Our June Get-Together
June 13, 6 p.m.

Zoom and/or in-church Presentation. If you are vaccinated you can attend in person at the First Christian Church’s Great Hall, 205 E. Kirkwood Avenue. Free parking is available in the IU Poplars Garage, opposite the Runcible Spoon on Sixth Street. Pay parking is available on the street and in the Fourth Street Garage across from the former Waldron Building. To attend via Zoom, look for a link in an email from Joanna Samorow-Merzer or from Carol Rhodes.

AGENDA

First off: The installation of new officers by Joanna Samorow-Merzer. No Business Meeting is planned.

Following installation, Cassidy Young will introduce the 2022 BWS Scholarship Winner Jesse Kogge over Zoom. The presentation will be broadcast both in the church and to home viewers. This meeting’s presentation will be an opportunity for our members to virtually meet Jesse and to hear all about him, his art, his goals, and his future plans.

For in-person activities, bring your summer-inspired painting such as flowers, people at play, a summer event or vacation location, along with a small refreshment offering to share. Before and after the formal meeting we will be able to casually talk in the church about how our art and inspiration may have developed during the absence of face-to-face meetings.

Inside BWS

Election Results

by Joanna Samorow-Merzer
BWS President, 2021-2022

On May 9^th, the BWS election took place.  With the majority of votes in favor, the quorum was met and the proposed slate of officers was accepted.  The work of the new Executive Board will begin as of July 1^st, 2022, and will last through June 30^th, 2023.  Here are the newly elected Executive Officers:

President:  Carol Rhodes
1^st VP:  Katya Alexeeva
2^nd VP:  Andy Roberts
Secretary:  Charlotte Griffin
Treasurer:  Barbara Coffman

Congratulations to the new Executive Board!

Dues Are Due!!

FRIENDLY REMINDER: Annual dues should be paid by the end of June. As things stand, our current BWS year ends in June, and our new year runs from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.  Please check our website for the cost of different levels of membership and information regarding payment options. You may also contact Carol Rhodes, Treasurer, or Patty Uffman, 2nd Vice President, for more information. (After July 1 contact Barbara Coffman, Treasurer, or Andy Roberts, 2nd Vice President.)

BWS Membership Show!

by Jeanne Dutton

Greetings, fellow artists! It’s going to be a fun summer as we prepare for our 2022 Membership Show in October and November.

The theme this time around is “We Paint…Historic Bloomington!”  Events and activities are scheduled and there’s something for EVERYONE!

Most of you will remember the “We Paint…Cemeteries!” project and exhibit a few years back.  That was a collaborative project with the Monroe County Historic Center.  So is this one! We’re still working out the finer details, but save these dates and we’ll see you then

1. Garden Walk June 11-12Two of the homes on the walk are historic homes.

2. Docent Tour of the Monroe County Historic Center (MCHC) – FREE EVENT. Wednesday, June 15, 11:00 a.m. MCHC is providing a docent tour with Andrea Hadsell, MCHC Education Manager.  Learn about our county’s history and famous Bloomingtonians, take photos of exhibits, and enjoy the morning! Maximum participation is 20 artists. Registration starts now!  To save your space, email to me at  info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

3. Architectural Drawing Class — Saturday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Education Room, MCHC. Steve Dawson, well known artist and BWS friend, will instruct the class and provide a book for you to take home. STAY TUNED for REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS and FEE INFORMATION. (It won’t be a big fee, I promise!) Maximum participation is 20 students. After the class, and weather permitting, Steve will invite students to join him outside on the lawn to practice their skills.  (Thank you, Steve!)

4.  Downtown Paint Out — Saturday, August 6, 9:00 – 1:00 p.m., MCHC Education Room. MCHC will be the headquarters for the paint out for cooling off, use of rest rooms, and painting indoors, if desired. So many wonderful old buildings, including MCHC, churches, the courthouse, Princess Theatre, etc. How about the soon-to-be-shortened Johnson Creamery smokestack?!  Paint plein air or bring your photos and paint inside.  

5.  Opening Reception for We Paint…Historic Bloomington! — Friday Gallery Walk, October 7, 5:00 – 8:00, The Vault at Gallery Mortgage.

6.  Second Reception — Friday Gallery Walk, November 4, 5:00 – 8:00. The Vault at Gallery Mortgage.

7.  A SECOND EXHIBIT — Summer 2023. As a special opportunity for BWS, MCHC will host an exhibit of our paintings.  More details to come on this event as we get closer.

Bloomington Garden Walk

by Charlotte Griffin

BWS has been invited to participate with the Bloomington Garden Club in the Bloomington Garden Walk by having artists painting in each of 6 locations.   The dates and times are listed below:

Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 12, 12 noon to 4 p.m.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

BWS considers this a Plein Air paint out.  However, BWS creates a signup sheet and the artist who signs up commits to be at the garden, rain or shine, for the time slot.  The artist should bring their gear (including an umbrella possibly) and set up in the garden so that they do not hinder the walking traffic (there can be over 800 people walking the gardens over the two days).  

There are 5 gardens plus the Hilltop Garden and Nature Center community/university garden.  There will be a flower arrangement display at Hilltop Garden for those who would like to paint Still Life.  

If you would like to participate, contact me with the garden location (address) and time that you would like to paint; I will get back to you as to whether the slot is yours. (See next article, Using the Garden Walk to Get a Jump on Our Membership Show for garden descriptions.)

Here’s an Idea: Using the Garden Walk
to Get a Jump on Our Membership Show

by Betty Wagoner

The BWS Fall Member Show is going to be “We Paint… Historic Bloomington” and here is an opportunity.  Two of the houses on the Garden Walk qualify as “Historic” because they are in Bloomington proper and were built before 1940.  

If you would like to sign up to be the artist in one of these gardens and perhaps capture part of the house in your picture of the garden, here is your chance.

Attached are descriptions of the various gardens that will be painted.  Slots are available at #3 and #4 and at Hilltop, but contact Charlotte Griffin for current information.

503 S Eagleston, built 1928.

905 S Madison St., built 1925.

1. Doug McKinney & Peter Burkholder — 2501 Cedarwood Circle. 

This garden features 10 varieties of redbuds, 22 varieties of perennial hibiscus, many irises and an uncountable number of daylilies. There is something always in bloom throughout the growing season. 

2. Jack Baker & Barbara Bulla-Baker — 905 S. Madison St .

Right onto The Stands Dr. Left on Rogers Rd., which turns into Winslow, to Rogers St. Right on Rogers. Right on W Dodds St. Right on Madison. Garden is on the left. 

This garden is a continuing work of sinuous informal beds, formal boxwood partitioned beds, and “secret garden” seating areas. Self-curated, the garden expresses the owners’ love of texture, color and scent. 

3. Victoria and Bill Witte — 1300 E. Maxwell Ln. 

Right on Dodds, cross S. Walnut St. Left on Henderson. Right on E Maxwell. Garden on corner of Maxwell and Highland. 

The addition of an owner-designed deer fence allowed for the renovation of an older gardens and the opportunity for new gardens around the house and patio. The flowering shrubs provide a habitat for butterflies, bees and birds.

4. Maurice Garnier — 925 E. University.

North on Highland. Left on University. Garden is on the right. 

Here is an outstanding example of a naturalistic, all season, meadow-style garden. The garden is a tapestry of native plants and spring bulbs, designed for continuous bloom and long-term, low-cost maintenance.

5. Richard and Conna Oran — 503 S. Eagleson (formerly Jordan) .

East on University. Left on Eagleson. Garden is at the corner of Eagleson and Hunter. 

This garden was re-designed to accommodate the loss of large trees. All the area in this small city lot has been filled with an interesting array of shrubs and assorted perennials (many native), as well as vegetables and herbs.

6. Hilltop Garden and Nature Center — 2367 E. 10th St.

North on Eagleson. Right on 10th to Hilltop Garden on the left, just before the 45/46 Bypass. 

The flower show theme, Flags and Flowers, presents delightful flower arrangements coordinated with national flags. Also at Hilltop, tour IU’s unique Shakespeare Garden containing only plants mentioned in his writings, plus the refreshing Shade Gardens. 

A Follow-Up Report:
Wiley House Museum Paint Out

by Betty Wagoner

Sandwiched between storms and rain, six BWS members attended a
paint-out at the Wylie House Museum in Bloomington.  We painted in the
Museum, on the Museum grounds, and in the Education Center (the barn).
We were greeted warmly by the Museum staff and student trainees.  All
enjoyed coffee, donuts, and cookies while painting at this pleasant and
beautiful site.  Painters include:  Barbara Coffman, Kathy Barton,
Andy Roberts, Marcie LeMasters, Jennifer Wyrick and Betty Wagoner.
Marcie and Jennifer are new BWS members.

A Little History
by Linda Bransletter, BWS Historian

I found BWS had a paint out at Bunham Woods Nursery in August 2006.  The Herald Times wrote an article titled ” Making Art Outside”.  This showed a photo of BWS artist Carol Rhodes painting at the nursery.  Also Paul Sharp had completed a sketch to help him remember the shapes and shadows as the day progressed.  Elizabeth Carey was another painter at the BWS paint out. Her painting focused on the butterflies and insects among the flowers.

Beyond BWS

The Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Juried Exhibit is scheduled to run from August 5 to September 24 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Final selection of work is pending but several BWS members have entered paintings for inclusion in this show.

The Watercolor Society of Indiana is also hosting a four-day workshop with Ken Call on “Portraits” to be held from July 5 – 8 at the Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 Meridian St., Indianapolis.

The Hoosier Art Salon’s 98th Annual Exhibition and Awards will by held at the Indiana State Museum from August 26 to October 26. Apply online from May 2 to June 10 at juriedartservices.com.

The Brown County Art Guild is putting on a fundraiser called “Art in the Garden” on July 25, 5 – 8 p.m.,in Nashville. Tickets for their annual raffle are also on sale.

Hancock County Arts 2022 Will Vawter Juried Art Show will be held from June 4 to July 16.

The Wabash Valley Artists Society juried show will be at The Arts Federation in Lafayette, September 2 – 30. See the organizations website for a prospectus and further information.  The Wabash Valley Artists Society also has several upcoming paint-outs of interest:

June 4, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wyatt LeGrand Plein Art Workshop, 102 S 10th Street, Lafayette.

June 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., The Farm at Prophetstown, 5545 Swisher Rd., West Lafayette.

July 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Delphi Canal Days, 1030 N. Washington St., Delphi, Ind.

July 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. , Jerie Art Home for Bastille Day, 3635 Goodall Court, West Lafayette.

July 30, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Yea Creek Orchard — Sunflower Festival, 5618 S. 200 E, Lafayette.

Guido Frick Workshop

Upland Plein Air and the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington are offering a Guido Frick plein air workshop, “Adding Power and Emotion to Your Painting,” June 3 – 5. The class size is 6 to 10, and the experience is geared for intermediate and advanced painters. The cost is $550. For additional information and to reserve your place, contact Babette Ballengers. Visit https://www.guidofrickfineart.com to learn more about the instructor.

Viridian Moon Gallery plans to launch a fundraising campaign in support of this Ukrainian non-profit organization: https://shelter-plus.com/support/eng. Artists have designated a percentage of their sales during this time period to go to the organization.

Indiana Heritage Arts will sponsor the West Baden Paint Out on August 12 and 13 at West Baden Springs Hotel. Artists can paint the beautiful West Baden Springs Hotel and gardens and then sell their art in the hotel lobby on Saturday afternoon. There is no registration fee, but interested artists should call the Brown County Art Gallery at 812-988-4609.

Membership News

Andy Roberts. Here are two watercolor paintings I started last fall during Upland Paint Outs that I recently finished in my studio. The first one is a pen and ink with watercolor of a gate and stone fence at the Marshall Township Park’s “Avoca Fish Hatchery” in Lawrence County. The second one is the Tulip Trestle viewed from the observation deck.

Jerome Harste. I’ve been teaching a Zoom class on how teachers might use art to support students in becoming critically literate. We have been studying several artists including Jacob Lawrence and William R. Johnson. Adopting their techniques and following these artists’ lead, I have decided to do a series of painting on Education. Here is my first attempt called, “Teaching Critical Race Theory.” The elaborated title, which I am somehow going to affix to the painting, is: “In 2022 Texas banned the teaching of Critical Race Theory, an educational movement inviting all teachers and all students to explore the systematic causes of racism in our society for purposes of doing something to stop it. Many are questioning the constitutionality of such a law.“

MarySue Schwab. We are painting in Arizona. This is a watercolor from Walnut Canyon, Arizona.

Bill worked on this drawing of Walnut Canyon for a painting. The rim is 7,000 ft. And there are 240 steps to decend into the canyon where there are cliff dwellings. Quite a hike up!

Susan Savastuk. I currently have art work at The Dimension Mill on Madison and Rogers. I also won a second place award for my 2022 Echo Hero Art submission, entitled ”Compostables”.  I did a painting demonstration of my Covid Mask Pointillism process for the  Bloomington 50+ Expo held at Switch Yard Park.

Bess Lee. I have been influenced by a group of artists who call themselves, “Artist for Climate Awareness.” They go be to thinking about all the animals that I really love. Here are two of my most recent paintings. My plan is to continue to paint imagines that pertain to this theme.

Calendar

June 3-5 — Upland Plein Air Workshop with Guido Frick.

June 4 — Wyatt LeGrand Plein Art Workshop, Lafayette.

June 4-July 16 — Hancock Valley’s Will Vader Art Show.

June 10 — Last day to enter a painting in the Hoosier Salon’s Juried 2022 Exhibit.

June 11-12 — The Bloomington Garden Walk

June 13 — Monthly BWS Meeting, 6 p.m.

June 15 — Docent Tour, Monroe County Historical Center, 11 a.m.

June 18, — Wabash Valley Paint Out, The Farm at Prophetstown, West Lafayette.

July 2 — Wabash Valley Paint Out, Canal Days, Delphi.

July 5-8 — WSI’s 4-day Workshop with Ken Call, Indianapolis.

July 14 — Wabash Valley Paint Out, Bastille Day, West Lafayette.

July 23 — Architectural Drawing Class, Monroe County Historical Center, 10:30 a.m.

July 25 — Brown County Art Guild Fundraiser, Nashville.

