk event.
“Juxtaposition: A photographer and a Painter” will be on display at The Engraving and Stamp Center July through August.
Susan has been using some of Don’s landscape photos as references for her paintings. They joined up to display them together.
Sharon Parsons. I started this painting in a workshop by Renee Brouwer. Her new tips on composition gave me the start, but it was my composition and my painting .
Jacki Frey. Here are 3 paintings I completed while vacationing in Maine. We spent several days around Portland, Rockland, and Port Clyde where Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth painted.
Jacki also shared some of her Maine photos for us both to inspire and to enjoy!!
Andy Roberts. I painted at this year’s Garden Walk on Saturday June 10th at the Slaven Garden in Spicewood. While the garden had a very elaborate landscaping (huge stones surrounding the home with a waterfall and stream), I concentrated on some of the flowers planted amongst the rocks. I completed four 5×7 note cards which are attached. I plan to have prints made from these as well as four more that I have completed on various paint-outs this summer.
Barbara Coffman. I attended Ann Grimes’ 3-D workshop. To add an extra dimension of “3-D-ness” to my piece, I let the leaves dry and then used a small brush and clear water to paint a line down the central stem. Then I creased the leaf along that line before gluing it down. I wish I had finalized all my pieces and my layout before gluing my flowers. I would have cut out the petals separately and curled up the edges.
Laura Brown. A type of painting I love to do is what I see out my window when I am a passenger in a car. I always looked out the window when I was a kid and always thought there was so much beauty in simple highway scenes. Shapes, atmosphere and color all intermingle to make an interesting and fun painting. I’m calling this one “Power Lines.”
Calendar
Note: For up to date information always check BWS’ Online Calendar!!
-Participate in World Watercolor Month by producing a painting a day throughout the month of July. -Submit an abstract painting, Southside Art League -Stop by to view Lynn Gilliatt and Jane Haley’s Fiber Art Show at the Vault -Plan trips to see WSI’s Membership Show at Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis (ends July 22) and/or The Hoosier Salon’s “Timeless Treasures” Show (ends July 14) -Stop by the Education Gallery at the Waldron to see our “We Paint…Out of the Box” Exhibition (ends August 5th; Closing Reception, August 4) -Volunteer to paint rocks as part of suicide prevention (6-8 artists needed by July 13) -Submit a painting to the Venue Juried Art Show part of the Art & Soul of Bloomington
July 6 — Rick Wison, Art Alliance of Greater Bloomington, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
July 7 — Closing Reception of “We Paint…Historic Bloomington,” Monroe County History Museum
July 7 — Opening Reception, “We Paint…Out of the Box,” Waldron, 5 to 8 p.m.
July 7 — Opening Reception, Susan Savastuk & Don Walter’s Exhibition, Engraving & Stamp Ctr.
July 10 — BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, 6-8 p.m.
July 15 — Paint the Park, Sycamore Shelter, Lower Cascade, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
August 4 — Opening Reception, Robin Edmundson’s Exhibition at Monroe County Cancer Center
August 4 — Opening of WSI’s Annual Juried Show, Indianapolis Museum of Art (ends September 30)
August 10 — Registration Deadline, T.C. Steel Membership Show
September 5 — Eskenazi Museum of Art, Landscape & Abstraction Exhibit
September 23 — Opening Reception, “We Paint….Things We Love,” BWS Membership Show
Candice Bailey sent a note saying, “We just returned from Florida” along with this painting, entitled, “Five Palms”
BWS Business Meeting and Program — March 13
BWS’ March Meeting will be held in the Great Hall at First Christian Church beginning at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be send by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Program: Painting a Still Life
Bring your paints and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! After a short business meeting, we’ll share our time and talents as we paint a still life “set up” featuring flowers, shamrocks, and other things Irish. And, hopefully, enjoy Jo’s famous homemade shamrock sugar cookies.
A page from Jeanne Dutton’s Sketchbook
Some words of inspiration!!
“My still-life painting has more to do with light and shadow than with the objects themselves ” — William C. Wright
“I love painting still life because there’s a feeling of musical, flowing experience. The drawing doesn’t matter as much – what you’re really after is a feeling of clarity and beauty.” — Jacob Collins
“Memories are like still life painted by ten different student artists: some will be blue-based; others red; some will be as stark as Picasso and others as rich as Rembrandt; some will be foreshortened and others distant . Recollections are in the eye of the beholder; no two held up side by side will ever quite match.” — Jodi Picoult
Remember to bring painting supplies!!
