BWS Meeting: March 10

The March meeting of the Bloomington Watercolor Society is Monday, March 10th at 6 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave.    Details will be sent to the membership via email.  A brief business meeting will open the meeting.

Meeting Program: “Unique Techniques”

Most of what we know we have learned from being in the company of other learners. This is also true for watercolor artists. In the spirit of sharing, members will be invited to share their very best discoveries and favorite watercolor techniques. If everyone who comes participates, everyone should leave a head taller than their original self!! This has the potential of being the best program yet! See “From the Desk of BWS President Laura Brown” for more specifics.

Inside BWS

From the Desk of BWS President Laura Brown:

Hello Members!  

We are now heading into Spring and new things are just around the corner!

The program for the BWS Membership Meeting on March 10th at 6pm will focus on “Unique Techniques” in watercolor.   BWS Member and Secretary Charlotte Griffin and Vice President and Member Jeanne Dutton will kick off the program demonstrating ways to make textures in watercolor and how to use stencils for lifting.

A few more demonstrators and supply list TBA so keep your eye out for the meeting reminder email.   

Board Member Call Out!

Four of our Executive Board Members are exiting their positions this year!
BWS Needs Your Help! 

President
1st Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary

We are also in need of a nominating committee to help us with prospective candidates for these positions.  If you are interested, please contact info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org or check your email to contact the current president directly.

Below are pages from our handbook outlining the duties of these positions.   It’s a great chance to get involved with BWS on a deeper level. This is a summarized version, and if you’d like to see the full description of the position, please let me know!   

President, Bloomington Watercolor Society

Charge: Presides over all regular meetings, may attend all committee meetings as an ex-officio member except the nominating committees, and signs checks; Reports to: BWS members; Supervises:1st and 2nd vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, Brushstrokes editor, historian, and chairs of the Finance, Meeting Programs, Nominating, Publicity, Scholarship, Activities, Refreshment, and Paint Out committees. 

1st Vice President, Bloomington Watercolor Society 

Charge: The 1st Vice President shall preside over all meetings in the absence of the President and shall succeed to and become President of BWS in the event that the office of President becomes vacant. The 1st Vice President will serve on the Show(s) Committee and be liaison to the Paint Out Committee.  Reports to: BWS President; Supervises: Show Committee; Coordinates with: The Executive Board, particularly the 2^nd Vice President. (Per the BWS By Laws, the 2nd Vice President shall have the same duties as the 1st Vice President, except the 2^nd Vice President will chair the Membership Committee; Elected by membership.

Treasurer, Bloomington Watercolor Society 

Charge: The Treasurer shall handle all the banking and handling of club’s money, including receiving and issuing payments. Drafts may be signed by the President, Treasurer, or Secretary; however, drafts much be approved by the Treasurer. The Treasurer is responsible for reporting to the appropriate state and federal agencies (as required). Reports to BWS President; Supervises Finance Committee; Elected by membership.

Secretary, Bloomington Watercolor Society 

Charge: The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings including board meetings.  The Secretary whose term begins in even numbered years will review the BWS By-laws along with one other member. The Secretary will serve as chair; Reports to: BWS President; Supervises: Biennial By-Laws Committee (in even numbered years, and whose term starts in July); Elected by membership.

“We Paint…2-D: Dali and Degas”

“Flutter Ballet” by Nina Ost; Medium: Acrylic markers; Framed size: 16 x 14. “This is a mixture of Degas dancers clad as Dali Butterflies performing on a Dali desert set.”

Now showing through March 28, 2025 at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E 6^th Street, Bloomington. Gallery Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00-5:00 p.m. Please call ahead 812-334-9700.

Reception: Gallery Walk Friday, March 7, 5:00-8:00

In addition to Surrealism meets Impressionism in this exhibit presented by the artist members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society, we are featuring the artwork of the BWS Art Scholarship winner, Seongwon “Sarah” Park, a 2024 graduate of BHSS.  Stop by and greet Seongwon and enjoy the showcase of her work!

Fifty percent of all sales support the work of Teachers Warehouse, an organization that provides FREE classroom supplies to educators in nine counties.  

The Opening Reception was February 7 where the Best of Show and Runner Up awards were presented.  Here’s Laura Brown accepting her Runner Up certificate for her entry, “Smile,” reminiscent of Dali’s melting clocks.

Lynne Gilliatt won Best of Show for “Spring Rain.”

Congratulations to the winners and to Lynne whose painting sold that same evening! You can take the video tour at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcx-MT_0DDQ  or browse through the paintings at our BWS SmugMug gallery, https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/We-paint2D-Dali-and-Degas

A Little BWS History

Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, reported: “According to then BWS president, Jeanne Dutton, 2008 was a year of experimentation and expansion.   The first experiment was to host a five day workshop.   Fourteen  people  attended and it gained two new members.  They had Judy Betts of Baton Rouge as their instructor.   Their second experiment was a field trip to Twin Rock Paper Mill.   BWS elevated their membership to include Signature status artists.   BWS held a membership show and hosted paint outs. Their membership enrollment rose from 54 to 61 members.   BWS members won awards (some national), taught classes and gave workshops.

Outside BWS

Still Time to Catch the Linda Meyer-Wright Show

Artists for Climate Awareness

The organization Artists for Climate Awareness is hosting “climate art” exhibition. The exhibition, named “Distant Thunder,” includes 2-D and 3-D artwork to be displayed online and at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall from April 3rd to April 28th. Two examples of pieces in the show follow along with the artists’ statements about these artworks.

