“Seaside” watercolor by Laura Brown (Reference photo by Dennis Benson used with permission)

From the desk of the BWS President Laura Brown

Our first meeting of the 2024-2025 BWS year is under way!  Come join us on:

Monday Sept. 9

First Christian Church, located on the block of Kirkwood and Washington

Bloomington, Indiana

We will be meeting in the downstairs of the

Chapel Gathering Space

Refreshments and light snacks

After a brief business meeting, the evening program will be “Show and Share!”  This is an informal show of a piece you worked on over the summer.  It does not have to be framed or formal; we simply prop our pieces up and create a mini display to see what we have all been up to over summer break. Please bring something you have worked on, or if not, please come and enjoy the impromptu show!

Further information including door code, agenda items,  and a meeting reminder will be sent via email the Friday before the meeting.

Come join in the fun!

Have a friend who is interested in BWS? It’s the perfect time to bring a guest!

See you there!

Left: “Corn Dog County Fair” by Andy Roberts. Right: “Proud” by Jane Matranga.

“We Paint…Spaces and Faces!”

 The BWS Annual Membership Show opens with a reception on Gallery Walk Friday, Oct. 4, at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage.

It’s apparent from the images pouring in that this will be a fun and interesting exhibit, so mark your calendars!

Once again, entries will be featured on the BWS SmugMug gallery.  Please send your entries (and questions) to FallShow@BloomingtonWatercolor.org in jpg format with the following information: title, framed size, price, contact information, and medium, remembering your artwork must be at least 50% watercolor.  (See the prospectus – link below.)

 Take In – Tuesday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Reception- Friday, Oct. 4, 5 to 8 p.m.

2nd Reception – Friday, Nov. 1, 5 to 8 p.m.

Take down – Monday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The prospectus with all the details can be found at https://www.bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/member-shows-workshops/show-rules/prospectus/.

Linda Branstetter plans on bringing some of the history binders to the next meeting for new members to look at. She has added an old document about the history of BWS.

BWS Gallery and CSCSCI Win National Award

by Jeanne Dutton

In 2022, Stephanie Shelton, development director for Cancer Support Community of South

Central Indiana (CSCSCI), along with a team of BWS members, spurred the creation of the

Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery. In September of that year, the gallery opened with an

exhibit by BWS Signature Member Meri Reinhold. In the months since, 15 BWS artists have

shared their work in the gallery.

The sale of fine art originals, prints, and hand-painted greeting cards has generated over $7,000.

Sales commissions, plus donations from the artists and patrons, support CSC’s art programs for

cancer patients, survivors, family, friends, and caregivers. Those donations and commissions

have generated in excess of $2,000 which, in turn, have provided:

• 10 art classes instructed by BWS artists
• 16 youth art backpack kits (with resources for parents about how to talk to their kids about cancer and difficult topics like death)
• An assortment of art supplies for the classes and open art studio

In August 2024, CSC Indiana staff attended a national Affiliate Leadership Conference (ALC) in

Louisville, Ky. The conference consisted of CSC and Gilda’s Club affiliate organizations. There are

50 affiliate partners located across the US, in Canada and overseas. During the conference,

awards were presented to recognize outstanding programs among the affiliate organizations.

Innovation and Creativity in the category of Development/Fundraising is one honor, and it was

awarded to the Gallery partnership with BWS and CSCSCI (Bloomington office)!

BWS can be truly proud of its commitment to the Bloomington area, supporting the Cancer

Support Community, Teachers Warehouse, and the Art of Chocolate with exhibits, and such

projects as the Monroe County History Center’s cemetery calendar and “We Paint…Historic

Bloomington.” The BWS Art Scholarship assists aspiring art students graduating from the

Monroe County Community School Corporation. There are others, too numerous to mention.

The Gallery is located in the CSC Offices at 1719 W. Third St. in Bloomington, corner of West Third

and Landmark. It is open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment. Please contact Emily at emily@cancersupportscin.org (812) 233-3286 or Stephanie Shelton at stephanie@cancersupportscin.org.

Cookman co-curates an exhibition of photos

showing at IU’s Grunwald Gallery

Longtime BWS member Claude Cookman is one of three curators who have assembled Intimate Alchemy: David Levinthal’s XXX Polaroids. The exhibition of prints from Indiana University’s Kinsey Institute opens with a First Friday reception at IU’s Grunwald Gallery on Sept. 6 and runs until Nov. 11.

Levinthal burst onto the art photography scene in 1977 with the publication of Hitler Moves East: A Graphic Chronicle, 1941-43. The book’s text was written by his friend and Yale classmate, Garry Trudeau, creator of the Doonesbury cartoon. The images forecast what would become Levinthal’s signature approach. By arranging toys — in this case miniature tin German soldiers — in fabricated settings and photographing them with controlled lighting and extremely narrow focus, he achieved trompe l’oeil realism.

From 1999 to 2001, he used a rail-mounted Polaroid view camera that produced 20- x 24-inch images to photograph plastic figures, creating his XXX series. The Polaroid technology meant that — unlike analog photography in which multiple prints can be made from a negative or digital photography where duplicates are potentially infinite — each image is unique. Polaroid’s chemical process produced vivid, highly saturated color. With shallow focus and careful lighting, Levinthal performed alchemy, turning plastic into what appears to be human flesh. He photographed most of the figures — modeled on strip club dancers — numerous times adjusting the lighting, framing, and camera angles to create a widely varied but coherent body of 272 images.

Intimate Alchemy comprises 26 of those Polaroids. Several of the plastic figures are displayed near their corresponding images, allowing viewers to assess Levinthal’s transformations. Levinthal will speak in IU’s Fine Arts Building 105 from 5 to 6 p.m, Thursday, Oct. 17, followed by another reception at the Gallery. A selection from his XXX portfolio can be seen at https://davidlevinthal.com/artwork/xxx.html.

To learn more about the exhibit, visit https://blogs.iu.edu/kinseyinstitute/2024/09/03/intimate-alchemy-david-levinthals-xxx-polaroids/.

Member News

Jerry Harste writes: I’m on safari in South Africa staying at Tambamati Luxury Lodge collecting pictures of animals, many of which I’m sure you will see in future paintings.  My favorite sightings have been the wild dogs (probably because I have never seen them on previous safaris).  On the first occasion I saw a female dog with 10 pups playing, and on the second occasion I saw a pack of eight wild dogs on the hunt (a real trick to keep up with them). The elephants, of course, are magnificent.  On this trip I found out that elephants are right-handed and left-handed (just like humans) and use their feet to do lots of things.  The front of their foot also has extra sensors through which they can pick up communications from other elephants via vibrations in the earth.  Their roars are also transmitted this way to other elephant groups. (Editor’s note: In Jerry’s absence, this issue has been edited by Nancy Davis Metz.)

“Bass Harbor Head” by Tim Lewis is a 15″ x 22″ watercolor of the Bass Harbor Head Light Station marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island. Inspired by a photo taken by Chip Merriman and used with his permission.

Tim Lewis‘s watercolor, “Bass Harbor Head,” was accepted into the 2024 Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Juried Show. This event runs through Sept. 28 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfield’s in the Waller Gallery. Another of Tim’s paintings, “Eventually,” was accepted into the 100th Hoosier Art Salon. This show hangs through Oct. 22 at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. Two of Tim’s watercolors, “Bearcat” and “Day’s End,” were accepted into the 2024 Fishers Art Council Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists. This show will run from Sept. 13 to 27 at the new Fisher City Hall Art Gallery.

“Bearcat” is 15″ x 11″ watercolor of  a 1914 Stutz Bearcat seen at the old Stutz factory in Indianapolis, IN in 2024. A classic in bright yellow with a large bronze horn. The sports car of its time.