Inside BWS
We Paint….Monet and More!
BWS’s show We Paint…Monet and More is currently at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage. It is scheduled to run through March 27. The show benefits Bloomington’s Teachers Warehouse.
The winter benefit show for Teachers Warehouse opened with its first reception during Gallery Walk on February 3 and was well attended with over 50 people enjoying the exhibit. Needless to say, there were many favorable comments from visitors and fellow artists and, again, it’s an exhibit of which BWS can be proud. Congratulations to Barbara Epperson on the sale of her painting.
Twenty-two artists entered paintings in varying adaptations of the impressionist style, a school of art fathered by Claude Monet. Those paintings were considered by three judges, taking into account technique, presentation, and relevance to the theme of the show. The winners are Jo Weddle, Silver Second, for her painting “Loving Lilies,” and Rose Brenner won Best of Show for her work, “Fish Pond.”
It takes a full team of folks to make an exhibit happen, and many thanks are due to many people…just too numerous to mention! But Gabe Colman gets a special round of applause for rounding up the judges, interacting with Teachers Warehouse, inspiring Rotary North to sponsor the YouTube video, and being emcee at the reception. His daughter, Stella Rose, age 4, was also a big help with the drawings for the door prizes which were won by: Sharon Parsons, a Monet tote bag from Newfields; Kathy Barton, a Monet coloring book; and Jo Weddle, a 2023 calendar featuring many of Monet’s famous paintings.
An Exhibit & Event to Benefit Teachers Warehouse Friday, March 3, Gallery Walk 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The exhibit may be viewed now through March 27 at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E 6th Street, Bloomington. Gallery Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please call ahead at (812) 334-9700.
Available for Purchase: Fine Art! Prints!
Unique hand painted and crafted original greeting cards are $10 each with 100% of the proceeds going to Teachers Warehouse. Proceeds from paintings are shared 50/50 with Teachers Warehouse and the artist. For further information contact Jeanne Ellen Dutton, Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org
Andy Roberts, “Water Lillies”
A Request From BWS’ Historian
Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, wrote to say “I would be happy to receive flyers, postings, notices of member shows, and other materials that document the work of our watercolor society. These items will be collected and placed in BWS’ History Binders. Mail materials of this sort to my address. I do not have a printer.”
Outside BWS
Viridian Moon Art Gallery
Rose Brenner, Susan Savastuk, and Henry Leck have teamed together to present an art show called “The Beauty of Nature” from March, 1 to March 25 with the opening reception on Saturday, March 4th, from 3 to 5 pm. https://www.viridianmoon.art/events
Additionally, the Viridian Moon Art Gallery is fully funding an effort to help pay the tuition of 16 students at the Art Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine by selling 11×14 prints of their work– for $35 each. Attached are some examples of their art pieces, which Irina Shishova has printed and prepared with mats.
Irina says:
“Dear Bloomington friends! We are so excited to let you know about an opportunity to help these amazingly talented art students from Kyiv, Ukraine complete their education under the most challenging circumstances. Please come check out their prints on sale at our community art gallery starting Saturday, February 18th, to show your support! 100% of the print sale’s proceeds will benefit the Art Academy’s students.
Viridian Moon’s website with hours and location are at http//viridianmoon.art
BWS artists support the Cancer Support Community
Thanks to a conversation between staff of the Cancer Support Community for South Central Indiana and BWS member Jeanne Dutton, any BWS artist has the opportunity to present a two-month solo exhibition at CSC offices at the corner of Landmark Avenue and West 3rd Street. Artists donate 20 percent of their proceeds to CSC.
The program started in September of last year. So far BWS artists Meri Reinhold, Laura Brown, and Rose Brenner have participated. Participating artists have so far generated sales that have enabled them to donate $397 to CSC.
CSC provides support groups for cancer patients, family, and caregivers; wellness programs such as yoga, chi kung, nutrition, and art therapy; education; and social opportunities, as well as access to extensive information resources. Exhibition space is open to any BWS member. Call Stephanie Shelton at CSC at 574-606-7687 to inquire about openings in the exhibition schedule.
The Cancer Support Center will feature the work of Sara Steffey McQueen in March and April. Two posters are attached. While they look alike, one is a bio and the other a description of the show.