July 30 — Wabash Valley Paint Out, Sunflower Festival, Lafayette.

August 5-September 24 — WSI’s Juried School, Indianapolis Museum of Art.

August 6 — BWS’s Downtown Paint Out, meet at the Monroe County Historical Center.

August 12-13 — Indiana Heritage Arts Paint Out at West Baden.

August 26-October 6 — Hoosier Salon Juried Show, Indiana History Museum, Indianapolis.

September 2 — Wabash Valley Art Show, Lafayette.

April 11 – Meeting 6 to 7 p.m.

The April 11th meeting will be in person and online. If you are vaccinated and wearing a mask, you can attend in-person at the First Christian Church’s Great Hall, 205 E. Kirkwood. If attending the meeting in person, dress in layers as windows will be open to facilitate ventilation.

Free parking is available in thr IU Poplars Garage, across from the Runcible Spoon. Pay parking is available on the street and in the Fourth Street Garage, across from the former Waldron building.

To attend the meeting via Zoom, look for the link in an email from Joanna Samorow-Merzer or from Carol Rhodes

Program: ONE STROKE FLOWERS IN WATERCOLOR by Beverly S. Mathis

DEMONSTRATION:

For a change of pace, let’s do a painting in one sitting, without a detailed plan, and
have some fun. We will capture the simplicity and beauty of flowers by using your
watercolor brushes in a new way. And learn how to paint a loose watery
foreground. What you learn can be used for a framed piece of art, or smaller
pieces such as greeting cards.

SUPPLIES:

One piece of 140# HOT PRESS watercolor paper, such as a quarter sheet of Arches
or your favorite brand, or a page from a watercolor tablet, whatever you have.

Masonite board (or other waterproof board)
Masking Tape
Assorted WC brushes in lots of different sizes and shapes (round, pointed, blunt,
filbert, flat, etc.) Any kind of synthetic, blend or sable will work.
Transparent watercolors, and opaque gouache
Palette with plenty of mixing areas
Water container
Paper towels
No.2 or HB pencil, and kneaded eraser
Masking fluid, old brushes for applying, and pickup for removing
Old Windex pump bottle, or adjustable nozzle sprayer, that makes DROPLETS of
ater and not a mist

Inside BWS

A Request From Our President

In early March, Gabe Colman gave me a tour of the Teachers Warehouse located in a former Monroe County school.  The Teachers Warehouse provides free school supplies for local teachers and their students.  There are chairs, bookcases, shelves, backpacks, books, papers, notebooks, pens, pencils, knitting supplies, and so much more.  Please check your homes and see what you have there that you could donate to the Teachers Warehouse. Every item matters. You can go to the website of theTeachers Warehouse for examples of what you can donate.

Joanna Samorow-Merzer

Ad Hoc Nominating Committee

The 2022-23 Nominating Committee is made up of Sarah Ward as the Chair and Zain Mackey and Meri Reinhold as committee members.  The committee is eager to hear from anyone who would like to serve in the vacant slots for officers and chairs. Still needed — Someone to run for President and these committees chairs: Activities, Paint-Out, and Publicity. Contact Sarah Ward or any member of the Nominating Committee (see the Membership Roster for email addresses and telephone numbers).

 Paint-Outs

Chair: Betty Wagoner reports the following:

• The May 21 paint out will be at the Wiley House.
• The June 11 and 12 paint out will be part of the Bloomington Garden Club Garden Walk. There will be a signup distributed to let members signup for a 2 or 4-hour slot to be an “Artist in the Garden” at one of 5-6 gardens that will be on display.
• The July 16 paint out will be at Hilltop Garden and Nature Center.
• The October 8 paint-out will be a Peden Farm.

Historical Note

Linda Branstetter, BWS Historican, sent in this historical note: In April of 2012, BWS had an art supply drive for Henryville Schools that were affected by the March 2nd tornado.

Outside BWS

Upland Plein Air 2022 Member Exhibition

The Upland Plein Air 2022 Member Exhibition will hang at Viridian Moon Gallery April 1 – May 15. The opening reception will be 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2.

Votes will be taken for peoples choice awards so come and submit a vote for your favorite painting

T.C. Steele Historic Site

Cate Whetzel, Program Developers for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites wrote to say: “Hello everyone! Please contact me if you would like to paint at the site for Arts of the Earth Day. Just a correction—the event is next MONTH, Sat. April 23, between 12-4pm.” (Cate can be contacted by email via the Indiana State Museum site on the Internet.)

Watercolor Society of Indiana

The Annual Watercolor Society of Indiana Membership Exhibit will be held at the
Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis from May 14 to July 8.
Deadline to register April 29th. $16 Entry. The Membership Exhibit Opening Reception
and Luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022. 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. $20 per person.

The 40th Annual WSI Juried Exhibit will be held at Newfields/Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., from August 5, 2022 – September 24, 2022. Deadline to enter is May 6th. Artist Ken Call, AWS, NWS, TWSA MS is this year’s juror. $35 for one entry. $45 for two entries.

Hoosier Art Salon

The Hoosier Art Salon in New Harmony announces its Spring Workshops:
John Michael Carter — 3-Day Portrait (April 25-27)
Mary Beth Karaus — 3-Day Still Life (April 25-27)
Douglas David — 2-Day Clouds and Skies (April 25-26) ;
Douglas David — 3-Day Lilacs, Peonies, and Hydrangeas (April 27-29

Workshops in New Harmony are not just about learning, they are about your experience with other artists! The April workshops are just three weeks away. Join the other artists who have already signed up.

Bloomington Portrait Group Moves Outside to Switchyard Park for Summer Schedule

The Bloomington Portrait Group will meet at the Switchyard Park Shelter from April 14 through October 27. Sessions are from 1 to 3 p.m., every other Thursday. The $30 model fee is divided among participating artists. The summer line-up includes some teenagers, the directors of Monroe County’s Habitat for Humanity and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and Sylvia McNair, Metropolitan Opera star, two-time Grammy winner, and IU Jacobs School of Music emerita professor.
If you would like to be included in the announcement list, email BWS member Claude Cookman, who also directs the BPG.

Member News

NEW MEMBER:  Our newest member, Marcie LeMasters, is ready to embark on a new phase of her creative journey.  Marcie has been in Bloomington since 1970 while she was earning a fine arts major in photography from I.U. and much more recently enrolled in an online watercolor class during the pandemic.  She says it piqued her interest and was a fabulous investment of $27.00!  She has been a personal trainer and yoga instructor, is now semi-retired but still works as bookkeeper for A-1 Window Cleaning Services which her late husband started.  Please join me in welcoming Marcie to Bloomington Watercolor Society!

Tim Lewis. I recently donated one of my original watercolors to WSI for their Colorvision 2022 Silent Auction. The proceeds for this auction will go towards watercolor classes for kids aged 5-12 at The Christamore House as well as demonstrations and classes in communiuties throughout Indiana. Donated paintings will hang at Sak’s Third Floor Gallery at Sak’s Fifth Avenue here in Indianapolis during the auction. More information about this activity is available at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/Silent-Auction-2022. 

Jacki Frey. Juniper Art Gallery and Gifts in Spencer is hanging their new spring  show. I have 4 paintings in the gallery space for spring. Please check out their website at https://juniperartgallery.com  or stop by, 46 E. Market Street, downtown Spencer. 

Sandy Hall received best of Show in the Friends of TC Steele members exhibit,  held in March at the Brown County Gallery,  Nashville IN. Kudos to Betty Wagoner who organized this wonderful show.

Sandy teaches a watercolor class once a  month at the Hancock Co Arts Gallery,  20 N State in Greenfield,  IN. April’s topic is painting a feather. 

This one is a study of my granddaughter using fluid acrylics and marker on yupo. I love to paint images that tell a story. 

P. S. Forgot to include information about our Will Vawter Juried show.  Due in May for June 4 entry day.Visit website for Hancock County ArtHere’s the brochure   http://www.hancockcountyarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Vawter-Entry-Brochure-2022_Revised.pdf

MarySue Schwab. I recently won second place in the TC Steele Members show. My Painting is called, “Yellow Glen” and is oil on linen board. I have also been accepted in the129th Women’s Art Club Show in Cincinnati. The painting is a watercolor of pears on a tree called, “Study in Green.”

Susan Savastuk. My Boomingfoods Gallery B show closed on March 28^th.  I sold 30% of pieces and received 3 commissions during the 3 month show. $100 raised for Middle Way House.

                                                                        

I had 2 pieces in the Friends of T.C. Steele show at Brown County Art Gallery in Nashville. 
One piece sold. Show closed March  27^th.

__________________________________________________________________________

I entered the City of Bloomington Environmental Commissions’ Eco-Heroes Art Contest. This years theme is “Fighting Fragmentation”.  The awards ceremony will be April 23^rd @ 10:00 AM at Cascades Park.  Email Ben Sharaf at environment@bloomington.in.gov for more information.

I also submitted one piece to the Upland Plein Air Show at Viridian Moon Gallery, runs from April 1-May 15^th.

Finally, I also have a number of paintings hanging at the Art Alliance Center at College Mall.

Tricia Went. A triple portrait commission in acrylics has been consuming my studio time for the past 4- 5 months. Also, I have been showing watercolors and acrylics in several local juried shows, one recently in California, and two in the Elsinore Gallery in Salem, OR.  This summer, I plan to be painting plein aire in the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival, which culminates with a two day July show in the Chehalem Art Center in Newberg.      

I finally feel back in the groove after the move from Indiana, but I will always miss my BWS art family. 

Weekly, now that covid is behind us, I am painting in McMinnville with several artists working in watercolor, critiquing and mostly socializing!   

Kathy Barton wrote to say that her husband, Craig D. Barton, has received “Artist in Residence” status at Glacier National Park and at Crater National Park. She also has invited BWS members to come and see Craig’s photographic series, “Wide Awake and Dreaming” Show at the Monroe Convention Center, Ralph Rogers Room, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nina Ost. These two pictures are done by transferring photo to paper and then masking the area of lightest value and applying rose, yellow, gold and blue paint with a mouth atomizer. After the first coat is dry, you mask next lightest value and blow paint . Repeat for a few more applications until only the darkest area is not masked. When dry, peal and reveal. I’m still working on concentrating paint to control color. It isn’t cheating to do brush touch ups. I can forward specific instructions if anyone likes.  The surprise at the end is fun!

Inspirational Tips & Techniques

Brenda Ueland in her book, “If You Want to Write: A Book About Independence and Spirit“:

“When Van Gough was a young man in his early twenties, he was in London studying to be a clergyman. He had no thought of being an artist at all. He sat in his cheap little room writing a letter to his younger brother in Holland, whom he loved very much. He looked out his window at a watery twilight, a thin lamppost, a star, and he said in his letter something like this: “It is so beautiful I must show you how it looks.” And then on his his cheap ruled note paper, he made the most beautiful, tender, little drawing of it. When I read this letter of Van Gogh’s it comforted me very much and seemed to throw a clear light on the whole road to art. Before, I thought that to produce a work of painting or literature, you scowled and thought long and ponderously and weighted everything solemnly and learned everything that all artists had ever done aforetime, and what their influences and schools were, and you were careful about “design” and “balance” and getting “interesting planes” into your painting, and avoided, with the most astringent severity, showing the faintest “academical” tendency, and were strictly modern. And so on and so on. But the moment I read Van Gogh’s letter I knew what art was, and the creative impulse. It is a feeling of love and enthusiasm for something, and in a direct, simple, passionate and true way, and you try to show this beauty in things to others, by drawing it. And Van Gogh’s little drawing on the cheap note paper was a work of art because he loved the sky and the frail lamppost against it so seriously that he made the drawing with the most exquisite conscientiousness and care.”

Calendar

April 1 – May 15 — Upland Plain Air Show, Viridian Moon Gallery

April 14 — Bloomington Portrait Group, Switchyard Park Shelter, 1-3 p.m.

April 23 — Art of Earth Day, T.C. Steele Historic Site, 12-4 p.m.

April 25 – 29 — Hoosier Art Along Spring Workshops

April 29 — Last day to register for Annual WSI Membership Exhibition

May 6 — Last day to register for Annual WSI Juried Exhibition

February Program
February 14 via Zoom, 6 p.m.
Painting Easy Trees in Watercolor
by Carol Rhodes

There are as many ways to paint trees as there are artists who paint them. In a hands-on demonstration over Zoom, Carol Rhodes will show you some quick tree-painting techniques. After viewing a couple of short videos, she will show you how to make foliage with a brush using a dabbing method and a stabbing method on both wet and dry paper, and then demonstrate the use of two types of sponges. She will talk about the nature of various tree types, the colors you might use for wood and foliage, and how to make spontaneous branches with brush strokes. 

Supplies to bring:

Paints and Brushes:

• a variety of greens, blues, and violets
• Burnt Sienna
• Indigo
• Cobalt Blue
• Cadmium Yellow or Cadmium-free yellow
• NOTE: Cheap paints are fine. Sponges will absorb lots, so you may not want to waste your expensive tubes.

• #10 round or larger
• a mop brush
• a smaller brush with a pointed tip

Sponges:

Sea sponge
Cellulose sponge (O-Cello or Kroger brand. They are the kind that dry hard.)

Watercolor paper, practice-grade
Large plate or mixing surface
Water container
Paper towels
Plastic or tub for underneath your work surface. Sponging gets messy!
Rubber gloves optional

A Note from BWS President
Joanna Samorow-Merzer

“I’d like to announce that the Nominating Committee has been appointed.  Please meet our three-person Nominating Committee:

Sarah Ward – Chair
Zain Mackey – Member
Meri Reinhold – Member

I want to thank Sarah, Zain and Meri for their willingness to serve in this capacity.  The Nominating Committee will select a slate of officers for the next administrative year 2022-2023.

Some of the Officers & Chairs will continue, but we have these available vacant positions for the next year starting in July 2022 – ending in June 2023:

Executive Board

1. President
2. 1^st Vice President
3. Secretary

Committees

• Activities
• Paint-Out – the term on this position is from January 2023 through December 2023.
• Publicity
• Refreshment
• Scholarship
• Show – please note that the Show Chair is needed for the annual fall show (Jeanne Dutton manages the Winter Benefit show)..

