BWS Calendar

• May 2, BWS Upland Plein Air Paint Out
• May 5, Signature Member Show, Opening Reception at Meadowood
• May 5, Gallery Walk
• May 8, BWS Monthly Meeting and Table Sale
• May 9, BWS Upland Plein Air Paint Out
• May 20, TC Steele Festival of Flowers Paint Out

NEXT MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, May 8, 6:00 p.m.

First Christian Church, Kirkwood Avenue and Washington Street

Three events happening:

1. the monthly business meeting;
2. the table sale to support the BWS Scholarship;

   It’s a Triple Win!  Your supplies go to a worthy cause.  You help the BWS Scholarship fund grow.  And your studio becomes organized and clean.  What’s not to like?!  All new and used (but clean!) art supplies and books are accepted.  You may drop them at Jeanne’s house this week or bring them to the church by 5:00 p.m. before the meeting.  If you are bringing the items to the church, please make sure they are priced beforehand!  Sales start at 5:30 and then again after the program is finished.  Cash or check only, and checks may be made to the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools with the memo marked “BWS Scholarship.”

Questions?  Contact Jeanne at info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.

(Hint: Two retired art teachers have already donated some very nice things, there are some great bargains!)

3. the program: Getting to Know Those Colors: Basic Color Theory for Artists,  presented by Robin Edmundson

“Color Theory is not a law that you have to obey to make great art.  It is a set of ideas that help you describe color and describe patterns of color behavior.  Knowing each color and how it acts around other colors can be really helpful as you work on a piece.  We’ll talk about each basic hue, its unique attributes and how it acts next to other colors, with special attention to chroma and value.  We’ll also talk about some basic color harmonies.   We’ll do some experiments with paint as we have time.

Bring: color tools/wheels/books if you have them, and paint, brushes and paper so you can play a bit.”

WELCOME

BWS has three new members and we offer a hearty welcome to all of them:  Joanna Matuszak, Barbara Coffman and Tom Tierney.

MEMBER ACTIVITIES
BWS Signature Show and Opening Reception

Friday, May 5, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Meadowood Gallery

The Signature Members of BWS will open their 2^nd Annual Exhibit at the Meadowood Gallery this Friday.  The show will be up through May 26.  Meadowood is located at 2455 Tamarack Trail on the north side of Bloomington.

Jerry Harste and Gamboling Goats
The April meeting was a fun – and messy – one, for sure.  And everyone had a great time!  Although the theme was goats, many captured their own favorite animal to the project, including elephants, dogs, fish, and bugs.  Here are a few photos from that evening’s play.

Bear

Bulldog

Rainbow Goat

Koi

BWS Plein Air Exhibit

Reception Goodies, picture by Candi Bailey

BWS Upland Plein Air Exhibit Wall

It was a nice evening with a good turnout for the opening reception of the plein air exhibit.  As you can see, the tradition of delicious foods continued.
Gallery Walk
Friday, May 5, 2017, Flowing Colors Studio arts demonstration with Joanne Shank demonstrating spring flower painting with bamboo brush in the entry way of Caveat Emptor, 112 North Walnut Street, Suite 600, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Phone or text questions to Kathy at 812-679-6353.  For studio hours and info, link to http://flowingcolorsstudio.blogspot.com
Color Class
Robin Edmundson is teaching a class on Color Harmonies at her studio in Solsberry on Saturday, May 27 from 1:00 pm -5:00 pm.  You will start with a bit of formal color theory and then explore several different types of color harmonies using color wheels and other tools.  This is a small class taught at her home studio with no more than four people so you’ll get a lot of individual attention.  Workshop includes a project consultation for each person.  Bring a project or two that you have color questions about and she will discuss it with you and help you find some workable options to get you back on track.   Price discount for BWS members – $50 [Instead of $65].  More information here:  https://www.robinedmundson.com/shop-1/color-harmonies-may-27-2017-1-pm-5-pm
Exhibit in Bedford
Paintings by Don Geyra: New and Ancient
May 5 – May 20
Don, an avid outdoor painter, has an exhibit that opens at the Wiley House in Bedford May 5 with a reception, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.   Wiley House, located at the corner of 14th and J Streets, is the home of the Lawrence County Art Association and is open Thursday thru Saturday from 1-6 pm.

OPPORTUNITIES

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

This is a partial May schedule.  Please contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org for details.

• Tuesday, May 2, Champs Barn, Host: Sandi Nitti
• Tuesday, May 9, Griffy Lake, Host: Penny Lulich

Arts in the Parks
Saturday, May 13, 2017
1:00 – 4:00 pm, T.C. Steele State Historic Site
Watercolor Painting in Plein Air on T.C. Steele Grounds
Betty Wagoner will lead a class as they explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques and paint in the historic structures, gardens, and natural features of the site.   For details, contact Betty Wagoner.