“Day’s End” (left) is a 7.5″ x 11″ watercolor of a sunset. As the sky becomes bright red, the viewers’ attention shifts from the colorful flowers to the distant sunset. The end of another Wisconsin day was inspired by a photograph taken by Cathy Harvey-Slawkin and painted with her permission. “Eventually” (right) is a 15″ x 22″ watercolor of the St. James Tavern in Columbus, Ohio. This landmark is close to the Ohio State campus and the building has obviously been used for other businesses over the years. Tim loves the “ghost sign” for Gold Medal Flour and the graffiti stenciled on the entry steps. Classic.

Long-distance member Phyllis Taylor will be the featured artist at the Trails End Art Association Gallery in Gearhart, Ore., for the month of October. Her show theme is Musicians (especially cellists) she has painted and drawn over the years. Two high school students on violin and cello will provide music for the show’s opening Oct. 5. She hopes to present a painting of the duo to them at the opening.

Schwab workshop

While working with the Daughters of Charity  and the Franciscan Friars, Bill and MarySue Schwab gave art lessons at the Cordona center for the Homeless in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Lynne Gilliatt shares her latest work, a gouache on black paper painting.

Beyond BWS

Artists for Climate Awareness

Enjoy an inspiring Nature Journaling workshop led by Bailey Russell, a recent intern with the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District. This all-ages workshop is perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to learn how to observe and document the natural world through journaling and drawing.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Karst Farm Park (Park Shelter #6)

Skills Covered: Participants will learn how to observe and draw natural subjects, focusing on their roles within ecosystems. Bailey, a talented illustrator, will share her techniques for capturing the beauty and intricacy of nature in your journal.

Activities: Weather permitting, we will venture out on a charming, fully accessible trail with an interesting pond at Karst Farm Park to practice our observation and drawing skills. In case of inclement weather, we will bring natural subjects indoors to study and draw.

Additional Education: Marilyn Bauchat of  the Uplands Network of the Hoosier Chapter of Sierra Club will provide a brief educational session on how we can support environmental action in our daily lives.

 Artists for Climate Awareness is pleased to offer this workshop as part of its series to help artists learn how to use art as a way to bring social awareness to conservation efforts in your communities. Along with art, all events include education and guidance on climate and environmental action. A portion of the proceeds will go the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization.

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library is looking for watercolor artists to propose and possibly facilitate activities in conjunction with its Armstrong exhibit next year at the library. The artist being featured is Matthew Cordell, a Caldecott winning (Wolf in the Snow) children’s picture book illustrator.  Kathie Durkel from the Friends of the Library says 88 of his original pen & ink with watercolor drawings from 15 of his books will be displayed. The organization is  looking for activities that can be offered to all ages. ” We can help you plan events in the gallery or other spaces in the library, or just brainstorm activities,” Kathie said. “Hands on, multigenerational would be great!  We do have some funding for materials for participants.” The exhibit will run February and March 2025 and will include Youth Art Month. It will be open Monday through Thursday 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. with longer hours on President’s Day and Spring Break.  Contact Kathie at kdurkel@gmail.com with ideas, proposals, or questions.

Left: Caleb Weintraub presents Best of Show Award to Anne-Karine Bley. Right: Rita Davis was awarded First Place in the Professional Category.

2024 Friends of T.C Steele Member Art Show

by Betty Wagoner

The show featured 48 regional artists and 79 artworks, reflecting a variety of art media, styles, and traditional and modern subjects. The judge was Caleb Weintraub, who is an associate professor at IU’s Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design.  He was pleased with the range of artwork displayed by the Friends’ membership.

At the reception, the judge presented the awards and briefly discussed each award-winning artwork. The Best-of-Show was awarded to Anne-Karine Bley for “Red Abundance,” an oil painting of an alley in New Harmony.

In the Profession Category, the following awards were presented:

1st Place, Rita Davis, a watercolor titled “Celestial Wanderers”

2nd Place, Jacki Frey, an oil painting titled “Singing Winds”

3rd Place, Scott Miller, a watercolor titled “Starkey Park 2, Father’s Day Outing”

In the Amateur/Emerging Artist Category, the following awards were presented:

1st Place, Christine Missik, an acrylic painting titled “They Showed Up”

2nd Place, Renee Buchanan, an oil painting titled “The Longest Evening”

3rd Place, Katha Soens, Encaustic medium titled “Color Play 4”

In the Adult Category, Honorable Mention was awarded to  Laura Crawford for “Cosmos in Blue 1,” done in Gouache and Colored Pencil.

In the Youth Category, the following awards were presented:

1st Place, Abigail Maxwell, an oil painting titled “The Studio”

2nd Place, Sarah Stonerock, colored pencil painting titled “Rufous-tailed Jacamar”

Honorable Mention, Marta Scalabrini, an acrylic painting titled “Retro Pears”

The People’s Choice Award was presented to Stephen Edwards, a watercolor titled “Keeyler

Road on the Uphill”

“The Great Pacific” by MarySue Veerkamp Schwab

BWS to meet April 15

MarySue Schwab to present mini-workshop on color

The regular monthly meeting has been eclipsed. It was moved from April 8 to April 15 so members could avoid traffic congestion and participate in Solar eclipse activities. BWS will meet at First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave., at 6 p.m.

MarySue Schwab will present a mini-workshop following a brief business meeting. She says students always ask her, “How do you use color effectively?” This workshop is her response to that question. Nuggets of her advice include: “Limit your palette!” “Know your colors!” “Remember complements create contrast!” “Know the color temperature of everything in the scene you are painting!”

The supply list is based on MarySue’s own painting approach, and are SUGGESTIONS, not requirements. Students are welcome to incorporate their own material preferences. Members should bring watercolor paper, watercolor paints, brushes, hard pencil, kneaded eraser, sharpener, small ruler, paper towels, mixing palettes, mixing pans (can be from recycled yogurt containers) and two small water holders.

PAPER (The most important element: MarySue recommends Arches cold-press 140-pound paper, in block or sheet formats.

PAINTS: MarySue suggests a limited palette, 10 Winsor & Newton professional grade paints: 6 warm colors: Winsor Red, Winsor Yellow, Burnt Sienna, and Raw Sienna, Permanent Rose and Winsor Violet. 4 cool colors: Winsor Blue Green Shade, Winsor Blue Red Shade, Hooker’s Green, and Payne’s Gray.

OTHER ITEMS: Paper Towels, 12-inch Ruler, 2 small water holders or cups.

BRUSHES: Sizes: 1″  and 1/2″ flat; #4 or #6 round; Detail #2 round.

“Neon Dream” by Laura Brown

“We Paint … Peter, Paul, and Mary!”

By Jeanne Dutton

The 2024 Winter Benefit Exhibit, which ended March 29, was an artful fundraising success. Thanks to the generosity of our BWS artists who donated greeting cards and to the patrons who purchased paintings, we raised $435 for Teachers Warehouse.

Due to the purchasing power of Teachers Warehouse, which is calculated as $10 for every $1, that makes the total value $4,350.

Congratulations to Gail Fairfield for winning Best of Show and Char Dapena as runner up, and to the artists whose paintings sold – Don Madvig and Julie Boyd.

Many thanks to Gabe Colman for coordinating with Teachers Warehouse; John La Bella and Becky Lagle at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage for the space and Best of Show award; Bloomington North Rotary Club for sponsoring the video; the three judges who donated their time; and everyone who participated, helped with hanging the show, and came to enjoy the receptions.

The exhibit can be seen on SmugMug at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDer8bHUEhU.

