Our December 14th Program

Our December 14^th program will be an exchange of art cards.  Joanne Weddle and Cassidy Young coordinated this event.  Participating members exchanged art cards by mail and will open them during the Zoom call.  Although only 14 people elected to participate in the exchange, everyone is welcome to virtually watch the exchange and participate via the chat feature on Zoom.

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A Word of Inspiration this Holiday Season

In this time of continued uncertainty, one thing is clear: we are stronger together. Over the past several months, you have undoubtedly witnessed or experienced fear, sadness, worry, and frustration. But the world has also demonstrated compassion, hope, and creativity.  Seriously think about giving someone a painting this holiday season. Your generosity will say more than words can convey.  Encourage your friends to think about giving a piece of art also this year. Together we are stronger when we support each other through our generosity.  

And remember: BWS cards and bookmarks are for sale at the Venue during regular holiday hours. 50 percent of the cost goes to the BWS Art Scholarship.

Inside BWS

Our Thanks to Kathy Barton

BWS thanks Kathy Truelove Barton for her presentation during the November program. Kathy demonstrated how to mix greens for the changes of foliage in Indiana over the year. She used four of her landscape paintings to illustrate her points. A handout of the different greens she uses, including brands and paint numbers, were emailed to the membership.

The BWS Art Scholarship Needs Our Support

Jeanne Dutton reminds us that every spring, a graduating senior in the Monroe County Community School Corporation is awarded a $500 scholarship for the expressed purpose of purchasing art supplies as they begin their post-high school education in the area of visual fine art, architecture or design, or arts education.

Now through December 9 at 8:00 p.m., FMCCS is offering an on-line auction opportunity.  Included are ten items by BWS artists and 70% of any BWS item sold goes to support the BWS Art Scholarship.

Need a tax deduction?  All donations to the FMCCS are eligible.  So, if you prefer to donate directly, click the “Donate” button and be sure to note it is for the Bloomington Watercolor Society Art Scholarship: https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/browse.action?auctionId=341696508&categoryId=341900957

Herald-Times Invitation

Kristie Lindberg, BWS Publicity Chair, sent in the following report: “To carry on the tradition, our local paper, The Herald-Times, has invited us back for another yearly winter scenes spread! Due date: December 22.

Please note that images just need to be of winter scenes in south central Indiana. That doesn’t necessarily mean they need to include snow. Use your imagination). 

This year, the article will appear in the Sunday, December 27 edition. If you are interested in having your painting published included:

• Send one or images directly to Jennifer Tilley at features@heraldt.com by noon, Tuesday, December 22, 2020,
• address the subject line, “BWS 2020 first name, last name” (yours)
• size the images at approximately 200 dpi and attach it to the email (don’t worry if you don’t know what that means, their staff will take care of it for you), and 
• include your name and the name of the image in the body of the message.

Let’s have a good turn out for this kindly and timely offer.  We have some wonderful works to share and I trust they will be especially appreciated this year.  

“We Paint … Carnival!”

MONTH of CHOCOLATE, February 2021

Mardi Gras may be canceled in New Orleans, but BWS will still celebrate “Carnival!“We have dates!  We have judges!  We have prizes!

Sponsored by LIFEDesigns, this is BWS’ sixth year to support the Month of Chocolate. As you can guess, due to the covid crisis, things will be “virtually” different for the Month and the keynote event, the Art of Chocolate.  

Our BWS “Carnival” paintings will hang at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage and be featured in an online gallery.  There are plans to have a video tour of the exhibit hosted by Gabriel Colman, filmed and posted online through various sites. All of these features will be linked to the main Month of Chocolate website where art lovers can purchase their favorite paintings with ease.

December 6, please watch your email for the prospectus with all the information.  Meanwhile, questions may be sent to Jeanne Dutton, Chocolate@BloomingtontonWatercolor.org. 

Gain Signature Status in BWS

Those of you who are interested in becoming a Signature Member of BWS, you should know that the Signature Committee has extended deadlines for applying until March. If interested contact Kitty Garlock by email at kittygarlock@gmail.com and request the guidelines.  Applications and resumes can be filled out and submitted anytime but no later than March. In April the Signature Committee will judge the work submitted.  Kitty also announced that she is still looking for a volunteer signature member to help out.

Making “My Favorite Technique a Regular Feature of the Newsletter

Let’s make “My Favorite Technique” a regular feature of Brushstrokes. The next time there is a Call for Brushstrokes news, share some watercolor technique you like to use. Break down the process into steps and photograph each one. Cell phone photos will suffice for most everything; describe what to do in each step. Keep it short and simple: three to eight steps and photos. We all have something to share. Think of it as if you were at an in-person meeting and someone asked, “How did you do that?”

Outside BWS

TC Steele Member Art Show

The Friends of TC Steele Member Art Show is February 6 – 27, 2021.  Registration is Jan. 4, 2021.  BWS artists are encouraged to enter the show. 

Betty Wagoner says the Friends of TC Steele need more watercolorists!  She reminds us that the the award for 1st place is $1000.

Registration is free for members . Non-members may register with payment of membership at the time of registration. Registration information can be found at
https://tcsteele.org/member-art-show-registration/  Artists may register online or print the PDF form and mail it in.

Watercolor Society of Indiana News

WSI 2021 Juried Exhibition applications will be sent to members March 1. The deadline for receipt of digital entries will be May 7 with juror notification letters being sent June 7. The Juried Exhibit will be at the IMA Aug. 6-Sept. 25, and Paul Jackson will be the juror.

Paul Jackson will present a WSI workshop July 6-9 at Somerset Lakes Clubhouse in Indianapolis. Keiko Tanabe will present a WSI workshop Oct. 20-22 at the Southside Art League in Indianapolis.

Call to Artists: Jasper

Kathy Barton send out an announcement saying that The Jasper Art Center will be reviewing portfolios for solo and group 2021 shows in their Thyen-Clark Cultural Center. The deadline for submission is February 14. Find all the details online at visualarts@asperindiana.gov or call 812-482-3070.

Call to Artists: Anderson

The Anderson Museum of Art announces:

According to their email, “We are ready to celebrate the beginning of a new year with an exciting new exhibition that will highlight the things that make you happy.

Artists will be encouraged to produce works of art that showcase the beauty of where you LIVE, the things that make you happy and LAUGH, and the people or items that you LOVE.

Let’s spread some happiness in this juried exhibition. Drop off is January 6, 7, & 8 from 9-5 pm. The winner of each category (Live, Laugh, Love) will have a collection of their work exhibited in our Grande Room summer 2021.”

Center for Lifelong Learning Spring Digital Catalog is Out!!