Zain Mackey, “Hard Times.” Entry for Distant Thunder” Show. Mixed media collage of discarded watercolors, acrylic ink, reclaimed gesso prints, found S&H stamps, recycled book pages, 17”x21” framed. Artist Statement: “I tore my watercolors of dry deserts with polluted skies and murky mountains into pieces. I sliced through gesso prints of abandoned buildings and ghoulish figures. I found some old S&H Green Stamps in the back of a drawer in my long deceased mother’s desk and I remembered, we had hard times. You deal with hard times not by withdrawing and feeling depressed but by action; actions like stepping forward, helping, calling the lies by name, advocating for change, contributing when you can. Although Auden’s haiku alludes to a far-off thunder as heralding death, I hear in the distance the thunder beings who exist in almost every culture around the world. Their distant thunder calls us to be a force in the protection of nature. It commands us to use our power, passion, force and strength to make changes for the better. This is the message of my collage “Hard Times.” Be the thunder god, be brave, roll on.”

Patty Uffman, “The Coming Storm,” Entry for Distant Thunder Show, Size: 16.375” x 13”, Medium: Watercolor. Artist Statement: As an amateur artist — not a climatologist – in preparation for this exhibit I have simply studied raw data from meteoblue.com (headquartered in Basel, Switzerland) related to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, a remote area located in far West Texas along the Texas/New Mexico border, 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas. It is a park that I have visited, hiked, photographed, and grown to love. With the limited referenced information I have read, I am not trained to extrapolate data for one particular location to a broader base; however, it is clear from graphs reflecting the past forty plus years that Guadalupe Mountains National Park has experienced an increase of three or more degrees Fahrenheit in the mean yearly temperature, and, more notably, a decrease of nearly 40% in the mean yearly precipitation. The impact of these climate changes on animal and plant life in that ecosphere (and, by extension, to the human race) cannot be overlooked. Obviously, rainstorms in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park are essential to help sustain the area’s natural vitality. My abstract painting “The Coming Storm” should not be viewed as ominous, but as a welcome relief after one such long dry period.

Art Alliance’s “Gala Round the Table”

The Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington is having a “Gala Round the Table” on March 7th, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Ballroom of Fountain Square (3rd Floor)  Free to all!  Free food!! Cash bar.

The Hoosier Salon

The Hoosier Salon invites you to stop by the Hoosier Art Salon, Suite B245, for a pop-up art sale featuring the works of Susan Mack, Friday, March 8th from 5 to 9 p.m.

In addition, the Hoosier Salon is offering a series of workshops to help foster continual artist inspiration and development in the local art community.  Workshops run 2-3 days. Bill Starke’s workshop, “Making the Landscape Simple,” and Tad Ritz’s workshop, “The Power of Suggestion” run April 22-24. Go to the Hoosier Salon website for costs, supplies, and other such information.

Additionally, The Hoosier Salon would love your participation in the 20th Annual Field to Finish Exhibition! April 23 – June 1, 2025. Artists can now enter up to TWO pieces.  A discount will be offered for more than one piece submitted by the same artist.

Watercolor Society of Indiana

Tim Lewis, WSI president, sent in this list of upcoming events:

The Watercolor Society of Indiana has posted our 2025 calendar on the WSI website at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/.

Upcoming events:

• WSI Regional Membership Exhibit at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Limited to the first 50 from WSI members. The show opens April 16th and runs through May 31st. 
• WSI Annual Membership Exhibition at The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. Any WSI member may submit one watercolor to this show – not juried. The show opens May 10th and runs through June 14th.

Membership News

Andy Roberts. I am enjoying painting in SW Florida and have some painting in two local shows on Sanibel Island. The first show is at the Sanibel Public Library with two paintings. The 1st one is “Captiva Sunset” (on yupo), and the second is “North Captiva Icehouse.”

The 3rd and 4th paintings are at a show at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Bailey Homestead. The 3rd painting is entitled, “Jensen’s Marina Pelican” and the 4th, “Green Sea Turtle” (on yupo). Hope to be back in Bloomington at the end of March.

MarySue Schwab. I am honored that my oil painting was accepted in the Hamilton County Midwest Art Show in Noblesville. Out of 260 entries, only 57 were accepted.

Jacki Frey. My painting “Stonington,”  was accepted in  Indiana Artists Club Juried Show. The show will be at the Newfield Museum of Art in Indianapolis. The exhibit opens March 21 and closes May 16.

Henry Leck. I have a solo show opening up March 1st at the Arts Alliance Center.  The opening reception is also on March 1st from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tim Lewis. This watercolor, “For Sadie”,  was done as a gift for some close friends who had their first baby a few months ago.

Lynne Giliatt. My latest gouache on paper. Even though this photo picks up a reflection, I think people will enjoy seeing it.

Jerome Harste. My painting, “In the Surf” was juried into the 14th Annual Collectors’ Event at the Simon & Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Painting juried into this event will be on display from March 6 to April 27 at the Museum.

Gail Fairfield. Mark your calendars for whatever intrigues you . . . 

Bloomington Watercolor Society show (includes one of my pieces).
I’ll be at the reception: Friday, March 7, 5:00-7:00.

Intro to Alcohol Ink (workshop) – Saturday, March 8
Bloomington Fine Art Supply https://www.bfasupply.com/classes

Tarot & Alcohol Ink (workshop) – Saturday, March 22
Second Story Studio, Nashville https://www.secondstorystudio.art/event-list

My Alcohol Inks Show at By Hand Gallery
April-May – more details about reception, later

Alcohol Ink Abstract Landscapes (workshop) – Saturday April 19
Bloomington Fine Art Supply https://www.bfasupply.com/classes

Would love to see you!