Sara wrote to say, “The works in this show are being made into an Intuitive Inquiry Oracle Deck.” The third images is an example of what one of the cards in the Inquiry Oracle Deck looks like.
Sara concluded her note saying, “I hope to see some of my BWS, Upland and Portrait friends at the Reception.”
Opening reception March 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Calling BWS Artists: An Invitation
The Cancer Support Center is needing a BWS artist (or small cadre of BWS artists) to exhibit their work for September/October and November/December. If interested please contact Stephanie Shelton at stephanie@cancersupportscin.org. Stephanie extends her thanks for allowing CSC to host our artists and says that if anyone has any feedback about the CSC/BWS arrangements, comments are welcome.
IVY Tech to Host Avon Waters Workshop
Join artist Avon Waters in learning how to work with pastels in a new way, applying velvety rich color using soft pastels along with various liquid blending mediums. This special method, called “wet pastel” is applied in a repeated “construction and deconstruction” process, which allows the painting to guide YOU to its conclusion.
The Avon Waters workshop includes two days of instruction (March 24-25) in pastel techniques along with encouragement to help climate and conservation efforts. Enrollment fees will go to three nonprofit organizations. Featured will be a short discussion about what we can do to help the environment and a brief presentation by a representative of Sycamore Land Trust, who will talk about the organization and its efforts.
When: March 24, 9am to 4pm and March 25, 9am to 3pm
Where: Ivy Tech Bloomington (in-person)
Cost: $140
The workshop is appropriate for both beginners and improvers. In this workshop you can explore new pastel techniques or refine those you already use, while learning how you and your art can help conservation efforts. If you are new to pastels and want to explore them, don’t worry about the investment. Inexpensive soft pastels from various craft stores and popular online stores will work well.
Indiana Watercolor Society.
Between now and April 28 members may enter the Annual Membership Exhibit which is scheduled to be held at the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and the Annual Juried Exhibit which will be shown at Newfields in the Indianapolis Museum of Art from May 13th to July 21st.
Both exhibits are on display for more weeks than last year and both venues are working with WSI to help increase exposure and sales!
Follow these links to see deadlines, details, and apply online:
On Saturday, April 22nd, T. C. Steele State Historic Site will hold its fifth Arts of the Earth Day. Cate Whetsel, the Steele Historic Site Program Developer, asks that If anyone from BWS would like to come out to the site to paint or otherwise work outdoors on the 22nd, they would love to have them!
The site will waive regular day admission for everyone visiting outdoors that day. Building tours (10:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.) will still cost site admission ($10/adult; $8/senior 60+, $5/youth ages 3-17). Artists who wish to work outdoors will work between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on site the day of the program. Cate says, “We hope to have artists of all mediums! Arts of the Earth is a program to welcome spring and the return of warm weather, and to offer our visitors an inspiring day outdoors. Although we cannot guarantee it, it’s likely the daffodils will be in bloom!
Artist wishes to participate in Arts of the Earth Day should email Cate (museumcommunication@indianamuseum.org) with their name and times during which they will paint (ex. Name: Cate Whetzel, painting from 12-3 p.m.). Cate says she will create a guest list of participating artists for check-in at the Visitor Center. As a thank you for visiting and sharing their art making, artists will be have complimentary coffee, water, and soda available to them.
Additionally, the staff at the Steele Historic Site will be offering the Teddy Bears’ Picnic for kids and families from 1 to 2 p.m. on Arts of the Earth Day. The cost is $4/child with a limit of 20 children. Cookies and lemonade will be served in the garden, accompanied by a reading of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Pre-registration is required, as ticket sales for the picnic will end on April 19. Tickets can be purchased over the phone, in person, or online.
From 2012-2016, Bloom Magazine sponsored The Local Artist Showcase, an event featuring artists from Monroe, Brown, Green, Lawrence and Owen counties. This year The Local Artist Showcase will by held on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monroe Convention Center. All artists and galleries are welcome. There is no jurying. Booth fees are $120. Space is limited. Deadline for artist registration is March 10th. Reserve your booth by February 28th to get a discount and receive preferred placement.
Artists for Climate Awareness Gallery Show
As of this writing, six members of BWS who are also members of Artists for Climate Awareness will be displaying their artwork in the Education Room at John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN 47404 from March 3 – April 7, 2023. The show is in conjunction with a show upstairs named “Climate Shock”, in which Kriste Lindberg will also be showing her work.