Watercolor Classes
Beginning Watercolor I and II
Begin with the very basics, learn about supplies and various ways to apply paint to paper. Each class will feature hands-on activities, progressing from simple exercises to a painted piece.
Carol Rhodes will teach these two classes this summer on Monday evenings at the Waldron.  To register, go to https://www.ivytech.edu/bloomington/cll/16634.html#summer or call 812-330-4400.

The Art and Soul of Bloomington
“The Venue challenges you, as an artist, to identify and express your personal experience of Bloomington.”  Early Bird Application Deadline: June 10th, 2017; Final Application Deadline: June 24th, 2017.
The prospectus can be found at http://www.thevenuebloomington.com/Jurried.html

Indiana Artists Exhibit

The 85^th Annual Indiana Artists Exhibit is currently on display through June 11 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in the Bret Waller Gallery.  This exhibit is free to the public and is located across from the gift shop at the IMA.

TC Steele Festival of Flowers Paint Out
Saturday, May 20, 7:00 – 4:00, marks the final spring paint out.  Preregistration is requested, and all the details can be found at http://www.tcsteele.org/programs/

“Brushstrokes” is the (almost) monthly newsletter
of the Bloomington (Indiana) Watercolor Society
Editor, Jeanne Ellen Dutton
BloomingtonWatercolor.org
WePaintBloomington.org
Info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

6:10 pm: Call to Order

Welcome and Guest Introductions

Sharon Parsons came as a guest. New members were Barbara Coffman and Tom Tierney. Welcome!

Hospitality thanks (Betty Wagoner/Mary Walker)

Special thanks to Jaqueline Fernette, Mary Walker, Meri Reinhold, Char Dapena, Jeanne Dutton and Bess Lee, who contributed various dishes.

Minutes approval

It was noted that in the Old Business section of earlier minutes, the name needed to be changed from Candi Bailey to Kathy Truelove-Barton. Upon agreement, approval was proposed by Meri Reinhold and seconded by Robin Edmundson. There was unanimous approval.

Treasurer’s report (Patty Uffman)

BWS bank and fund balances were reported. Motion to accept by Jerry Harste and Candi Bailey. There was unanimous approval.

Old Business

Nominations:

The nominating committee submits the following slate for the 2017-2018 season:

Officers:
President: Jane Matranga
First Vice President: Charlotte Griffin
Second Vice President: Nancy Metz
Treasurer: Patti Uffman
Secretary: Erin Duff

Committee Heads:
Activities Chair: Jeanne Dutton
Historian: Candi Bailey
Refreshments: Mary Walker
Programs: Jo Weddle
Publicity: Sara Steffey McQueen
Scholarship: Jo Weddle
Shows: Anne-Karinne Bley
Technology: Carol Rhodes
Plein Air: Kristen Stamper

New Business:

Committee Reports:

Activities (Jeanne Dutton)

There is a table sale at the May meeting. Jeanne Dutton called for donations of surplus art supplies or books.

A paintout is scheduled at Steve Dawson’s farm on April 29. Directions will be provided for members.

LifeDesigns sent a thank-you card to BWS members for a successful show.

The BWS Spring Workshop, “Alcohol Inks and Water Soluble Crayons on Yupo” on Saturday March 25, led by instructor Lynn Busch was well attended. Participants learned different techniques of applying alcohol inks on Yupo. Attendees also experimented with pearl-ex, a mica pigment that can be added to watercolors, and water soluble wax pastels/crayons.

Charlotte Griffin informed members that the annual Garden Walk would be June 17 and 18, and painters will be sought to participate for all gardens on all days. A signup sheet will be passed around in the May meeting, but volunteers are welcome to talk to Charlotte beforehand.

Upland Painters Activities (Kristen Stamper)

Plein Air Exhibition at Bellevue Gallery

The 1^st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of Upland Plein Air Painters & Bloomington Watercolor Society will be at the Bellevue Gallery at the Farmer House Museum April 6 to May 2. upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Spring Schedule

The spring schedule through May 9 is posted at http://wepaintbloomington.org.

Scholarship (Jo Weddle)

Four applicants have come forward. The foundation committee will meet about it on the 17^th of April. Jo Weddle appealed for additional contributions to be added to the fund in the future, so that the award can be $500. Jeanne Dutton pointed out that the organization cannot do that until it has increased the scholarship fund substantially, because once the commitment of $500 is made, BWS would have to meet that commitment in the future.