Those of you who are interested in serving as Officers on the Executive Board or Chairs on the Committees, please contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Sarah Ward.  Sarah’s contact info is in the membership roster.”

Inside BWS

“WE PAINT…Van Gogh’s World!”
February 4 – March 28, 2022
An Exhibit Benefitting Teachers Warehouse!

The Bloomington Watercolor Society winter show is proud to support Teachers Warehouse, an outstanding organization which touches all our lives in one way or another.  Founded by the Rotary Club of Bloomington, Teachers Warehouse serves over 2000 teachers from across five counties by providing free books, classroom supplies, and furniture.  https://teacherswarehouse.org/

Original paintings are on exhibit at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E 6th Street, Bloomington, Indiana.  Wall art, artist prints and original hand-painted greeting cards will be available at the reception desk.   Cash, check, or credit card accepted.  To purchase paintings from the exhibit, please contact Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.  Note that 50% of wall art and prints benefits Teachers Warehouse, and 100% of greeting card sales.

Opening Reception:  Gallery Walk Friday, February 4, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Mask required.
Second Reception:  Gallery Walk Friday, March 4, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Mask required.

Gallery exhibit hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday, February 4 – March 28, 2022.

Beginning February 5, the online exhibit of “We Paint…Van Gogh’s World” can be viewed at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/We-Paint-Van-Goghey 

Showing at
The Vault at Gallery Mortgage
121 E 6th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408
VIRTUAL OPENING RECEPTION and AWARDS: Gallery Walk Friday, February 4

Gallery Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday;
9am – 8pm Gallery Walk Friday, February 4
9am – 8pm Gallery Walk Friday, March 4

Door Prizes: As a reward for entering, Preston Arts Center in Louisville has donated:
Van Gogh Watercolor Pad Value $20.75
A set of 25 Van Gogh brand postcards  $15.55
A Van Gogh watercolor pocket box with 12 pans and SMRP $67.55
A Plein Air Pochade box, value $156.

A Historical Tidbit

Linda Bransletter, BWS Historian, reported that she found an article in the Herald Times dated June 3rd, 2012 on Connie Bronson who passed in November.  Connie designed a mural at Renwick Village called “String Ensemble”.   Her watercolor was transferred to vinyl measuring 18 1/2 ft. square and was visible from Sare Road on the side of the Renwick multi-story buildings.   The mural was to be changed periodically so it may not be there now.   But the article talked about Connie taking up painting at 65 and winning numerous awards.   Her paintings, the Times reported “made people smile.”

NEW MEMBER JOINS BWS

We would like to welcome Pamela Cotton to our growing organization that now has 90 members!  Pamela was nice enough to write a brief introduction, recently sent to our membership chair, Patty Uffman.

Hello.  I am Pamela Cotton and have recently moved to Bloomington.  My professional training and practice has been as a clinical psychologist.  I currently teach and write about psychological resilience.  I have begun to experiment with water color and Haiku to express some of the ideas.  I am a beginner in terms of painting and drawing, and I want to bring beginner’s mind to this art form.  I look forward to meeting all of you and learning together.  Thank you for welcoming me.

Outside BWS

Friends of T.C. Steele, Member Art Show

The Friends of T.C. Steele Show is open to all members of Friends of TC Steele.  Non-members may enter the show by joining the Friends at the show registration.

Show Details.

Win up to $1000.
Show Dates: March 5 – 27, 2022.
Location: Brown County Art Gallery, Nashville, IN.
Registration deadline: February 21, 2022.
Delivery Date: February 26 and 27, 2022, 12 -3 p.m.

Do you have a child or grandchild who would like to exhibit their art
in a show?  Added this year is a youth category for anyone 18 and
under.

2022 New Harmony First Brush of Spring Art Sale

Attention Artists! Great news for this year’s traditional Art Sale!  We are reducing the commission rate for this event!

Everyone knows that New Harmony visitors love to patronize the arts.  Simply put, they want more art at our sale!  To meet that demand, we have dropped our commission rate to increase artist participation. Artists will retain 90% of the purchase price at our traditional Art Sale in the Ribeyre Center (Gym). We want artists to sell more work and give buyers an array of art choices. BOOTH SPACE IS LIMITED 

Hoosier Salon will handle the event promotion and you will handle the sales. You can also help promote by posting on your website, Facebook and Instagram accounts. The Ribeyre Center is located at the corner of Main and Tavern Streets, under the clock tower.

Our traditional Ribeyre Center Art Sale will occur Saturday, April 23 from 9 am–12 p.m. Our Saturday only Art Sale in the main gym will be operated by you or a representative for you. The booth space available is approximately 9’ X 9’ for a $100 fee if received before March 1 and a $125 fee if received after March 1. You must provide the display and easels; tables are provided. This operates on an honor system. Artists are expected to provide the Hoosier Salon with the 10% commission of total sales before May 23, 2022. Hoosier Salon, PO Box 338, New Harmony, IN 47631.

Bring your painting(s) between 8 and 9 a.m.  Sale begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 12 p.m.  All paintings and displays must be removed following the sale. There is no limit on the number of paintings if you stay within the allotted space, but you must provide your own easels or display. Panel rental for your booth space can be reserved by contacting Linda Volz at lvolz@hoosiersalon.org

AquaVenture 2022 — Call for Artists

The Kentucky Watercolor Society is excited to announce information regarding the AquaVenture 2022 exhibition and to encourage members and non-members to submit entries for the show. This exhibition will be held as an in-person exhibit at the Lyric Theatre, 300 E. Third St. in Lexington from March 7- April 15, 2022. We want everyone to enjoy the art in a safe manner and ask that all who come to view the show wear a mask when visiting the gallery.

CALENDAR
Entry Deadline- Friday, February 4, 2022
Notification- Monday, February 14, 2022
Delivery- Thursday, February 24, 2022
Opening Reception- Friday, March 11, 2022 5-8 PM
Show Open To Public- March 7- April 15, 2022
Pick up work- Saturday, April 16, 2022

4th Arts of Earth Day — April 23
T.C. Steele State Historic Site

On Sat. April 23rd, T.C. Steele State Historic Site will hold its fourth Arts of the Earth Day. Because it is the same day as the Wildflower Foray the event is now being advertised as free outdoor grounds for everyone. 

T.C. Steele welcomes artists to register and paint outdoors on site from 12p.m. to 4p.m. Cate Whetzel asks artists to email her (museumcommunication@indianamuseum.org) with their name and estimated timeframe at the site (ex. first and last name, painting from 12-3pm). Cate will create a guest list of participating artists. In appreciation T.C. Steele offers registered artists a visit to the Large Studio and complimentary bottled water, coffee or tea in the Visitor Center.

Cate hopes to have artists of all mediums! Arts of the Earth is a program to welcome spring and the return of warm weather, and to offer our visitors an inspiring day outdoors. Although we cannot guarantee it, it’s likely the daffodils will be in bloom!

Cate also reported that T.C. Steele is adding a Teddy Bears’ Picnic for kids from 1-2 p.m. in the hopes of drawing kids and families. Admission for the Teddy Bears’ Picnic is $4/kid. No charge for an accompanying adult.

Please Note: The Teddy Bears’ Picnic will require a wristband. Visiting the Large Studio or House on a scheduled tour at 10:15, 1:15 or 3:15 will require full site admission  (Admission is free for Registered Artists but for others: $10/adult; $8/senior; $5/child).  The House and Studio will NOT be open for self-guided visits, but Cate said she would be happy to take a registered artists-only group into the Studio in the afternoon.

Art Illiana Gallery: Call for Artists

Show Title: Phenomenon (Open to all North American Artists)
Opening: Friday April 2, 2022 
Closing: Friday June 3, 2022 
Arts Illiana Gallery, 23 N. 6th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 

Call for Entry January 7, 2022
Deadline: March 18, 2022

Opening: April 1, 2022
Closing: June 3, 2022

Guest Curator: Donna Meyer

Member News

Candace Bailey wrote to say, “This toaster was a white elephant Christmas present to a family member. We tried it out last night. It actually works and the image on the toast is fairly accurate.”

Kriste Lindberg.  “This watercolor and ink painting is inspired, in part, by Van Gogh as well as a recent trip I made to the Indianapolis Zoo for the holiday festivities.  It was quite surprising to see live flamingos amongst the chilly holiday lights!”

Zain Mackey. “Had a day of thinking about science fiction and hauled out the cling wrap. Here is the watercolor result, called ‘Birth of a Planet.'” 

Susan Savastuk

“I have a show up at Bloomingfoods West on 6th St. in their Gallery B. There will be an open reception on February 4th from 5-8 during the gallery walk. The show runs until March 27, 2022.

 I will be participating in the BWS Van Gogh show at the Vault. My painting is entitled, ‘Artist Studio’ It is an oil on canvas board, 6″x6”.  The studio belongs to my neighbor Vida Stanfield.

I am involved in a commissioned project to paint on book covers for an art collector in Richmond IN. The smooth surface of the white book cover is very responsive to oil paint. Title: ‘Time Standing Still’,  11’x 8” oil on smooth surfaced book cover.”

Sara Steffey. “I’ll be in a small group exhibit for the month of February at By Hand Gallery in Bloomington (inside Fountain Square Mall). The Exhibit title is ‘Stories of the Ancestors‘, and the opening reception is February 4^th, 5—8 p.m. The painting I’ll exhibit is titled ‘My Ancestral Wall,’ and is done on canvas in acrylic.

Also, I’m bringing some heart paintings into the Arts Alliance Center Gallery for February. There are a few BWS members that exhibit in the Mall Gallery & Community Space.”

Andy Roberts. “This is a small pen and ink- watercolor I did this week in SW Florida. I am enjoying the Plein Air Painters group that I belong to here. We paint every Thursday at a different location. Weather has been cooler than normal but not like Indiana.” 

Henry Leck. “I took two paintings over to the Brown County Art Guild. The painting entitled ‘Snow Packed Path’  received Honorable Mention.”

Kathy Truelove Barton. “I have 2 pieces entered in The Art Guild Patron Show in Nashville, Indiana. My painting is titled ‘Between Chores’ and was painted on property belonging to Harry and Anabel Hopkins in Brown County Indiana. Anabel rejoined our BWS for 2022.  Welcome back Anabel. The show at the Guild closes February 19th with awards on that day and is open to the public with masking and distancing requested; see the web page for hours and directions.

MarySue Schwab wrote to say that although see didn’t get to the gallery prior to drop-off for the Van Gogh show, she would like to share her sunflower piece –acrylics on a clay relief, in a shadow box. MarySue said she was glad she made the effort as it is now ready for another show! Sunflowers on this very cold day! Stay warm everyone!  She closed by saying she was planning on working on some spring flowers today.

Katya Alexeeva. “My panting “Mystical Visit” won 3^rd place in The Brown County Art Guild Patron Show. This painting was done in oil on canvas 24″x30″. Attached is the short Russian story that inspired the painting. The Patron Show is at the Art Guild in Nashville. It is open to the public. It closes February 19th with an awards ceremony.”

 Tom Cat and Angel

 “Peace upon you”, Angel said gently, having a seat on a thick branch near Tom Cat shaking the snow off from the branch.   “Hello!”, responded Cat uncovered his green eye, looked over Angel and turned away.

Angel hid his bare feet under his wings and looked down.  A snowy yard full of laughter, screams and squeaking footsteps was lying beneath them.

 “You’ve climbed high “, Angel said, assessing the distance to the ground.

  At least a snowball won’t reach here.

Angel nodded with understanding and picked up his hanging wings.  They kept silent for a while.

“Have you come for my old lady?”, without turning his head, asked Cat.

Cat’s voice was lazy, but Angel immediately saw the pain and anxiety surrounding him.

 “No, I’m not going to take anyone”.

 “A-a-a”,—a cloud of anxiety has been broken.  “She says every day that soon an Angel will take her”, explained Cat.  “I see, probably another one will come”.

They were quiet, but apparently Cat was concerned about Angel’s presence and he asked as indifferently as possible,   “Well, why are you here?”

-Well, I am taking a break and sat down. I saved a kid in your town himself. Oh, that’s a tough job. I’m on my way home now.

-So, you are ……. Can you cure a disease?

 – Depends on the disease. But I can do a lot, I am a Guardian.

“So, why are you sitting here!!! “, Cat roared.  “Come on!”

 And he, like a red-headed vortex, hit the ground. The Angel landed nearby quietly.

 The old lady was so skinny, that it took Angel some time to see her among the pillows.

Her eyes were closed and her chest was stirring, filling the room with a wheeze,  whistle and sobs.

Angel bent over her, put white wings on her chest, and whispered something gently and quietly.

While he was standing there, Cat threw some wood in the oven, shoved a cold kettle on the stove and put a large cup of milk, pouring some herbs in it – preparing a drink for the mistress. /   dusting

When the Angel straightened up, the old lady’s breath became smooth and quiet, and her cheeks gained color.

  “Let her sleep,” said Cat to Angel, “she is so weak”.

 Cat turned away and quickly wiped his eyes.

“I guess, I’ll stay here”, said Angel, stirring up the honey. “Until Anna gets up”.

 How do you know that she is Anna?

 I am Angel and I know your name is Murr

“So, I think we’ve kind of met”, chuckled Cat.   ‘And what do I call you?”

 We don’t have names. I am just Angel.

  Cat silently moved up the cream to Angel and took a sip out of the mug.

The wall clock was ticking over the table, the firewood was crackling in the stove, and the wind was growling outside the window.

 “You asked me, why I climbed so high”, chuckled Cat suddenly, “it comes out I had been waiting for you”.

And listening to the wind the Cat thoughtfully added, “I have to knit you socks.  Well, you are barefoot in the snow…”

Membership Tip & Techniques

Bess Lee: Use up Your Paints and Play! While I was painting my piece for the BWS Van Gogh exhibit, I had a new thought and a new idea for practicing – without expectations or boundaries.  I have been trying to figure out a way to PRACTICE more knowing it will improve my skills without being disappointed in what I’m doing…letting go enough to practice.

So, I had leftover paint, this time acrylics, (but I also did this same “freeing” experiment with watercolor that I had squeezed out of the tubes). I had finished my piece, had paint left over and I said to myself “just PLAY with this paint”.