Completed still life drawing by Deb Rush

March meeting program featured

charcoal instruction by Cookman

Our March 11 program saw a shift from painting to drawing and from watercolor to charcoal. Claude Cookman, BWS member since 2014, took us through his four-step process for drawing a still life with vine and compressed charcoal. Claude based his presentation on two premises: First, vine charcoal is endlessly malleable, letting us wipe out and redraw until we are satisfied with our drawing, and, second, charcoal lets us use values to define the edges of forms instead of drawing lines and filling them in. He promoted the still life genre as a convenient way to work from three-dimensional motifs instead of copying two-dimensional photographs. He shared his personal goal for drawing: concentrated, purposeful seeing.

Claude’s four-step process was intended to combine spontaneity with control. With apologies to Betty Edwards, to draw on both sides of our brain. We started with gesture to connect with the motif and achieve spontaneity. Then we refined the drawing, using a barbecue skewer as a tool for calculating proportion, angle and alignment. Next came reinforcing values and finally, details.

At the end of the session, Claude asked us two questions: In response to “What was the most important thing you learned,” one participant wrote: “The most important thing I learned is not to be too precise right at the start. Begin loose, then refine it.” Others wrote: “I learned about using the skewer for proportion. Never tried it before. It helps. I can use it all the time.” And, “The flexibility of the charcoal.”

In response to “What can you use from this session in your own art,” comments ranged from “Get the drawing right first.” To, “I can use this by structuring my painting by working through the stages.” And, “I will use this technique to get prelim drawing + values.”

Left: Nancy Davis Metz, Daniel Goebbert, and Babette Ballinger. Right: Charlotte Griffin, Betty Wagoner, and Sara Steffey McQueen.

Memorial Service

Linda Meyer-Wright

You are warmly invited to celebrate and honor the life of Linda Meyer on Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m., in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth Shalom, 3750 E. Third St., Bloomington, Ind. Linda was a cherished and beloved member of both the Beth Shalom and the Bloomington artist communities.

We will gather for a heartwarming and uplifting service of “The Life, Legend and Legacy of Linda Meyer.” After the service, the grand opening of a comprehensive exhibit of Linda’s beautiful artwork throughout the years will be sponsored by the Beth Shalom Arts and Culture Committee, and a reception with light refreshments will follow.

Linda’s art, which many of you already have proudly and prominently displayed in your homes, was an expression of her heart and her love. The art exhibit was Linda’s final wish, so please consider attending to pay your respects, to offer your support and love to her husband Larry and sister Joanie, and to share special memories and stories with each other.

This will also be a final opportunity to own a piece of Linda’s artwork and/or acquire additional pieces. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to Beth Shalom.

Member News

Tim Lewis has three new watercolors: Above, left: “Bass Harbor Head,” Above, right: “Slush,” and Below: “Ice And Snow.” Tim has announced he is one of several artists selected to exhibit at a Gallery 02 in Fort Wayne, Ind., opening soon.

Below: Stephen Edward sent a photo of his just finished painting, “Duet in C Minor” Watercolor, 22×30, Arches 300# Linen Paper

Beyond BWS

An exhibition of environmentally themed art, “Depictions: Earth, Life, and Our Shared Responsibility,” will show until April 28 at the Arts Alliance Center in College Mall. The artists, who are members of Artists for Climate Awareness or Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, are from various states across the U.S. This diversity in both medium and origin promises a rich and varied artistic experience of both 2-D and 3-D pieces.

Join us April 12 at 6 p.m. for a unique opening reception. This event will feature an environmentally themed interactive musical performance, “Ceremony for Earth: A Meditative Installation for Re-connection and Healing,” by Grace McKenzie, Daixuan Ai, and Micah Simmons from IU Jacobs School of Music. Chairs are provided for all, but for a more interactive experience, you may bring a sitting pillow for the floor! The evening will also include the presentation of art awards, followed by a reception with refreshments.

Associated events include an April 13 pastel workshop by nature artist Avon Waters and a climate-themed poetry and dance performance titled “Stormwash: Climate Awareness” by Bloomington Writers Guild and Windfall Dancers, Inc.

Visit https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/event/ for more information.

Artists for Climate Awareness is also offering a Watercolor Workshop on Pollinators!

Join us May 11 for an art workshop at Ivy Tech Community College where we’ll delve into the world of pollinators through watercolor. This special event aligns with World Migratory Bird Day, spotlighting the vital role of birds and insects as pollinators.

Our artistic journey will revolve around the intricate beauty of pollinators. From butterflies to bees, dragonflies to hummingbirds, we invite participants to capture the essence of these vital creatures through the graceful strokes of watercolor. You can bring your own photo references or subjects will be provided.

Autumn Brunelle, full-time naturalist for Monroe County Parks and Recreation (and annual Bugfest coordinator), will provide education about pollinators as well as information about the Indiana Master Naturalist Program and the Monroe County Parks and Recreation’s environmental programs.

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

Calendar

April 12 6 p.m. ACA reception at Arts Alliance Center in College Mall for “Depictions: Earth, Life, and Our Shared Responsibility

April 13 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ACA’s Wet Pastel Workshop by Avon Waters

April 14 2 p.m. Memorial Service for Linda Meyer-Wright, Congregation Beth Shalom, 3750 E. Third St., Bloomington

April 15 6 p.m. BWS Monthly Meeting, First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave.

May 11 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ACA Watercolor Workshop on Pollinators, Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington, Ind.

May 13 6 p.m. BWS Monthly Meeting, First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave.

How do we get from the gesture sketch, at left, to the finished drawing, at right, in four steps? 

March 11

Claude Cookman to present a charcoal lesson

Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, March 11, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.

Three, two, one – DRAW!

BWS member Claude Cookman will present the March 11 program, featuring a four-step drawing process using vine charcoal. He sends this prospectus: 

Drawing is fundamental to the human condition. All children draw to represent their world and express themselves. Adults have been drawing to communicate for many, many millennia. The ability to draw realistically is not talent that a lucky few receive at birth. It’s a skill anybody can learn. All it takes is practice and the will to persist when your early efforts fall short of your expectations.

I have been trying to learn to draw since 1994. I’m still trying. I am a firm adherent of Frederick Franck’s statement: “I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen. …” For me, drawing is about concentrated, purposeful seeing. But that deep seeing is not about details but rather shapes, forms, light and values.

I will introduce you to a four-step process, give you an indispensable drawing tool and share some ideas about drawing. Most important, I will get you drawing. Even if drawing is not your primary mode of artistic expression, the ability to see more deeply should improve your paintings.

We will draw with charcoal for several reasons: It’s cheap. It yields a wide range of values. It produces rich blacks, much darker than graphite. It’s extremely malleable, letting us easily and continually correct our drawings. It lets us establish a base of tone on the page so we can draw negatively with erasers. The finished drawing can be exquisitely beautiful with delicate tonal modulations and seamless transitions. It’s fun to get our fingers dirty.

Most amateurs and even some artists equate drawing with creating an outline then filling it with tones or color. It’s difficult to escape the tyranny of those coloring books from our childhood. Instead, working from a simple still life, we will approach drawing as a four-step process:

1. Gesture. We’ll start with a gesture drawing, trying to capture essential shapes and relationships with spontaneity. Then we’ll rub it out with a tissue. Using the charcoal residue as a guide, we will do a second, more accurate, gesture drawing. Then rub it out again.

2. Refinement. With this pentimento as a guide, we’ll transform the objects in our still life into structural forms: spheres, cubes, cylinders and cones. We’ll use a bamboo skewer as a tool to refine proportions, angles and alignments. We’ll perfect the contours but try to turn most lines into edges.

3. Lighting. We’ll identify the light source and how it creates highlights, middle tones and shadows. Then represent them with correct tonal values to establish the forms in space.

4, Detail. As the final step, we’ll add detail with charcoal pencils.