Calendar

Now – March 28: “We Paint….2D: Dali & Degas” Show, Vault, Gallery Montage, Bloomington.

Now – April 28: Linda Meyer-Wright Retrospective, Cancer Support Center, Bloomington.

March 1: “Clouds, Barns, & Trees Oh My!” Opening Reception, Arts Alliance Center.

March 7: Opening Reception, “We paint…2D: Dali & Degas,” 5-8 p.m., Vault, Blmgtn.

March 7: “Gala Round Table,” 7:30-9:30 p.m., Fountain Square, Bloomington.

March 8: Introduction to Alcohol Ink Workshop, Bloomington Art Supply.

March 8: Pop-Up Art Sale, Hoosier Salon, Harmony.

March 10: BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, 6-8 p.m.

March 21 – May 2: Artist Club Juried Show, Indianapolis Museum of Art.

March 22: Tarot & Alcohol Ink Workshop, Second Story Studio, Bloomington.

March 22 – 24: “Making Landscapes Simple” Workshop, Hoosier Salon.

March 22 – 24: “The Power of Suggestion” Workshop, Hoosier Salon.

April 3 – 28: Artist for Climate Awareness Show, Bloomington Art Alliance, Mall, Blmgtn.

April 16 – May 31: Regional WSI Exhibition, “Henrick’s Live,” Plainfield.

April 18: Abstract Landscape Workshop, Bloomington Fine Art Supply.

April 23: Field to Finish Exhibition, Hoosier Salon.

May 10 – June 14: WSI Membership Show, Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis

“Spring Rain” by Lynne Gilliatt, 18″x16x1/2″, Gouache on Fabriano paper.

BWS Meeting: February 10

The February meeting of the Bloomington Watercolor Society is Monday, February 10th at 6 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave.    Details will be sent to the membership via email.  A brief business meeting will open the meeting. Sarah Steffey McQueen will lead the program.

February’s Program: Signature Member Sara Steffey McQueen is going to share her recipes for making ink from locally available plants and other materials. Sara. after 50 years of being an herbalist and naturalist, is on the Board of Artists of Climate Awareness and is excited to share her passions as well as home-made inks which we can try out.

Participants need to bring your own brushes, paper and/or sketchbook. A variety of inks will be provided.

Inside BWS

From the desk of BWS President Laura Brown:

Hello painters! The ice is finally melting so we are ready to get back to our regular schedule!   

Our February Meeting is Monday February 10th at 6pm.   Keep a look out for the meeting reminder with further details.  Sara Steffy McQueen will lead us in an exciting program about natural inks.  

Don’t forget our membership show. “We Paint….Dali & Degas” at Gallery Mortgage.  Drop off is February 4th from 10-noon. The Show will be ready for our Opening Reception February 7th from 5:00-8:00pm.

Executive Board Call Out!

Do you want to be more involved in BWS?  Do you have a specialty with leadership, writing, or numbers?  Good news because BWS needs YOU!

Be the first in line to lead and shape the story that is BWS.  Did you know that every year BWS has five  key members that make everything we do possible?   President, Vice President,Treasurer, Membership Coordinator and Secretary; each of these volunteer positions can be a great fulfilling experience for those that want to take the shaping of BWS a little bit further.   

Interested?  Want to learn more?  Please contact info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org and let us know.  

Not ready for the executive board, but still want to help?  There are many other volunteers needed throughout the year.  Please let us know what your talents are, and we’ll always have something you can do! 

The BWS Winter Benefit Show
Opening Reception FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Gallery Walk   5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Awards announced at 6:00

Melting clocks and dancing ballerinas.  Surrealism meets Impressionism.  And BWS artist members have created a very interesting blend for your viewing pleasure. 

We are pleased to announce that the exhibit will also showcase works by the 2024 BWS Art Scholarship winner, Seongwon “Sarah” Park.  Her art is bright, youthful, and very well done. Sarah is an outstanding artist currently studying communication design and marketing at Washington University in St. Louis.

Remember, too, this winter benefit show supports the good works of Teachers Warehouse (TW), an organization that supplies FREE classroom supplies to educators in nine counties!  All sales of fine art, greeting cards and prints share 50% between the artist and TW.

Watch for news about the video tour and online gallery opening FEBRUARY 8!

Cancer Support Center: Linda Meyer-Wright Retrospective

The Opening Reception for the Linda Meyer-Wright Retrospective show was a great success!.  Several framed and many unframed paintings from her estate were sold, raising over $300 for the Cancer Support Community art programs!

If you missed the exhibit or would like to visit again, please call CSCSCI at (812) 233-3286 or email the office, emily@cancersupport.org.

