Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, January 8th, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Program: Transparent Watercolors: How to Use Color
MarySue Schwab says that people always ask her, “How do you use color effectively?” In response to that question, MarySue will conduct a mini-workshop around the use of color. Nuggets of her advice include: “Limit your palette! Know your colors! Remember complements create contrast! Know the temperature of your painting? Value trumps all else! And, save and use the white of your paper.
Supplies: Bring watercolor supplies (paper, brushes, paints, etc.) and a reference photo if you are starting a new project. If you are already working on something, bring that.
Close Up Images of MarySue Schwab’s artwork
Inside BWS
BWS’ Christmas Party
As the pictures below show, BWS’ 2023 Christmas Party (a Christmas Card Exchange) at Meadowwood was a huge success with over 40 people in attendance.
Up-Coming Benefit Show: We Paint….Peter, Paul and Mary!
This year’s show will benefit the Teachers’ Warehouse. The theme of the show is “We Paint….Peter, Paul, and Mary!” The show will be held from February 2 through March 29 at the Vault Gallery (121 E. 6th Street). The Opening Reception will be held on February 2 (Gallery Walk Friday) from 5 to 8 p.m.
In the prospectus, you will find all the details along with links to sites about Peter, Paul, and Mary, their lives and their art.
Any medium is welcome for this show, so BE INSPIRED, BE CREATIVE, and HAVE FUN!
Jeanne Dutton provided the following up-date for the Newsletter:
“Many thanks to Linda Branstetter, Denise Lessow, Marcy LaMaster, Meri Reinhold, and Lynne Gilliatt!
The Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools manages the BWS Art Scholarship. Due to the generosity of the artist members who contributed auction items, to those who made direct donations to the scholarship, and to those who bid on our items, the scholarship fund increased by over $300 in December.
MCCSC seniors may begin applying in February. Information will be available through their schools.
Signature Membership — Open Applications
Are you interested in applying for 2024 Signature Membership?
It’s the honored status for BWS members who have developed skills, gained education, and been juried into exhibits sponsored by prestigious art organizations, such the Hoosier Salon, National Watercolor Society, the Watercolor Society of Indiana, et al.
a. Indicate your interest in applying by MARCH 31.
b. Applications must be completed and submitted by APRIL 30.
c. Final judging will be completed by SEPTEMBER 30.
d. Award to successful applicants will be announced at the October meeting.
Andy Roberts, as 2nd VP and Membership Chair, oversees the application process. Please direct any questions to him at info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.
Outside BWS
Bloomington Portrait Group Reorganizes Along Upland Model
Arkady Roytman • Faces of Bloomington • Oil
Visual artists in the Bloomington area are fortunate to have several vibrant groups serving their interests. The groups share many members in common and have filial relationships. For example, the Upland Plein Air landscape group was a spin off from BWS. The Bloomington Portrait Group emerged from Upland.
In January 2017, it was too cold to paint outside, and Upland members were looking for an indoor winter activity. Somebody suggested a portrait session. Eight members met at Jacki Fry’s home in Ellettsville, where the first model was an Indiana University BFA student. Claude Cookman saw a vacuum and began scheduling bi-weekly sessions for artists to draw and paint portraits from live models. Since then, the group has met every other Thursday to paint and draw from live models. When the Covid-19 lock-down halted in-person sessions, Mary Sue Schwab suggested self-portraits. That expanded into monthly challenges — such as portraits of pets, statues, dolls, famous persons, and the artists’ younger selves — that members completed in their studios and shared by email.
BPG welcomes artists at every level from novices to professionals. The roster numbers about 50 regional artists, but typically 10 to 12 artists attend a session. They work in a range of mediums from oil and watercolor to charcoal, graphite, pastel, and collage. The group has met in several locations including the Banneker Community Center, the Monroe County Public Library, Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church, and The Vault at Gallery Mortgage. Recently it has alternated between Bloomington Parks and Recreation’s Switchyard Park Shelter House during the summer, and the Arts Alliance Center at the College Mall during the colder months.