Gallery Shows: (Tricia Wente and Anne-Karine Bley)

Signature Member show

A BWS Signature Member show opening reception is planned for 4:30 to 6 pm, May 5, at Meadowwood Retirement Center in May. BWS membership will be updated at the May meeting.

Programs (Jo Weddle)

May program

Robin Edmundson will present a program on color harmony.

Announcements

Betty Wagoner made a plug for people to join the Friends of TC Steele. This is the last year for the Festival of Flowers paint out. Other activities are planned for the spring time slot in the future.

Technology (Carol Rhodes)

Charlotte Griffin asked members present to submit artwork for the BWS Web gallery. Any resolution, format, and size will be accepted.

Monthly Program

Jerry Harste presented a program in abstract techniques, with the theme, “Gamboling Goats.”

Adjourned 8:30 pm

Submitted by Carol Rhodes, BWS Secretary.

Coming Monthly Meeting

Monday, April 10, 2017  6:00 p.m.

First Christian Church

Corner of Kirkwood and Washington Streets

Bloomington, IN

After a brief and important business meeting and some delicious refreshments, Jerry Harste, BWS Signature member, will present the program, “Gamboling Goats.”

Jerry paints “goats” as a warm up exercise.  Each time he sits down to paint, he first paints a goat trying a different water media technique.  In this program, he will share a technique he calls “Finding Figures in Foil Prints.”  Participants will do a “Where is Waldo” painting (on 8”x8” watercolor paper) as well as a “Goat” (or an animal of their choice) on an 8”x8” canvas panel (which has been prepared with a coating of gesso and absorbent ground so watercolor paints will adhere). His PowerPoint presentation will walk participants through each procedure as well as show some other painting in which Jerry has used this technique as part of the painting.  All materials will be provided, although it would be nice if some of you would bring your hair dryer.  All he asks is that you come ready to play.

BWS Events Calendar (See below for further details.)

Friday, April 7, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Opening Reception

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters 1st Annual Plein Air Exhibition

Opening Reception Friday, April 7, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
1st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of the Bloomington Watercolor Society’s Upland Plein Air Painters.

The show will be on exhibit from April 6 – May 2, 2017 at Bellevue Gallery in the Farmer House Museum, 529 North College, Bloomington, IN.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00  p.m.  Contact the Gallery at 812.336.5597.

Saturday, April 29, Weekend Paint Out at the Farm

10:00 – 2:00, Hosts Steve Dawson and Jeanne Dutton

Friday, May 5, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Opening Reception

BWS Signature Member Show (Details to be announced.)

Monday, May 8, 6:00 p.m., Monthly Meeting and TABLE SALE

Saturday, May 20 – Festival of Flowers Paint Out at T.C. Steele, 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Table Sale to Support the Scholarship

Ladies and Gentlemen, have you started your spring cleaning?  Especially in your studio?  Please consider donating all your extra art supplies to BWS – you know you have plenty of extra, right?!  As all we artists do?

At the May meeting, starting at 5:30 and then after the meeting, the supplies you donate will be sold to fellow members and all proceeds go to support the BWS Scholarship.  Last year was a great success, so pitch in!  Good, clean, useable art supplies are welcome.

For details and information, contact Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Member Activities

Congratulations to two BWS Signature members, Jerry Harste and Sara Steffey McQueen.

One of Jerry’s paintings is the cover for the latest issue of “Literacy Practice and Research” magazine.

Literacy Practice & Research magazine cover by Jerry Harste, BWS

Sara Steffey-McQueen next to “Wild Women”

Sara’s linocut print, “Wild Women,” was accepted into the 37^th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink Contemporary Gallery at 300 E. Main Street in Fort Wayne.  The exhibit runs March 31-May 7, 2017.  For hours and more, contact the gallery at (260) 424-7195.

Phyllis Taylor is the featured artist for April at the Tempo Gallery in Astoria, Oregon.  It’s an all-watercolor show featuring (mostly) portraits.  Phyllis says, “In addition to framed portraits, I’m going to have all the snippets of Arches paper with studies of eyes, mouths, noses, & rough sketches pinned to a big cork board with a header of ‘Practice, practice, practice!’

Sleepy by Phyllis Taylor 2017

Don Geyra is having an exhibit at the Wiley Art Center, 1402 J Street in Bedford, April 27 to May 19.  The reception is Friday, April 28 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome.  Light refreshments will be served.