To learn more about the BWS Gallery partnership with the Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana, click here:
https://cancersupportscin.org/gallery-partnership/?fbclid=IwY2xjawILh0FleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXaKaL-DNKfl8hV-JmgaJB4W1DLQ-V3kcZ-IzkGJIsL9oImPJAm1LpdoNg_aem_83wJZRqHKh_f15DjnH1zLw

Outside BWS

Watercolor Society of Indiana

Tim Lewis, WSI president, sent in this list of upcoming events:

The Watercolor Society of Indiana has posted our 2025 calendar on the WSI website at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/. Upcoming events:

• WSI Regional Membership Exhibit at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Limited to the first 50 from WSI members. The show opens April 16th and runs through May 31st. 
• WSI Annual Membership Exhibition at The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. Any WSI member may submit one watercolor to this show – not juried. The show opens May 10th and runs through June 14th.
• WSI Annual Membership Luncheon and Special Event at the 2nd Presbyterian Church on North Meridian in Indianapolis. June 28th from 12:00 – 2:00. 
• “The Architecture of Light” workshop with Thomas Schaller, AWS, NWS, TWSA, at the 2nd Presbyterian Church on North Meridian in Indianapolis. August 6th through August 8th.
• 43rd Annual Juried Exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in Indianapolis. This show opens September 6th and runs through November 1st. This is a juried show with a prize fund setimated to be around $10,000 open to WSI members.
• Beginning Watercolor Class with Anna Roberts, CF, and Cheryl Lowe, CF, at the Jewish Community Center in Indianapolis on September 21st. This class is for adults only and is open to the public.
• “Painting a Figure From a Photo” workshop with Ted Nuttall, AWS, NWS, TWSA, at the 2nd Presbyterian Church on north Meridian in Indianapolis. October 14th through October 17th.

Details, entry instructions, etc on thee events are available on the WSI website. Note that Class and Workshops may have limitations on the number of attendees.

Upland Plein Air — Silverpoint Workshop

In late January, members of the Upland Plein Air group participated in a mini workshop, exploring the silverpoint medium. Upland is an offshoot of the Bloomington Watercolor Society, and the groups share many members in common.

The graphite pencil was introduced in 1565. Previously, artists drew with charcoal, ink, colored clay and metal wire in a stylus. For the latter, they used lead, copper and gold, but arguably their favorite metal was silver. Many drawings by Leonardo, Raphael, Dürer and other old masters that look like pencil are, in fact, silverpoint. Because graphite is erasable, it quickly displaced metal. Beginning with the pre-Raphaelites in the mid 1800s, there has been a revival of silverpoint. Contemporary artists are pushing the boundaries of the medium, using it in exciting new ways. 

Silverpoint is an extremely responsive medium that produces images of great delicacy. It requires a surface prepared with a ground that has an abrasive. Pulling a piece of silver wire over this ground leaves a mark. Many drawing techniques used with mediums like charcoal, chalk and graphite, translate, but there is one major difference. With those mediums, if you want a darker tone, you simply press harder. Pressing hard with silverpoint risks gouging into the ground. Instead, to get darker values, you draw many lines, over and over. This makes silverpoint primarily a hatching medium.

BWS and Upland member Claude Cookman led the group in getting familiar with the medium and drawing a still life.

Andy Roberts and Barbara Coffman work on preparatory studies before drawing their still life in silverpoint.

Kitty Garlock chose a sea shell as the motif for her silverpoint still life.

Claude Cookman • Pears • Silverpoint • 5 x 7 inches • 2025

Upland’s Plein Air Show at Lennie’s

Barbara Coffman reports: We had a wonderful selection of paintings/drawings delivered to Lennie’s for the first round of our show in January. The reception was crowded, and four paintings have been sold. I stopped by recently, and both the owner and manager told me that they had heard many positive comments about our work from customers. Kudos to all our talented Upland members! 

Lennie’s has invited Upland to extend the show through March.

New drop off date for the second half of the show is Tuesday, February 11, 3:00-5:00 pm.

New reception date is Thursday, February 13, 5:00-7:00 pm.  

Membership News

Tim Lewis. My solo show, “Radical Reality,” at the Jewish Community Center Art Gallery in Indianapolis runs through February 22nd and is open to the public during normal business hours. I have 37 of my favorite watercolors in this show.

Gail Fairfield. I am teaching an “Astrology & Alcohol Ink” workshop at Second Story Studio in Nashville, on February 22, 1-3 PM.

https://www.secondstorystudio.art/event-details/astrology-alcohol-ink-workshop

Alcohol Ink Painting by Gail Fairfield

Phyllis Taylor, who is a member afar: Phyllis Taylor has two large watercolors selected for an exhibition entitled, “Lost in Blue”; the show opens Feb. 7th at the Cannon Beach (OR) Arts Association Gallery and runs for a month. 

Tricia Wente, who is another voice we miss from afar: I have been fine, continuing  to stay busy with  painting, and raising a new puppy.   Several commissions in acrylics  were recently completed and I have offered watercolor horse portraits in auctions  this past year for people supporting our granddaughter Naomi’s Benton County rodeo queen duties.  

 This coming year, she will be the Canby Fair & Rodeo Queen. Her coronation is this March.  We never would have thought she would become so interested in riding and competing, but that’s what has happened. It keeps us running.   

I continue to show regularly in the Elsinore  Gallery in Salem, OR., and I paint weekly with a few artists working in watercolors to socialize and keep the brushes wet.   

 I miss everyone. When I read Brushstrokes I get homesick for B-ton.  It is hard being so far away.

Calendar

Now to February 22: Tim Lewis’ Show at Jewish Community Ctr in Indianapolis.

Now to April: Linda Meyer-Wright’s Retrospective Show, Cancer Support Center, Bloomington.

February 4: Drop-off, “We Paint….2D: Dali & Degas” paintings at Gallery Mortgage, Bgtn.

February 7: Reception, “We Paint….2D: Dali & Degas” Show, 5-7 p.m., Gallery Montgage, Btgm.

February 10: BWS Meeting at First Christian Church, 6-8 p.m., Bloomington.

February 13: Reception for Upland Plein Air’s Show at Lennie’s, Bloomington.

February 22: Gail Fairfield’s “Astrology & Alcohol Ink” Workshop, 1-3 p.m., 2nd Story Studio.