Cookman recruited models who represent our community’s rich diversity in age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. During school vacations he scheduled children and teens. The youngest model was 8; the oldest, a nonagenarian. In addition to diversity, he also looked for people who help make Bloomington a safe and civil place to live: musicians, artists, athletes, ministers, WFIU radio personalities, journalists, fire fighters, and food security leaders. Models have included an IU women’s basketball star, performance poet, clown, belly dancer, cowboy, and roller derby skater. The one thing all models have in common is their interesting faces. “Interesting faces, interesting lives,” has become the BPG motto.
Because some artists like to include narrative in their portraits, models are asked to bring props that relate to their work or hobbies. Items have ranged from books and knitting to musical instruments and sports equipment. The most intriguing prop was Kundalini, a boa constrictor snake, which the model wore around his neck. The session got lively when the room warmed up and the snake started slithering across the floor. At that point, the moderator let the model break pose and retrieve his reptilian friend.
After six years as director, Cookman is stepping down at the end of December 2023. The group is reorganizing along the Upland model. Members will sign up for a month and be responsible for recruiting models and moderating sessions. Arkady Roytman has volunteered to be coordinator to keep things running smoothly and manage a website announcing the sessions.
If you are interested in participating in the Bloomington Portrait Group, go to this URL to join the mailing list and get information, invitations, and reminders about upcoming sessions!
Upland’s Membership Show will be held at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall from February 3th to March 2nd, 2024. Delivery of entries is on February 1 with the opening reception scheduled for February 3rd from 1 to 3 p.m.
Join us for a unique art workshop that goes beyond the canvas to explore the emotional impact of impending climate change. This workshop delves into the intersection of art and environmental consciousness, allowing participants to express their emotions and reflections on climate change through the powerful medium of abstract watercolors. Theme: The Emotional Landscape of Climate Change. In this workshop, we will explore the emotional depths inspired by the challenges our planet faces — droughts, fires, storms, oceanic changes, heat impacts, biodiversity damage, and more. Through abstract art, participants will have the opportunity to convey their feelings, fears, and hopes for the future in a visually compelling and evocative manner. Offered by Artists for Climate Awareness in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Living. Stephen Hale, board member, will provide a short educational piece about the organization’s many projects, and how you can help your home and community to be environmentally friendly. See https://ivytechbloomington.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=1506&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0
Zain Mackey, “Orca Rising”
Call for art. Juried gallery show opportunity: Depictions: Earth, Life, and Our Shared Responsibility
Artists for Climate Awareness is calling for 2-D and 3-D artwork to be displayed in a gallery exhibition April 1 – 28 at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall in Bloomington, IN.
We are proud to be offering this juried exhibition during Earth Month, and we anticipate exceptional patronage during that time. Bloomington is the hot spot for viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse, and we expect a tremendous influx of tourists to be in town, especially around April 8th. (https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/indiana-2024-eclipse)
We will be coordinating other climate awareness events related to this exhibition, including: a reception featuring environmentally themed new music performed by an IU Jacobs School of Music ensemble; a pastel workshop by nature artist Avon Waters; and a climate-themed poetry and dance performance entitled “Stormwash: Climate Awareness” by Bloomington Writers Guild and Windfall Dancers, Inc. For the prospectus, see https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/art-exhibition-prospectus/
In Memorial
Robert Anderson.
Susan Graham wrote to say “I learned the sad news last night that Bob Anderson passed away earlier this month. I don’t know if the HT ran an obit for him but here it is from Franklin, TN, where he and Frances have lived since 2020. I was lucky to work with Bob for years in the economic development community in addition to BWS. What a fun-loving and sweet gentleman he was. Also a talented painter!”
Dec 10, 2023 — Linda Meyer, affectionately known as “Linnie” or “Lin”, was born on January 24, 1946, and passed away on December 7, 2023.