Now is the time to register for courses with Ivy Tech (ivytech.edu). Several BWS members are offering courses that are worth your consideration, including:

Vibrant Oil Painting for Beginners by Katya Alexeeva
Beginning Watercolor by Carol Rhodes
Principles of Art Through Abstraction by Cassidy Young
Discovering Your Museum by Carol Rhodes & Nancy Metz

Call to Artists: Pikes Peak Watercolor Society

Nancy Neale Martins, Watermedia Chair of the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society wrote to extend an invitation to BWS members to enter The Pikes Peak International Watermedia 2021 Exhibition.  The deadline for entries is January 31, 2021.  The juror for the show is the the esteemed Alvaro Castagnet.  The prospectus for the show can be found at:Prospectus:  https://pikespeakwatercolorsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WM-2021-Prospectus.pdf

Sharing Our News

Betty Wagoner is Given an Award

Betty Wagoner won an Award of Merit prize for her painting, “Monk’s View – West Baden,” at the IPAPA Member Art Show.  The show is currently at the Harrison Art Center in Indianapolis through Dec. 18.

Kriste Lindberg Shares a Recent Painting

Went on a hike a few weeks ago and took time to notice the leaves.  Especially, how they were turning from a splendid bright color to brown.  Caught one somewhere in the middle.

Sandy Hall is in Several Shows

I am an associate member of BWS and Upland group and have never shared. I live in Greenfield Indiana and connect with Bloomington artists during plein air events and spontaneous gatherings. COVID-19 has put a dent in travel plans. I continue to work out of my studio in Greenfield. Regretfully Jackie Frey and I had to cancel our June trip to Cape Cod to study under Andy Evansen.

I have two paintings in the 122nd Annual Exhibit of Indiana and Ohio Artists in the Richmond Art Museum and another painting in a show entitled “Presenting Irvington Artists” at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center in Irvington. That show runs until December 19.  

The juried selections for the Irvington show were based on whether or not the artist had a connection with Irvington. As a child, I lived in Marion County and participated in painting the storefront window. 

This fall, I had three piece (all water-based media) shown in the Cumberland Arts Exhibit.

Donna Whitsitt is Moving and has Picture Frames to Give Away

Many of you know that I have been thinking about moving for some time. Well, that time has come. I will be moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma at the end of this month. I have enjoyed living in Indiana and especially my time spent with BWS and Upland. Thanks to all of you in these two organizations, I have discovered many new places to paint and opportunities to grow as an artist.     

As I prepare to move, I am downsizing some of my belongings. I have large frames, sizes 12″ x 17″ to 24″ x 36″ and small frames, 5″ x 7″ to 9″x 11″ that I am giving away. Of the small frames, three are wood but all the rest of the small ones are metal. The large ones are all wood.

If you are interested, please call or text me at 765-341-5011 so we can arrange a time for you to come and look at them. When you come, be prepared to wear your mask. I will have hand sanitizer if you need it.     

Also, I have my art work on display at my house for one last time before I leave. Both the frames and my art work can be seen until Sunday, December 6th. Then I will be taking the frames to Goodwill and packing my art for the move.   

I still plan to visit Indiana and Brown County several times each year. I look forward to seeing everyone and painting with each of you again when this pandemic is behind us.     If you wish to contact me after I move, my email is donnawhitsitt@ymail.com. 

Phyllis Taylor Wins People’s Choice Award

I have something for the newsletter from one of BWS’s West Coast members.    I entered the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Annual Conservation Stamp Competition this fall and won the People’s Choice Award. I did a watercolor of the endangered Oregon Silverspot Butterfly on its host plant, the adunca violet. It had to be 13″ x 18″ and unsigned. Artists competed from all over the U.S. Who knew violets could be so important?   See it on ODFW site: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/contest/2021_conservation_stamp_contest.asp

Andy Roberts Shares His Paintings

I have attached two recent painting that I have completed depicting the Tulip Railroad Trestle ( i.e. Viaduct)  West of Solsberry, Indiana. These were done from opposite directions one looking down Beech Creek to the West and the other from a hill on the West side looking East. I will attempt to host an Upland Plein Air there next year. Merry Christmas to Everyone.

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Celebrating Local Artists

The December issue of Bloom Magazine features the work of 17 local artists, two of which are members of BWS. Our congratulations to Bess Lee and Jerome Harste. The article begins: “Bloomington is blessed with a myriad of artists working in a wide variety of mediums. In these pages we present the works of 17. There are many more, for sure.” It then goes on to say, “Our hope here is that some readers will purchase the art they see or other works by a favorite artist…When you do, an original work of art becomes yours alone, a precious possession that serves no world function other than to be admired and shared with family and friends. So, beware. As you turn these pages, you just might fall in love.”

Sharing Favorite Techniques

Jeanne Dutton is Making Bookmarks

I am making bookmarks for the Venue.  Andrew Preston gave me a pad of mineral paper which is made from rocks.  It’s a lightwright version of yupo, sorta – same smooth, nonporous surface.  So I poured alcohol inks on a sheet of it and cut them into 1 3/4 x 5 1/2 size, then glued them down to regular watercolor paper, embellished with gold or white gel pens, and laminated them.  

Next I punch holes and add tassels.  It’s a nice activity while I sit and watch the snow fall and the wind blow right outside the window. 

Here are pictures of how the alcohol ink interacts with the paper and what they look like after getting tassels.

For those interested, there is a YouTube video entitled “Mineral Paper Overview” which shows how the paper is made.

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Carolyn Rodgers Richard shares her favorite way to make greeting cards.

These Watercolor Cutout Flower Cards are so simple and so much fun!  I have created several of the flowers on front of cards that are for sale at the Hoosier Artist Gallery, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville, Indiana in case you don’t have time to make your own and need some!  

To make the cards, just use some good watercolor paper and paint some flower blossoms and leaves.  I have found it best to create the flower blossoms and leaves separately for ease of arranging them on the fronts of blank cards.  The blank cards can be purchased at Hobby Lobby or Michaels.   NOTE: It isn’t necessary to purchase the expensive watercolor paper cards since you are not painting on them, merely gluing flowers to them.  I just take a piece of watercolor paper, my favorite watercolor paint colors, and make as many flowers and leaves on a page as I can fit.   I like to leave a tiny white border around each piece when I cut them out to give them some dimension.  Then I choose some happy color combinations and arrange them on the front of the blank card.  I use elmer’s glue stick to glue them down but I do not glue down completely to the edges because having that little bit of free edge creates a bit of a shadow showing some dimension.   This method could work for any cut outs on the fronts of blank cards.  So much fun and the possibilities are endless!  Don’t forget to sign your cards!   Merry Christmas or Hanukkah everyone.

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Nancy Metz shares her Favorite Technique for Painting Poinsettas

What better time than December to paint a poinsettia? You don’t even have to rush out to get one. This little exercise allows you to “build your own” poinsettia from the center out, using progressively darker values.

Step A – Getting ready to paint: The quarter will help you save the center of your flower (You may not need this, but it is an effortless way to keep from painting right over the white you are trying to save.) I use the wooden skewer to scratch in the veins of the leaves; if you choose a different veining technique, you won’t need the skewer. I chose as my colors quinacridone gold, quinacridone coral, permanent alizarin crimson, permanent sap green, and Prussian blue. You can choose any colors you want; however, transparent colors work better than opaque. The size of your painting will determine the size of your brushes. For my 8-1/2 by 11-1/2 painting, I chose a 1-inch flat, my favorite No. 10 Casaneo (because it comes to such a lovely point). The other two brushes are nothing special; they simply are the right size for tight spaces.