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

Finally, spring is here – let the outdoor painting begin!  Everyone is welcome to join in these events.  For details, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

• Wednesday, April 12, Azalea Park & Arboretum, Host: Kathy Barton  NOTE: This site is 2 hours away, so it’s an all-day event.
• Tuesday, April 18, TC Steele Historic Site, Host: Anne-Karine Bley
• Tuesday, April 25, Shades State Park, Host: Betty Wagoner
• Tuesday, May 2, Champs Barn, Host: Sandi Nitti
• Tuesday, May 9, Griffy Lake, Host: Penny Lulich

Arts in the Parks Workshops with artist Betty Wagoner

Saturday, May 13, 2017, 1-4 p.m. at T.C. Steele State Historic Site.

Watercolor Painting in Plein Air on T.C. Steele Grounds

We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques and paint the historic structures, gardens, and natural features of the site.

Saturday, June 10, 2017, 9:30 am-4 pm at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Watercolor Painting at the Lake

• 9:30-Noon – We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques
• 12:30-4pm – Open house featuring watercolor pencil demos and visitor experimentation with watercolor pencils.

Saturday July 8, 2017, 1-4 p.m. at T.C. Steele State Historic Site

Watercolor Painting in Plein Air on T.C. Steele Grounds.

• We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques and paint the historic structures, gardens, and natural features of the site.

Saturday, August 12, 9:30 am-4 pm – Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Watercolor Painting at the Lake

• 9:30-Noon – We will explore watercolor and plein air painting techniques
• 12:30-4pm – Open house featuring watercolor pencil demos and visitor experimentation with watercolor pencils.

BWS Spring Workshop

Well, that was interesting!  Lynn Busch from Louisville treated us to a fun day playing with a new medium, alcohol inks.  Dropping and drizzling on plastic “paper” known as Yupo, the designs were free flowing.  Many thanks to all who helped set up, take down, and clean up.  And to Andrew Preston of Preston Arts Center for his help, too, in organizing with the artist instructor.

Diane Thayer being creative

Jeanne Dutton’s journal with alcohol ink

Maura Stanton & Nancy Metz working with alcohol ink on Yupo

OPPORTUNITIES

Call for Entries for the Art and Soul of Bloomington II

“We at The Venue believe that Bloomington is a very special place, a place that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit of those who are privileged to call it home, and those who only visit for days, weeks, months, or years. While we recognize that Bloomington has its challenges, we are not shy about our belief in Bloomington Exceptionalism. The Venue challenges you, as an artist, to identify and express your personal experience of Bloomington.”

Early Bird Application Deadline: June 10th, 2017;  Final Application Deadline: June 24th, 2017.

The prospectus can be found at http://www.thevenuebloomington.com/Jurried.html

2018 Call for Submissions

Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center

March 22-May 12, 2017

Find the details at https://ivytech.slideroom.com/#/Login

“Audubon: Drawn to Nature”

This exhibit is at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, April 1 – July 30. Check it out at http://www.imamuseum.org/exhibition/audubon-drawn-nature

“Brushstrokes” is the (almost) monthly newsletter

of the Bloomington (Indiana) Watercolor Society

Editor, Jeanne Ellen Dutton

BloomingtonWatercolor.org

WePaintBloomington.org

Info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Bloomington Watercolor Society

March 13, 2017

President Charlotte Griffin called the meeting to order shortly after 6 p.m.

Hospitality

Mary Walker thanked the following members who had provided refreshments for the meeting: Candi Bailey, Kriste Lindberg, Charlotte Griffin, and Char Dapena. Mary also brought food for the evening.

Minutes

Meri Reinhold moved and Betty Wagoner seconded that the minutes of the Feb. 13, 2017, meeting be accepted as submitted with no additions, deletions, or corrections.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Patty Uffman reported the BWS bank and fund balances.

Old Business

• Notecard Set II is available for sale at The Venue. Tricia Wente will see if The Monroe County History Center will continue to sell the sets as well.
• Nominations Committee Chair Patty Uffman announced that Bev Ohneck Holly and Kathy Truelove-Barton are serving on the Committee with her. Patty distributed a sheet with brief descriptions of all board and committee positions and asked those currently serving in those posts to describe their duties. She encouraged members to volunteer to be considered for the 2017-18 slate or to agree to serve if asked.

New Business

Programs

Jo Weddle announced a change in the programs scheduled for April and May. Jerry Harste will be leading a program called “Gamboling Goats: Exploring Technique” at the April 10 meeting. Robin Edmundson will present “Basic Color Theory for Painters” at the May 8 meeting.

Shows

Tricia Wente reported that Jerry Harste, Mary Jo Cannedy, and Deb Rush sold paintings from the Art of Chocolate Show. In addition, Tricia sold two paintings from the Art of Chocolate keynote event. $600 was raised through the sale of paintings and cards.