After a social service career in Cincinnati, Ohio, Linda moved to Indiana in 1988. In 2000, she took her first art class and found a love for art and a joy in expression that has become her second career. Linda taught watercolor, acrylic, collage and mixed media classes for Ivy Tech’s Center for Lifelong Learning. Her style of teaching encouraged students to expand their watercolor horizons with surprising results, including quirky impressions and colors while exploring chaos and pattern.
Jeanne Dutton. Ivy Tech’s Center for Lifelong Learning offers a wide variety of visual arts classes. For the very amateur watercolor artist, I will teach Beginning Watercolor I starting January 25. Classes are 2:15-4:45 every Thursday through February 29 and will be held at the commons of the new Bloomington Fine Art Supply store. It’s located next to Rainbow Bakery at the corner of Rogers and Fourth Streets.
Note that I will be teaching Calligraphy and Drawing at Ivy Tech Bloomington, winter/spring session. Sign up now. Classes begin 1/18/2024 and space is limited, Use the link for easy registration!
Fundementals of Drawing Thursdays 10-12.: This class will help you to develop your drawing skills. Come just for the love of drawing, or to use the techniques to improve your other forms of art!
Calligraphy Thursdays 12:30-1:30.: Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing. Learn the basic strokes, size, and spacing of lettering so you can use these skills as a springboard for decorative lettering and flourishes.
Come join the fun!
Tim Lewis. Two of my watercolors, “Snowed In” and “Lonely Corner” are in the “God’s Gift Of Winter” invitational show at the Greenfield Christian Church in Greenfield, IN through March 3rd.
Jacki Frye. My granddaughter on the beach in Maui, entitled, “Surf’s Up!!”
Andy Roberts. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and productive paintings in 2024. I closed out this year with a painting I was commissioned to paint from a couple who traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii in June. It’s a watercolor on watercolor canvas. I like not having to put glass on these painting as you can coat with acrylic UV paint and frame. Thanks to all our BWS members for a wonderful year.
Susan Savastuk. The items in red under the flyer (below) are donations that can be brought to the Cancer Support Center. The donations will become part of the Cancer Comfort Kits which the Center offers to folks healing from cancer. Feel free to bring your donations whenever, or better yet, when you come to see my exhibition at the Center which opens January 8.
Patty Uffman. I have been juried into the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. My work focuses on watercolors, but also includes pastels, acrylics, and collage. The Arts Alliance showcases nearly every media: watercolor, woodworking, collage, fiber, oil, photography, jewelry, oils, stained glass, pen and ink, glass, candle-making, and writing. I’m happy to join other members of BWS who also exhibit there, including Andy Roberts, Carol Rhodes, Don Geyra, Henry Leck, Rose Brenner, Sara Steffey McQueen, and Susan Savastuk. Please stop by the Arts Alliance at the mall Thursdays-Sundays to enjoy the wide variety of artists on display!
Zain Mackey. As we reach the end of 2023 I’ve been working with watercolor and playing with mixed media ideas. Here’s one of my paintings on that theme titled “Fleeting Thoughts.”
Jerome Harste. I had the chance to visit the Light, Space & Time Online Art Gallery. They are featuring an “All Women” Art Show. Below are some of my favorite paintings:
Artists: Susan Morris, Viv Buckley, (First Row). Jana Gaul, Michele Munyak (Second Row).
Calendar
Now through March 3 –“God’s Gift of Winter Show,” Greenfield Christian Church
January 8 — BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, Bloomington
January 8 to March 1 — Susan Savartuk’s Show at Cancer Support Ctr., Blmgtn.
January 18 — MarySue Schwab’s classes begin at Ivy Tech, Bloomington
January 25 — Jeanne Dutton’s classes begin at the Fine Arts Store
February 2 to March 28 — BWS Benefit Show at The Vault Gallery, Bloomington
February 3 to March 2 — Upland Plein Air Show at Art Alliance, Bloomington
February 13 — Artist for Climate Awareness Workshop begins, Art Alliance
April 1 to April 28 — Artist for Climate Awareness Exhibition, Art Alliance, Blmgtn.