The other photo in Step A illustrates my way of drawing the poinsettia bracts. (That’s the correct name for poinsettia petals.)  I drew these from a poinsettia I had several years ago, and you are welcome to use them. The 10 petal shapes give you plenty of variety because you can flip each one to make it look different. If you chose to draw your own petal shapes, make sure you have a range of sizes. The next step is to cut out the petal shapes. This will be explained in Step D.

Step B – Starting from the center: Place the quarter where you want the center of your flower to be. Then wet the paper, avoiding getting too close to the quarter. You don’t want it sopping wet – just enough for the color to move. Create a puddle of quin gold and from it paint random strokes to create what will be the background for your flower. Don’t make this too uniform. A background of varied values will be more interesting than one solid layer of quin gold. While the wash is wet, blot out areas that are too close to the quarter. A little gold showing though your petal colors is a positive, so don’t be overly concerned with exactly where the flower will be in the final painting.

Remove the quarter and – assuming the paper beneath the coin is dry – paint five or six dots of quin gold. While those are still wet, tip in a tiny bit of quin coral and permanent sap green, letting the pigments mingle. If you don’t get it right the first time, just blot it up, let the paper dry, and give it another go. The final step in painting the center is to freestyle the top layer of bracts. This has to be done on dry paper. These will be the smallest and lightest of the layers. Paint these from a pale wash of quin coral. Try to avoid symmetry; this is nature, after all. Keep them unevenly spaced and differently shaped. 

Step C – A word about veining: Before you start painting the petals, decide how you want to create the veins on the bracts. Five veining methods are shown, and you can choose one or all for your painting. You just need to commit before you paint each bract. I chose to scratch in the veins, so I had to have my skewer handy when I put the paint down. 

Step D – Painting one bract at a time: Once the center of your flower has dried, choose one of your cutout petals and position it where you want it. IMPORTANT: This petal will be behind the top layer you freestyled in Step B, so make sure your pencil marks do not go over any painted areas. The middle photo in Step D shows this technique. Paint the bract using a slightly darker value of quin coral than the top layer. Drop in a little quin gold and or Prussian blue to give the petal dimension. You can be fairly generous with the quin gold, but be very careful with the Prussian blue. Either mix up a puddle of quin coral with a tiny bit of Prussian blue, or just touch a diluted Prussian blue to the wet petal, and let the colors blend on the paper. Repeat with five or six differently shaped bracts to create the second layer of the poinsettia. Remember to vein the bracts using whatever technique you choose. Leave some slivers of “air” around the center by drawing in some stems.

Step E – Creating third layer and looking into the center: Repeat Step D with an even darker wash of quin coral, varying the bract shapes and adding in drops of quin gold and Prussian blue, to create the third layer of bracts. The top photo shows the painting at this stage.

The bottom photo shows the impact of painting those tiny slivers of dark green in the center of the flower. On your palette, mix a dark green from the permanent sap green and permanent alizarin crimson. If the mix looks brown, add more green. This creates the illusion of looking down into the center of the plant, so you should vary the values or even the colors of the greens a little.

Step F – Adding the fourth layer: Using the same process as outlined in Step D, add the fourth layer of bracts. By this point, you may have maxed out the value of quin coral. To solve this problem, mix in a little permanent alizarin crimson to the quin coral. And as with the other layers, add interest by charging in some quin gold and Prussian blue.

Step G – Finishing off by mixing in some greens to fifth layer: A “leaf” on a poinsettia is a bract that hasn’t turned red yet, so you can use the same shapes you’ve used in earlier layers. Mix your greens with the permanent sap green and quin coral OR permanent alizarin crimson. You can get some interesting effects by charging in some permanent alizarin crimson to the greens on the paper.

The finished painting shown as Step G is one I had completed last year. 

My painting mantra has always been “Remember that there is more than one right way to paint anything.” I believe this is a riff on a Susie Short tutorial from long ago, with a few twists of my own. I hope you can make it your own and have a custom poinsettia for your holiday.

December Calendar

Now thru December — Visit the Vault to buy BWS Christmas Cards & Bookmarks

December 6 — Month of Chocolate Prospectus becomes available

Now through December 6 — Get free frames by calling Donna Whitsitt

Now thru December 9 — Participate in the FMCCS Auction

December 14 — BWS Holiday Party

Now thru December 18 — See Betty Wagoner’s painting at the IPAPA show at the Harrison Art Center in Indianapolis

Now thru December 19 – See Sandy Hall’s painting at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center in Irvington

Now through January 4 — Registration open for the Friends of TC Steele Art Show

January 6, 7, or 8 — Deadline for dropping off paintings at the Anderson Museum of Art

Now thru January 9th — See Sandy Hall’s painting at the Richmond Art Museum

January 31 — Deadline for submitting painting to the Pikes Peak Juried Show

February — Month of Chocolate

February 6-27 — TC Steel Art Show

February 14 — Deadline for submitting portfolio to Jasper Art Center

Now thru March — Matrerials due if applying for Signature Status in BWS

March 1 — WSI 2021 Juried Exhibition Prospectus Availble

BWS Meeting: October 12

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Business Meeting via Zoom

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Program via Zoom

The October Program: Printing Greeting Cards – Joanne Shank.  Over the past years people have been able to purchase cards of Joanne’s birds and flowers at various sites in our community.  During this program, Joanne will share what she has to take to the printer as well as where she has the work done, the costs involved, and the choices she has to make. 

Joanne Weddle, BWS Program Chair, says, “It is fun to have your art made into greeting cards to send to friends. Don’t miss this Zoom program. It will inspire you to take this step.”

September’s Program — A Thank You to Kitty Garlock. Kitty was the facilitator for BWS’s September Show and Share program.  Each fall BWS’s September program is a Show and Share where members have an opportunity to share examples of paintings they have done over the summer.  This program is always a favorite as we enjoy seeing what others have done and view samples of their creativity.  Artwork shown included landscapes, portraits, and paintings on a variety of topics including the pandemic. If you missed the September program, you will be able to see what others have done during our upcoming virtual membership show.

Inside BWS

November 1st Deadline

Joanne Weddle, BWS Program Chair, wants to remind you to get your Art Cards (from 1 to 10) and your return envelop with 2 stamps into Cassidy Young by November 1 in order participate in the Christmas Art Card Exchange at our December meeting. Cassidy’s mailing address is 1419 E. Browning Lane, Bloomington, IN 47401. For further details see the August and September BWS Newsletters.

BWS Membership Show

If you missed the virtual celebration of Bloomington Watercolor Society Artists and their paintings on October 2nd, you can still do so by going to: http://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com. Kathy Barton, the Show Chair, said that paintings can also be viewed through October 29 at The Vault, Gallery Mortgage (121 E. 6th Street, Bloomington) by contacting John LaBella to schedule an appointment (812-334-9700 or John@gallerymortgage.com). Here is just one of the many fabulous paintings in the 2020 Membership Show.

Paint-Out at TC Steele

BWS’s last Paint-Out of the year will be Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the TC Steele State Historic Site.  The Paint-Out starts at 10 am and participants may stay as long they like.  