Please watch these videos:

Emily at The Pencil Room Online on gesture drawing.

Proko on gesture drawing: Using C, S and I to capture gesture. This video is about figure drawing, but you can extrapolate it to objects for our still life. Caution: This video contains photographs of semi-nude models. If nudity offends you, please do not view it.

Proko on structure: Seeing spheres, cubes, cylinders, and cones.

The Virtual Instructor on shading.

Materials

Please bring:

• Vine charcoal sticks
• Kneadable erasers
• Kleenex or other tissue
• One object you would like to draw

Optional, only if you have them:

• Compressed charcoal and charcoal pencils
• An apron; things might get messy
• Handwipes and/or Purell
• A table lamp

BWS will provide charcoal paper, at least one charcoal pencil per table and other items.

Please watch for Laura Brown’s email announcement of the meeting. It will include a PDF handout on drawing. I hope you will read it; that will let us spend more time drawing and less time listening to me talk.

Right: Gail Fairfield with her painting, “Insight,” which was awarded Best of Show. Gail received a $100 award from The Vault. Left: “Flower Power 2” by Char Dapena was awarded Silver Second, an award that comes with $75 from BWS.

2nd reception

WE PAINT … Peter, Paul, and Mary!

BWS hosted the second reception for “WE PAINT…Peter, Paul, and Mary!” at March 1. There was a very nice turnout at for Gallery Walk in spite of the cold weather. 

The show, inspired by the varied styles and eras of Peter Max, Paul Klee and Mary Cassatt features psychedelic color, cubism, and domestic scenes. We are pleased to announce that two paintings have sold. Congratulations to Don Madvig and Julie Boyd.

The exhibit is on display through March 29 at The Vault Gallery Mortgage, 121 E. 6th St. in downtown Bloomington. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but please call ahead 812-334-9700.

Also note that all sales benefit Teachers Warehouse, a worthy organization that provides free classroom supplies and furniture to educators in nine counties.

Many thanks to the BWS members who welcomed the many visitors at the reception!

Penny Lulich shows an early version of her painting from the Tom Lynch live workshop that BWS artists gathered on Feb. 24 to view. The live workshop presented by Tom Lynch, nationally known artist, was compliments of Cheap Joe’s https://www.cheapjoes.com/ .  Many thanks to Barbara Coffman and Carol Rhodes for organizing the event.

If you were unable to attend the Tom Lynch online demo/paint along, or are just curious, the video is now posted on YouTube. If you would like to paint along with him, look up “Cortona Path of Light Tom Lynch” for the photo and sketch. 

Member News

Joe and Bess Lee present a reboot of Professor Animalia’s Menagerie of Endangered Animals.

Bess Lee will be the featured artist at the Cancer Support Center in March and April.

 “SHELL MANDALA,” a watercolor by Sara Steffey McQueen, was accepted into Aquaventure Exhibit 2024 hosted by the Kentucky Watercolor Society. The show’s juror was Mary Seymour Neely. The Exhibit is from March 4 to April 26 on the fourth floor of Artists’ Attic, 401 W. Main St., Lexington, Ky. A reception is scheduled for 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 15 with a “Gallery Hop” going until 8 p.m.

“Fixing the Outrigger” by Tim Lewis

Lewis has a watercolor, “Fixing The Outrigger” accepted into the 2024 Midwest Juried Art Exhibit. The show will be at the HCCA Gallery, 195 S. 5th St., in Noblesville from March 1 through March 30 with an opening reception on March 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. The painting is of three workmen repairing the outrigger on a shrimp boat in McClellanville, S.C.

Left: “Sweet Owen Courthouse” by Tim Lewis. Right: “The Dance,” by Tim Lewis.

Tim’s watercolor, “The Dance,” was awarded third place out of the 87 entries in the Brown County Art Guild “2024 Can You Paint Challenge.” These are two sandhill cranes “dancing” in a snowy field in Nebraska. Tim donated “Sweet Owen Courthouse” to the Indiana Bar Association for its project to collect paintings of all 92 Indiana county courthouses for permanent display in its yet-to-be built headquarters in Indianapolis. This is the Owen County courthouse in Tim’s hometown of Spencer.

MarySue Schwab has a painting in the Indiana Watercolor Society at Brown County Art Gallery, which is hanging now through March 28. MarySue is a signature member of WSI and of BWS and a member of OWS, NAW, and NAWS.

“Cutting Corners,” a watercolor pastel collage by Lynne Gilliatt

Beyond BWS

Calendar

March 5 Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, Arts Alliance Center in College Mall, 6 to 7 p.m.

March 9 Reception for Professor Animalia’s Menagerie of Struggling Species, Art by Joe and Bess Lee, Arts Alliance Center, 4 p.m.

March 9 Reception for 2024 Midwest Juried Art Exchibit, HCCA gallery, 195 S. 5th St., Noblesville, 6 to 8 p.m.

March 11 BWS Monthly Meeting, First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. 6 p.m.

March 15 Reception for KWS Aquaventure, Artists’ Attic, 401 W. Main St., Lexington, Ky., 4 to 5:30 p.m.

April 5 Reception for “HeArt is Where the Home Is…” by Bess Lee, Cancer Support Center, 1719 W. Third St., Bloomington, 4 to 7 p.m.

April 13 Pastel Workshop by Avon Waters, Arts Alliance Center in College Mall, Bloomington, Sponsored by Artists for Climate Awareness

April 20 Watercolor Workshop by Rena Brouwer at Delphi Opera House Gallery pf Contemporary Arts, Sponsored by Artists for Climate Awareness

April 27 Art Journaling Workshop by Pauline Kochanski at Ivy Tech Bloomington, Sponsored by Artists for Climate Awareness

Holiday Party

Dec. 11, Monday, 6 p.m., Meadowood

2455 Tamarack Trail

Bloomington

Put on your holiday best and come to the annual BWS dinner party! Meadowood always provides a beautiful setting and delicious food to enjoy with your paint pals. There will be a greeting card exchange, a bring-one-take-one event. Any greeting is perfect! It does not have to be a holiday card.

The menu includes:

• Elegant Chopped Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
• Chicken Marsala
• Rice Pilaf
• Lemon Broccoli
• Holiday parfait
• Rolls
• Coffee, Tea, Wine

Please note on the reservation if you prefer a vegetarian option.

$20 per member or guest.

Reservation deadline is Sunday, Dec. 3. Cancellation deadline is Sunday, Dec. 3.

You can reserve your spot online by clicking the link below to make your reservation:

https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/bws-holiday-party-2023/

Annual online auction is up and running

Up for bids to support the BWS Scholarship can be found under the categories of

Art – an original painting by Lynne Gilliatt

Services – gutter cleaning from Marci LeMaster

Watercolor Society:

• printed greeting cards from Meri Reinhold
• a pet portrait from Linda Branstetter
• a handcrafted and painted soprano ukulele from Denise Lessow
• hand-painted Holiday cards
• a watercolor class from Jeanne Dutton

The BWS Scholarship receives 50 percent of our items sold.

Place your bid at the link below before Dec. 5! And be sure to check out all the other terrific items offered that support the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools. 

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=341726210

Zain Mackey demonstrates abstract watercolor techniques

November’s meeting featured a fun demonstration of how to create abstract watercolor art using plastic pieces. Any kind of heavy plastic, e.g., credit or debit cards, cut up in different sizes, provide a variety of sides and points to spread the color. Thanks to Zain Mackey for sharing her techniques!

Charlotte Griffin (left) and Daniel Goebbert (right) share their abstract paintings from the November meeting.