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:
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.
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)
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.
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.)
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.
Bloomington Watercolor Society will meet Monday, October 9th, at the First Christian Church, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave. The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Program
The October 9 program is a Fall Paint In led by Charlotte Griffin. There will be three still life setups for you to choose from. Two are flower arrangements and one is a scarecrow and some pumpkins. Bring you paper, brushes, and your palette filled with fall colors.
Inside BWS
State of the Society — Past President’s Report
Bloomington Watercolor Society State of the Society Report (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023)
Dear Members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society,
As I step down from my role as President, I take immense pride in the growth and accomplishments we have achieved together as the Bloomington Watercolor Society. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this remarkable community, and I am immensely proud of our collective achievements. The dedication, talent, and passion displayed by each member continue to inspire me and reaffirm my belief in the transformative power of art.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the entire executive committee and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make BWS a resounding success.
I am pleased to present to you the State of the Society report for our organization, summarizing the activities and events that took place from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. It was an eventful year, and we are grateful for the continued support and participation of our members.
Meetings:
Throughout the year, our society hosted a variety of meetings and workshops to engage our members in the world of watercolor art:
July 2022 – We kicked off the year with an Etagami workshop by Ruth Bogan.
August 8th, 2022 – A demonstration featuring Rachel Berenson Perry, author of Painter of the Dunes: A Life of Frank Virgil Dudley. Morgenstern’s Books was there with copies of the book to sell.
September 12th, 2022 – We had a Show and Share session and a Book Exchange.
October 10th – Sara Steffey McQueen led a Mandala Art workshop.
November 14th – Penny Lulich shared insights on “Finding Joy and Confidence with Watercolors,” along with her demonstration of painting the California coastline.
January 9, 2023 – We visited McCalla Elementary School, which is now an art gallery showcasing artworks collected by Indiana University affiliates.
February 2023 – Unfortunately, this meeting was canceled due to Covid.
March 13th, 2023 – We had a still life setup to paint, featuring flowers, fruit, shamrocks, and other objects.
April 10th – Carol Rhodes and Jeanne Dutton presented various watercolor mediums.
May 8th – The FrameMakers demo was canceled due to the presenter’s Covid situation, and business was conducted among officers only.
June 2023 – We had a Show and Share session, the installation of officers, and a farewell to Carol Rhodes as BWS President.
Paintouts:
Our paintout events provided opportunities for members to practice their skills in different locations:
July 16 – A paintout at Indiana University’s Hilltop Garden.
August 6th – Downtown Historic Places paintout in Downtown Bloomington.
September 10th – Great Outdoor Paint Out at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site.
October 8th – A Multi-Organization Paint Out at the citywide Paint “Bloomington!” event.
October 15th – A paint-out and pitch-in event at Peden Farm.
April 22nd – A paintout at T.C. Steele State Historic Site for Arts of the Earth Day.
May 20 – A paintout at Hilltop Garden Nature Center.
June 3rd – A paintout at Monroe County History Center on the Lawn.
June 10th and 11th – “Artist in the Garden” paintout in collaboration with the Bloomington Garden Club Garden Walk.
Gallery Shows:
Our members showcased their talents in various gallery exhibitions:
“We Paint…Historic Bloomington” October 7 through November 23, The Vault at Gallery Mortgage
“We Paint…Monet and More!” – February 3 – March 21, 2023 at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage which benefited Teachers Warehouse. $286 was donated from the proceeds.
Tue Apr 25th – Sat Jul 8th – “We Paint…Historic Bloomington” Encore at the Monroe County History Center.
Thu Jun 22nd – Sat Aug 5th – “BWS We Paint…Outside the Box” at Waldron Arts Center, featuring non-traditional watercolor pieces and various mediums.