Our Paint-Out Chair, Betty Wagoner says, “The site will be a delight at this time of the year.  It is on a ridge with buildings, forests, gardens, expanses of grass and a couple of ponds.  The TC Steele home and barn-like studio are visually fetching.  Many trees will be in color.  There is a new Visitor Center with modern restrooms.  A fee of $10 or $8 for seniors is required.  A tour of the Studio and the House of the Singing Wind is included in the fee.  Although we will not have the traditional shared meal due to COVID-19, participants can each bring a lunch and gather with fellow painters, at a safe distance.  Masks are required at the site. Happy painting.”

Outside BWS

Art Sanctuary Fall Art Show

Char Dapena shared this announcement from Nancy Maxwell:  

Because so many events have been postponed including the Annual Fall Foliage Festival, the Art Sanctuary of Martinsville is having a “No-entry-fee, No-prizes, Art Show” this October.

Youth, amateur and professional artists are welcome as is all media and craft.  Art drop off is Sunday, October 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. and October 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. at 190 N. Sycamore St., Martinsville.  Contact Mlika Power, the Show Coordinator (mikalvus2scrap@yahoo.com) for more information.

Burris Family Show, “A Look at Relative Art,” which opened last January, is being held over and will run through Spring 2021.  Bob Burris says to let him know when you come to Columbus to see the show as he would love act as your personal guide.

Betty Wagoner shared a picture that she painted at the Great Outdoor Art Contest (GOAC) which took place at TC Steele on Sept. 9-12, 2020. Betty also sent a picture of  the oil painting by Donna Shortt that was declared the winner of the Great Outdoor Art Contest. 

Other Area Shows

The Hoosier Salon 95th Juried Show at the Indiana State Museum runs from now until October 15.

The Desiderata Art Show at the Arts Illiana Gallery in Terra Haute runs from now until November 20.

The deadline for submitting artwork to the Richmond Art Museum’s 122nd Annual Exhibition by Indiana and Ohio Artist is October 9. The show itself will from November 5th to January 9.

The Terra Haute Swope Art Museum’s 76th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition runs from November 6 to January 10th.

Member News

Cassidy Young shares an article she read that contains an important part of the history of art:

Fearful that the occupying Nazi forces in Prague could confiscate a lifetime’s worth of artwork, Jewish painter Gertrud Kauders decided in 1939 to hide her vast array of paintings and drawings.

Nearly 80 years later, in the summer of 2018, Michal Ulvr was leading a demolition team tearing down a decrepit house south of Prague when “about 30 paintings tumbled out and fell onto my head.”

As the day wore on, the crew turned up more stashes of strikingly beautiful artwork as they dismantled the house — some were under floorboards, others behind walls. By the end of the day some 700 paintings and sketches lay out in the open on the worksite as summer rain clouds gathered over Prague.

To read the rest of the article go to:  https://www.rferl.org/a/murdered-jewish-artist-paintings-kauders-nazis-prague/30858168.html?fbclid=IwAR1dznmmwbJ0t2oyPPDnQs8nwlo9m39DVKmmbFl56Mgy8a3ePCVOwPxbNew 

Meri Reinhold announced that her painting “Maasai Jeweler” was accepted in the 76^th Annual Wabash Valley Juried Show to be held at the Swope Art Museum (25 S 7^th St., Terre Haute) from November 6^th through January 10, 2021. 

Bob Burris shared his latest painting, “Florida House.” 

Jerry Harste annually donates a picture to support the Simon-Burroughs Art Museum in Myrtle Beach. This year the Museum’s 10th Annual Collectors Event is scheduled for Valentine’s Day, February 14. All artwork donated must be valued at at least $200 dollars. Patrons buy $200 tickets to attend the event and then select a piece of art to add to their private collections. Donated artwork will be on display on the Museum’s website and on display in one of the Museum’s galleries from January 5 to February 13.

October’s Calendar

October 1 to November 1 — Deadline to get from 1 to 10 Art Cards in to Cassidy Young (1419 E. Browning Lane) in order to participate in the December Art Card Exchange. Don’t Put This Off!!!

October 1 through Spring, 2021, Burris Family Show in Columbus.

October 1 to October 15, Hosier Salon 95th Juried Show at the Indiana State Museum.

October 1 to November 20, Desiderata Art Show at the Arts Illiana Gallery in Terra Haute.

October 2 to October 29, BWS Membership Show, Online and at The Vault.

October 5 and October 6, Drop off of painting at Art Sanctuary of Martinsville.

October 10, TCSteele Paint-Out, starting time 10 a.m.

October 15, deadline for submitting artwork to the Richmond Art Museum’s 122nd Annual Exhibition.

October 12, BWS Business Meeting (6 p..m.) and Program (7 p.m.) over Zoom.

November 6 to January 10, Terra Haute Swope Art Museum’s 76th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition.

August Business Meeting and Program

Business Meeting: 6-7 p.m. via Zoom

Program: Making and Trading Art Cards with Joanne Weddle, 7-8 p.m. via Zoom

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BWS members are invited to design and paint artist trading cards for our Holiday Trading activity.  Following our Monday, August 10, 6:00 Zoom meeting, Joanne Weddle will give a presentation on making artist trading cards.  Instructions on how we will trade these cards is as follows:

a. Members are invited to make from 1 – 10 cards (your choice).  These cards are 2 ½ by 3 ½ inches in size and done on cards you can purchase from Hobby Lobby (25 for $2.99 minus a 40% coupon) or ones you cut from your own watercolor paper.

b. Designs should be original.  They can each be different or all the same.  Put your name on the back of the cards.

c. Put your cards in an envelope to mail to Cassidy Young at 1419 E. Browning Lane, Bloomington, IN 47401.

d. Also put a stamped, self-addressed envelope in the envelope with your cards. These envelopes must be received by Cassidy no later than November 1, 2020.

e. Cassidy will sort out all cards she receives and return to you in your self-addressed, stamped envelope the same number of cards done by others as the number you sent to her.

f.. Following the BWS Zoom business meeting on Monday, December 14, members will open their envelopes, look at their cards and make any comments they may wish to make (a thank you, or whatever).  These will be our holiday gifts to each other.  We hope you will participate.

Inside BWS

A special thank you to Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes for their July program “Discovering Your Museum.” While there were some technical problems those of us who hung in there learned about the online exhibits that are available to view around the world as well as why sketching painting that capture your attention can be such an educational and enlightening experience. Thanks again, Nancy and Carol. A wonderful program by two wonderful teachers.

The Coming Year in Programs: 2020-2021 is Going to be Great!

Joanne Weddle, BWS Program Chair, announced that all BWS programs for 2020-2021 will be held the 2^nd Monday of each month following a business meeting conducted on Zoom.  Programs already scheduled are as follows:

       August 10 – Artist Trading Cards – Joanne Weddle

       September 14 – Show and Share facilitated by Kitty Garlock – members invited to share a piece of art done over the summer.

       October 12 – Printing Cards From Paintings – Joanne Shank.

       November 9 – Indiana Greens Throughout the Year – Kathy Barton.

       December 14 – Meadowood Holiday Party cancelled.  Artist Trading Cards will be shared between members on zoom following the business meeting.

       January 11 – Journals – Jeanne Dutton.