So I looked at about 15 more Van Gogh images and just started painting. (This also reminded me of the MUSE-seum class that Carol Rhodes and Nancy Metz are teaching again in the spring time. If you’ve never taken it, I highly recommend. I’m taking it myself for the fourth time.). So I took my leftover paints and I just said “play! play! play! Here was my result.”

Good practice and a LOT of fun.  My new “go-to” for practicing… use up those leftover paints!

Carol Rhodes: Paint Like the Masters. Carol shared some tips from taking a “Paint Like the Masters” course in which Van Gogh was featured:

1. Allow brush strokes to show, giving the impression of movement.
2. Particularly in background areas, emphasize stroke.
3. Use opaque colors—strident, bluish greens and blues are prevalent in many paintings. 
4. Paint complementary and contrasting strokes next to each other (called “simultaneous contrast”). Portraits often contain reds and greens in staccato strokes.
5.  Use broken dark lines (especially very dark blue) to define shapes.

February Calendar

February 1 to 19 — See Sara Steffey”s work at By Hand Gallery, Bloomington.

February 1 to 19 — See Brown County Art Guild Patron’s Show, Nashville.

February 4 — Virtual Opening Reception of Van Gogh Show at Gallery Mortgage, 5 – 8 p.m.

February 4 — Opening Reception of Susan Savanuk’s Show at Gallery B, Bloomington.

February 4 to March 28 — Van Gogh Show, Gallery Mortage, Bloomington.

February 4 — Deadline to enter AquaVenture 2022.

February 14 — BWS Business Meeting and Program, Zoom, 6 – 8 p.m.

February 19 — Closing and Awards Ceremony, Brown County Art Guild Patron’s Show.

February 26 to 27 — Delivery date of paintings for Friends of T.C. Steele Show.

March 1 — Deadline to reserve booth at New Harmony’s First Blush of Spring Show.

March 5 to 27 — Friends of T.C. Steele Show, Nashville.

March 7 to April 15 — AquaVenture 2022 Show, Louisville, KY.

March 18 — Deadline to enter Phenomenon Show in Terra Haute.

April 2 — Opening of Phenomenon Show in Terra Haute.

April 23 — 4th Arts of Earth Day at T.C. Steele Historical Site.

April 23 — Ribeyre Center Art Sale, New Harmony.

Holiday Party — December 13

Our Annual Holiday Party will be held Monday, December 13, at First Christian Church, 205 East Kirkwood, Bloomington. Starting time: 6 p.m. or ONLINE from 6:30 to 7:00.

Members and guests are invited. This year it will not be a dinner but a dessert, and everything is entirely complimentary. At the party, attendees will enjoy personally wrapped individual Bundt cakes of their choosing, hot coffee and tea, and cold holiday punch.

To stay at home, but contribute a card and/or ornament to receive a Bundt cake, email Jeanne Dutton jeanne.dutton@att.net by December 7th.

Here are the Party Details:

 This year’s Holiday Party is to be a social evening – an opportunity to be together. During the party there will be an optional activity if you are motivated to create some festive art. You can choose one or both of these alternatives.

• You can bring one or two painted watercolor postcards made on any theme (a greeting card like “thinking of you” or “get well”; a special occasion holiday card such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc.; a scene from a place you have visited or a local feature, etc.) You can purchase ready-made watercolor postcards or cut a card out of your own watercolor paper (4 x 6 inches in size). The idea is to bring one and take one someone else made home, or bring two, take two home.
• You can make one or more small painted structure(s) that could be made to hang on a tree. We will place our creations as ornaments onto a holiday tree, to leave at the church during December and half of January. Artists will be able to take their pieces home sometime after Epiphany. (Aquagami is a great way to participate; see Nancy Metz’s Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/ndmetz/aquagami/ .)

If you can’t meet in-person but want to partake:

• All at-home members are invited to join virtually for a half an hour or so while we show everyone’s artwork.
• If you create and contribute a piece of art, you can get a little Bundt cake as a gift from BWS. Here’s how:
  • Before the party, Carol Rhodes will arrange to pick up your creation and deliver a Bundt cake to you. (She’ll be in touch about the schedule.)
  • At the party, we’ll do a Zoom so you can connect to everyone and view a display of the artworks of fellow BWS members along with yours.
  • If you do choose to stay at home but send your artwork, please email Jeanne Dutton at Jeanne.dutton@att.net by the end of the day on December 7. (She will be ordering the cakes and coordinating with Carol.)

The deadline to say you were coming to the church was December 1 as we needed to know how many to expect to plan for refreshments and table setup. So December 7 is your last opportunity to participate. We’d love to see you on Zoom if not in person.

January Program News

Betty Wagoner will conduct the January 10 program entitled “Watercolor Pencil and Watercolor Painting.” Here is what Betty said about the program: “We will explore a few watercolor pencil techniques that can be used with watercolor painting. Using watercolor paints can provide more colors than available in watercolor pencils, notably by mixing colors. We will review a few examples of watercolor pencil artworks that have and have not employed watercolor paints in the artworks. Because of the Zoom format, the program will be primarily demonstration, but it will be possible for viewers to try out a few techniques while watching the program.”

Inside BWS

A Note from Our BWS President

Every year the BWS president, with the help of the board,  appoints a three-person Nominating Committee to select a slate of officers for the next year. I hope you will consider volunteering some of your time for the Nominating Committee. Being on the Nominating Committee will not absorb a lot of your time; it’s a short term commitment. Those of you who would like to serve on the Nominating Committee, please contact me. Thank you, Joanna Samorow-Merzer

Ride Sharing

Some of our members have difficulty driving at night and getting to the in-person meetings, especially during the winter.  To make it easy for these members, people can now write to carpool@bloomingtonwatercolor.org asking to join, and Carol Rhodes will subscribe them to a list connecting those who are interested in rides.  Members can chat with each other about ride-sharing by sending email to carpool@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. Carol Rhodes is monitoring the list and can help arrange rides to and from meetings.

Announcing the BWS Benefit Exhibit
February & March 2022

“We Paint…Van Gogh’s World!”

Stars! Swirls! Sunflowers! Self Portraits! Vibrant Colors!

What does the man, the artist, his work, inspire in you??

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage once again welcomes BWS for our annual benefit exhibit. 

Any 2D medium is welcome in this show, so get creative!  Three judges will determine who wins the cash prizes for Best of Show and Silver Second.  Artists who enter a painting will have their name put in a hat for the drawing for door prizes donated by none other than Andrew Preston of Preston Arts Center. (Heads up!  The grand door prize is a Sienna Pochade Plein Air Paint Box Medium, value $156!)

This year, our BWS show will benefit an outstanding organization, one which touches all of our lives in one way or another…Teachers Warehouse!   Founded by the Rotary Club, TW served over 2,200 teachers from across five counties in 2020-2021.  Check them out at https://teacherswarehouse.org/

Watch your email for all the details and the full prospectus and video links that will certainly inspire you.  Here’s one now!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk

Delivery is Tuesday, February 1, 10-12.

Deadline for photos for the SmugMug gallery and publicity is January 10.

Questions?  Email Jeanne Dutton at Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Outside BWS

Friends of TC Steele

Betty Wagoner, BWS Paint Out Chair, announced that the Friends of TC Steele Member Art Show will be held March 5 to the 28th. This information will be added to the BWS Show Calendar and to Brushstrokes once the prospectus is complete.

Think About Giving Art this Holiday

Every weekend between now and Christmas the Arts Alliance Center in the Bloomington College Mall is open for business, featuring local artist, many of whom are BWS members. Christmas is a great time to give a piece of original art to a friend whether authored by you or one of the members of our group.

Art Illiana Gallery — Call for Entries

Art Illiana Gallery (26 N. 6th Street, Terra Haute) has an open call for entries to “The Crow Show.” Entries can be submitted between now and December 24. The show will run from January 7 through March 18. Entries must be original works in any art medium and completed within the last 5 years. For more information see the prospectus.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.artsilliana.com/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode%3DnM3B5ZASEa5zihBWht%252bZndWFXeo01x9iXwNurCe2aUd%252bfL9Xqgp7WplzP%252bPTOFeknZMcly9EUu9Mz9T5s7LZcZQCZTSYLp88d0Ox%252bL0dVyY%253d&source=gmail&ust=1635615995870000&usg=AFQjCNGGoLPyWI2NLmKPwPfXV0gSmWx4dA

Show Calendar

As a service to its members, BWS is initiating a show calendar project – a listing of upcoming shows that may be of interest to BWS members. We want our exhibitors to have an easy way to find upcoming opportunities, and we want to encourage those who are less experienced or new to exhibiting.

The show calendar will be updated and sent to you every month as an attachment to the email announcing the publication of Brushstrokes.

The December update to the Show Calendar is attached to the email announcing that the December Newsletter is now online. This is a list of upcoming shows and exhibition opportunities that may be of interest to BWS members.

Barbara Edmonds, who complies the information on this spreadsheet for BWS, asked that we emphasize that members please send any information for local area or regional shows to showinfo@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. She also wants members to know that all the ONLINE COMPETITIONS are usually INTERNATIONAL, and thus they are listed at the very last of the spreadsheet. 

Membership News

Mary Sue Veerkamp-Schwab has been commissioned to paint a mural on the office wall at St. Paul Newman Center in Bloomington. The wall will have icons of the 2 saints of the parish and two of the archdiocese. Featured will be inspiring quotes from the saints. “The whole piece will come together by creating a background that will appear to be marble or an old manuscript. I am having fun creating the faux cracks“ says MarySue. MarySue has extensive experience teaching using her calligraphy skills in her art. One of her secrets is to use a level to get each line straight. “It’s time consuming but worth it in the end. I use white charcoal pencil to make the lines, which are easier to remove than pencil.” 

Congratulations Kitty Garlock!! In May of 2019 BWS had a paint-out at the Hinkle-Garton Homestead on 10th Street with a show that followed where all the pictures produced at the paint-out were for sale.  Kitty Garlock donated her picture “Call to Lunch” for possible future use or sale to Bloomington Restorations Inc, the foundation that maintains the home.  Little did she know that the foundation would eventually create a cookbook of Daisy’s recipes around this idea and use her painting for the cover. 

On Saturday, December 3rd these books will go on sale at the homestead for $14.95.  Kitty states that it was an unexpected honor for the foundation to use her painting for the book cover and she is proud to represent both Upland Plein Air and Bloomington Watercolor Society in this project. 

The accompanying photo was taken from the Hoosier Times Home page, Nov. 13, 2021.

Tips & Techniques

Motivate your Art Practice with Small, Quick, Daily Paintings 

Editor’s note. This is another in an occasional series of tips and techniques from fellow BWS members. Please share your ideas and images with Brushstrokes’s co-editors Nancy Davis Metz and Jerry Harste.

Text and images by Claude Cookman

Is it just me? Or do you also have trouble finding the motivation to go into your studio and paint regularly? Perhaps the solution is to lower our ambitions — to work small, quick, and daily.

I have lost track of how many large, ambitious paintings I’ve started, only to lose interest or get stuck and toss them on my unfinished pile. Invariably, it takes days or weeks to psych myself up to begin another big project. 

In early November I started a practice that motivates me to work, primarily because it lets me finish every painting. Few ideas are original and I discovered this one years ago in Carol Marine’s book, Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often to Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist. I was reminded of it recently by a YouTube video. The concept is to create small paintings, in a limited time frame, every day, or as often as you can.

I work with pastels, but you could use watercolor, oils, acrylics, ink, indeed, any medium. I have chosen a 6- x 6-inch format, but any small format will suffice. I try to finish my pieces in an hour or less, which keeps me from overworking them. Many of us aspire to paint more loosely. A short time frame helps achieve that quality. 

For me, it’s important to draw from a physical, three-dimensional motif. So, I set up a still life, limited to two items, the night before and arrange the lighting. You could work from photographs or sketches and choose any motif or genre. Most nights, I also select my palette of pastel sticks.

Much of the creative fun comes from choosing the objects. Because I love to cook, a lot of the paintings showcase food. I like to juxtapose organic with human-made objects; rough textures with glass, plastic or metal; verticals against horizontals. I also like to arrange items that might suggest a narrative or pick two objects so incongruous they leave the viewer scratching her head. 

Organizing the night before lets me get started first thing in the morning when my energy is high. It also allows my subconscious to percolate overnight. Often, I awake with ideas about the composition or color scheme. For example, the actual background of the accompanying examples is a white sheet. The painted backgrounds all flow from my subconscious as I play with color and abstract mark making. 

This approach lets me experiment without worrying about ruining a high-stakes painting. I have several brands of pastels from hard to soft sticks, pan pastels, and pencils. And I paint on five different surfaces from grit to velour. I’m only beginning to explore the permutations. 

Working small, quick, and daily lets me practice my craft without the pressure of having to make a perfect painting. I learn almost as much from a small painting as a large one. Composition, color scheme, value structure, edges, focal point, and other decisions are necessary for a painting of any size. Past a certain point finishing large paintings often becomes just a matter of rendering.

When I do my next large piece, I expect the skills I have internalized through this daily habit will manifest themselves in my intuitive mark making. To help ensure this, I keep a journal in which I record my discoveries and articulate my process for each painting. 

• 

Best of all, I awake most mornings excited about going to my studio and working. Finishing a painting almost every day motivates me to start the next one. 

December Calendar

Between Now and December 13 — Make a card or “structure” for BWS Holiday Party.

Between Now and December 31– Make a 2021 tax deductible donation to BWS Scholarship Fund.

Between Now and February 1– Create a painting for the BWS Benefit Show (Delivery of painting will occur on February 1; Photos for SmugMug Gallery are due January 10).

December 13 — BWS Holiday Party, First Christian Church.

December 24 — Last day to submit paintings to “The Crow Show” in Terra Haute.

I

BWS November Meeting — November 8, 6 p.m.

Attention: The November Meeting will be a Zoom Meeting. To attend the meeting via Zoom, look for the link in an email from Joanna Samorow-Merzer or from Carol Rhodes.

Program:

At the November meeting Cassidy Young will be highlighting photoshop tools and techniques. She will be going over the most commonly used reasons 2D and traditional artists use photoshop and she will compare photoshop with other free or low-cost apps and websites that provide similar tools. 

Inside BWS

Announcements

President Joanna Samorow-Merzer wants to remind members that volunteers are needed to serve on the Ad Hoc Nominating and Publicity Committees (either full-time or single assignments). 