Cancer Support Community Shows:
Our members contributed to meaningful exhibitions at the newly formed Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery, located in the Cancer Support Community. So far, the artists have raised over $1000 for CSC programs.
Fri 9/2/22-10/28/22 – “Places to Go, People to See” by Meri Reinhold
Fri 11/4 – Fri 12/23 – “Right Where You Are” by Laura Brown
Fri 1/9/23- Fri 2/24/23 – “Sunrise of Hope” by Rose Brenner
Fri 3/3 – Fri 4/28 – “Intuitive Acrylics” by Sara Steffey McQueen
Fri 5/5 – Fri 6/30 – “Spice of Life” by Christine Peterson
Special Events:
We enjoyed several special events throughout the year:
July 12 – Lilly Library watercolor book tour, where we admired antique watercolor works in the collection.
Sep 29th and 30th – BWS participated in the Peden Farm Children’s Festival, offering thumbprint activities for children.
October 8th – BWS offered thumbprint animals for children at “Paint Bloomington.”
Dec 7th – LUME field trip to the Monet and Impressionist Exhibition of lights at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
Dec 11th – BWS Holiday Party at Meadowwood, featuring dinner and activities.
Book Sale:
At our spring 2023 meetings, we held an informal book sale, with proceeds benefiting the Sande Nitti fund, which supports BWS participants attending art workshops. The sale was administered by Kathy Barton.
Workshops:
Our members had the opportunity to enhance their skills through workshops:
July 23, 2022 – An architectural drawing class instructed by Steve Dawson.
June 9, 2023 – A 3-D watercolor paintings workshop led by Anne Farley Gaines.
Scholarship Award:
We awarded a $500 scholarship to Danza Batson, a recent graduate from the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship who will be majoring in Fine Arts at Indiana University. The scholarship committee will attempt to arrange for Danza to showcase some of his work at our meeting.
Treasury:
Our treasury remains healthy, with a year-to-year balance increase of approximately $90. These funds were used to make BWS activities more affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for our members by supporting or subsidizing expenses.
Membership:
Membership has grown from 90 to 94 members from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. We are thrilled to welcome new members and continue fostering our watercolor community.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in the Bloomington Watercolor Society. We look forward to another year of creativity and artistic growth.
Sincerely,
Carol Rhodes
President, Bloomington Watercolor Society (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023)
Membership Show: “We Paint…Things We Love”
The Fall Membership Show is hanging in Viridian Moon Gallery, 1600 W. Bloomfield Rd., from Sept. 20 through Oct. 28. Viridian Moon Gallery hosted an opening reception Sept. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Important Show dates 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. Questions: contact Laura or Jeanne at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org
Field Trip to “The Lume” on October 18
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.
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.
Second Annual “Paint Bloomington,” October 7
WHEN:Saturday, October 7, 2023. RAIN OR SHINE Registration begins at 9:30!
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 along with Bloomington Parks and Rec are teaming up to bring this fun event to Bloomington!
NO REGISTRATION FEE. Free!No advance registration required!. Artists check-in between 9.30 am and 11:00 a.m. at the Pavilion the day of the event. All artists should have canvas or multi-media paper stamped before beginning their work. Supplies will be available for classes at the Pavilion and some supplies are available for painting on the Bryan Park grounds.
HOW: Artists will be able to paint anywhere in Bloomington. The event is open to professional and emerging artists of all ages and skill levels to create original artwork of any subject in any medium. All stamped/tagged works must be completed that day by 3:00 p.m. to be eligible for judging.
Completed works need to be brought to the Woodlawn Pavilion by 3:00 marked with the artist’s name and email address or telephone number in 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 all media in the following categories: Professional artists, Emerging Artists, Teens (12-17), and Youth )7-11) and Collaborative Art!!
CLASSES will be at the Pavilion beginning 10:00-2:00 for youth and teens and adults.