Viridian Moon invites BWS to its current show

of works by Middle School students

The 7th and 8th-grade artists’ show is back for the third time! This is a potluck effort from five local Middle Schools: Jackson Creek, Batchelor, St. Charles, Edgewood, and Bedford. This a unique opportunity to see young artists experimenting with different media and styles from collages to drawings, painting to digital arts, with guidance from their most supportive art teachers. The level of art skills, creativity, and boldness of the students’ art pieces make us, grown-up artists, rethink many aspects of our own works. This show inspires great interest in the Bloomington art society as well as the general public, and fosters bonds between creative people of all ages. Come support our wonderful young artists, and get inspired by the fruits of their hard work!

Until Dec. 9, come vote for your favorite work! The top 8 People’s Choices will receive awards!

The Gallery’s address is 1600 W Bloomfield Road, Bloomington, IN 47403 (the entrance from the lower parking lot)

Follow Viridian Moon on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/www.viridianmoon.art for updates.

Member News

“Devonian Dawn” by Tim Lewis

Tim Lewis‘s newest watercolor, “Devonian Dawn,” is from a recent visit to the fossil beds at Falls of The Ohio State Park in Jeffersonville, Ind. Tim’s watercolor, “Darling Oyster Bar,” was awarded the John and Karry Hansberry Merit Award at the Richmond Art Museum Annual Exhibition by Indiana and Ohio Artists. This show runs through Jan. 6.

Susan Savastuk will be showing her work at the Cancer Support Community Gallery during January-February 2024. The Opening Reception is Friday, Jan. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Joanna Samorow-Merzer was commissioned to paint a small watercolor painting of two cats. The photo on the left depicts the playful cats and on the right you see the finished painting. She writes: “Since I had a limitation of the size of the painting, I had to maneuver the cats in order to get what matters most. So, here are watercolor cats 9 x 12 on Arches 140#, titled ‘Want to Join Us?'”

Andy Roberts sends “just a little holiday card” he created recently. He hopes everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Joe and Bess Lee will be showing their work together as Animalia.2 Save the Animals = Save Ourselves in January ay the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. The show will hang at the Arts Alliance Center in Bloomington’s College Mall next to the Foot Locker. The hours are Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Beyond BWS

The Watercolor Society of Indiana is moving its Annual Membership Exhibit to Gallery Forty – Two in downtown Indianapolis. The show will run from June 14 to July 26 on the first and second floors of the Gallery at 42 E. Washington Street.

This exhibit allows for flexibility in medium and surface. For example, glass and plexiglass are not required (sealed surfaces only), canvas is allowed, wood surface is allowed, mixed-media and other types of water media are allowed. All paintings must be ready to hang with wire (D-rings are preferred).

All WSI members are accepted into the annual membership exhibit. Registration for this exhibit is $20. You may submit your painting NFS; however, a sales price is encouraged. This exhibit will reach a new audience with lots of exposure and opportunities to gain a new fan.

The Opening Reception is Friday, June 14, at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Prospectuses for this exhibit at Gallery Forty-Two and for the Juried Exhibit at Newfield’s IMA will be released early next year.

Calendar

Now – Dec. 5 Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools online auction

Now – Dec. 9 Viridian Moon Middle School Art Show

Dec. 3 Deadline to reserve or cancel for Holiday Party

Dec. 11 Holiday Party at Meadowood, 6 p.m.

January Animalia.2 by Joe and Bess Lee at Arts Alliance Center in College Mall

January – February Susan Savastuk art show at Cancer Support Community Center Gallery

“Wash of Muddy Water” From Zain’s Southwest Series

Nov. 13 program
Abstract Adventures for the Overly Cautious

Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, Nov. 13, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Zain Mackey leads this month’s program with something new and different!
“Abstract Adventures for the Overly Cautious.”

“Let’s put our charge cards to good use by using them to paint an abstract landscape,” Zain said. “Come see what it’s like to let your laughing inner artist let go and run the show. I’ll be demonstrating a wet-on-wet abstract technique using a plastic credit card. You’re invited to come paint with me. Prepare to laugh and have fun.”

SUPPLIES

• An old plastic gift or credit card
• A couple sheets of cold press paper, preferable rough, which add wonderful dimension. But bring what you have. Tape it to a board or use a block.
• Two to four tubes of your favorite colors. Tubes make it easier to put a dab of color on the edge of the card. I like using tetrads and I am a lush color junkie.
• A small palette of other colors in the event you are inspired to do negative painting.
• Brushes: a hake or mop brush to wet your paper. Other brushes, just in case.
• A spray bottle and water container.
• Paper towels.
• Something to protect your clothes! It can get messy.

“I will demonstrate applying acrylic links, granulating fluid, and possible other mediums,” Zain said. “These help to further satisfy your emotions for texture or composition and can really add to the work. It can also lead to disaster, and sometimes disaster turns out to be amazing.”

Nov. 10

Special curator-led tour of “Landscape and Abstraction in Watercolor 1780-1980”

Jenny McComas, curator of European and American Art at IU’s Eskenazi Museum of Art, will lead a tour for BWS members of the current exhibition of “Landscape and Abstraction in Watercolor 1780-1980” Friday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. Meet Nancy Davis Metz in the museum’s atrium at 2:50 p.m. Park in the IMU lot on Seventh Street and bring the ticket to the museum’s front desk for a 40 percent discount.

Holiday Party Announcement
Dec. 11, Monday, 6 p.m., Meadowood
2455 Tamarack Trail
Bloomington

Put on your holiday best and come to the annual BWS dinner party! Meadowood always provides a beautiful setting and delicious food to enjoy with your paint pals.
There will be a greeting card exchange, a bring-one-take-one event. Any greeting is perfect! It does not have to be a holiday card. (Blank watercolor cards will be available at the Nov. 13 meeting for those who need one.)
The menu includes:

• Elegant Chopped Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
• Chicken Marsala
• Rice Pilaf
• Lemon Broccoli
• Holiday parfait
• Rolls
• Coffee, Tea, Wine

Please note on the reservation if you prefer a vegetarian option.
$20 per member or guest.
Reservation deadline is Sunday, Dec. 3.
Cancellation deadline is Sunday, Dec. 3.
You can reserve your spot beginning Nov. 13 at the meeting or online.
Watch for an email from Charlotte to find the link for reservations.
Hope to see you there!

Left: Allen Hunton Right: MarySue Veerkamp Schwab

Cancer Support Community and the BWS Gallery

New work from Allen Hunton and MarySue Veerkamp Schwab will hang through Dec. 15 at the Cancer Support Center of Bloomington. The gallery is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm., with the opening reception Nov. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Stephanie Shelton, development manager at CSCSCI, developed the gallery and art program in cooperation with BWS. What began in September of 2022 has been a success for everyone. Thanks to the artistic talents and generosity of BWS artists, BWS Gallery has raised over $1,100 for art programs at the Cancer Support Community of South Central Indiana (CSCSCI). Estimating about $75 for each roughly 1.5 hour art class, this would pay the artist instructor fees for about 14 classes. Thanks to the three artists who have shared their talent by offering a class to the CSCSCI clients: Meri Reinhold, Sara Steffey McQueen, and Zoe Dean.
Stephanie thanks all who participated and says, “CSC is incredibly grateful for the partnership with BWS, and we look forward to continuing the partnership to increase sustainability of art classes for cancer patients, survivors, and families.”

Request for historical files

Linda Branstetter, BWS historian, asks anyone with info such as flyers of their shows to send them to her. She would like to put them in the history binder.