Jeanne Dutton wants to remind members that they can display a piece of art or sets of cards for sale on the FMCCS online auction site. All that is needed is a good photo and a description. Seventy percent (70%) of any sale goes to our BWS scholarship. Contributions are due no later than November 22.  The auction, itself, will be held November 29. Contact Jeanne Dutton for assistance at jedutton@att.net

New: A BWS Meeting Ride-Share

Some of our members have difficulty driving at night and getting to the in-person meetings during the winter.  To make it easy for these members, Carol Rhodes came up with a plan to create: carpool@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. People can now write to that address asking to join and Carol will subscribe them. Those who sign up will get alerts about new subscribers, and as more accumulate, the members can start chatting with each other about ride-sharing.

Visit the BWS 2021 Membership Show

The BWS Member Show opened at the Viridian Moon Art Gallery on October 1 and will be open for visitors until November 13. 

Everyone in BWS, including our President Joanna Samorow-Merzer, wants to thank the committee for organizing the show: Jacki Frey, Kathy Barton, Cathy Korinek and Andy Roberts.  Joanna adds, “Special thanks for designing the flier to Tim Lewis and Kathy Barton. I want to thank Carol Rhodes and Charlotte Griffin for creating our online exhibit at SmugMug gallery and many thanks to Irina Shishova and Katya Alexeeva for making it possible for BWS to have the exhibit at the Viridian Moon Gallery. Congratulation to the award recipients and to all members who provided artwork.”

Representing the Show Committee, Kathy Truelove-Barton, declared that there were 15 attendees at the Opening of the Membership Show held on October 9.  She congratulated the following members who won awards for the works they were showing:

• Jacki Frey, First
• Mary Sue Schwab, Second
• Philip Bowsher, Third
• Gallery Choice went to Susan Savastuk, with the runner up award going to Barbara Coffman

Please Take Note:  Pick up date for the BWS show is November 17th between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

BWS’ Annual Holiday Party
Your Participation is Important

Our Annual Holiday Part will be held Monday, December 13, at First Christian Church, 205 East Kirkwood, Bloomington. Starting time: 6 p.m.

There is no cost to attending this year as all expenses are being covered by BWS. Please feel free to bring your spouse, a partner, or a guest. The only requirement is that you register by December 1 as BWS needs a count. Joanne Weddle, Program Chair, explains this year’s holiday swap:

“First you may create one or two watercolor postcards in a design of your choice.  People can make their own postcards from just a sheet of watercolor paper (4″x6”).  If we meet face-to-face, I will have postcards at our November meeting for people to pick up and use.

Second, members can create a “structure” out of watercolor paper such as a Christmas ornament or a Christmas decoration. Little wooden easels are available from Etsy.com. They promise 24 hour delivery.

Remember to register for the Holiday Party by December 1 by sending an email to jweddle2@comcast.net

Support the BWS Scholarship!

Jeanne Dutton submitted this report.

This past spring 2021, we weren’t able to award our scholarship to a deserving MCCSC senior.  Getting the word out was a bit difficult.  But with students back in the classroom and communication support from Teachers Warehouse, perhaps we can make the award in 2022!

Here are two ways you can help bolster the scholarship fund.

1, Make a tax deductible donation to the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools!  Just go to Donate to Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools and fill in the form.  NOTE:  In the comments section, please say, “For the Bloomington Watercolor Society Scholarship.”  Easy peasy!

2, The FMCCS online auction!  The 2020 auction raised $190 for the BWS scholarship fund, as FMCCS directs 70% of whatever a piece of art sells for to our fund.  Please consider offering a piece of art, original greeting cards, or print.  Items are due by November 22.  The auction, itself, takes place on November 29. For more information on how to offer an item for the auction, please contact Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org, or Cyrilla Helm at FMCCS, mhelm@mccsc.edu.

Thank you in advance!

Announcing the BWS Benefit Exhibit
February & March 2022

“We Paint…Van Gogh’s World!”

Stars! Swirls! Sunflowers! Self Portraits! Vibrant Colors!

What does the man, the artist, his work, inspire in you??

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage once again welcomes BWS for our annual benefit exhibit. 

Any 2D medium is welcome in this show, so get creative!  Three judges will determine who wins the cash prizes for Best of Show and Silver Second.  Artists who enter a painting will have their name put in a hat for the drawing for door prizes donated by none other than Andrew Preston of Preston Arts Center. (Heads up!  The grand door prize is a Sienna Pochade Plein Air Paint Box Medium, value $156!)

This year, our BWS show will benefit an outstanding organization, one which touches all of our lives in one way or another…Teachers Warehouse!   Founded by the Rotary Club, TW served over 2,200 teachers from across five counties in 2020-2021.  Check them out at https://teacherswarehouse.org/

Watch your email this week for all the details and the full prospectus and video links that will certainly inspire you.  Here’s one now!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk

Delivery is Tuesday, February 1, 10-12.

Deadline for photos for the SmugMug gallery and publicity is January 10.

Questions?  Email Jeanne Dutton at Teachers@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Outside BWS

NEW! Show Calendar

As a service to its members, BWS is initiating a show calendar project – a listing of upcoming shows that may be of interest to BWS members. We want our exhibitors to have an easy way to find upcoming opportunities, and we want to encourage those who are less experienced or new to exhibiting.

The show calendar will be updated and sent to you every month as an attachment to the email announcing the publication of Brushstrokes.

The November update to the Show Calendar is attached as an email to this Newsletter. This is a list of upcoming shows and exhibition opportunities that may be of interest to BWS members. To suggest additions to the show calendar, send a newsletter, web site, email – whatever – that includes a link to the prospectus to showinfo@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. 

The following announcement (Art Illiana Gallery — Call for Entries) is an example of the type of information that is available on the November Show Calendar.

Portrait Group featured in Herald-Times

The Bloomington Portrait Group, which shares many members with BWS, was featured recently in a Herald-Times article accessible at this URL:
https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2021/11/02/pdvnch-models-bloomington-portrait-group-first-session-since-covid/6181908001/

The model was Bloomington poet and designer PDVNCH, who performed a poem he wrote about his experience modeling for the group in early 2020. 

With fall’s cooler weather, BPG has moved indoors, meeting every other Thursday afternoon at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage 121 East Sixth Street. All are welcome. For more information, contact Claude Cookman at ccookman@indiana.edu

Art Illiana Gallery — Call for Entries

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Art Illiana Gallery (26 N. 6th Street, Terra Haute) has an open call for entries to “The Crow Show.” Entries can be submitted between now and December 24. The show will run from January 7 through March 18. Entries must be original works in any art medium and completed within the last 5 years. For more information see the prospectus.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.artsilliana.com/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode%3DnM3B5ZASEa5zihBWht%252bZndWFXeo01x9iXwNurCe2aUd%252bfL9Xqgp7WplzP%252bPTOFeknZMcly9EUu9Mz9T5s7LZcZQCZTSYLp88d0Ox%252bL0dVyY%253d&source=gmail&ust=1635615995870000&usg=AFQjCNGGoLPyWI2NLmKPwPfXV0gSmWx4dA

Look for other opportunities to show you work at the email attachment to this Newsletter!!

77th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition

Opening Reception andAward Ceremony

Friday, November 5th, 5pm – 8pm

Join us this Friday, November 5th for the opening of the 77th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition! We will be hosting a reception from 5pm – 8pm on the 3rd floor as part of First Friday to celebrate the featured artists and their works. Be among the first to check out the exhibition on the 2nd floor. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres from Gingersnaps Coffee House & Cafe and a cash bar from Verve Cocktail Lounge. Stick around for the awards ceremony to hear a word from juror Drék Davis about the 77th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition and the outstanding works included.

Hancock County Art Gallery

Sandy P. Hall wrote to say that she is offering one hour sessions at the Hancock County Art Gallery during the month of November. The subject is still-life and the theme is “birds.” Sessions average five participants with supplies provided by the gallery. The charge for each session is $30 with proceeds going to paying the heating bill for this non-profit gallery. Contact sandyphall13@gmail.com for more information. The Hancock County Art Gallery is located at 20-A North State Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.

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Sell Your Art at Holiday Fair

There is still room in the Holiday Shows every weekend during the month of November at the Arts Alliance Center in the Bloomington College Mall.  Booth fees start at $50 for the weekend. Artists can share a table with a friend(s).  For more information contact coordinator.space@bloomingtonarts.org

Upland Plein Air Show

Consider yourself invited: The second opening of the 2021 Fall Member Exhibition of Upland Plein Air is November 5 from 5-6 p.m. at the Vault, Gallery Mortgage, 121 East Sixth Street, Bloomington, IN, 47401.

Member News

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Welcome Zain Mackey!! Zain is a new member of the Bloomington Watercolor Society.

On behalf of the organization we look forward to getting to know you and appreciate your sharing two of your latests works (above).

Jacki Frey. Here is a couple of recent works:

“Red barn ..Vermont” (above) is going to the Indiana Pein Air Painters member show. The show is at the Harrison Art Center, 1505 Delaware Street, Indianapolis and runs from November 5 through December 31.

The yellow house (see opening of the Newsletter), located in a westside neighborhood of Bloomington, was painted yesterday and today. 

Steven Edwards. Only two items to offer for the newsletter. The Award winners for the Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s 121st Annual Works On Paper were announced on October 24th. It is with great pleasure to announce that “Looking For Patch” was given the “Award for Excellence in Water Media”. The show was juried by Ray Balkwill for selection and Mary Whyte for awards. The exhibit will be on display at the Community Arts Center, Wallingford, PA now thru November 23^rd. Here is a link to the exhibit:

Philadelphia Water Color Society – Home (wildapricot.org) 

Also “Soulmates” was accepted into the 77^th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition by juror Drék Davis. The exhibit will be on display at the Swope Museum in Terre Haute Indiana, November 5^th thru January 6^th. Awards and reception to be held on November 5^th.

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Timothy Lewis. I will be delivering my watercolor, “Inflation”, to Fishers City Hall Art Gallery next week for the Watercolor Society of Indiana show there running from November 4th through the 28th.

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Among my paintings in October I did a three painting series on the driftwood we saw along the beach on Pockoy Island, a part of the Botany Bay Plantation Preserve in South Carolina. These are only three of the dozens of dead trees bleached along that beach.

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Barbara Coffman. My ink and watercolor portrait was accepted into the 77th Wabash Valley Exhibition at the Swope Gallery in Terre Haute. The exhibition opens on Friday, November 5. This is my first juried show!

The painting – “Conscience of the Congress” – is my tribute to John Lewis, U.S. Congressman from Georgia, who passed away last year.

MarySue Schwab. When I wrote to Mary Sue asking if she had a photo of the painting she submitted to the BWS Membership Show for publication in this Newsletter, she asked that I remind members that she gives private art lessons to anyone interested. With some 40 years of teaching experience and her artistic acclaim this is a great opportunity to learn from one of our best. MarySue also announced that she and her husband, Bill, both had paintings juried into the 2021 Richmond Museum Art Show in Richmond, Indiana.

Jerome Harste. I want to share a new children’s book that I think bears your attention. In my estimation it is children’s literature in a new key. This book is written so that it allows readers to use their iPhones to point at QR codes and hear the music that accompanies the text. The url below takes you to a video that allows you to experience what I see as a breakthrough in an art field close to lots of members’ hearts. I also see it as a possibility for artists of all ilks to add a new dimension to their work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QsrRBkzOmo

Dates to Remember

• November 8 — BWS November Meeting via Zoom, 6 p.m.
• November 17 — Pick up paintings — BWS Membership Show.
• November 22 — Last day to submit item to the FMCCS Online Auction.
• December 1 — Deadline for registering for BWS Holiday Party.
• November 1 and December 13 — Make a card or “structure” for BWS Holiday Party.
• November 1 to December 31– Make a 2021 tax deductible donation to BWS Scholarship Fund.
• November 1 to February 1– Create a painting for the BWS Benefit Show (Delivery of painting will occur on February 1; Photos for SmugMug Gallery are due January 10).
• December 13 — BWS Holiday Party, First Christian Church.
• December 24 — Last day to submit paintings to “The Crow Show” in Terra Haute.

Remember: “Every artist was first an amateur”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Meeting: August 9th via Zoom, 6 p.m. (No Business Meeting; Program to Start at 6 Sharp)

Program: “Building Community through our Shared Experiences“

For the month of August, instead of focusing our program agenda on a specific technique or the medium of watercolor, Sara Steffey McQueen will be our host to facilitate time to actually meet one another, share our artistic paths of inspirations in small groups, and bring these experiences out into the larger Group.  We have had a year of ZOOM meetings, and not much time or space for connection, and many of us do not actually even recognize one another.

During this meeting time we will have an opportunity to reflect on a few inquiry questions that Sara will present about being an “Artist”, our own creative development and practices, and the kinds of internal dialogues many of us have about” creativity” or our experiences that led us to BWS.

We can of course, play with paint as we listen to one another, or we might bring something we’d like to have seen for feedback or to tell a story about how it came into being.

If you would like to offer a question for reflection to be included, please email Sara at quanyinsara_mcf@yahoo.com. All ideas welcome~ for example, your beginning in art, what you have found most helpful at our Gatherings, insecurities and challenges- or proud and successful moments.

This is an opportunity to meet one another and share what matters to us in ART.

Inside BWS

The Prospectus for the BWS Membership Show is Out

Jacki Frye, BWS’s Show Chair, announced that the theme of this year’s show is “Celebrate Life.” The show will run from October 1 to November 8 with the Opening Reception scheduled for October 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Viridian Moon Gallery. For further information see the full prospectus at Celebrate Life Prospectus

Needed: Publicity Chair

BWS President Joanna Samorow-Merzer is reaching out to members in the hope that somebody will take on the Publicity Chair position as it has just became vacant.  “If any of you feels that you can help but only with one assignment, that will be fine too.  We can get one person to help with the publicity for our upcoming members show in October and then another person can help with the publicity for the following show, etc.  So, please let me know if you could serve the full term as the publicity chair or even if you could help only with a single assignment. I hope I will hear back from someone! Looking forward to your response.”