“Fog Rising” by Jacki Frey. People’s Choice Award , 2024 BWS Membership Show

First Meeting of the Year and Program JOURNEY THROUGH SKETCHBOOKS

Welcome to 2025!

We are kicking off the year with our first meeting Monday, January 13th at 6 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave.    Details will be sent in the membership email per usual.  A brief business meeting will open the meeting.

BWS Vice President Jeanne Dutton will have a short demo on how to print and package cards. This is very useful info for those selling or interested in selling cards.

The evening’s program will be: 

Journey through Sketchbooks!   Hosted by BWS’s President Laura Brown

BRING A USED SKETCHBOOK IF YOU HAVE ONE FOR A BRIEF SHOW AND SHARE! 

What to expect:

I will go over my former resistance to sketchbooks and then my acceptance which lead me to something I always desired: My own fulfilling art practice!

Have many sketchbooks? Never had one?  Feel like you can’t ever fill one?   This program is for everyone!

With each sketchbook adventure I will focus on two main points….

1. What was my “plan” for my sketchbook? (And it’s ok to not have one!)

And

2.   Where are things going?  (Or where did they end up? It’s all about embracing what happens through doing!).  

I am encouraging members to bring  their own and share the answers to these two questions above.   

I’m planning on having a handout that includes materials, resources, and any other special notations that may be of use.  

Inside BWS

BWS Holiday Party Recap

Thank you to all that attended the BWS Holiday Party at The Farm.   It was truly a night to remember with savory food and drink and plenty of socializing.   Members exchanged hand painted cards, door prizes were handed out, and 15$ per ticket was donated to our scholarship fund!   

Photos compliments of Laura Brown

UPCOMING GALLERY SHOW For Teacher’s Warehouse at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage 

 “We Paint…2-D: Dali and Degas”

IMPORTANT DATES:
Images Due:  February 1 (see below)
Drop Off: Tuesday, February 4
Pick Up: Monday, March 31

Online Gallery:  Once again, BWS will exhibit online as a SmugMug gallery.  This gallery will be accessible from the BWS website (and others, as possible).  Please submit your scanned or photographed artwork to Jeanne Dutton at Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org by FEBRUARY 1.

   Please check the prospectus here—->

>>>Prospectus – Bloomington Watercolor Society

This show is coming up quickly!

Watercolor by Salvador Dali

“Beach at Ebbe” by Edgar Degas

Cancer Support Center

“Self-Portrait” by Linda Meyer-Wright

Linda Meyer-Wright, 1946-2023 – In Retrospect

January 14 – February 28, 2025

Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery

Linda was an original BWS Signature Member and a popular teacher who influenced a long list of student artists.  She was extremely creative and prolific in many mediums, but this exhibit features primarily watercolors!  Her art is reflective of her humor and wit and her very vivid imagination, making it a fun and happy show.

Hosted by her sister Joanie Meyer, it will feature 32 large, professionally framed works of art.  These paintings have not been recently displayed, prior to this exhibit.  You will also have the opportunity to purchase smaller, unframed paintings from her studio.  All artwork is offered at very reasonable prices.

Please join Joanie and friends at the reception on Friday, January 24 – Linda’s birthday.  There will be cake!!

Opening Reception Friday, January 24
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Cancer Support Community
1719 W 3^rd Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47408

In addition: Stephanie Shelton from the Cancer Support Community announces a call out for BWS artists to sign up to have a show at the CSC Gallery.  “We are in need of people to sign up as the gallery is unscheduled past February.  Solo or group shows with BWS friends are welcome!  Please contact her at Stephanie@cancersupportscin.org to sign up for a show!  30% of all sales go to helping art programming for those using CSC services, a great collaboration and way for us to show art AND give back to the community.

Outside BWS

Upland Plein Air Membership Show

Upland Plein Air is having its 2025 Membership Show at Lennie’s Brew Pub, 514 E. Kirkwood Ave. The show will run from January 7th to February 28th. BWS Members are invited to attend. The Opening Reception is January 7th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Stephen Edwards. My painting titled “Once Upon a Time There Was a Boy Who Loved Trains” has been accepted into the 158^thAnnual American Watercolor Society International Exhibition.

The Exhibition will be held April 7 – 25, 2025, at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. There will be an opening reception on Tuesday, April 8th from 6-8 pm, and a Watercolor Evening demonstration by Thomas Schaller, AWS, on Thursday, April 24th at 6 pm. 

Over 1000 paintings entered and only 150 accepted makes this just that much more an honor. I am very thankful to Iain Stewart, Thomas Schaller, Michael Holter and Dot Ganek for choosing my work.

On a side note: Still searching for a home in the Bloomington area. Every time I find one, I can utilize as a home/studio it sells before I can even look at it. Hopefully, I’ll be closer to the group in 2025.

“Once Upon a Time There Was a Boy Who Loved Trains” by Stephen Edwards.

Tim Lewis. I completed two commissioned trompe l’oeil style watercolors for the Shelby County Players’ new theater in Shelbyville. These will be enlarged, printed on vinyl and adhered to two walls in the new theater. They depict two historic theaters in Shelbyville.

“Alhambra” and “Blessings” by Tim Lewis.

My solo show titled “Radical Reality” opens January 10^th and runs through February 23^rd at the Jewish Community Center Art Gallery in Indianapolis. The show is open to the public during normal business hours and there will be a public reception on January 15^th from 5:30 until 7:00 pm. I will be showing many of my newest watercolors as well as some of my favorites from the past. All works will be for sale.