PDVNCH by Claude Cookman

Watercolor, gouache highlights and glitter 14 x 20 inches

Correct values let you
use color expressively

by Claude Cookman

In the first decade of the 20th Century, a group of French and Western European painters coalesced around the idea that color need not be realistic, but could be expressive. Chief among these “Fauves,” or wild beasts, were Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Klees von Dongen and Maurice de Vlaminck. Their movement was short lived, but their idea resurfaces periodically.
In 2018, I was fortunate to attend a workshop in New Braunsfel, Texas, led by David Lobenberg, a contemporary proponent of Fauvism, who has branded his version as “California Vibe.” Lobenberg, who teaches at Sacramento City College, preaches one simple concept: “It doesn’t matter what color you use as long as you get the values right.” To expressive color, he adds numerous techniques for achieving texture with watercolor. You can learn more about Lobenberg and his style at these URLs:
https://www.stylemg.com/2020/09/29/330095/spotlight-on-watercolor-artist-david-lobenberg
https://www.lobenbergart.com/collections/60305
Since the workshop, I had not done anything with this approach. When it came time to prepare work for the Bloomington Portrait Group exhibition (At The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E. Sixth Street, now through Nov. 24) I decided to try it again. PDVNCH, a local performance poet, designer and one of our favorite BPG models, seemed the perfect subject. To Lobenberg’s method, I added texture techniques learned in a class with BWS’s own Jeanne Dutton. The glitter was my own idea.
It’s not perfect. I will do several things differently the next time. But it was great fun!

FMCCS online auction to benefit BWS Scholarship

It’s time for the 2023 FMCCS online auction!
BWS annually awards $500 to a graduating MCCSC senior pursuing a degree in a field of art. We have had three successful applicants in the past three years so now we need to refill the coffers.
The Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools (FMCCS) holds an online auction called “Reading, Writing, Bidding.” The 2023 auction will be “live” from Nov. 27 through Dec. 5.
EVERY ITEM SOLD BY BWS ARTISTS EARNS 50 PERCENT FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP!
Here are some ideas for items you can contribute:

• A set of original, unique hand-painted greeting cards. (BWS will supply the cards.)
• An original painting, matted and backed. (BWS has 16 x 20 plastic sleeves.)
• A personal or pet portrait.
• A one-on-one art class!
• A coupon for service from your company

If you would like to contribute an auction item, let Sarah Ward or Jeanne Dutton know.
Please submit your donation form by Nov. 15.
Include a jpg image of your item or a sample, a full description, and a note assigning the item to the BWS Scholarship fund.
Here is the link to donate:
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/donate.action?auctionId=341726210
Here is the link to bid:
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?vhost=fmccs
Direct questions to Sarah Ward, BWS Scholarship Chair, at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Irina Shishova, Viridian Moon gallerist and Laura Brown, BWS show chair, announce Char Dapena’s painting of her cat as the People’s Choice winner.

“We Paint…Things We Love!”

The BWS membership show of 2023 closed Oct. 28 with a nicely attended reception, good food, and the announcement of the People’s Choice award. Congratulations to Char Dapena for her win with the charming watercolor painting of her cat, “Deku.”
Many thanks to the numerous BWS members who entered the exhibit and contributed in some way, to Viridian Moon Gallery, and to Laura Brown, the new BWS show chair.
For those who were unable to visit the exhibition, please view it on our BWS SmugMug gallery here:
https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com/We-PaintThings-We-Love/

Jean Thiery-Vietor

Jean died Oct. 26 at Cedarhurst in Bloomington after a long illness. Her daughter, Cathy Vietor-Braunlin said a celebration of life will be arranged at a later time.

Member News

Left: “Crusher” by Tim Lewis/Right: “Darling Oyster Bar”

Tim Lewis’s watercolor, “Darling Oyster Bar,” was juried into the 125th Annual Exhibition By Indiana And Ohio Artists at the Richmond Art Museum. This show opened Nov. 9 and runs through Jan. 6. Two of Tim’s watercolors are in the Watercolor Society of Indiana Members’ Exhibition at Fishers Arts Council at the Collaboration Hub in Fishers, Ind. This show’s reception will be Nov. 10 at 6 p.m., and the show runs through Dec. 2. His only new watercolor this month is “Crusher”, a 15 x 22 inch painting of a large rock crusher at a limestone quarry near St. Paul, Ind.

“House of Singing Winds” by Andy Roberts

“Monroe County Courthouse” By Andy Roberts

In September Andy Roberts participated in the Friends of T.C. Steele Show held at the Brown County Art Gallery. It was his first time to show at this beautiful gallery and one of his paintings was purchased. Andy submitted photos of his T.C. Steele painting, “House of Singing Winds,” as well as a new painting, “Monroe County Courthouse,” that he completed in October. Both paintings are Pen and Ink with Watercolor.

“On the Town,” a mixed media painting by Nancy Davis Metz was juried in to the SALI National Abstract Art Exhibition XIX. The show hung at the Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis last month.

Beyond BWS

Viridian Moon is currently featuring art from students at five local Middle Schools: Jackson Creek, Batchelor, St. Charles, Edgewood, and Bedford. This a unique opportunity to see young artists experimenting with different media and styles from collages to drawings, painting to digital arts, with guidance from their most supportive art teachers. The level of art skills, creativity, and boldness of the students’ art pieces make us, grown-up artists, rethink many aspects of our own works. This show inspires great interest in the Bloomington art society as well as the general public, and fosters bonds between creative people of all ages. Come support our wonderful young artists, and get inspired by the fruits of their hard work!

Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 8, come vote for your favorite work! The top eight People’s Choices will receive awards.
The Gallery’s address is 1600 W. Bloomfield Road, Bloomington, IN 47403 (The entrance is from the lower parking lot)
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/www.viridianmoon.art for updates.

Calendar

Nov. 10 Curator-led tour of “Landscape and Abstraction in Watercolor 1780-1980.” IU’s Eskenazi Art Museum. Meet in Museum Atrium at 2:50 p.m.

Nov. 13 Monthly BWS meeting, 6 p.m., First Christian Church
Nov. 15 Deadline for submitting donation forms for FMCCS online auction.
Nov. 17 Reception for Cancer Support Community Exhibit of work by Allen Hunton and MarySue Veerkamp Schwab, 4 to 7 p.m.
Nov. 27 – Dec. 5 FMCCS online auction
Dec. 11 Holiday Party at Meadowood, 6 p.m.

The August/September issue of Bloom magazine features artwork by BWS member Joe Lee.

Sept. 11
BWS meeting to focus
on best framing practices

Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, Sept. 11, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.

Matthew Schnaars from Framemakers, who will present the program on best practices for preserving and presenting watercolor artworks in a frame. “The final step of any painting is not placing the last brush stroke, but framing the artwork for the audience to view,” Matthew said. “Picture framing can enhance any work of art, but it can also protect it against the damages of time, and a skilled picture framer knows how to balance both aspects.”

Matthew will discuss topics such as mounting and matting options, working with watercolor paper as a framer, concerns about long-term preservation, different framing styles, and ways to work within a budget when framing your artwork. Matthew will bring some visual examples of all of the above to view and handle, and would be pleased to answer any and all questions that his time and experience will allow.

Member Show
“WE PAINT…Things We Love!”

The Fall Membership Show will hang at Viridian Moon Gallery, 1600 W. Bloomfield Rd., from Sept. 20 through Oct. 28. Viridian Moon Gallery will host an opening reception Sept. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Each member is invited to show one framed artwork no larger than 32 inches in either direction. For complete information, please consult the Show Prospectus on the BWS website: https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/member-shows-workshops/show-rules/prospectus/.

Important Show dates

Sept. 15, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Deliver painting to Viridian Moon. Consult Prospectus for labeling instructions.
Sept. 23, 3 – 5 p.m. Opening Reception
Oct. 28, 3 – 5 p.m. Closing Reception
Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pick up artwork

A $50 People’s Choice Award will be awarded at the closing reception, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m.
If you have questions, contact Laura or Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

August BWS meeting program

Peden Farm Volunteers needed!