Recognition For Our New Signature Members

During the September meeting a small ceremony will be performed for the new signature members of BWS.  Candace Bailey, Stephen Edwards, Joanne Shank, and Kathy Truelove-Barton will be presented with certificates and special pens in recognition of their accomplishment.

BWS Has a New Committee — The Creative Activities Group

BWS President Joanna Samorow-Merzer announced the establishment of a new BWS Committee to be called The Creative Activities Group. This group is charged with coming up with exciting new adventures that BWS might take on to better serve the memberships. Members of this group include Jeanne Dutton, Creative Director, Carol Rhodes, Jacqueline Fernette and Sharon Parsons. 

The Lume: Van Gough — A BWS Sponsored Field Trip

Jean Dutton and members of the Creative Activities Group will host a field trip to The Lume Exhibit in Indianapolis. The field trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields to see The Lume: Van Gogh is scheduled for Thursday, September 30.  Transportation will be provided! Jeanne Dutton says “In a couple weeks, you will receive the formal announcement and information about how to reserve a space.  Meanwhile, we are polishing off the last little details for this wonderful opportunity.  I hope you are as excited as I am!”

Carol Carter Workshop

There are still a openings for the Carol Carter workshop on September 10 and 11. The Bloomington Watercolor Society is paying a portion of each seat, so the price for the 2-day workshop is very reasonable for both online and in-person participation. 
For more information, see:https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/carol-carter-workshop/

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BWS Paint Outs

Betty Wagner wants to remind members that on August 14 there will be a Paint Out at Story Inn in Brown County. Betty said, “The Inn is an old building with character. There is a garden and during the lunch hour, a BBQ.  Watch email and Facebook posting for more information.”

Betty all sent in a report of the Paint Out at IU Hilltop Gardens on July 24. “Seventeen artists enjoyed the gardens on a sunny Saturday morning. For July, the weather was reasonably comfortable. The garden was resplendent with Mimosa trees and flowers in full bloom. The garden manager was pleased to host BWS and invited us to return.”

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Outside BWS

Mall Mural

Attached is the photo of a new mural at Simon Mall sponsored by the Art Alliance Association of Bloomington. BWS members featured on the mural include Sara Steffy McQueen, Joanne Shank, Denise Lessow, Cassidy Young, Jane Metranga, and Don Geyra.
                                             

Viridian Moon to Host 
Bloomington Portrait Group Exhibition

Viridian Moon Gallery, 1600 West Bloomfield Road, Bloomington, will host an exhibition by the Bloomington Portrait Group from Saturday, August 21, to Wednesday, September 29. Opening is from 5 to 7 p.m., August 21. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

The exhibition comprises more than 30 images in a variety of mediums and represents work created by more than a dozen artists over the past three years. Many BPG participants are also members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society.

During normal times, the group meets for two hours every other Thursday to draw and paint from life. Models represent our community’s rich diversity in age, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. The youngest was 8. The oldest, a nonagenarian. Models also include people who help make Bloomington a great place to live, from ministers to judges, radio personalities, and Indiana University Women’s Basketball stars. The one thing all share in common is their interesting faces.

During the Covid-19 quarantine, members received a monthly challenge, intended to keep them working in their studios. Motifs included self-portraits and portraits of loved ones, pets, famous people, statues, dolls, and more. 

Artists range from beginners to professionals. About 40 individuals are associated with the group, but sessions typically average six to eight participants. They work in a range of mediums from oil and watercolor to charcoal, graphite, and pastel. 

In-person sessions have resumed outdoors at Bloomington’s Switchyard Park. There are no dues, but participants share the cost of the model. If you would like to paint or draw at these sessions, please contact Claude Cookman, BPG Director • ccookman@indiana.edu • 812 336-4851

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Anderson Museum of Art

The Anderson Museum of Art is now accepting vendor applications for our fall fundraiser, Over The Edge on October 23. This is your opportunity to support the museum, art programming in Anderson and Madison County, and to display and sell your items.

This is a first-time event, but the Museum is anticipating a great turn-out. The Museum hopes you will be part of the fun! If you have any questions please reach out via email, mandeem@andersonart.org.

Manifest Gallery Seeks Contemporary Paintings

At some point many generations ago society reached a level where ordinary people could spend a lifetime perfecting their ability to mix and apply paint, in extraordinary ways. To mark Manifest’s 10th season the gallery kicked off a permanent biennial project surveying painting as an art form. It was first presented in fall 2013 to inaugurate our expanded gallery. PAINTED 2021 will be the fifth biennial presentation of this international survey of contemporary painting.

PAINTED is a gallery exhibit that calls for works of painting by artists around the world as they carry the tradition forward, or reform it for another day. Submissions can range from the most traditional to the most conceptual, abstract, or experimental, including those which push the boundaries of the common definition of what constitutes ‘painting’. The only criteria beyond excellent quality is that works must in some way represent an honest approach to painting.

NEW deadline: August 5, 2021
For complete details and to apply online visit:http://www.manifestgallery.org/painted

Membership News

Joanne Shank and Sara Steffy McQueen announced that art by Sara Steffy McQueen, Joanne Shank, Denise Lessow, Cassidy Young, and Jane Metranga are being displayed at the new Arts Alliance Center, opening July 31st and then open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday’s in August.

Sara added, “It is a beautiful venue for gallery space, performances and classes.  My theme for the first opening month of late summer are Water images. I’ll also be hosting classes there as a Partner with Home. Home Sales of my art benefit the planting of trees around the world in rainforest areas.  Here are a copy of my paintings that will be on display.”

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Stephen Edwards wrote to say that his painting titled “Perpetual Machine” was accepted into the Kentucky Watercolor Society Aqueous 21 Exhibit to be held at the Living Arts & Science Center in Lexington, KY. “I decided to try an abstract for the show and was surprised. Awards to be announced.

‘Rush County Farm #2’ was awarded 1^st Place in Paintings for the Light, Space & Time Online Gallery Exhibit. It also won a 3^rd in overall mediums in the exhibit.

I have two paintings ‘After A Spring Rain’ and ‘Slow Summer Stream’ accepted in the upcoming 97^th Hoosier Salon at the Indiana State Museum. Awards to be announced.

And finally, I was surprised  and very excited to get this little pat on the back. The Slider on the NationalWatercolorSociety.org website is featuring a portion of one of my painting.”

Title: Perpetual Motion

Title: Rush County Farm #2

Title: After Spring

Title: Slow Summer Stream

Timothy Lewis sent in four of his recent watercolor paintings.

“Good Shrimping Tomorrow” – 15’ X 11” Using QoR watercolors on 300# Arches cold- pressed. This shrimp boat is tied up for the night as the sun sets. Inspired by a photo taken in 2021 near Charleston, SC on vacation.

The Shrimp Fleet” – 15” x 11” using QoR watercolors on 300# Arches cold-pressed. This portion of the shrimp fleet is docked and preparing for the night’s fishing expedition. Inspired by a photo taken near Charleston, SC while on vacation in 2021.

“Inflation” – 22” x 11” using QoR watercolors on 300# Arches cold-pressed. Two hot air balloons being inflated for the evening flight experience. Inspired by a photo taken by Barbara Lewis near Bloomington, Indiana in the summer of 2020 and painted with her permission.

And lastly, a painting of mine was used to decorate a traffic control box in Shelbyville:

Lynn Gilliatt wrote to say, “I am still stitching on my hand-dyed wool pieces which are delivered to me by subscription from Wool Bundlers, a website hosted by Jean Haley. Jean and I hope to have a show next year. Each of us will feature 48 pieces, the number of hand-dyed wool pieces that a subscriber received from Jean each year.

Mary Sue Schwab announced that she has 2 pieces in the Hoosier Salon Exhibition at the Indiana State Museum as well as another piece in the Indiana Watercolor Society Show at Newfields. Both shows open this months.

Congratulations to Mother and Son!!!!

August 5 — Deadline for submitting a contemporary painting to Manifest Gallery

August 9 — BWS Program Meeting, 6 p.m. via Zoom

August 14 — BWS Paint Out — Story Inn in Brown County

August 19 — Hoosier Salon Show opens at the Indiana State Museum

August 20 — Deadline for Carol Carter Workshop, both on-site and on-line reservations.

August 21 — Opening Portrait Group Exhibition at Viridian Moon Gallery

September 30 — Field Trip to The Lume

June 14th Meeting — 6 p.m via Zoom

June 14th Program: “Using Digit Tools”

Cassidy Young will demonstrate some of the most useful digital tools available to artists as well as provide information about costs.

Thanks to Claude Cookman

BWS sends a special thank you to Claude Cookman for the May program. Members found the hands-on experience of drawing still life in charcoal both useful and educational. Many of us walked away knowing we had lots to learn and that we needed to spend a lot more time practicing the techniques Claude shared.

Election Results

President Joanna Samorow-Merzer reported the results of BWS’ election of officers for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The new Executive Board of BWS will begin its work on July 1.

President: Joanna Samorow-Merzer
1^st VP: Andy Roberts
2^nd VP: Patty Uffman
Secretary: Charlotte Griffin
Treasurer: Carol Rhodes

Inside BWS

Next Year’s Program: Your Help Needed

Joanne Weddle, Program Chair, would appreciate you input into topics for next year’s program. Simply click on the link below and print out the attached questionnaire. Directions as to where to mail it is in the printout.

New Opportunities to Show Your Work

Would you like to show everyone that painting that you recently completed? Do you have other works that are begging to be seen? BWS is offering a virtual gallery to exhibit YOUR spring and summer work. Our newest virtual gallery is available alongside our two previous BWS gallery shows. See the latest submissions at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/.  

Full members may submit (and optionally offer to sell) any three pieces of artwork in any media. Prints are accepted, too. We are accepting photos of your work by email at carol@bloomingtonwatercolor.org at any time up to September 1.

Please include:

• title
• media
• size of artwork alone and size of framed (if applicable)
• (optional) price of framed and/or unframed piece; NFS if not for sale

Please allow 2-3 days for posting of your work.

If a buyer is interested in purchasing work, Carol Rhodes will serve as a contact to connect the artist with the buyer without getting personally involved in negotiations. Send questions to carol@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Paint Outs

Betty Wagoner, our Paint Out Chair, sent these pictures along with her report, “On a misty day on May 22nd, 9 members and guests enjoyed the first BWS paint out ar Yellowwood State Forest.  The lake was quite still, reflecting the sky and surrounding shoreline. It was a study in green.”

Those attending:  Babette Ballenger and 3 guests, Jacki Frey, Carol
Rhodes, Patricia Rowbottom, Betty Wagoner and Sarah Ward.

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Up-Coming Paint Outs

June 5-6.  Bloomington Garden Walk.
July 24.  Hilltop Garden at IU.
August 14.  Storey Inn in Brown County.
September 11. TC Steele Great Outdoor Paint Out.
October 9.  Final Paint-out and Picnic.  Switchyard Park.

Outside BWS

Hoosier Art Salon 2021 Juried Show: Call for Entries

The dates for the 97th Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibition are August 21 to October 24 at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. Online entries will be accepted from May 3 to June 30. For further details go to 97th Annual Exhibition at https://www.hoosiersalon.org.

Illiana Gallery: Call for Landscapes

ArtIlliana Gallery in Terre Haute has a call for landscape paintings. The deadline is June 4. For more information, email  artillianagallery@gmail.com.

Indiana State Fair

Between now and July 22 Indiana residents are invited to submit painting to the Indiana State Fair Board. The information on submitting painting starts on page 6. For more details see:
https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=IndianaStateFair&f=114_Indiana_Arts(3).pdf

Watercolor Society of Indiana — Upcoming Workshop

WSI will host a 4-day workshop with Paul Jackson entitled “Dramatic Light & Luminosity in Watercolor,” from July 6 to July 9 in Indianapolis. For more details see: http://watercolorsocietyofindiana.com.

Upland Plein Air

Rose Brenner (1st), Kitty Garlock (2nd), Jacki Frey (3rd), and Claude Cookman (Judge’s Choice), all members of BWS and Upland Plein Air, won awards at their recent art show at the Viridian Moon Art Gallery. Congratulations to all.

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Commissioned Art — An Opportunity to Participate 

Joanne Shank wrote to say that the “Simon Mall has commissioned the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington to make a mural at the east end of the mall where there is now a wall inside.  The theme is Arts and Culture in Bloomington.  Danielle Bruce has designed the mural and I am helping her to contact artists.

We will need specific images of Bloomington locations to be painted on 4’x4′ masonite panels.  Supplies will be paid for, but so far the best we can get them to pay is $100. per panel.  Each artist can paint one to three panels and do so from home. The paintings will need to be completed near the end of June. 

The paintings will then be arranged and adhered to the wall.  The mural will stay in place for several years until new construction on that end of the mall is complete, at which time the panels can come down and be for sale.

Please contact Joanne Shank   joanneshank@gmail.com if you are interested and for more details.

Membership News

Joanna Samorow-Merzer wrote to say, “Lately there has been some interest in self-framing your artwork.  I’d like to recommend an excellent book on framing Mat, Mount, And Frame It Yourself by M. David Logan.  It is a complete step-by-step guide to how to mat, mount, and frame your art, photos, and memorabilia. The book is available on Amazon as new and as used.

Andy Roberts wrote to alert the membership to a new art gallery opening in Greene County, called ‘The Art Crafters at the Cabin.’ “It’s a nice venue and another place for local artists to display their work. Wyatt LeGrand has been instrumental in organizing and starting up the gallery.” Here is a blurb from their website: “Art Crafters is a place where local artists can come together to display and sell their art, have exhibits, art lessons, and demonstrations. We are proudly located in Bloomfield, Indiana at 2063 West State Road 54 at “The Cabin”. Our doors will open on a date TBD early 2021.” For further detail see:  https://artcrafters.org 

Susan Savastuk sent pictures of the paintings she is submitting to the Will Vawter Art Exhibition with along with these elaborations:

“I am submitting 3 pieces to the juried  2021 Will Vawter Art Exhibition at the TwentyNorth Greenfield Gallery.  This year they will be combining the art competition with the 150th Birthday Celebration for Will Vawter. The show runs June 11 to June 25 (20 A North State St Hwy 9. Greenfield ,IN).

My Covid Mask Portraits are still on display at the NeedMore Coffee Roasters on Pete Ellis Dr. They have now opened their doors for indoor dining.”