       February 8 – Using the FUNdamental of Art to Create an Abstract – Jerry Harste

       March 8 – Making Folding Greeting Cards – Charlotte Griffin

       April 12 – _______________

       May 19 – ________________

       June 14 – ________________

Programs and presenters are needed for the months of April, May and June.  If you are willing to be a presenter on a topic you think would interest the group, let Joanne Weddle know (812-345-6217 or jweddle2@comcast.net).  If you don’t want to present, but have a topic you wish to have presented, let Joanne know and she will find a presenter.  Joanne says, “In a regular year we would have filled out a form with program ideas during our June meeting.  This year we need your electronic input via email with ideas to complete this year’s schedule.” Please respond.

Attention! August BWS Paint-Out 

Sat., August 8, 2020, 9 am – Noon
At the Woolery and The Clear Creek Trail

Betty Wagoner, our Paint-Out Chair, described the setting and all of the opportunities of what to paint. “The Woolery and northern terminus of the Clear Creek Trail are connected by a paved trail that crosses under the Tapp Road bridge.  The Clear Creek Trail proceeds south for 2 1/2 miles.  The Woolery, on the north side of Tapp Road, is an aging, metal shell of a building where an artist could walk in and set up to paint.  It is adjacent to The Woolery Mill, a renovated building.  The grounds are both groomed and on the wild side with expanses of grass, a quarry full of water, walls of large stones, trees and a pond.  Large machinery including an old firetruck are scattered about the property. The Clear Creek Trail on the south side of the bridge offers a pretty view of the Clear Creek flowing over rocks. As a bonus, a farmers’ market is there on Saturdays. For a view of the site, go to https://www.oneworldatwoolery.com“

Look for an email reminder and instructions in the week before the paint-out. 

 

Our Latest Paint-Out: A Report and Pictures from Betty Wagoner and Andy Roberts

On July 11, ten BWS painters met at the Karst Farm Park on one of the best weather days of July.  It was sunny but a cool, low humidity morning.  The park was beautiful, a mix of rolling grasslands, trees, sports fields, woods and trails.  Photographed here are Cassidy Young at work and Nancy Metz, surrounded by her paintings.

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Andy Roberts wrote saying, “I participated in a Paint Out at Karst Farm Park on Saturday July 11th. It was a beautiful summer morning and peaceful. I sketched and painted this landscape  in watercolor.”

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! 2020 BWS Membership Show

Kathleen Barton, BWS Show Chair, announced that our Member Show will be held October 2 through October 29 with the take-in of paintings on September 29.   At this time it is not known whether the show will be online or in a gallery, with visitors accessing the exhibition at reserved times. Visit the BWS website to see the prospectus.

This year’s theme is “Renewal/Rejuvenation,” says Kathleen Barton, “to counter-act the specter we deal with on a daily basis. If you have an artistic response to Covid it can be part of the show, as we seek ways to process the pandemic and live full lives.  Stay safe and we look forward to seeing your paintings.”

Francie Agnostino’s Artwork: This from Patty Uffman, our Past President

“Some of you know Francita (“Francie”) Agostino who has been a member of BWS a number of years.  She lived in Bloomington except for part of the year that she spent in Bradenton, Florida.  Recently she moved back to Bloomington and now is a new resident of the independent living section in Gentry Park.  Due to major downsizing, she has sold her artwork to Jeff’s Warehouse, 424 S. College Avenue.  Anyone interested in her voluminous oils, pastels, and watercolors can visit Jeff’s Warehouse Tuesday-Saturday.  I was there over the weekend and came away with several paintings — small ones, primarily because I’m running out of wall space!  After I bought them I gave Francie a call and she was tickled to hear that ‘one artist appreciates another one.’  Talking with her was really my pleasure!”

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Greenfield and BWS Proud by Kathy Barton

John William Vawter (187l to 1941), from Greenfield, Indiana was an American landscape artist and illustrator known for his broad strokes and loose impressionistic style.

The Hancock County Arts Center, under the leadership of Show Chair, Carol Barrett, sponsored a Will Vawter Art Show in conjunction with the dedication of a Will Vawter statue.  The Bloomington Watercolor Society was well represented with Sandy Hall having two pieces in the show and Betty Wagoner, Kathleen Barton and Joanne Shank each having three pieces.  Our deepest congratulations to those BWS members who participated.

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Sharing What We Have Been Up To?

Because most of what we know about art we learn from being in the presence of others, sharing our work is one of the most important and enjoyable aspect of becoming a member of the Bloomington Watercolor Society. As editors of our Newsletter, Nancy Metz and I wish to thank all of the members who elected to share their work in this edition. Your contributions make the Newsletter worth reading and our roles enjoyable.

Robin Edmundson

Robin Edmundson reported that two of her pieces were accepted into Juried Exhibitions. “Bluebell Wood – Just Starting to Bloom” was accepted in the WSI Exhibit 2020 Show and “Midwinter Sky & Birds” was accepted into the Hoosier Salon Exhibition. Congruations Robin!!!

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Susan Savastuk

Susan Savastuk says she has been experimenting with pointillism marker portraits and landscapes

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Carol Rugers Richard

Carolyn Rogers Richard wrote saying “I somehow didn’t see last month’s request for newsletter information.  I was one of the Featured Artists at Hoosier Artist Gallery at 45 S. Jefferson St. in Nashville for the month of July.”

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Patty Uffman

Patty Uffman wrote saying “Here are the paintings I have completed this month.”

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Jacki Frye

Jacki Frye wrote saying, “This was done in the past month when we visited Yellowstone. The weather was perfect and we had a wonderful  assortments of clouds and storms  in the mountains. I’ve been doing a series of studies of sky and clouds.”

Nina Ost

Nina Ost sent in a picture that probably rings true to all of us in the Bloomington Watercolor Society who are trying to enjoy our flower gardens. Nina writes, “I’ve been playing with collage. This is a nod to the damn deer in my yard. I’ve entitled it ‘Welcome to the Burbs.'”

Carla Hedges

Carla Hedges has been busy, busy, busy. “I’ve been painting flowers and I’m really enjoying it.” As you can see, she has a beautiful series going.

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Bess Lee

Bess Lee contributed ‘Save Our Mother,’ a painting she completed in Carol Rhodes and Nancy Metz’ class, ‘Discovering Your MUSEum.’ The concerned expressions on the faces of the angels are lovely Bess, as is your message to the world.

Suzanne Thorin

Suzanne Thorin. “I took a class on July 23rd with Sarah Roche sponsored by a group called Arty Classes, which comes from England.  Sarah is the director of the Botanical Arts program at Wellesley.  This is my rose from that class.  Sarah is doing a master class on painting leaves in October. This Zoom class was international with Sarah working and teaching from Cohasset, MA and the convener from a suburb of London.”

Claude Cookman

Claude Cookman wrote to say, “I feel so lucky to be able to putter away my time trying to make art.

I’ve been doing watercolor over a silverpoint drawing. Here is a bit of history. The graphite pencil was not developed until the mid 1500s. Like most new technologies, it took time until it was widely adopted. Before that, artists drew with ink, charcoal, chalk, and — one of their favorite mediums — metal. They used gold, copper, and lead, but especially liked silver. 