“Entropy” by Tim Lewis

MarySue Schwab. In addition to watercolor, I’ve been working in colored pencil. Here is “Go Fish,” a painting in progress!”

“Go Fish!” by MarySue Schwab

I also want to remind people that now is the time to sign up for watercolor classes at Ivy Tech. Both beginning and advance watercolor classes are available. Classes start on January 13th.

Meri Reinhold. This month I made a small monochromatic image of a mother elephant and her child.

“Mother Elephant and Her Child” by Meri Reinhold

Jerome Harste. Looking for an interesting read? Load Bearing is a new novel by Jane Hartsock. Greg Zimmerman who writes The Dork Review of Books says this about the novel:

“Load Bearing is a thrilling literary mystery about a young woman named Hannah. Hannah is married to an older mansplainer workaholic named Michael. A job transfer requires the two to move with their young daughter from the east coast to Indianapolis, where they buy a fixer-upper/money pit home. Hannah dives into the renovation and soon becomes obsessed with the architect of the old house who killed himself a century earlier. What led this architect to his untimely demise? What secrets can this old house reveal about the architect’s life and his family? And how might those secrets and the architect’s life ripple through the year’s to inform Hannah’s present moment? (Indeed, why is he appearing to her in sexy dreams?)

The novel is about how it’s just as easy to become obsessed with an artist as it is art. Does an artist’s biographical details ALWAYS hold clues to the mysteries within their art? Or should art always be separated from artist?”

Charlotte Griffin. I’ve been thinking “winter.” Below are two recently finished paintings. The first one is the painting I started when Penny Lulich gave the program at our meeting in November.

The second painting is one I finished as a result of my taking a online class from Dale Popovich.

Painting by Charlotte Griffin

Jacki Frey. Here is one of the paintings that I’m turning in for the Upland Show at Lennie‘s called “Clenna‘s Barn.”  I recently showed this painting at the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association Show at Brown County Art Gallery and received an Award of Merit.  

“Clenna’s Barn” by Jacki Frey

Laura Brown focused most of her time working on a commission of a sea turtle last month.   Sea turtles are symbols of adaptability and resilience, a perfect message of strength through the new year!

“Sea Turtle” by Laura Brown

Calendar

January 7: Opening Reception of the Upland Show at Lennie’s, 5-7 p.m.
January 7: Artist for Climate Awareness Meeting, 7 p.m.
January 10: Tim Lewis’ Radical Reality Opening, Jewish Center, Indianapolis.
January 13: BWS Monthly Meeting at First Christian Church, 6-8 p.m.
January 13: Classes start at Ivy Tech, Bloomington.
January 14: Opening: Linda Meyer-Wright Show, Cancer Support Center, Bloomington
January 24: Opening Reception: Meyer-Wright Show, Cancer Support Center.
February 1: Due date for entries to Teacher’s Warehouse Show, Bloomington.
February 4: Drop-off paintings for Teacher’s Warehouse Show, Bloomington.
April 13: Drop-off paintings for Hendricks Live Show, Plainfield.

December 10: Holiday Party

DINE and DONATE 
and Celebrate the Season at the BWS HOLIDAY PARTY!
Door Prizes! Greeting Card Exchange! Table Favors!

TUESDAY, December 10
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
FARM Bloomington
108 East Kirkwood

Plated Menu
Starter Salad

“Not Yo Mamma’s Meatloaf”
Pork, Beef, and Bison Loaf

Mushroom Gravy – Mashed Potatoes – Sauteed Greens
OR “Baked Ziti”

Penne noodles with Farm made red sauce & Tuscan Vegetables,
baked with a blend of Mozarella and Provolone & topped with Basil

Served with additional Salad

Dessert
Seasonal Cobbler

Drinks and Appetizers may be ordered separately at your table.

Get your reservation Now

Tickets are $35 per person,
$15 of which is donated to the
BWS Art Scholarship!

Send checks to Jeanne Dutton, 621 N. Plymouth Rd, Bloomington, IN 47408

Questions:  812-606-9233

Make sure your check arrives by Wednesday!!!

RESERVATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 3!!
No Cancellations or Refunds after December 6.

Inside BWS

Painting Winter Scenes

Penny Lulich treated BWS members to an interesting and educational lesson on painting winter scenes using a triad of blues, yellow, and burnt sienna.  Many thanks to Penny for preparing us for cold weather and inspiring us to begin our holiday paintings!

Jamie Gonzalez, Laura Brown, & Daniel Goebbert’s master pieces, inspired by Penny Lulich’s presentation, at BWS’ November meeting. Photos compliments of Jeanne Dutton.

BWS Program Line Up

• January 13—Laura Brown will hold a discussion of her Journey in the World of Creating Sketchbooks.  Members are encouraged to bring their own examples of sketchbooks they have created.
• Febuary 10—Sara Steffey McQueen will talk about creating and using inks made from nature in your art.  Attendees will get a chance to use some of her natural inks. 
• March 10—Members will describe some of the unique techniques that they have run across in doing watercolor.

From the Desk of BWS President Laura Brown

Thanks again to everyone that participated in the BWS Membership Show Spaces and Faces at the Gallery Mortgage.   The show was officially closed as of November 22nd.   We had a lovely evening at the 2nd Gallery Walk on November 1st; a steady stream of visitors, socializing, art and refreshments, truly made the evening memorable. 

A FRIENDLY REMINDER: PICK UP DATE AND TIME FOR THE PAINTINGS IS:

DECEMBER 2nd 10AM-NOON  Please pick your painting up in this time frame, or arrange with a friend to get it.   