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Sandy Hall sent photos which I numbered from left to right 1 to 7 in the gallery. Her explanation of each photo follows:

Photo 1: “Sandy Hall, Greenfield IN, entered the 2021 WSI Members’ Show on view now at the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis through July 10. Medium is fluid acrylics on yupo.”

Photo 2: “I also attended the plein air event at TC Steele’s House of the Singing Winds on April 17. It was a bit rainy but I was able to tweak the oil painting once in my studio.”

Photo 3: “I attended a 4-day workshop by Andy Evanson in Matthews, North Carolina in early May. Here Andy captured the colorful building and I was asked to sit under the umbrella. BWS member, Jacki Frey had encouraged me to take a class with Andy. I am glad I did. Thanks!”

Photos 4, 5, & 6: “Andy Evanson demonstrated daily. His value study helped us look for big shapes and middle values. The final darks were added in the final stage.” 

Photo 7: “Sandy Hall, Greenfield, continues to teach watercolor techniques at the 20 North Gallery for Hancock County Arts. Here students painted daffodils . In August, she will teach a watercolor class featuring bugs and bumblebees.”

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Lynne Gilliatt wrote to share her art work on a hand-dyed piece of wool that Jean Haley colored using dyes from plants she grows at her home in Bloomington.  “Usually,” Lynne says, “I get four smaller pieces each month to work on from her Wool Bundlers subscription series, but this time I got this big piece. I use threads, yarns and whatever I have around to design my pieces, making the colors jump.”

For members who want to know, subscribers to Jean Haley’s Naturally Dyed Wool Bundle monthly subscription get wool crafters sustainable, all-natural materials, allowing them to build their stash of crafting gear while helping the planet at the same time.

Lynne says, “Kaffe Fassett has always inspired me with his textiles and fearless use of color!” (http://kaffefassett.com) His late book is Kaffe Quites Again and is available on Amazon.

“The second picture,” Lynne explains, {is a collage that I am working on featuring sky and water.”

Jacki Frey wrote to share a recent painting she completed at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis while on a paint out with Upland Plein Air. Lynne Gilliatt captured the beauty of the setting in these photographs.

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June Calendar

Now until September 1 — Send recent paintings to carol@bloomingtonwatercolorsociety.org for posting on BWS’ Online Gallery

June 4 — Deadline to submit entries to Artilliana Gallery in Terra Haute

June 5-6 –BWS Paint Out at Hill Top Garden on the IU Campus

June 14 — BWS Meeting, 6 p.m., via Zoom

June 30 — Deadline for submitted entries to the 97th Annual Exhibition of the Hoosier Salon

July 6-9 — Paul Jackson workshop in Indianapolis hosted by WSI

July 22 — Deadline for submitted entries to the Indiana State Fair

Meeting: April 12 via Zoom

Program: “Exhibit Your Work: A Conversation Among BWS Artists” hosted by Barbara Coffman

Perhaps it’s never crossed your mind to exhibit any of your work. Or perhaps you are an experienced artist with many exhibitions under your artistic belt. For our April BWS program we need both of you, and everyone in between.  

Our program will focus on “Exhibiting Your Work”, whether you are a novice or an expert. This will be an interactive program, addressing your questions and calling on your expertise. Three BWS artists – Nancy Metz, Jerry Harste, and Carol Rhodes – will begin the discussion on each topic, but we know we have many talented and experienced artists in our group who could take it from there, providing their own perspectives and information, and we hope you will attend and share what you know.

Members have posed questions and suggested topics that are being used to focus this program. Questions range from “How do I now when my work is ready to show and how do I get started?” to “How do I build an artistic resume to work towards Signature status?” to questions about pricing, commissions, delivering work to galleries, and many more.  
Please come to this session to get your questions answered and to offer your expertise to your fellow artists. 
If you have questions, contact program organizer Barbara Coffman.

Inside BWS

A Special Thanks

A special thanks to Charlotte Griffin for her program on how to create a pop-up greeting card during our March meeting. Jerry Harste sent the greeting card he made to his neighbor who was having an operation the next day. At the bottom of the “opening curtain” figure he wrote “So You Are Having An Operation.” On the pull flaps he wrote, “Watch Those Bastards!!” and “They Have Knieves!!” His neighbor wrote to say it was the best greeting card she had ever received. She was impressed with its construction. Now, if she could only see some of the stunning pop-ups Charlotte has made!!

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Get ready for May program

Our May program on drawing will be presented by Claude Cookman. He sends this message:

Because some of you may not have all these materials on hand, I am sending the list a month early to give you time to gather them.

Materials. a) Vine charcoal, soft. b) Charcoal pencils, B and 3B or soft and very soft. c) Kneadable eraser. d) Cheap paper such as newsprint, preferably a large-size pad. e) Tissues, cotton balls, and/or Q-tips for blending. Optional, but if you have a stump or tortillon, feel welcome to use it. f) A bamboo barbecue skewer. g) Easel or table easel. If you are physically able, I would like you to stand while drawing for reasons which I will explain in next month’s Brushstrokes.  Because some of you haven’t worked with charcoal or may be rusty, I encourage you to do this exercise before our May 10 session.

Homework. Realistic drawing depends on representing light and shadow with values. You can practice by drawing a sphere. Position an orange, tennis ball or other spherical object slightly below eye level. Light it with strong directional light. First, draw a six-step value scale at the side of your paper. The top value is paper white. The bottom value is the darkest you can make with your vine charcoal. 
Then draw a convincing sphere using all six values. Repeat this with different lighting angles. Also, draw cylinders, cones, and boxes. With a command of these four forms, you can draw anything. For a real challenge, crumple a piece of paper, unfold it slightly, light it with strong directional light, and draw the values. 
If you have questions or concerns, please feel welcome to contact me directly at:  ccookman@indiana.edu

Another Program Note!!

Joanne Weddle, Program Chair, needs to hear from you relative to program topics for this coming July and August’s meetings. In addition to topics, if you are willing to do a program or suggest someone to do one, all the better!!

Outside BWS

Call for Landscapes

Art Illiana Gallery, 23 North 6th Street, Terra Haute, has a call for landscape paintings. The deadline is June 4 and the show is open to North American artists. For more information contact artillinagallery@gmail.com.

Watercolor Society of Indiana

May 3rd is the deadline for entries into the 2021 WSI Juried Watercolor Show to be held at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from August 6th to September 25th. Paul Jackson is the shows selection and award juror.

Stephen Edwards will conduct a three-hour Spring Retreat Workshop for WSI over Zoom on May 1. This workshop takes the place of WSI’s Annual Waycross Retreat.

“Value and Light” May 1, 2021 VIRTUAL – 10:00am to 12:30pm.
Follow-up Critique May 22 from 10:00am -12:30pm
Registration Deadline April 26, 2021.
Supply List emailed to students after ticket purchase.
$100 for WSI Members, $150 for Non-members.

22nd Annual First Brush of Spring

The Hoosier Salon ART SALE at the 22nd First Brush of Spring Paint Out is scheduled for Saturday, April 17th at the Ribeye Center and Annex located at the corner of Main and Tavern Streets, under the clock tower. Artists may sell original artwork brought with them or painted during the Paint Out. Contact person: Linda Volz at hoosiersalon.org. Pre-registration is required.

Upland Plein Air Member Show

The Upland Plein Air Member Show will be held from April 30th to May 22nd at the Viridian Moon Gallery. This is a wonderful opportunity to support fellow artists, many of whom are also members of BWS.

Member News

Phyllis Taylor. Our local Oregon Food Bank sponsored a fundraiser where artists could pick up and decorate a flat white bakery box. Once decorated and assembled into a box, artists took their boxes to Nebeker Gallery at Clatsop Community College for a show and auction. Bidders received a bag of cinnamon buns to go inside. There were 50 boxes entered.

I had fun using markers, gouache, watercolor (and a final coat of clear acrylic spray paint). The slick white surface was an interesting new surface to play with.  I did a Spring scene with daffodils in an afternoon. The winning bid on my box was $100. I had fun and the food bank benefited.

Jacqui Frey. Here is a painting I completed entitled, “The House on 6th Street,” for the Hoosier Saloon Art Show in New Harmony to be shown Mid April to the 2nd week in June. Katya Alexeeva and Betty Wagnor also have paintings in the show.

Jacqui sent a second note saying, “Artists may want to check out the Tucson Art Academy website. This school offers year long courses via the internet. Andy Evansen is the featured watercolor instructor. There are many demos and critiques by Andy. My paintings are much stronger after taking one of his courses. All of his demos can be downloaded. He also provides many photos to work from.”

Stephen Edwards. “I have been very busy with several projects. Here are a few tidbits:

*YouTube video showing my progression of a painting entitled ‘Auction Day.’ Three weeks are condensed to four minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_gSojr5CK4

*’Lazy Summer Stream’ has been accepted into the Illinois Watercolor Society’s 37th National Exhibition to be held at The Next Picture Show Gallery and Fine Arts Center, 113 West First St., Dixon, IL. Juror of Selection and Awards, Elaine Daily-Birnbaum, AWS, NWS.

*My painting titled ‘Towards the Light’ was one of 45 paintings selected for the 89th Annual Indiana Artist Club Exhibition. Juror was Kim VanDerHock, AWS, NWS.

*See WSI entry above for information on the 3-hour workshop I will be doing for the Watercolor Society of Indiana. See you there. Let’s paint together for a few!”

MarySue Schwab. “I recently sold a portrait painting of a young Hopi girl that I photographed on the reservation. Here are some of the various watercolor techniques I used:

The face is wet on wet so to achieve the smooth look of a child’s face.

The hair and some of the patterns on the shirt were made by using mask and painting over areas with dark colors. After removing the masks I added the details.

The shirt and background were achieved by using wax on textured paper to resist the color. Afterwards, I painted wet on wet with overtones of dry brush.

Many of the techniques I learned in classes with professional artists at the Art Student’s League of New York. I do give lessons on using different techniques if anyone is interested.

I am also excited to announce that I have work that will be hanging in the Women’s Art Club of Cincinnati’s 128th Art Show. Out of 258 entries, 60 pieces were selected. The show runs from April 11th through April 25th.

Lynn Gilliat. I’m thinking of putting my stitchery or some of them into Fiber Arts Now “Emerging Artists” competition in May 2021.  This is what’s taken over some of my painting time during the Pandemic.  It’s my first time to show them and I am quite excited about receiving their magazine too!  Who knew I was interested in this art form!

Susan Savastuk. I’m currently participating in the Hancock County Arts Members-Only Show titled, “Thank Goodness for Flowers.” That show is on display at the Twenty North Greenfield Art Gallery in Greenfield and will run through April.

I have also submitted pieces to the Upland Plein Air 2021 Member Exhibition to be held at the Viridian Moon Art Gallery from April 30-May-22, 2021.

Finally, I submitted this painting to the IU Archives Covid-19 Documentation Project.

Carolyn Rogers Richard. While water color is and always will be my first love, I have been enjoying painting with water soluble oils and cold wax.  Attached are two of my recent works.  These are done in Duo Aqua and Windsor Newton brands water soluble oils with Dorland’s Wax Medium or Gamblin Wax Medium.  I used mainly palette knives and silicone wedges to apply the paint mixture to pre-gessoed cradled wood panels.  The water soluble oils do not have the strong odor traditional oil paints have and I find them much friendlier to use.  Adding the wax to the paint creates a wonderful creamy mixture that is very adaptable to different methods of applying the paint to the substrate.  I highly recommend experimenting with oil and cold wax!

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Carol Rhodes. Attached are three paintings I created from the Gary Tucker paint-alongs on March 15, 22, and 26. After doing drafts, these paintings were done in a just little over an hour.  I’m not calling mine great or even good. Some people created exquisite paintings in such a short time.

Charlotte Griffin. A bunch of members participated in the on-line paint-along on March 26 which involved painting a vase and a rose.  Mine kind of went awry with too much intense color.  So I worked on it for awhile and changed the vase to cranberry glass.  Might try the painting again some time.

Nancy Metz. “Social Distancing” by Nancy Davis Metz was awarded the Preston Arts Center Award in the Kentucky Watercolor Society’s AquaVenture 2021.

Joanna Samorow-Merzer. Thanks to the hard work of our fellow artist and BWS Treasurer, Carol Rhodes, in March our members were presented with the opportunity to access workshop tutorials by the Boston based artist, Gary Tucker.  Below is my watercolor painting with extra touches created after one of the workshops.

Kitty Garlock. Carol Rhodes took the extraordinary effort to get 5 training videos from Gary Tucker and offer them to everyone in BWS free of charge.  These lessons have been so much fun and even got a paint brush into the hands of some people (like me) who haven’t been inspired to paint for a while.   When we are done we share our attempts with the others and points of interest are commented on.  Our first class covered “Rocks and Water” while the second, much more intense, walked us through “Twilight in the City” for close to 4 hours!  Today we did “Roses are Red”.  Might also be called “Frustration is Fun” because no matter how our pictured turned out we were all happy as could be as we said goodbye and told people what a pleasure it was to paint together!  The best part is there is still more to come!

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April’s Calendar

April 1 to May 3 — WSI call for entries to their 2021 Juried Show.

April 1 to June 4 — Art Illiana Gallery call for entries for its show entitled “Landscapes.”

April 11 to April 25 — Woman’s Art Show, Cincinnati.

April 12 — BWS Business Meeting and Program at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

Mid April to 2nd week in June — Hoosier Salon Art Sale, New Harmony.

April 17 — Hoosier Salon Art Sale, New Harmony.

April 30 to May 22 — Upland Plein Air Member Exhibition at the Viridian Moon Art Gallery, Bloomington.

Meeting: February 8 at 6 p.m. over Zoom

Program: The FUNdamentals of Abstract Art by Jerome Harste

In the spirit of Jasper Johns on how to grow as an artist—“Do something, then do something to that something and soon you will have something”– in this program we will be creating a piece of abstract art using and breaking the rules we have learned about creating art from our many years of study and experience.  As we work with line, shape, color, value, space, pattern and dominance our mantra will be, “Repetition with Variation; Similar but Different.” By the end of the session participants will have a greeting card-sized piece of abstract art to use to impress friends and remind themselves how therapeutic, FUN, and educational art can be when done in the company of risk-takers.