The show in the Education Room is called “Elements: An Exhibition by Eight Artists on Climate Awareness.” It features Bess Lee, Joe Lee, Jo Weddle, Carol Rhodes, Meri Reinhold, and Sara Steffey McQueen. Two other artists (Craig Barton and Anita Names) are also in the show but are not members of BWS.
Opening Reception: Friday, March 3rd, 5-8 pm (First Friday)
Attached: Joe Lee, “Save the Animals, Save Yourselves.”
Painting Deserts in Watercolor: Workshop Report
Photo by Kathleen Truelove Barton (In-person Workshop Attendees)
On Saturday, February 25, several Bloomington Watercolor Society members and others attended a daylong workshop hosted by Artists for Climate Awareness, at Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus and online. The workshop, “Painting Deserts in Watercolor,” featured an art project and an environmental education component. Nancy Davis Metz led the demonstration and art portion, and the educational component was led by Carol Rhodes. After a rocky technological start, the participants painted a desert sky and simple landscape using granulating paints and then painted an adobe building in the desert.
Process Photos compliments of Carol Rhodes
Emeriti House Art Show
Members and their partners of the Emeriti House retirees and Indiana University Retiree Association are invited to submit artwork to the 20th Annual Art Exhibit at the Emeriti House on IU’s campus. Artwork must be submitted by April 24. The opening reception will be on Friday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m..
Membership News
Timothy Lewis
Several items of note:
I received a Distinction Of Merit for my watercolor, “Crab Bounty”, at the Brown County Art Guild’s Annual Patron Show which ended February 18th.
My watercolor, “Obed River”, was accepted into the 2023 Annual Juried Art Exhibition to be held at the Hamilton County Artists’ Association Gallery, 195 S. 5th Street, Noblesville, IN from March 1 through March, 31. Only 45 out of 327 entries were accepted.
I have two watercolors I completed recently:
“Isle Of Palms 2022” is a 16” x 12” watercolor inspired by a photo taken on vacation at Isle of Palms, SC in 2022.
“Sunlight Came Softly” is a 15” x 22” watercolor inspired by a bouquet sitting on our dining room table in direct sunlight.
Phyllis Taylor
I have three works accepted into the juried art show “Figure & Face” at the Cannon Beach Art Gallery in Cannon Beach, OR. This show runs from February 17 – March 26, 2023. (https://www.cannonbeacharts.org/current-exhibit-1)
The group I belong to in Oregan just had the artists reception last Friday. It was fun to meet artists from all over the state. A nice mental boost during these gray winter days.
I have two watercolors and a Prismacolor sketch accepted in the show. See attached.
Tricia Heiser Wente
Tricia Heiser Wente sent her good wishes and invited everyone to her new show in Salem, OR.
Carolyn Rodgers Richards
The only relevant news is that I will have some of my paintings in our cooperative Hoosier Artist Gallery’s booth at the Local Artists Showcase on Sunday, April 23rd at the Convention Center. Below is an image of one of my painting for the Local Artists Showcase. It is called, “Summer Bouquet” and was done in acrylic and acrylic compatible cold wax.
Christine Peterson
I’m a fairly new member of BWS. I received the BWS email regarding the venue at Cancer Support Community, and today they signed the contract with me to have my exhibit there for the months of May and June! The show will be called, “The Spice of Life.” I will have cards and prints available of the 30 to 40 paintings I will be hanging. Attached are samples of my work and a statement about me and the show.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
“For the past fifteen years or so, Chris Peterson has enjoyed studying many techniques for painting inwatercolors, acrylics, encaustic, and most recently oils. Every year she has attended a workshop or two with different artists in many locations. These experiences have resulted in this exhibit of extremely diverse works including portraits, abstracts, still life, and a few landscapes. She continues to learn and paint, and will probably never settle on one style. “Spice of Life” offers variety in mood, subject and atmosphere.”
Kathleen Truelove Barton
MarySue Schwab
Bill Schwab
MarySue Schwab, Bill Schwab and myself, Kathy Truelove Barton will be participating in a show that will hang for the month of April in Viridian Moon Gallery here in Monroe County. This exhibition featuring work in various media. Paintings capture the “spirit of place” with Central and Southern Indianan being the focus. It is a unique collection of work representing places we have traveled and recorded in paint. Painting together does not mean seeing in the same way, and we think this show is a wonderful view into the eye of the artist. The show will be at the Gallery from March 29th through April 22nd.