Congratulations to Barbara Coffman and Jerry Harste on the sale of their paintings from the show!   

“Across Cowden Road I” By Barbara Coffman

“Elephants” by Jerry Harste

Because of holiday get-together we will not have a business meeting in December, but we will go back to our regular schedule on January 13th, 2025.   I will be doing a mini-program on my journey through sketchbooks.  Following a short presentation, I invite you all to share your own sketchbooks.  The new year is a perfect time to get motivated to create art.  More information will be provided in the meeting reminder email and January Brushstrokes.   

Here is a teaser piece from my “Catvemeber” art challenge that I will talk about in my January presentation. 

“Cosmic Cats” by Laura Brown  

Happy Holidays to you all, and see you soon!

Monroe County Community Schools Foundation Auction

A huge thank you to BWS members who donated items and cash to the FMCCSC Auction. We earned almost $450 for the BWS Art Scholarship Fund!  Each spring we award a graduating MCCSC high school senior, who is pursuing a college degree in the field of art, a $500 scholarship to go towards art supplies needed for classes.

It’s not too late to make a cash donation, which is tax deductible: https://mccsfoundation/contact/

Cancer Support Center

Christine Peterson’s paintings are being showcased at the Cancer Support Community gallery space through December 20. The title for her show is “Creative Freedom.”  The address of the gallery is 1719 W 3^rd Street in Bloomington.  If you want to view the paintings on your own, the gallery is open to the public by appointment only (Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.) by contacting Emily@cancersupportscin.org or via telephone at 812 233 3286.

BWS’ Long History with the Indiana Daily Student

Linda Branstetter, BWS Historian, wrote to say, “I saw that the Indiana Daily Student was going to do away with publishing a physical newspaper after this year; it will only be online.  Here is a run down of some of the articles they published about BWS.  

January 11, 2006 was about BWS seeking IU talent for watercolor ideas.  

July 13, 2008 was about the downtown gallery walk.

November15, 2012 was about BWS having paintings displayed at City Hall.  

November 18, 2014 was about BWS demonstrating painting techniques at the Venue.  

February 2, 2015 was BWS at the Vault with a chocolate display.   Proceeds went to Life Designs.  

March 5, 2015 was BWS artists showing their work at the Wylie house.  The focus was on heirlooms.  

February 19, 2017 was a Mardis Gras display at the Vault with the proceeds going to charity.”

Outside BWS

Celebrate the Season at the Anderson Museum of Art

The Anderson Museum of Art (located at 32 W 10th Street in Anderson) has three different events going during the holiday season:

December 6: Winterfest, 6-8
December 7, 11-20, 27-28: Elf Art Studio Experience
December 7: Tall, Small, & Disco Ball Party, 6-8.

Hoosier Art Salon

The Hoosier Art Salon presents its first Community Painting Auction. The Hoosier Art Salon in New Harmony provided local and surrounding artists with canvases to create pieces of art, in any medium, to be donated back to the gallery for its first Community Painting Auction! The auction will run through December 8th at 5 p.m. Bidding takes place online. “These works of art make wonderful gifts for the holidays,” says Stacey Kamman at the Hoosier Salon.

Upland Plein Air

Upland Plein Air’s Member Show is scheduled to run January 9 to March 3, 2025, at Lennie’s Brewpub, 514 E. Kirkwood Ave.  Drop off and hanging will take place on January 7th from 2 to 5 p.m. The Opening Reception will be January 9, 5 to 7 p.m.

Membership News

Jacki Frey. Both of these oil paintings will be in the Indiana plan air painter association IPAPA  show at the Brown County Art Gallery (1 Artist Drive, Nashville). I believe the opening date on that is December 7.

Oil, Brown County Barn by Jacki Frye

Watercolor, Lake, Jackson Hole, Wyoming by Jacki Frey

Timothy Lewis. Lots of news:

New work:

• 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.(photo 1)

• Final Days is a 6” X 15” watercolor of a few dried out stalks of corn awaiting the final harvest of the year and one of the signs that winter is coming. Corn at this stage is dry and ready to be harvested. The final product is one of the most-used food products in the USA. There’s a stark beauty to the dry stalks. (photo 2)

Shows:

• I have three watercolors in the Hancock County Arts Winter Exhibition at 20 North Gallery in Greenfield, IN. The show runs through January. (photo 3)

• I will have a solo show titled “Radical Realism” at the Jewish Community Center Art Gallery from January 10th through February 23rd. This show is open to the public during normal business hours and there will be a public reception on January 15, details to follow. I will be showing many of my newest watercolors as well as some of my favorites from the past. All works will be for sale. (photo 4)

Andy Roberts. In an attempt to capture the serenity and beauty of nature as well as the cultural influences of the Mongolian Buddhist at their temple grounds, I painted their Prayer Wheel building and Oak tree during a visit earlier this month en plein air. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

Meri Reinhold. I do have a recent painting….however it is a pastel, not a watercolor.

Zain Mackey. I’ll be teaching a private class on watercolor values and color mixing in abstract painting in December. Fun stuff.

“Tree Sumba” by Zane Mackey

Attached is my hot press watercolor painting “Hibiscus Swears She’s a Visionary.” 
I’ve been sketching portraits lately, a wonderful exercise out of the comfort zone for an abstract painter like me.| “Hibiscus” came to me after a long walk. It was meant to be a traditional portrait but then all those floating eyes barged in and well…

“Hibiscus Swears She’s a Visionary” by Zane Mackey

Gene Harrawood. Getting into a Wintery mood with nature. 