BWS members will share an easy art project for all youth, parents and teachers attending the school-sponsored event at Peden Farm on Sept. 28 and 29. More than 2,000 patrons are expected this year so lots of volunteers are needed. You can volunteer for morning or afternoon shifts by contacting Sarah Ward: info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Breakfast and a barbecue lunch will be provided by our hosts.

THE LUME

Bloomington Watercolor Society has arranged a trip Wednesday, Oct. 18 to Newfields – The LUME to see a new version of the Van Gogh exhibit that many of us enjoyed last year. Aside from the vast array of spectacular images that surrounded us before, there will also be eight Japanese woodblocks and a “Sunflower Room” with seemingly endless fields of sunny flowers. Many aspects will be as brilliant this time as last, but we have learned that there will also be different effects with this newer version of the exhibit. If you saw the Van Gogh exhibit before, you know how stunning the immersive art, the classical music, the orchestrated lighting, and the interactive exhibits were. This is another chance to experience that once again without worrying about navigating traffic in Indianapolis.
Here are the particulars:
DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 18
COST: $25 per person (includes bus transportation, if desired)
OPEN TO BWS MEMBERS: One additional reservation may be made at the rate of $25 per guest
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF BUS SEATS: 26
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER: Rural Transit (Bus is NOT wheelchair equipped.)
MEETING TIME: 9:30 a.m. at Lowe’s (Please don’t be late.)
DEPARTURE: 9:45 a.m.
ARRIVAL AT NEWFIELDS: 10:45 a.m. (est.)
ENTER NEWFIELDS: 11 a.m.
DEPARTURE BACK TO BLOOMINGTON: 1:30 p.m.
ARRIVAL IN BLOOMINGTON: 2:30 – 3: p.m. (est.)
RESERVATION DEADLINE: Sept. 30
CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Oct. 10 (No refunds thereafter)

If you are interested, please don’t wait to make reservations; there is a limited number of bus seats. If you have not been to Newfields, there is a a gift shop (naturally) and a cafe where you can take a break if you like. To reserve your spot and pay electronically, go to https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/lume-roadtrip-2023/.
To pay by check, contact the BWS Treasurer, Barbara Coffman through info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Member News

Patty Uffman will be the featured artist for September and October at the Cancer Support Center. Her show, “Outside Influences,” includes acrylics as well as watercolors and can be seen at the Opening Reception Friday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cancer Support Center, 1719 W. Third St. in Bloomington. The Gallery will also be open daily for public viewing by appointment only. Email Stephanie@cancersupportscin.org or call 812-233-3286 to arrange a visit.

Three of Christine Peterson‘s paintings have received recognition this summer. “Remember Fishing” (above right) was juried in to the SALI National Abstract Art Exhibition XIX, to be shown at the Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis. Her painting “Waiting and Waiting” (above middle) was accepted into the NWS and Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour 2024 International Exchange Exhibition. And her “Morning Break” (above left) painting is currently hanging in the 41st Annual WSI juried exhibit at Newfields museum. She also won Grand Champion at the Monroe County Fair this summer with her painting “Old Man Winter.”

Tim Lewis‘s watercolor, “Sunshine Came Softly,” (above) received the Bob Bratton Memorial Award presented by Between Paper & Palette (5th place) in the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Annual Juried Exhibition. The show is in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and runs through Sept. 30. You can also view all 45 paintings in the show at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/WSI-Store .

Tim’s watercolor, “Fixing the Outrigger,” (above) will be a part of the Nickel Plate Arts Members Only Show at the Judge Stone House in Noblesville from Sept. 1 – 30.

Rose Brenner won 2nd place at the Good Ole Summertime Hoosier Art Salon competition in New Harmony. Her painting, “Early Morning Walk,” (above) is a 16″x20″ oil.

Andy Roberts (above — on the left) shared a $500 Best of Show award for his watercolor painting of the West Baden Hotel Valley View. He participated last month in the plein air event sponsored by the Indiana Heritage Arts of Nashville at the West Baden Springs property.

Beyond BWS

Viridian Moon announces the final reception and People’s Choice Winner announcement Saturday, Sept. 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. for the Upland Plein Air Member Show – 2023. Until that day Viridian Moon will be collecting votes for the Show’s pieces. Please come to support/vote for your favorite artist!

Upland Plein Air Member Show

Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show
Aug. 25 – Sept. 23
Closing reception: Sept. 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
Brown County Art Gallery
1 Artist Drive, Nashville, IN.
Gallery hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.
The show features work from several BWS members: Katya Alexeeva, Kathy Barton, Jacki Frey, Betty Wagoner, Joanne Shank, and Andy Roberts.

WHAT: Second Annual Bloomington Paint Out
WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023. RAIN OR SHINE
WHERE: Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park (Next to the swimming pool).
HOSTED BY: Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. Bloomington Watercolor Society, Upland Plein Air, The Portrait Group, and Artists for Climate Awareness are teaming up with Bloomington Parks and Rec for our second annual Paint Bloomington!
NO REGISTRATION FEE: Free. No advance registration required.
Artists check in between 9.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Pavilion the day of the event to have their canvasses or multi-media paper stamped before beginning their work. Supplies available for classes at the Pavilion and for painting on the Bryan Park grounds. Artists will be able to paint anywhere in Bloomington.
HOW: Open to professional and emerging artists of all ages and skill levels to create original artwork of any subject in any medium. Stamped/tagged works must be completed by 3 p.m. for judging.
Completed works need to be brought to the Woodlawn Pavilion marked with the artist’s name and email address on the back. Please do not sign artwork until after judging. Wet Oil paintings should be in a frame for safe handling or BYO easel/display.AWARDS: ALL stamped works completed that day will be eligible for judging.
Awards will be for artists in the following categories in ALL media: Professional artists, Adult Artists, Teens (12-17), and Youth (7-11) and Collaborative art.
Please email paintbloomington@gmail.com for additional information.
CLASSES will be at the Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all ages.
DEMONSTRATIONS: Various artists will be giving demonstrations throughout the day and there will be opportunities to paint with them.
Music, Storytelling, and Poetry readings will be at the Pavilion throughout the day. Picnickers and friends and family members and all observers welcome! All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Please email paintbloomington@gmail.com for additional information.

Workshop!
Establishing the Painting with
Personal Choice & Perspective

Friday, September 8th marks the beginning
of Art Colony Weekend. Spend the day with
award-winning Guild artist and instructor,
David M. Seward.

??Are you struggling with decision making
in your painting process? Look no further!

With David’s guidance, you will learn how to make informed decisions about color, composition, and other important aspects of painting.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, his techniques will help take your skills to the next level!

The cost is $150/$175. To register, go to https://browncountyartguild.org/.