Lynne Gilliat
I’m happy to report that I won first prize in the “Let It Snow” Show at the Viridian Moon Gallery. My painting was done in pastel on sandpaper and was entitled, “Prayer Flags in the Snow.”
Jerome Harste
I have been playing, trying new techniques and styles. The painting I submitted to our Historical Bloomington show is shown below (Painting 1) and was entitled “Building America.” I wanted to honor Bloomington’s limestone industry and its impact on architecture throughout the nation. Painting 2 is an attempt to redo that first painting in more whimsical style using patterns upon patterns. Painting 3 is my attempt to take a small section of Painting 2 to create an abstract which, of course, I also ended up embellishing.
Kitty Garlock
In January a friend of mine who lives in Australia contracted me to paint a picture for her mother-in-law’s 60th birthday present. She sent me a couple photos of their home to choose from and I fell in love with this one. I told her I had never done anything bigger than 7.5 x 9.5 and wondered if that was ok…they thought they would rather have a larger one. So this is my foray into the largest piece I have ever done…10.5 x 13.5! Finished mid-February and should be arriving in Australia any day now! My friend said…”Oh she is going to cry when she sees this!” Making someone cry may not sound right but it sure made me feel good!!
Now I am doing another one contracted by a friend and I have decided to make it the same size!!
Susan Savastuk
Three items:
*Team Show with Rose Brenner and Henry Leck at Viridian Moon Gallery. Opening reception Saturday March 4, 2023. 3-5PM
* Preparing for a July show at Gallery B in Bloomingfoods West. It will be a series of portraits in pointillism with marker.
*Showing in the John Waldron Art Center Spotlight Gallery March – April. Opening night reception for Gallery Walk will be March 3rd from 5-8 PM.
Rose Brenner
Rose Brenner took best of show award in the Patron category at the Brown County Art Guild in Nashville, Indiana on February 17th!
Jacki Frey
We are in San Miguel de Allende, here’s my night scene.
Nancy Metz
My painting of Molnar’s sculpture, “The Light of the World,” that stands over the south door of the Monroe County Courthouse has been juried in to the 2023 Kentucky Watercolor Society AquaVenture Show. The show hangs from March 17 to April 27 at the Lyric Theater, 300 E. Third St., Lexington, KY.
Charlotte Griffin
Charlotte sends greetings from Vero Beach, Florida.
Calendar
Now — Support Ukrainian art students’ by purchasing reprints at Viridian Moon Gallery.
March 1 to 25 — “Beauty of Nature” Show, Viridian Moon Gallery, Bloomington.
March 1 to 31 — Annual Juried Exhibition, Hamilton County Artists’ Association, Noblesville.
March 3 — Second Reception, “We Paint…Monet and More,” The Vault, Bloomington, 5 to 8 p.m.
March 3 — Opening Reception for Sara Savastuk, Spotlight Gallery, Waldron, 5 to 8 p.m.
March 4 — Reception, Susan Savastuk, Rose Brenner, & Henry Leck, Viridian, 3 to 5 p.m.
March 10 — Deadline for registering for a booth at the Local Arts Showcase.
March 10 — Opening Reception, Sara Steffey McQueen, Cancer Resource Center, 4 to 7 p.m.
March 13 — March BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, Bloomington, 6 p.m.
March 24 and 25 — Avon Walters Workshop, IVY Tech, Bloomington.
March 27 — Last day to see “We Paint…Monet and More” Exhibition, Vault, Bloomington.
Month of April — MarySue Schwab, Bill Schwab, & Kathleen Truelove Barton Exhibition, Viridian Moon Gallery, Bloomington.
April 22 — Art of Earth Day, T. C. Steele Historic Site.
April 22 — Teddy Bear’s Picnic, T. C. Steele Historic Site.
April 23 — Local Artist Showcase, Monroe Convention Center, Bloomington.
April 24 — Last day to submit artwork to the 20th Annual Art Show at the Emeriti House, Bloomington.
April 28 — Last day to enter WSI’s Membership and Annual Juried Exhibitions, Indianapolis.
April 28 — Reception, 20th Annual Emeriti House and IURA Art Exhibit, 5 to 7 p.m.
Months of May and June — “Spice of Life” Exhibition, Cancer Support Center, Bloomington.