DEMONSTRATIONS: Various artists will be giving demonstrations throughout the day and there will be opportunities to paint with them. Plein Air Painting will be all over town and the park!!
Music, Storytelling, Poetry readings will be at the Pavilion throughout the day. Bring a picnic!
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
May Creek Farm Paint-Out and Carry-In, October 14
BWS’s End of the Season Paint-Out and Carry-In will be held at May Creek Farm on Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arrive any time after 9:30 a.m. Please follow the signs to park in the parking area.
The shelter house is located across the field. Water, drinks, food, chairs, and electrical outlets are available at the shelter. If you or someone has difficulties walking, transportation across the field will be provided.
Set up anywhere in and around the field. Paint 10 to noon. At 12, lunch (white chili chicken and snacks) will be served. Please bring side dishes and desserts.
You are welcome to stay and paint after lunch. The event is over at 2:00 p.m.
Zain, Sharon, and Sara are excited to be your hosts.
Address: 8745 Rockport Road.
The easiest way to get to May Creek Farm is to follow Rockport Rd from Rogers Street for approximately 14 miles. You will go through the town of Kirksville. May Creek Farm is located about 1 mile past Kirksville on the left. Look for the signs.
NOTE: In case the paint-out needs to be cancelled due to weather, an email will be sent by 8 a.m. the day of the paint-out.
Out of Darkness Walk, October 22
Thanks to several member artists, BWS was able to contribute four dozen painted rocks to the Out of the Darkness walk! Scheduled for October 22 at Switchyard Park, walkers will receive a rock and “plant” it along the trail. This project is co-sponsored by Project STAY, Kiwanis, and BWS as part of a national program of suicide prevention.
Climate change is real. Come to a presentation of scientific and artistic visuals curated and presented by Ben Brabson, climate scientist and Emeritus Professor of Physics at Indiana University.
Using art for communication can raise awareness, provoke impactful dialogue, and inspire action about environmental issues. Brabson’s talk includes engaging and artful illustrations that simplify concepts of climate change for ordinary people, making the concepts more concrete, meaningful, and motivating.
Mary Sue Schwab to Conduct a Workshop on Painting Indiana’s Trees
Mary Sue Schwab at the WSI 2023 International Exhibition at Newfields
Sponsored by the Artists for Climate Awareness, Mary Sue Schwab will be conducting a one-day workshop at Ivy Tech on October. 27th, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. In that workshop she will demonstrate key techniques for watercolor success. Participants will paint native Indiana trees, landscapes and more. Participants will be instructed in multi-layered, wet-on-wet techniques employing watercolors to create highly effective tree formations using a mixture of warm and cool greens, juxtaposing shadow and form. Participants are encouraged to bring a reference, such as a photo for their own piece. This workshop is open to artists of all levels and each will receive individual attention. Limited space sign up soon!
During October and November, the Bloomington Portrait Group will exhibit work at The Vault at Mortgage Gallery, 121 E. 6th Street. Opening reception is 5 to 8 pm, Friday, October 6. The exhibition runs until Friday, November 24.
Many BWS members also participate in the Bloomington Portrait Group. Several work in watercolor. Come and support your fellow artists.
Jane Matranga • Watercolor • Donna Carlton in her belly dancing costume
WSI Sponsors a 3-Day Workshop
The Watercolor Society of Indiana is proud to bring Michael Holter to Indianapolis to teach a 3-day workshop, October 4 to 6, 2023. In this workshop Michael will help you build off of the principles of design to create emotional and expressive paintings, engage in exercises that will solidify the content that you are working on, spend time viewing other artists’ work, and discuss the methods that these artists achieve using their techniques.Michael welcomes novice and advanced students and tailors the experience to individual needs.
The Workshop takes place at Second Presbyterian Church in Indy. The room is equipped with Audio Visual Equipment, and each artist is given their own 8-foot table.