The next show will be the Upland Painters exhibition.

Upland Painters

Kristen Stamper invited members to join the weekly painting group and to sign up for the email distribution list.

She then distributed the Prospectus for the Plein Air Exhibition, April 6 – May 2 at the Farmer House Museum’s Bellevue Gallery. To be eligible for the show, works must be 2D and created at least 75% in plein air at paintouts sponsored by Upland or BWS. Works may be in any media except photography. Maximum artwork size (before framing) is 11 x 15 inches.

Deliver work: Bellevue Gallery, 529 N. College Ave., Bloomington, on Wednesday, April 5 between 10 a.m. and noon.

Opening reception: Friday, April 7, 5 – 8 p.m.

Pick up: Wednesday, May 3, 10 a.m. to noon.

Penny Lulich is the coordinator for weekly events in April and May.

Kristen announced other upcoming events:M

• March 21: Visit to Pygmalion’s and to BWS Member Lynne Gilliatt’s show at the Thomas Gallery
• April 4: Spring Mill
• April 12: Azalea Farm in Hazelton
• April 18: T.C. Steele Historic Site

Scholarship

Jeanne Dutton announced the May meeting will include a Table Sale with proceeds going to the BWS Scholarship Fund. Members are asked to bring gently used or new art supplies, magazines, and books to the meeting to be sold. Jeanne asked members to put a price on the items they bring.

Workshop

The BWS Spring Workshop, “Alcohol Ink and Water Soluble Crayons,” is scheduled for March 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lynn Busch, from Jacquard Products and Preston Arts Center will be the instructor.

Participants should bring a Brown Bag lunch.

Jeanne also distributed the new BWS rack cards, designed by Carol Rhodes and featuring artwork by Sara Steffey McQueen and Nancy Davis Metz.

Adjournment

Tricia Wente moved and Char Dapena seconded that the meeting be adjourned.

Following a brief break, Jacki Frey presented a program, “Value Sketch Study using Black or Payne’s Gray.”

Upcoming Monthly Meeting

Monday, March 13, 2017
6:00 p.m.
First Christian Church
Bloomington

After refreshments, socializing, and a short business meeting, BWS Signature Member Jacki Frey will present a program on creating a “Value Study Sketch Using Black or Payne’s Grey Watercolor for Sketching.”

Supplies to bring to the meeting are black or Payne’s Grey paint, a pencil, eraser, quarter sheets of watercolor paper or watercolor pad, and round brushes size 8 and 12.

Also, bring a favorite photo.  Jacki will provide some photos as well.

New Signature Members

Congratulations to the two new Signature members, Cathy Korinek and Donna Whitsitt.  To become a Signature member, certain criteria must be met.  Then, the applicants submit a selection of their work and their credentials before being “judged” by an outside juror.  Interested in applying?  The next opening will be in January 2018.  Questions can be directed to Tricia Wente.

Left to Right: Donna Whitsitt, Cathy Korinek

Welcome, New Members

Hello and welcome to Marie Kosakowski, Henry Leck, Diane Thayer, Debra Tocco, and Grant Wood.  Glad you could join us, and hope to see you soon!

BWS Spring Workshop

“Alcohol Inks and Water Soluble Crayons on Yupo”

March 25, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
First Christian Church, Bloomington

Come learn about the versatility and magic of alcohol inks on Yupo!  This workshop will inspire artists of all levels to loosen up and go with the flow. We will create abstract and non-objective works while learning the qualities of this vibrant medium. The day will start with making samples of different techniques.

We will take an intermission before lunch to introduce pearl-ex, a mica pigment that can be added to your watercolors, and water soluble wax pastels/crayons.

After lunch, you’ll apply the learned processes in your own way with suggestions and guidance.

Instructor:  Lynn Busch, who has a BFA from Berea College, is an Artist and Educator with Jacquard Products, and a manager and teacher at Preston Arts Center in Louisville.

ALL details can be found at http://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/activities/2017-spring-workshop/, or contact Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

MEMBER ACTIVITIES

BWS has new Rack Cards, thanks to Carol Rhodes!  If you are participating in an exhibit or a craft show or are represented by a gallery, please consider taking some rack cards along with you.  Contact Jeanne at Info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org for a supply.

Sarah & Salmon by Phyllis Taylor

Congratulations to….

Phyllis Taylor, BWS’ Northwest Coast “affiliate,” was one of 19 artists, from a group of 80, juried into a show at the Cannon Beach Arts Association (Oregon) titled “Contemporary Portraiture.” Juror was Martha Lee, owner of Russo Lee Gallery, Portland.