Calendar

Aug. 25 – Sept. 23 Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show, Brown County Art Gallery
Sept. 8 David M. Seward Workshop – Establishing the Painting with Personal Choice & Perspective
Sept. 8 4-7 p.m. Opening Reception for Patty Uffman’s “Outside Influences” at Cancer Support Center
Sept. 11 6 p.m. BWS meeting, First Christian Church
Sept. 15 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Deliver paintings to Viridian Moon for Member Show
Sept. 16 3-5 p.m. Final Reception and People’s Choice Award announcement for Upland Plein Air Member Show
Sept. 22 Opening Reception for Fall Splendor show at Brown County Art Gallery
Sept. 23 3-5 p.m. Opening Reception for Member Show at Viridian Moon
Sept. 23 2-4 p.m. Closing Reception for Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show, Brown County Art Gallery
Sept. 28-29 BWS volunteers at Peden Farm
Sept. 30 Reservation deadliner for BWS Field Trip to Newfield’s – The LUME
Oct. 7 2nd Annual Bloomington Paint-out, Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park
Oct. 18 BWS Field Trip to Newfield’s – The LUME
Oct. 28 3-5 p.m. Closing Reception for Member Show, Viridian Moon
Nov. 1 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pick up Member Show paintings at Viridian Moon

Dune Fence by Tim Lewis

June 12
BWS meeting offers opportunity
to show and share your watercolors

Bring your recent watermedia paintings to the June 12 meeting for the 2023 Show and Share Program. Following a brief business meeting and installation of officers, members will have a chance to talk about their most recent works. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and will be at the First Christian Church 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will be in-person only.
Th Show and Share program usually occurs in September, but a bit of shuffling has had to happen to accommodate the rescheduling of the Framemakers program. That was originally the May program but will now occur in September. Jo Weddle, program chair, has provided a list of upcoming programs:
July 10 – Four on the Floor – A portrait painting rotation observation program
Aug. 14 -To Be Determined
Sept. 14 – Framemakers Program
Oct. 9 – Painting with a live model in Halloween costume
Nov. 13 – Abstract program by Zain Mackey
Dec. 11 – Holiday Party at Meadowood
June through November meetings will be at the First Christian Church with none on Zoom.

Closing Reception
“We Paint … Historic Bloomington”
at the Monroe County History Center

“We Paint…Historic Bloomington” closes its encore exhibit with a reception at the Monroe County History Center Friday, July 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. You are invited to enjoy this very interesting, informative, and beautiful collection of paintings of historic homes, buildings and trailblazers. The History Center, 202 E. Sixth St., is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May Paint-Out
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center

by Patty Uffman

Saturday, May 20, was a beautiful day for a paint-out!  Eight members drove out to Hilltop Garden and Nature Center on the east side of town for the occasion: Leslie Asher, Linda Branstetter, Barbara Coffman, Jeanne Dutton, Dan Goebbert, Charlotte Griffin, Patty Uffman (host), and Betty Wagoner. We walked around to get an overview, took pictures, chatted, sketched, and painted. I expected to see what I saw the last time I visited, but I was wrong.  Nature isn’t constant, and the view this year offered changes from our last paint-out there. The facilities provided indoor water and restrooms and the sunny and shady spots gave everyone a choice of where to set up. Whenever BWS has another paint-out there, I would encourage members to give it a try!  The following paintings are products of this paint-out.

Viridian Moon raises funds
for Ukrainian art students

by Irina Shishova

Our fundraiser for the Ukrainian Art Students in Kyiv has reached an important milestone: $1,500! So many BWS members have already shown their support. Thank you very much to everyone who came and participated in the fundraiser. It is inspiring to see our community come together and give back to others.
The fundraiser will be going on until June 24, so there are still many opportunities to participate. Please share this post with your art-loving friends to help us reach our goal of raising $3,000 for students in need.
P.S. We have added 4 new lovely still lives to the students’ prints collection.

Call for BWS Artists
to participate in a Gallery Show
We Paint…Out of the Box!
at the Waldron Arts Center Education Gallery
June 20 – August 5

This exhibit is for work by BWS members who go “out of the box” and paint with other mediums or create works that use watercolor in nontraditional ways.

 Have you created “orphan” pieces that don’t match specific medium or theme requirements of other exhibitions? Here is the place to show your stuff!  Mixed media, pastel, oil, acrylic – any medium is welcome!  Only two requirements:  describe the medium and able to hang on the wall

Entry specifications:

• Open to all current members of Bloomington Watercolor Society
• One work per artist.
• No entry fee, no commission. Work needn’t be for sale.
• All artwork should represent your original best effort. Pieces created in workshops are acceptable if the piece is original work and conceived and executed by the artist. (No pieces for which the artist copied an instructor step-by-step.)
• Art must hang on the wall and have attached wire with D shape hooks on the back. Every artwork must have a label (below) attached to the front and back.

Please notify Carol Rhodes that you will be submitting.

• In the email:
• Describe your work in a sentence or two.
• Send the following information:
• Name of artist
• Title of work
• Medium(s)
• Price, if applicable
• Email address
• A photograph of your piece is requested for marketing purposes.

Calendar:

• Drop off at Waldron Education Gallery: Tuesday, June 20, time to be announced
• Receptions: Gallery Walk, July 7 and Aug. 4. 5-8 pm
• Pick up: Saturday, Aug. 5 time to be announced

Member News

Christine Peterson is showing her work at the BWS Art Gallery in the Cancer Support Community office, 1719 W. Third St., Bloomington, through the end of June. The exhibit features about 35 paintings plus prints and cards. A reception for the exhibit, titled “Spice of Life,” will be Wednesday, June 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. The gallery is open daily to the public for viewing by appointment only. Arrange a visit by emailing Stephanie@cancersupportscin.org or call 812-233-3286.

Maura Stanton writes: I’m in France right now studying French at the Centre International d’Antibes. Here’s a watercolor sketch I did of the view from my window in the student “residence.” A bientot!

MarySue Schwab offers a little bit of history: My dad, Thomas A. Veerkamp, was a master watercolorist. He painted this as a very young man, a soldier in the army during WWII. This is one of the native’s huts on the island of Samoa. He has many paintings of giant trees and vegetation next to their tiny tents. Paper was scarce and he often painted on both sides of the paper. I have a whole album of these wonderful pieces, that I treasure.

Tim Lewis’s “Sunshine Came Softly” has been juried in to the Indiana Watercolor Society’s Juried Exhibition that will open at Newfield’s Aug. 4 through Sept. 30. Tim is also showing his work at the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Annual Members Show through July 21 at the Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis; and at the Time Exhibition at The Beyond Gallery, 414 E. Main St., Lafayette.

“COLA WARS” by Stephen Edwards has also been juried in to the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Juried Exhibition.

Mary Sue Schwab also has a painting, “Prickly Pear in Bloom,” in the WSI Annual Juried Exhibition.

Jerry Harste writes: I have spent the month playing around with a technique I developed to capture in paint marsh water seeing how far I could push it. I’m going to be putting “The Duck Pond” which I had initially titled “Stagnant Water,” into the upcoming Hoosier Salon Juried Show. “The Seagull” was my attempt to see if the technique would work capturing the surf. “A Landscape Study” was my attempt to see if I could use the technique to capture the foliage on trees. In my previous life as a literacy researcher we used to criticize researchers who discovered a new statistical procedure and then applied it willy-nilly to everything they encountered likening it to finding a hammer and then pounded the hell out of everything around them. In many ways I seem to be doing that same thing with this technique. But hey, in my defense, it has been fun!

Zain Mackey kicked off summer to a good start when her painting “Orca Rising” sold the last week of May. “I’m also having fun working on abstract nudes, my subject for the next few months,” she says.

Andy Roberts shares two paintings this month. The first one, “West Porch” is a pen and ink watercolor he did at the T.C. Steele State Site House of Singing Winds. This was painted at a BWS paint-out hosted by Betty Wagoner in April 22. He wrote that it’s one of his favorite places to visit and paint on a rather windy and winter-like day for spring but the redbuds and dogwoods were in bloom for beautiful scenes. The second painting, “Red Sky in the Morn,” is also a pen and ink watercolor. It is currently in the Climate Awareness display at Arts Alliance College Mall. 

Beyond BWS

The deadline to enter Kentucky Watercolor Society’s Aqueous juried show is July 1. For a full prospectus, click on https://www.kentuckywatercolorsociety.com/aqueous-2023. The entry process is on the KWS website: kentuckywatercolorsociety.com. If you have any questions you can email kentuckywatercolor@gmail.com or call Peggy Charmoli at 502-468-7906.