Fiber Arts on Display
The City of Bloomington, in collaboration with By Hand Gallery, presents “Threads of Meaning”, an exhibition of work by Bloomington-based textile artists on view at Fountain Square Mall Bloomington from July 1 – October 9, 2023. Closing reception is on October 6th, 6-8 pm. The exhibition features artists Beatrice Atencah, Ary Bird, David Joseff Sloma, Patricia Coleman, Alizah Sage, Nina Montenegro, Emily Chase, Ileana Haberman, and Alexis Zabor. Go check it out! The locations of the show are the following: Fountain Square Bloomington Gallery Wall in the main atrium and the Fountain Gallery Lower-Level Walls and Upper-Level Walls.
Trivia Night at Cardinal Spirits, October 1
The Cancer Support Community has been truly supportive of BWS artists through the establishment of the Bloomington Watercolor Society Gallery. In return, here’s a fun way we can support their programs.
“From My Fair Lady to Lady Gaga, George Michael to Michael Scott, and Downton Abbey to Uptown Funk, join us at Cardinal Spirits for “That’s Entertainment,” a trivia game that’s all movies, music, TV, and pop culture through the decades!”
This event is to support the Cancer Support Community of South Central Indiana (CSCSCI) and will be hosted by Josh Johnson of Bloomington Pub Quiz. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the CSCSCI.
Food, drinks, fun, trivia, prizes!!!
Swope Art Museum to Host Rachel Branson Perry
The Swope Art Museum in Terra Haute will host a reception for RachelBerenson Perry on Friday, October 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Her latest book, “Painter of the Dunes: A Life of Frank Virgil Dudley,” is part of the Historical Society’s Youth Biography series. The author will give a lecture about Frank Dudley and his work. Her presentation will start at 6 p.m. sharp.
Rachel Berenson Perry is fine arts curator emerita of the Indiana State Museum. She has written numerous articles for “American Art Review” and “Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History” (Indiana Historical Society) and has completed seven books about historical and current Indiana artists.
Artist Talk with Max Ginsburg
The Hamilton County Artists Association is hosting a talk by Max Ginsburg on October 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lacy Art Building (848 Logan Street) in Noblesville. His artist talk is open and free to the public. Bill and Mary Sue Schwab have taken workshops with Max. Mary Sue reports, “Both Bill and I have taken workshops in New York with Max. I highly recommend his workshops. His Alla prima way of painting portraits is amazing!”
Artist Talk with Max Ginsburg October 3, 2023, 7:00 – 9:00 PM The Lacy Arts Building, 848 Logan St, Noblesville, IN 46060, USA
Membership News
Congratulations to Babette Ballinger on winning the Gallery’s Choice Award at Upland’s Members’ Show 2023!
Patty Uffman is the featured artist at the Community Cancer Support Center for September and October. Her show is entitled, “Outside Influences.” Although it will continue until October 26, the hours are limited: Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (or by appointment by calling 812-233-3286.). The holidays are coming. Patty has a variety of prints available for purchase as well as small framed artwork.
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Zain Mackey. Above is “Dusty River,” a watercolor that’s part of my new southwestern series. I’ve been remembering the trip my husband and I took driving across country last year.
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Jane Matranga. Everyone is invited to see my exhibition called,Wearing the Painting at the Bloomington Arts Alliance. Opening reception is this Friday, September 29th from 6-8pm. The show runs through October 22nd.
Mary Sue Schwab. “It’s Fall!” I recently sold my Plein Air painting of Ogle Lake at Brown County State Park.
Mary Sue closed her note with this announcements: “Coming soon, November and December, Allen Hunton and Mary Sue Schwab will have a BWS art show at The Cancer Support Center of Bloomington, watch for more information.”
Joanne Shank. Bloomington Open Studios Tour is Saturday, October 14 from 10-5 and Sunday, October 15, from 12-4. Fifteen artists will be participating this year. Find a map to studios and listing of all the artists at https://bloomingtonopenstudiostour.com/
Joanne Shank will be one of the artists. Her studio is now in her home and no longer downtown. She would love to have any BWS members stop by.