Nina Ost. I’m still at it only now just painting small. Here is my latest, a small cyclamen painting.

Betty Wagoner. Betty Wagoner has a watercolor painting in the IPAPA (Indiana Plein Air Painter Association) Membership Exhibition at the Brown County Art Gallery in Nashville, Indiana. This watercolor is a rendition of a feeder dam located on the Whiteriver River near Laurel, Indiana. The dam was built to service
the historic canal in Metamora.

Title: Feeder Dam at Laurel; Artist: Betty Wagoner;
Medium: Watercolor).

The IPAPA member show: December 7- December 31, 2024 at the Brown
County Art Gallery, for more information, go to browncountartgalery.org 

Also in this gallery, is an exhibit and sale of art by John Mellencamp.  Concurrently, is the John Mellencamp exhibit at the IU Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, ending on December 15, 2024.

Calendar

Now through December 20: Make time to visit Christine Peterson’s “Creative Freedom” show at the Cancer Support Center.

Now through January: Hancock County Art Exhibition at 20 North Gallery, Greenfield.

December 2: Pick up your entry to the BWS Membership Show at The Vault, Gallery Mortgage, 10 to 2 p.m.

December 3: Last day to register for BWS Holiday Party.

December 6: Start of Winterfest at Anderson Museum of Art.

December 7: Opening of IPAPA Exhibit at Brown County Art Museum.

December 7: Hoosier Art Salon Online Auction.

December 10: BWS Holiday Party and Greeting Card Exchange at The Farm.

January 7: Plein Air Membership Show painting drop-off at Lennie’s.

January 10 to February 23: Tim Lewis’ Solo Exhibition at the Jewish Community Art Center, Indianapolis.

“Tree by Lake Monroe,” Watercolor, Laura Brown

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 4^th 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 6^thStreet.  Please call first to be sure someone is there.  812-334-9700. 

The gallery is also available to enjoy online at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/Spaces-and-Faces-Fall-2024

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.

Discover more about the local event at  Bloomington’s Out of the Darkness Walk.

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.

BWS Meeting & Program: October 14

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 an Oil 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.

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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 1^st 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Showing at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage
October 4^th 2024 – November 22^nd, 2024
121 E 6th Street
Bloomington, IN  47408
Normal Gallery Hours:  9am – 5pm Monday – Friday

The Percussionist – Timothy Lewis, Faces & Spaces Exhibition

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Joanne Weddle – Upcoming BWS Programs

November 11th — Penny Lulich will demonstrate how she paints Winter Scenes like the two attached.

December 9th– Christmas Party/Dinner, The Farm Restaurant, Bloomington. More information to follow.

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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.net to 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.”

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Joanne Shank will be participating in the Bloomington Open Studios Tour this year.

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.

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Meri Reinhold. My wave painting got an honorable mention at the Persimmon Festival art show.

Congratulations Meri!!

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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.

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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.

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Jacki Frye. My painting, “Fog clearing”, was in the Indiana Artist Club Show at the Brown County Art Gallery. 

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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.

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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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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

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!  

All of 2025 is open!

Contact Emily at CSC to apply: emily@cancersupportscin.org (812) 233-3286 

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.

Information and entry form are found at:
https://tcsteele.org/2024-member-art-show-registration/

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.

If you are willing to step up to the plate, please for either of these please contact info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

Paint Out at May Creek Farm

Announcing the first BWS paint-out of the season!

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.”

To learn more and register, go to https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/event/celebrating-pollinators-in-watercolor/.

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

May 18 — Paint-Out, May Creek Farm, Bloomington

Painting by Penny Lulich

Our February 12th Meeting

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.

GALLERY 2024

GALLERY 2024

The gallery can also be found on SmugMug at 
https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/We-PaintPeter-Paul-and-Mary-2024

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 the Brown 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.
• To join WSI go to their website at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/

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 1^st at the Hilbert Circle Theatre and be on display till June 9^th. 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.

“Under the Same Moon” by Linda Meyer-Wright

Our January Meeting

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!

https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/member-shows-workshops/show-rules/prospectus/

“Landscape with Bluebirds”, Paul Klee

BWS Art Scholarship

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.

The process, including judging by an artist outside BWS, and criteria are outlined in the By-Laws which can be found at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/about/home/by-laws/

Here are the dates to remember:

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!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0Admt7oFarCWGGqoIPQscxX46VSNogMiAgnHYPvl9Ty-pJQ/viewform

Upland Plein Air Group Membership Show

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.

Artist for Climate Awareness

Workshop opportunity: Embracing Emotions Through Abstract Watercolors (February 13, 20, 27, 2024 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm  [Three Weekly Sessions]).

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!”

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-anderson-obituary?id=53867429

Robert Anderson Obituary – Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services- – Franklin – 2023 View Robert Martin Anderson’s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.www.legacy.com

Linda Meyer-Wright.


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.

The Herald-Timeshttps://www.heraldtimesonline.com › psbn0650198

Membership News

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.

Find details and registration link and information on other classes offered by BWS members at https://www.ivytech.edu/locations/bloomington/special-programs/center-for-lifelong-learning/

Mary Sue Schwab. Attached is a schedule of the classes I will be conducting at Ivy Tech in the coming months:

Fundamentals of Drawing	1/18/2024	3/7/2024	10am-12pm
Learn Calligraphy and More	1/18/2024	3/7/2024	12:30pm-1:30pm
Fundamentals of Drawing	4/4/2024	5/9/2024	10am-12pm
Learn Calligraphy and More	4/4/2024	5/9/2024	12:30pm-1:30pm

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:

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.