Works explore what role portraits now play in society with today’s “selfie” culture. Taylor’s work, “Afternoon Catch,” is a portrait of friend Sarah holding a large salmon she’d caught–and looking pretty pleased about it. This was the first juried show Phyllis has entered since moving to Oregon.

Wild Women by Sara Steffey-McQueen

Sara Steffey-McQueen’s linoleum print, “Wild Women,” was juried into the 37th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink Contemporary Gallery.  The opening reception is March 31, 6-9 pm, at the gallery, 300 East Main Street in Ft. Wayne.

BWS Upland Painters

Reporting: Kristen Stamper
Upland Plein Air Painters Plans a Busy April.
BWS’ 1st Plein Air Exhibition will open during Gallery Walk, 5-8 p.m. on April 7, at the Bellevue Gallery in the Farmer House Museum at 529 N. College St.  Over 30 BWS artists are planning to participate. Please come out and share the fun of this exciting review of local scenes painted on location at numerous BWS sponsored paint outs. The show will be on display through May 2, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In preparation for the Plein Air Exhibition, Kathy Barton and Donna Whitsitt are hosting a framing workshop. Ever the DIY divas, they will demonstrate framing techniques and share their knowledge on sources and professionally framing artwork yourself, including cost-saving approaches that can offer more flexibility than purchasing these services. Please contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org to reserve your spot and receive full details.
Finally, with the return of spring weather we will be outside to paint, starting in April. Please join us for any of these events. Please contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org for details.

• Tuesday, March 7, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Framing workshop, downtown location TBD, Host: Kathy Barton & Donna Whitsitt
• Tuesday, April 4, 9 a.m.-12 noon, Spring Mill State Park, Host: Rose Brenner
• Wednesday, April 5, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Turn in paintings for Plein Air Show at Bellevue Gallery, 529 N. College St.
• Friday, April 7, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Opening reception for 1st Plein Air Show at Bellevue Gallery, 529 N. College St.
• Wednesday, April 12, All Day,  Azalea Path & Arboretum in Hazleton, Indiana, Host: Kathy Barton
• Tuesday, April 18, 9 a.m.-12 noon, TC Steele State Historic Site, Host: Anne-Karine Bley

Arts in the Parks

Betty Wagoner received a grant for the state “Arts in the Parks” program. The workshop sessions will take place March through August, so watch here for later opportunities, or contact Betty.

• Saturday, March 25, 1-4 p.m.  TC Steele State Historic Site, in the Large Studio.

A brief review of watercolor pencil techniques and plein air techniques used by TC Steele as evidenced in his paintings.

• Saturday, May 13, 1-4 p.m. – TC Steele State Historic Site, Watercolor plein air painting workshop.

Watercolor techniques and plein air basics will be covered and participants will paint around the grounds.

The Art of Chocolate

Thank you to all the BWS artists who participated in the Mardi Gras show and painted at the Keynote event.  We can be proud that sales of our art generated over $600 for LIFEDesigns!  The exhibit will remain at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage through March 27.

Please pick up your paintings between 11:00 – 2:00, at the Vault on March 28.

Penance, Mardi Gras Style by Jerry Harste

Best in Show, C’est fou, by Deborah Rush

Babette Ballinger holding a painting by Tricia Wente at Art of Chocolate

OPPORTUNITIES

Eco-Heroes Contest
The City of Bloomington Environmental Commission announces the sixth annual Eco-Heroes Contest. While this art contest has always been for local K-12 students, this year the Environmental Commission is collaborating with the Commission on Aging to pilot an additional category for adults. Entries are due Friday, March 31 at 5:00 p.mm at the City’s Planning and Transportation Department in City Hall. For more information, contact Sarah Green, City of Bloomington Environmental Commission.

Orchids in Watercolor at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
Now through July 9, IMA offers a wonderful show of botanical watercolors.  This exhibition features “30 orchid watercolors collected by Josiah K. Lilly, son of the founder of Eli Lilly and Company and its president from 1898 until 1932.  Through these works, significant for both their scientific accuracy and aesthetic quality, guests will be able to explore botanical facts about orchids and learn more about the Lilly family’s interest in collecting and growing them.” http://www.imamuseum.org/exhibition/lilly-collection-orchids-watercolors

Frederick William Bolas (English, 1871–1951), Orchid: Cypripedium smithae, 1907, watercolor on Whatman’s water colour sketching board, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. J.K. Lilly, 63.81

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Minutes of the Bloomington Watercolor Society Membership meeting

February 13, 2016, 6 pm     First Christian Church

6:05 pm: Call to Order

Welcome and Guest Introductions

Meeting guests were Barbara Coffman, Tom Tierney, and Billie Moore. Debra Tocco attended her first meeting as a new member. Welcome!