Supplies Needed

*Ruler, pencil and a greeting card-sized piece of watercolor paper (5×7).  My recommendation is to tape it down on a small cutting board so that when you remove the tape your painting will be framed.

*Watercolor paints – bring all the different blues you own and at least one or two yellows you particularly like.

*Two waterproof black markers (fine point and medium point), and something that allows you to make a white line (acrylic pen; white gouache, white gesso, etc.)

Inside BWS

President’s Corner

Do you ever wonder how to breathe new life into your watercolor portraits?  Do you sometimes feel, in the middle of your project, that you are stuck?  Do you then start analyzing works by others in search of inspiration?  I would like to entice you to view the works of the accomplished artist Mario Andres Robinson at  https://www.marioarobinson.com/

I hope that you will find some inspiration in his watercolor portraits.  Have fun!

President Joanna Samorow-Merzer

2021-2022 Nominating Committee

We are at the time of the year that we have to find among you those who are interested in serving as Officers on the Executive Board or as Chairs on Committees in the next year, July 2021 – June 2022.  Some of the Officers/Chairs will continue and we have a few available spots for the next year.  Please see the downloadable document that President Joanna Samorow-Merzer sent to the membership describing the duties of each office if you are interested in serving.

This year’s Nominating Committee is being chaired by Andy Roberts and includes Barbara Coffman and Kathy Truelove Barton.

These are the available positions for Officers and Chairs: 
1) President
2) 1st VP
3) Treasurer
4) Activities Chair
5) Refreshment
6) Show

If you are interested in serving in any of these capacities please contact Andy Roberts, Nominating Committee Chair.

BWS Thanks

At our January program Joanne Weddle presented a program on journaling along with Linda Branstetter and Jacqueline Fernette who shared examples of the journals they have made. Not only did these artists share their creativity but they inspired many of us to begin journaling ourselves. Our thanks to the three of you for a wonderful and inspirational program.

“We Paint…Carnival.”

“We Paint…Carnival!” is the theme of the 6th Annual Month of Chocolate Exhibit presented by the Bloomington Watercolor Society.  Full of color and fun, it’s just what a carnival during Mardi Gras should be.

Paintings for “We Paint…Carnival!” are due at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, from 10 a.m. to Noon. If you missed the online gallery deadline, it’s not a problem – you can still exhibit at the Vault!  We will be filming a video tour and, in it, announcing the Best of Show and Silver Second awards, and the raffle winners.  

Painting are on exhibit at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage from February 5 through March 28. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tune into the virtual gallery opening on Friday, February 5th on YouTube and Facebook and the link below.

Month of Chocolate | LIFEDesigns

Purchases of paintings supports both LIFEDesigns and the artist. Paintings are for sale online through LIFEDesigns, along with original, handpainted and crafted greeting cards by BWS artists Linda Branstetter, Charlotte Griffin, Penny Lulich, Sharon Parsons, and Jeanne Ellen Dutton.  Many with matching painted envelopes, the greeting cards are priced at $6.00 each. 

Below are two examples: A painting called “Watercolor Collage” by Jan Britton and a Greeting Card called “Smudge and Pepper” by Linda Branstetter.

And remember: BWS’ Cookbook is also still available for purchase.

Outside BWS

Arts of the Earth Day at T.C. Steele

On Saturday, April 17th, T.C. Steele State Historic Site will hold its third Arts of the Earth Day. Arts of the Earth is a program to welcome spring and the return of warm weather, and to offer our visitors an inspiring day outdoors. Although we cannot guarantee it, it’s likely the daffodils will be in bloom!

If anyone from BWS would like to work outdoors at the site on that day, the staff at T.C. Steele would love to have them! The site will waive regular day admission for artists participating in the Arts of the Earth Day program.

Artist wishing to participate in Arts of the Earth Day by setting up and working outdoors between 10am-4pm on April 17th, should email Cate Whetzel (museumcommunication@indianamuseum.org) with their name and
estimated timeframe at the site. FYI Mask mandates are still in effect.

Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show – Feb. 6-27
Brown County Art Gallery.

This note from Betty Wagoner:

“The T.C. Steel Member Art Show includes a variety of paintings: oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel.  A number of photographic processes are represented, plus a few ceramic pieces and two quilting on cardboard pieces.  Ten of the
39 artists in the show are BWS members.  The show is judged by Kathtryn Clark, retired co-owner of Twin Rocker Handmade Paper and Wyatt Le Grand, a nationally recognized artist who is an art teacher in the Bloomfield Public Schools.  (Several years ago BWS members
traveled to Brookston, IN to tour the Twin Rocker Handmade Paper facility where they were producing watercolor paper.)  This is a good show to enter whether you are a professional or an emerging artist wondering whether you could successfully enter future art shows.”

Upland Plein Air Painters

Claude Cookman is presenting a program for the Upland Plein Art Painters on February 2 at 10 a.m. He invites interested members of BWS to join him. Anybody interested who is not an Upland member should email Babette Ballinger. She will be happy to add them to the invitation list.

Prospectus. We will start with a short presentation on the two major approaches to representing the human body in the western art tradition, tracing them from Ancient Greece and Rome through medieval, Renaissance and academic art to the present. 

This quick historical sketch is intended to prime your own drawing of the figure. We will do five 2-minute gesture sketches, a 10-minute pose, then conclude with a half-hour pose. This will be virtual, using photographs of academic poses. 

Caveat. If full-frontal nude images offend you, you should not attend this session. 

Materials. Drawing supplies. Claude recommends vine charcoal, a kneadable eraser, and newsprint (if possible, a large pad in the 16- x 24-inch range). However, any drawing materials will suffice.

Preparation. Although not required, Claude strongly recommends you watch this Youtube video on gesture drawing. Even if you feel confident in your skills, he promises you will learn something new and valuable about gesture drawing.

Questions. Please  let Claude Cookman know if you have questions or concerns about this announcement or the session. 

Salem Pocket Park — Mural Contest

The Washington County Community Foundation, City of Salem and Washington County Historical Society have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from an artist or artist team to design and implement a new public mural in Salem, Indiana.

The artwork will be part of a larger master plan for a new pocket park that will be located adjacent to city hall and the town’s central square. Design and planning for this project has been funded by Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement and the Eskenazi School’s ServeDesign Center. Implementation funding has been generously provided by the Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) Ready Communities Program.

Submissions are due by February 15th, 2021. Please email all inquiries and submissions to Daniel@AAOffice.com

Brown County Art Guild

**CALLING ALL ARTISTS!**  Have you ever been told you are a great painter? Here is your chance to be seen by many exceptional artists and collectors. The Brown County Art Guild is proud to present its first online art contest!   Artists of all skill levels (age 15 or older) are encouraged to enter up to three works of art.  All painting and drawing mediums are accepted. Registration fee is $15 per submission. Submissions will be accepted through February 14. All submissions will be judged by Guild Artist, Donna Shortt. All winners will be announced Sunday, February 28 on Facebook and Instagram. Prizes: First prize – $250; Second prize – $125; Third prize – $75. Open voting of Finalists’ artwork will take place on Facebook, February 21-25. A $50 People’s Choice Award will be presented to the Artist with the most online votes. Next week’s Guild Goes Live! will be devoted to answering questions about the #CanYouPaint_Challenge. Tune in at 3pm via Facebook and Instagram. Please see the #CanYouPaint_Challenge webpage for a complete list of rules and eligibility requirements: CONTEST RULES & REGISTRATION

Hancock County Arts – Vawter Campaign

This note from Carol Barrett, Vawter Art Campaign Chair:

“I wanted to let you know that the Hancock County Arts Board has decided to move the annual Vawter show from April to June this year.

There were two reasons for guiding us to this decision. The first was that we are in hopes our community will be much healthier by June and folks will welcome a safe, outdoor activity.

The second reason is very exciting. We are opening our new Depot Street Park in downtown Greenfield along with the unveiling of an amazing bronzed Vawter statue there in the new park.

It will be a great event in Greenfield where we can welcome our community to not only the park but to recognize Will Vawter and celebrate our collection of art entries at the TwentyNorth Gallery.

We invite artists to a plein air event in the park to coincide with our awards presentation. We do not have dates planned yet but will let you know as soon as those details are finalized. 

I hope you will welcome the additional two months to create your beautiful Vawter entries for 2021. Please take care and let us know of any questions you have at this point. See you all in June!!!!”

Viridian Moon Art Gallery

Several current and former BWS members are showing their work at Bloomington’s newest art gallery, Viridian Moon. Irina Shishova and Katya Alexeeva have opened the gallery at 1600 W. Bloomfield Road, Bloomington.
The gallery features acrylics, drawings, oils, watercolors, ceramics and fiber art from Anne-Karine Bley, Carol Rhodes, Eric Brock, Henry Leck, Irina Shishova, Jacki Frey, Katya Alexeeva, Nancy Davis Metz, Laurel Bender, and Oga Klyachko.

Viridian Moon is open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Irina and Katya invite you to come by and view the artworks. The website is https://www.viridianmoon.art/.

Membership News

Stephen Edwards wrote to say, “Very humbled to have received a Silver Medal for “Noon At The Oasis” in the 2020 International Art Professionals Exhibit. The jury was made up of 40 Professional Artists from all over the world. The painting was in the Aquarell (watermedia) Category.

Also equally humbled to receive the following award from the Brown County Art Gallery Foundation

 ‘Congratulations to the 2020 Vance Prize winner artist Stephen Edwards for his beautiful watercolor “Falling Temps and Flurries’.

The Prize began in the 1920s in memory of artist Frederick Vance who worked hard to establish the Brown County Art Gallery in 1926 but died before it’s opening. His family sponsored an annual prize for an outstanding work of art by an Association Member.

The Foundation Board revived the prize in recent years with a generous sponsorship by Board Member Dr. James Leatherman. Finalists receive 250.00 and the final prize is $1,000.00. The painting is available for purchase.”

Lynne Gilliatt send in a this note and a picture. “My new work is done on hand-dyed wool pieces with cotton floss, ribbon and wool threads!”

Timothy Lewis wrote to say, “I’ve been trying to loosten up a little by working on some small (7.5” x 11”) watercolors. Attached are two of the latest. I currently have artwork hanging in the Southside Art League’s Off Broadway Gallery in Greenfield, the Shelby Art Guid’s Gallery in Shelbyville, the Dragonfly Gallery in Spencer and at Generation Art & Frame in Franklin.

Penny Lulich wrote to say “I’ve entered two paintings into the T.C. Steel Member show.  “On Gigi’s Farm” is from a photo of my friend’s daughters who were visiting their grandfather in northern Indiana when it snowed just before Christmas.  The other painting is of my granddaughter putting the finishing touches on her snowman.  

For the “Art of Chocolate” gallery show, I’m entering a painting of a blue heron in winter “Bayou Bird”.  

 Linda Meyer-Wright posted some of her new work on Facebook. I asked her if she was willing to share her work in the BWS Newsletter. Here is what she had to say about the initial three paintings she sent in. “The first & third are alcohol ink on panel. The 3D portions are air dry clay. These techniques can be used with watercolor on canvas and paper as well. So air dry clay can be a fun addition to watercolor and/or acrylic or just about anything.  The middle one has a base of water soluble oil mixed with cold wax – several layers. The clay is the next layers – then alcohol inks – then oil & wax.  Layers & layers – put it on /take it off – you know me. The top 2 are 12×12. The tryptic is 3 10×10 panels.”

Linda later wrote to share more of her work saying, “I just couldn’t help myself” along with an avatar of herself.

Andy Roberts wrote to say: “I have a change of scenery for the winter months as we are in Fort Myers, FL which affords me to paint the local beaches and other exciting subjects both flora and fauna. I have applied for entry into the Sanibel Captiva Art League’s Art Fair to be held Feb. 21st. One of the painting I have done for this is attached.

Favorite Techniques

Jerome Harste. “I have been playing around with a mixed media technique that Kathy George introduced as part of a program a Myrtle Beach artist, Rebecca Zdybel, put together.  It involves using a light table, fluid acrylic paint in a needle-nosed bottle, and applying watercolor wet on wet.  (I bought this needle-nosed bottle from Gaunt Industries [No. 650] online).

Step 1.  Begin with a sketch.  The more intricate the better.  I have been working mostly with butterflies and sunflowers.

Step 2.  Lay your sketch on a light table and position your watercolor paper over it so that you can see the sketch through the paper.

Step 3.  With your needle-nosed bottle of fluid acrylic (I used Titan Bluff) trace you design onto your watercolor paper.  What results is a small trail of acrylic paint outlining the subject you are painting.

Step 4.  Allow the acrylic to completely dry.

Step 5.  Wet the areas of the background you want to color and then begin to drop in the watercolor colors you have selected. The ridges of acrylic paint keep the paint more or less in place, though some bleeding into your subject may occur.  (In the case of the sunflowers once I had dropped in the background I began to work the paint into leaf-like forms using both negative and positive painting techniques.)

Step 6.  Allow the background to completely dry.

Step 7.  Wet the subject of your painting and begin to drop in the watercolor colors you want to use, I found it is best to paint very loosely, splatter a bit of the colors I used for the flower to make things seem more realistic.

Here are some experimental paintings I have done using this technique. As you can see I have been experimenting with different colors as well as different intensities of color.

I have also tried using gouache to paint a background of flowers and leaves which I had first drew in using the needle-noosed bottle of acrylic.

Lately I have been experimenting with more geometric forms. To date the verdict is out as to whether or not I like the results. Nonetheless, it has been fun experimenting with this technique and I encourage you to give it a try.”

Calendar

February 2, 10 a.m. Upland Plein Air Program “Naked or Nude.”

February 2, 10 a.m. to Noon. Drop off Art of Chocolate paintings at the Vault, Gallery Mortgage.

February 5 – March 28. Art of Chocolate paintings on exhibit at the Vault, Gallery Mortgage.

February 5. Art of Chocolate paintings available virtually.

February 8, 6 p.m. BWS Monthly Meeting via Zoom

February 14. Last day to submit paintings to the Brown County Art Guild.

February 15. Mural proposals due for Salem Pocket Park Project.

April 17. T.C. Steele Arts of the Earth Day.

Have a Heart-Felt Valentine’s Day!!!