A few weeks ago, I began experimenting with silverpoint. I put a piece of silver wire in a mechanical pencil holder and draw on a board coated with gesso that contains an abrasive.  The medium is extremely responsive and, if you do it right — that is, with great patience — will produce very delicate drawings. Over time, the silver takes on a patina, which darkens the drawing. I am also experimenting with gold, copper, brass, and solder (a lead alloy) wires. Each metal gives a different tone. 

Below is still life of peaches drawn in silverpoint. Following the practice of some Renaissance artists, I added watercolor to produce the second image. This proved quite tricky. On regular paper, the watercolors sink into the paper, but they sit up on top of the gesso surface. It’s hard to get a consistent wash. For this image, I applied several thin glazes, which has worked for me with ink drawings. The result on gesso was streaked with ugly blotches and harsh edges. So, one small area at a time, I dampened the painting with a clean brush and wiped away most of the color, yielding this lightly tinted image. 

This was a great learning experience, but I probably will not do it again. First, because the watercolor is so difficult to control on gesso. Primarily, because the paint obscures the shimmering quality of the metal drawing.”

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Lynne Gilliatt

Lynne Gilliatt regularly invites artist friends to her shaded driveway to paint. On this particular morning she was joined by Nancy Metz (front) and Carol Voelker (back).

Nancy Davis Metz

Nancy Davis Metz wrote to say that she had just finished her Covid-19 painting which she is calling “Social Distancing.” Nancy’s mastery of glazing is evident in the stunning painting she submitted.

Sara Steffy

Sara Steffy wrote saying, “I just got the news that my acrylic, ‘BeeBalm,’ has been accepted in the Jasper, Indiana 27th Annual Juried Exhibit. The Exhibit will be at the Krempp Gallery and run from September 2 to September 27. More information is available at www.jasperarts.org.

Barbara Coffman

Barbara Coffman sent in two of the many paintings of the trees at Yellowwood that she worked on while taking Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes’ class entitled “Discovering Your MUSEum.” Barbara’s initial inspiration for how to paint the trees came from seeing Hale Woodruff’s painting, entitled “Twilight,” at the Chicago Institute of Art. From there it was all play and experimentation and, might I add, to great effect!

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`Meri Reinhold

Meri Reinhold wrote saying, “I just have one picture to include. Titled: Surrounded.” While Meri captures the softer side of the Covid-19 pandemic, she also captures its pervasiveness and danger.

Jerome Harste

“I’ve been doing a series on ‘hands.” I’m calling this gouache collage (I used an actual shoe string), ‘Mending Our Flag.’ I started this hand series in Carol Rhodes and Nancy Metz’ ‘Discovering Your MUSEum’ online course. The inspiration for this particular painting came from several sources. First, the layout for the hands comes from a photograph by Georgia O’Keefe which I found at the Art Institute of Chicago. I loved how the positioning of the hands led the eye through the photograph. Further inspiration came from my study of Matisse and his use of thick black outlining of objects in his painting. (About four times as thick as any outlining I had previously even tried.) My third source of inspiration came from the Black Live Matter protests and Trump’s use of police to quell what he calls riots.

Remembering Our History

Our BWS Historian, Linda Branstetter, sent in the following report: “I found that from July 7th to the 17th in 2010, BWS watercolor artists were invited to paint pictures of the musicians at the USA International Harp Competition during rehearsals.  The following were the artists that participated.   Gillian Harris, Joanne Shank, Rosemary Messick, Jacki Frey, Dan Alexander, Bess Lee, Sherry Curry, Cathy Korinek, Betty Wagoner, Jo Weddle, and Tricia Heiser Wente.

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Tricia Heiser Wente send in some of the painting she did at the event, saying, “We were painting in almost total darkness, and had to be extra careful not to make a sound! No swishes of water or dropping brushes etc. It was a very intense, but I enjoyed painting  while listening to the beautiful music.  I miss seeing you and all my BWS friends.”

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Outside BWS

Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition

Call for Entries: The 76th Anniversary Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition will open November 6th and close on January 10 , 2021. Current and former residents of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio are invited to submit from 1 to 5 original works. $10 entry fee per work. $5,000 in prizes to given! Work can be submitted from now until September 18th.

Watercolor Society of Indiana

WSI’s Exhibit 2020 opens on August 7 and runs through September 26 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be a recorded ceremony, available on the WSI website.  The show will also be online in addition to being an in-person event.

Hoosier Art Salon

The 15th Annual Hoosier Salon’s Membership Show, “Good Ole’ Summertime,” will be held at the New Harmony Gallery and be open to the public from August 1 to September 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p. m. each day. The Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held on August 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Gallery is located at 507 Church Street.

The Hoosier Art Salon’s 96th Annual Exhibition will be held from August 29 to October 25 at the Indiana History Museum, 650 W. Washington, St., Indianapolis. $20,000 in awards will be made with $5,000 going to best in show. The awards ceremony will be online scheduled for August 27 at 6 pm EST via Zoom for the accepted artists. We wish the best of luck to our members who entered paintings that were accepted.

Desiderata Art Show

Kathleen Barton, BWS Program Chair, reported that artists have until August 21 to get their entries submitted to the Desiderata Art Show. See the flyer below for details.

Upland Plein Air Welcomes Us To Join Them as a Guest

Upland Plein Air continues to have paint outs—at least two per month during our quarantine. Upland invites you to come along to one of their events as a guest. Upland observes COVID 19 protocols and practices social distancing. Members drive separately, wear masks, bring their own chairs, and spread out easily for a few hours of fun and creativity in a small group setting. This is working well as everyone is conscientious and so pleased to still have this activity during these difficult times.  Please contact Kristen Stamper at uplandpleinair@gmail.com to learn when the next event is planned.

 Here is a watercolor painting by Andy Roberts, from the BWS and Upland together paint out organized by Betty Wagoner at Yellowwood shelter on June 28.

Bloomington Portrait Group invites You to Take the challenge

First, a bit of history: The Bloomington Portrait Group began in January 2017 as an offshoot of the Upland Plein Air Painters, then a sister organization of the Bloomington Watercolor Society. It was too cold to paint outside, and the group was looking for a winter activity. Somebody suggested a portrait session. About eight artists met at Jacki Frye’s home in Ellettsville. Claude Cookman recruited the first model and has coordinated the sessions since. 

BPG is extremely informal: no dues, no membership application, no organizational meetings. Artists show up and paint or draw. And they are welcome to work in any medium. During normal times, the group meets for two hours every other Thursday at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Participants share the cost of the model fee, a minimum of $3, but never more than $5 thanks to a system devised by Treasurer Meri Reinhold.

BPG had its first exhibition at the Monroe County Public Library during October 2018. A second, scheduled for last April, had to be postponed. The group expects to hold that exhibition and resume regular sessions — drawing and painting from live models — when a vaccine for Covid-19 becomes available. 