Hospitality thanks (Betty Wagoner/Mary Walker)

Special thanks to Mary Walker, Patty Uffman, Jeanne Dutton, Jo Weddle, Kristen Stamper, and Betty Wagoner, who contributed various dishes.

Minutes approval

No changes to the January minutes were submitted by the members. Motion to approve was submitted by Candi Bailey and seconded by Kathy Barton. There was unanimous approval.

Treasurer’s report (Patty Uffman)

BWS bank and fund balances were reported.

Old Business

Signature member update

New signature members are Cathy Korinek and Donna Whitsitt. Congratulations!

Spring 2017 Program/Activity Calendar distribution

Jo Weddle distributed an activities calendar extending through July 2017. Programs are currently posted on the website. Paintouts will be posted soon. The first Saturday paintout of the spring is April 29 at Steve Dawson’s farm. More information to come soon.

New Business:

Committee Reports

Nomination Committee (Charlotte Griffin)

Charlotte Griffin appealed for volunteers for the 2017/2018 year.

Activities (Jeanne Dutton)

Jeanne Dutton reported at least 100 attended the WE PAINT…Mardi Gras–the Art of Chocolate event at The Vault.   Best of Show was awarded to Deb Rush; the runner-up was Donna Whitsitt. BWS generated, through sales of paintings and greeting cards, approximately $500 for LIFEDesigns.

A spring workshop on alcohol inks and water-soluble crayons will be facilitated by Lynn Bush on March 25^th. Registration is in progress. Jeanne Dutton distributed a handout with specific information. Details can also be found at bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

The City of Bloomington Environmental Commission announces the sixth annual Eco-Heroes Contest. While this art contest has always been for local K-12 students, this year the Environmental Commission is collaborating with the Commission on Aging to pilot an additional category for adults. Entries are due Friday, March 31 at 5:00 pm at the City’s Planning and Transportation Department in City Hall. For more information, contact Sarah Green, City of Bloomington Environmental Commission.

Upland Painters Activities (Kristen Stamper)

Plein Air Exhibition at Bellevue Gallery
The 1^st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of Upland Plein Air Painters & Bloomington Watercolor Society will be at the Bellevue Gallery at the Farmer House Museum April 6 to May 2. The reception will be Friday April 7 from 5 to 8pm. Members have already signed up to participate and there is a waiting list to exhibit. The prospectus was distributed and posted online at bloomingtonwatercolor.org. For more information, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Brown County paintout and other activities
Kristen Stamper reported that several came to the painting retreat in Brown County, with five participants staying in a cabin. Upcoming activities were also mentioned. The current Upland schedule is at bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Scholarship (Jo Weddle)

Sara Steffey-McQueen has distributed posters advertising the $300 scholarship to teachers in the two high schools. Proposals are due at the end of March.

Gallery Shows: (Tricia Wente and Anne-Karine Bley)

Bicentennial show pickup
Pickups for the Bicentennial show at the Monroe County History Museum was scheduled for February 21 from 2-4pm.

Signature Member show
A BWS Signature Member show is in the works for Meadowwood Retirement Center. More information is forthcoming.

Programs (Jo Weddle)

March program

Jacki Frey will present a demonstration on watercolor value study. A description will be distributed prior to the meeting.

Technology (Carol Rhodes)

Charlotte Griffin asked members present to submit artwork for the BWS Web gallery. Any resolution, format, and size will be accepted.

Monthly Program

Tricia Wente and Carol Rhodes delivered a presentation called “Master Disasters,” on how to fix mistakes and prevent mishaps.

Adjourned 8:30 pm
Submitted by Carol Rhodes, BWS Secretary.

Monthly Meeting

Monday, February 13, 2017

6:00 pm at First Christian Church

After a brief business meeting and introduction of our new juried Signature members, Tricia Wente and Carol Rhodes will present the evening program, “Disasters:  Best Practices in Correcting Errors in Watercolor.”

Improve your paintings, learn to make “adjustments” during the painting process. Everyone needs to learn a few tricks to manage this medium, and by experimenting you too will have a better grasp of how to deal with certain quirks of watercolor painting.

Bring one disaster painting of your own (we all have them) and any of the following materials you have on hand.  For example: sponge, a few brushes, small water container.  We will provide some tools to share.

The BWS Spring Calendar will be distributed and it’s a full one!

Welcome to New members

BWS welcome the following artists and we hope to get to see you soon:

Joanne Baum, Rose Brenner, Eric Brock, Patricia Coleman, Ellen Flach, Tereasa Laakman, and Grant Wood.

The Art of Chocolate Show

We Paint…Mardi Gras!

Opening Reception

Friday Gallery Walk, February 3, 5-8 pm

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage

Wear your beads and mask and have fun at the opening reception where the Best of Show will be announced with a prize of $100 and two tickets to the Week of Chocolate Keynote event at IU Memorial Union.  The Runner-up will receive two tickets, and four names of participating artists will be drawn to receive two tickets each, too.  (Value of the tickets is $75 each!)

Sales will be split 50/50 with the artist and LIFEDesigns.  Greeting cards featuring chocolate and Valentines will be sold at the reception for $5 each, with all proceeds going to LIFEDesigns.

And while you are downtown, scoot on over to the Monroe County History Center where a few BWS artists will be doing demos.  The Centennial show is up through the end of February and now is a good time to go see it again!

Emerging Artists Exhibit

BWS is proud to support and encourage young high school artists, and we did just that by sponsoring awards at the Emerging Artists exhibit, held in January at the Venue Fine Art and Gifts.  The results are in: below, you can see the three works that won the 2D painting category and the 3D Best in Show.

Child by Emily Yeargin
(Best in Show)

Boy by Olivia Robinson (Silver Best in Show)

Pine Trees in Winter by Jaiden Harris (Honorable Mention)

Imre by Barbara Granicz (Stained Glass (3D Best in Show))

BWS Scholarship Application Open for input

Thanks to Jo Weddle, chair of the BWS Scholarship Committee, for attending and promoting the scholarship.  Many thanks, also, to Andy Lehman for designing the BWS Scholarship poster. See the poster at the link below:

BWS Poster

Please encourage your young artists to apply.  Request details at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org

Member News

BWS Upland Plein Air Painters

On January 17, Upland held the winter/spring organizational meeting where we began to fill in the 2017 calendar. Through March, Upland will concentrate on a variety of inside activities which are in the planning phase now. If you are not an Upland participant and want to join in, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Plein Air Exhibition at Bellevue Gallery

The 1st Annual Plein Air Exhibition of the Bloomington Watercolor Society and Upland Plein Air Painters will be at the Bellevue Gallery at the Farmer House Museum, April 6 to May 2. The reception will be Friday, April 7 from 5 to 8 pm.  Members have already signed up to exhibit and, because of limited space, there is a waiting list. The prospectus was distributed and posted online at bloomingtonwatercolor.org. For more information, contact upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Opportunities

All-Media Still Life Class

Don Geyra has scheduled an all media art class for two Wednesdays, February 15 and 22, 2-4 pm.  Price is $60 and will consist of a still life to be worked over the two sessions. All media are welcome. Pastel. Oil. Watercolor. Acrylic.  The class will be held in Bedford at the Lawrence County Art Association.

Contact Don Geyra 287-8748 or Phyllis Westfall 279-4734 to enroll. If you are unfamiliar with Don’s work, go here to   dongeyra.com/gallery

Color Theory Workshop

Robin Edmundson will be facilitating a 3-day Color Experience at MoonTree Studios in Plymouth, Indiana, April 21-23, 2017.  If you’ve been waiting for a chance to learn some color theory, and then have the time really run with it, this is your chance. There will be a half day class on basic color theory to jump start you, then you’ll have 2 1/2 days to explore color in your own direction. Robin is there to cheer you on, help with more color theory, brainstorm, bounce ideas off of, etc. We conclude each day with a “show and tell” to look at what others are doing with other media, share progress, ask questions, share frustrations, and brainstorm. You’ll be encouraged to experiment and explore things you haven’t tried before, and explorations will be flexible enough to allow for change in direction if desired. Our emphasis is on the color exploration, not on completing a set of products by the end of the experience. It’ll be a small-ish group between 6-8 folks in any area of visual art or fiber art. $320 for the three days [$290 if you’re a member of MoonTree Studios] (For example explorations and materials list, see their website – link below.)  Here’s the link to the class: http://www.moontreestudios.org/index.php/test-store/2015-09-11-19-14-42#!/Color-Exploration-in-2D-and-3D-Visual-Art-with-Robin-Edmundson/p/72672647/category=19838035 Robin will have MoonTree Studios catalogs at the February meeting so you can see all the great classes they offer.

Lawrence County Art Association

The LCAA, located in downtown Bedford at the Wiley Art Center, 1402 J Street, offers members an opportunity for a paint-in nearly every Thursday from 1-3 pm.  To discover more and become a member, link to http://www.lawrencecountyart.org.

Happy Valentine’s Day!