Cookman strives to recruit models who reflect Bloomington’s rich diversity in age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Models have included Asians, African-Americans, gay, and transgendered individuals. The youngest model was 8; the oldest a nonagenarian. More recently, he has also recruited people who help make Bloomington a great place to live. They include IU First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie, radio personality Tom Rosnowski, WFIU Soul Kitchen host Brother William Morris, retired Unitarian-Universalist minister Bill Breeden, Judge Francie Hill, and IU Women’s Basketball star Alexis Gassion. The one thing all models have in common is their interesting faces. 

When the quarantine shut down everything, MarySue Schwab suggested, instead of portraits, that artists create self portraits. Cookman expanded her idea into a monthly challenge intended to keep participants active in their studios. To date, the challenges have been: April, self portrait; May, portrait of a loved one; June, portrait of a pet; and July, portrait in a new medium. The Herald-Times published an article about the self portraits with several images. The pet challenge drew the most enthusiastic response.

The August challenge is to draw or paint a portrait of a statue. This charcoal drawing of a bust of Wendell Wilkie in the Indiana Memorial Union is an example.
BPG welcomes any artist at any level, working in any medium. If you would like full details on the statue challenge and/or to be put on the BPG email list, please email Cookman at: ccookman@indiana.edu

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August Calendar

August 1 to August 29: Submissions accepted to the Desiderata Art Show.

August 1 to September 1 : Submissions accepted to the 76th Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition.

August 1 to September 6: 15th Annual Hoosier Salon Membership Show at the New Harmony Gallery.

August 7 to September 26: Watercolor Society of Indiana Exhibit 2020 open at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

August 8: Bloomington Watercolor Society ‘s Paint-Out at the Woolery and Clear Creek Trail.

August 10: Bloomington Watercolor Society ‘s Monthly Zoom Meeting from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by an Art Card Program from Joanne Weddle from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

August 29 to October 25: Opening of the Hoosier Art Salon’s 96th Annual Exhibition at the Indiana History Museum.

July 13th Meeting:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Program Description:

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

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

Supplies: Sketchbook or paper, pencil

BWS Outgoing President’s Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patty Uffman

Inside BWS

Karst Farm Part Paint-Out

July 11, 9 am-12

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

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

Yellowwood Paint Out, June 20

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

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A Message From Grant Wood

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

Patricia Coleman:  How to Create and Share Your Videos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping this helps. 

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

How Members Are Spending Their Time

Phyllis Taylor (One of our Members from Oregon)

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

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Susan Savastuk

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

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Candice Bailey

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

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MarySue Schwab

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

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Robin Edmundson

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

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Jacki Frey

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Jerry Harste

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

Cassidy Young

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

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Char Dapena

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

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Bob Burris

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

Meri Reinhold

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

Carol Rhodes

“Here is a pandemic entry.”

Nina Ost

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

Outside BWS

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

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

Watercolor Society of Indiana

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

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Picture Gallery

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July Calendar

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

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

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

Remember These Dates

July 1-25 Prospectus Due: Hoosier Art Salon

July 3-29 Robin Edmundson’s Show at Venue

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

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

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

August 7-Sept. 26 WSI Exhibition at IMA

March 9th, 6 p.m., St. Marks

BWS Monthly Meeting.

Program: Capturing the Night

Presenter: Kitty Garlock

     Painting pictures with extreme darks and lights can be a challenge but once you see the tricks that make them work they can become fascinating attention-getters.  Depth of color layers and untouched whites can make all the difference, so the March program will cover pointers and techniques for painting dark or nighttime scenes. Carol Rhodes’ February lesson on negative painting was a great precursor for this presentation!

       Bring your usual materials but if you have masking tape and/or masking fluid be sure to bring it along — it can make things so much easier for some pictures.  Do not feel you need to have a big piece of paper —  it can be 6” x 9” or smaller. It would be helpful, however, to have your paper mounted on something you can easily tilt.

Inside BWS

A big thanks to Carol Rhodes for her presentation on negative painting at the February meeting of the BWS. Carol stressed the importance of knowing how to define objects and create effects by using dark areas in works. “Negative painting refers to creating positive elements by painting the empty spaces around or within them.”

Jill Olshavsky reported that the February 15 “Rural Landscape Workshop” presented by Judy Mudd of Louisville filled with 20 watercolorists. “Judy explained that she almost always uses an architectural element for her focal point, and she provided a photo of a Southern Indiana barn scene.  Beginning with a value sketch, Judy showed us how to alter a photo so that lines such as those from a building, hillside, fence line, cloud, shadow, etc. lead the viewer’s eye to the focal point. Mixing colors on the canvas rather than on her palette and keeping the paper wet allows Judy to keep a neutral tone in the landscape (she uses purple and Daniel Smith’s neutral tint) and soft edges. Many were able to complete their painting and a round of applause thanked Judy for her demonstrations and individual guidance.”

When asked how the The Art of Chocolate went, Jeanne Dutton’s response was “It was just super, as always. Robin Edmundson, Charlotte Griffin, and I painted greeting cards and sold sixteen!  The Art of Chocolate recipe book was a success and sold well, too.  Several chefs and businesses have made commitments for next year’s Volume II.

All the recipe paintings were on display next to where Nancy Metz was painting at her easel.  Her tulip painting drew much attention and sold at the end of the night.

Thank you, over and over, to the artists who illustrated the recipes, entered the exhibit, and participated at the keynote event February 22.  BWS, you can be proud of your contribution to a very worthy cause!” (See Photo Gallery for other pictures taken at the Art of Chocolate)

2nd Reception:”We Paint the Sweet Life”

Here is a reminder from Jeanne Dutton: “John La Bella at Gallery Mortgage provided refreshments for the Opening Reception, so it’s our turn now.  Can you bring something?  We are still celebrating the Month of Chocolate, but anything you’d like to bring is fine.

AND…those beautiful recipe books illustrated by your fellow BWS artists arrived and will be there for sale!  $15 each and please plan to pay by cash or check made to LIFEDesigns (…that works best).  We hope to have a Square available for credit card use, but not positive about that.

If you illustrated a recipe and have not received your complimentary copy, I can bring it to the reception or to the BWS meeting the following Monday.  Again, please let me know.

Once again, THANK YOU for supporting LIFEDesigns and the valuable work it does in the community for folks with disabilities.  YOU are helping BWS make a difference in people’s lives.”

Below: Maura Frances Stanton’s painting “Sweet Reflections,” was used on the cover of the program for the Art of Chocolate gala dinner. 

Betty Wagoner wrote to say that more information about Paint Outs was coming as we get closer to actual dates, but for now, she wanted to remind everyone to save these dates:

• April 11 — Wild Flower Walk and Paint Out in McCormick’s Creek State Park with Gillian Harris, botanical artist.
• May 16 — Yellowwood Lake Shelter Paint Out.
• June 6-7 — Bloomington Garden Club Walk Paint Out.

Congratulations are in order for Sara Steffey McQueen who had her painting “Beebalm” juried into AquaAventure 2020. Her painting will be available for viewing from March 12 to April 24 at the LexArts/Art Place Gallery, 161 North Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507.

Stephen Edwards sent in a note saying he received an Honorable Mention at the Pennsylvania Watercolor Societies Member Show for his painting titled “Forgotten Holiday”. Congratulation Stephen.

Talk about have a Good Day!!! Andy Roberts reported that he sold 8 paintings at the Sanibel Captiva Art Fair on February 23th. Congratulations Andy!!!

Joanne Shank wrote to say that she has a show coming up at By Hand Gallery during the month of April.  Opening reception is April 3rd. 

 Also Joanne Shank’s painting “Bee Sweet” won Best of Show at the Art of Chocolate. Congratulations Joanne. Jerome Harste’s painting “Some Pig” received Honorable Mention.

Outside BWS

The New Harmony Hoosier Salon Gallery announced that the First Blush of Spring Art Show will be held April 15-18. The show is advertised as “your opportunity to view and purchase art by Hoosier artists.” The New Harmony Gallery is located at 507 Church Street in New Harmony, Indiana.

In addition, Linda Volz, the curator of the New Harmony Salon, announced that there will be TWO opportunities for artists to sell art during this year’s Hoosier Salon Paint Out on April 17 & 18. The first is the traditional Ribeyre Center Art Sale will take place on April 18 from 9 am–2 pm. The second, and new this year is a Pop-Up Gallerie Sale to be held at The Ribeyre Annex on April 17-18. The Ribeyre Center is located at the corner of Main and Tavern Streets, under the clock tower. For details on scheduled events at the Hoosier Salon Art Show and/or how to participate in one or both of these events go to https://hoosiersalon.org/2019-first-brush-of-spring-workshops.

The 2020 Will Vawter Juried Art Show will run for April 10-25 at the Hancock Art Gallery, 20 North State Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140. Any and all artists residing in Indiana are encouraged to submit entries by March 21st. Awards and prizes will be given at the Opening Reception on April 10 from 7 to 9 p.m.

LOOKING FOR AN NEW EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY? WHY NOT CONSIDER THE TWITTER ART EXHIBIT 2020?

• Artists worldwide donate postcard-sized, handmade original artwork to the TAE. All submission are published in an Annual coffee-table sized art book.
• TwitterArtExhibit organizes a local, physical showcasing of the art.
• The public is invited to buy the art at an affordable, flat price.

The deadline for a donation of a small, postcard sized, piece of art to this year’s #TAE 2020 is March 15. In order to enter participants must register at http://twitterartexhibit.org/registration/.

This year’s physical show will be from April 3 to April 15 at the William H. Miller Studies & Fine Art at 714 Main Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. All proceeds will go to the children and adults with disabilities. Typically between 700 and 1,000 artists worldwide participate. All work is available for sale at the studio and online starting April 7.

Cate Whetzel, Program Developer for the T. C. Steele State Historic Site announced that on Sun. April 19, T. C. Steele State Historic Site will waive admission for artists participating in the Arts of the Earth Day Program! To participate, artists who wish to work outdoors will be set up and working between 11 am and 4 pm on the day of the program.

“We hope to have artists of all mediums! Arts of the Earth is a program to welcome spring and the return of warm weather, and to offer our visitors an inspiring day outdoors. We will have an Arts in the Parks workshop in the Large Studio, as well as the installation of an outdoor sculpture beside the Visitor Center, and we hope to have a variety of artists working around the site, who are willing to chat with interested visitors. Although we cannot guarantee it, it’s likely the daffodils will be in bloom! If an artist wishes to participate in Arts of the Earth Day and would like to be painting or working outdoors between 11am-4pm on April 19^th, they should email me (museumcommunication@indianamuseum.org) with their name and estimated timeframe at the site (ex. Cate Whetzel, 12-3 p.m.), and I’ll create a guest list of participating artists for free admission at the Visitor Center.”

Registration for The 2020 Watercolor Society of Indiana Membership Exhibit is now open and will close on May 1. All WSI members who have paid 2019 membership dues may register ONE watermedia painting for exhibition. Paintings exhibited in prior juried shows ARE eligible.  Paintings MAY be for sale. 

The Membership Exhibit will open on Saturday May 9 at the Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis. On Saturday, May 16, 2020 WSI invites you to join fellow members to view the exhibit, attend a buffet lunch in McFarland Hall, enjoy the 2020 James C. Lentz scholarship presentation as well as view the 2020 WSI juried exhibit entries.   The show will close Saturday July 6.  Painting pick-up is Saturday, July 11.

Special Report

Must See Show in Columbus—A LOOK AT RELATIVE ART by Kitty Garlock

“At our last meeting members encouraged people to go see Bob Burris’s show in Columbus IN, so Kathy and Craig Barton joined me in a jaunt eastward to see what it was all about. We were not disappointed!   “A Look at Relative Art” is the name Bob has given the art exhibit now showing on two floors at The Columbus Learning Center through May 7th (open M-F 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sat. appointments only; Closed Sun.).  It is actually, as the title implies, a family show consisting of three Burris artists and two generations…him, his wife, and their daughter.  Bob’s works, as most of you know, are often beautiful architectural w atercolors with delightful detail and light washes. The works you may not be familiar with is by his wife and daughter.  

His daughter Lydia, besides teaching art at Ivy Tech, keeps a studio in Indianapolis, where she creates images with “the sense of dreams: a place of ambiguity, emotion, and surrealism.”  Her work can take you to places of fantasy with whimsy or deep into other places with some more intense colors and images.

Bob says his wife Catherine “had a passion for patterns, texture, hidden detail, and unexpected imagery” and she demonstrates it in beautiful, provocative, fascinating ways.  Catherine, who passed in 2011, had been known to say “Look closer and listen to the story” and her work makes you do just that!  It really grabbed me and made me concentrate on what I was seeing and made me try to figure out how she did it!  She worked with collages and layer-over-layer of extremely fine acrylic washes and tissue paper and cloth.  Anything was grist for the mill actually, from old medical journals to door frames to doll heads.  Then they were melded together in with all kinds of medium from wire and screws to pastels and paints.  The show has a wonderful variety of her pieces.

Altogether this talented family makes a show that says to me “Stunning!  A must see and well worth a trip to Columbus!”  If you haven’t gone yet be sure you do, otherwise, you can’t really “listen to the story”! Don’t miss it!”

Photo Gallery

Calendar

March 9 — BWS Meeting, 6 pm St. Marks

March 12 — First day to see Sara Steffey McQueen’s painting at the Art Place Galley in Lexington.

March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day. Paint a shamrock and give it to a friend.

March 21 — Entries due to the 2020 Will Vawter Juried Art Show.

April 3 — Joanne Shank’s show opens at By Hand Gallery.

April 11 — Wild Flower Walk and Paint Out in McCormick’s Creek State Park with Gillian Harris, botanical artist

April 15-18 — The First Blush of Spring Art Show opens at the New Harmony Hoosier Salon.

April 17-18 — Hoosier Salon Paint Out and Art Sale, New Harmony

April 19 — T. C. Steele’s Earth Day Celebration. Free admission to artists who wish to paint during the event.

May 1 — Last day to register for the WSI Membership Show.

May 7 – Last day to see Bob Burris Show at the Columbus Learning Center.

May 9 – WSI Membership Show Opens.

May 16 — Yellowwood Lake Shelter Paint Out

June 6-7 — Bloomington Garden Club Walk Paint Out