Stephen Edwards. Stephen writes “I’m finally painting again.” He’s also winning lots of awards!! “My ‘Tree of Life’ (Below: Painting 1) won Best of Show at the Artist Association of Madison County Open Annual Exhibition (now showing at the Anderson Museum of Art) and was also accepted in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society International Open Exhibition. ‘Keeping the Seat Warm’ (Painting 2) was accepted in the Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s 123th International Exhibition of Works on Paper. ‘Cola Wars’ (Painting 3) was accepted into the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s 41st Annual Exhibition now showing at Newfields.”
Timothy Lewis. It has been a busy month.
New work: watercolor, Old Faithful, Through The Mist. and Solitaire.
Nov. 3rd through Jan. 7th – My watercolor, Spring Fed, was juried into the 79th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition which will feature artwork by artists from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. The show is at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, IN.
October – I will have a solo show at the Midtown Gallery in Broad Ripple the entire month of October. All watercolors in the show will be for sale directly from the artist.
On October 10 I participated in a curated tour of the Quest For The West show at the Eiteljorg Museum. Our guide was Gayle Weisfield, a well known western watercolor painter and regular participant in the show. From the 11th through the 13th I participated in a workshop by Gayle at a private residence in Zionsville. This workshop was arranged through the Watercolor Society of Indiana and included 16 participants.
Andy Roberts. These are a couple of my recent paintings: (1) Fountain Square Downtown Bloomington- August Paint Out Plein Air; (2) T.C. Steele’s Outdoor Studio Wagon, T.C. Steele Historical Site – July Plein Air.
Anticipating seeing a large turnout for “Paint Bloomington” Saturday October 7th, and the dedicated BWS members who are participating or volunteering.
Patricia Coleman. I would like to share a link to my recent blog post on persimmon astringent at:
There are some references to persimmon astringent being used to strengthen some handmade papers and in stencil making and its use as a paint. Traditionally it has been used in ways similar to indigo.
Jacki Frey. Here is painting I did this Tuesday after visiting Gnawbone camp. I do not often paint horses, however, these guys posed for me!!
Betty Wagoner. I recently attended the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s 3-day workshop with Taos artist, Gayle Weisfield. A day before the workshop, we met at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis for a tour of the Quest for the West exhibit. Gayle was one of the artists featured in that exhibit. While there, we met an African-American artist in the show who gave an inspirational speech about his paintings and his life. The combination plein air and studio workshop itself was held on an estate in Zionsville. It featured wet-on-wet painting and storytelling. It was both eye-opening and inspirational. Gayle is a wonderful teacher. The hosts fed us a wonderful breakfast and lunch in their beautiful home. If you have a chance to attend one of Gayle’s workshops, I highly recommend it. Attached is a photo of a not quite finished painting of one of the workshop participants sitting at a creek that ran through the property.
Don Madwig. The Opening Reception to Don Madwig’s show at the Fell Gallery, entitled “Nocturnes – Variations on a Theme,” will be on October 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Don’s show runs through the month of November.
Calendar
Sept. 29 Opening Reception, Jane Matranga’s Wearing the Painting Exhibition, Art Alliance Oct. 1 Trivia Night at Cardinal Spirits, Cancer Support Community Oct. 3 Opening Reception, Don Madwig’s show at The Fell Gallery Oct. 4-6 WSI Workshop with Michael Holter, Indianapolis Oct. 6 Closing Reception, Fibers on Display, Fountain Square Mall Oct. 6 Opening Reception, Bloomington Portrait Group Exhibition, The Vault Oct. 7 2nd Annual Bloomington Paint-out, Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park Oct. 9 BWS October Meeting, First Christian Church Oct. 12 Ben Brabson at Ivy Tech, Artists for Climate Awareness Oct. 14-15 Open Studio Tours, Bloomington Oct. 18 BWS Field Trip to Newfield’s – The LUME Oct. 22 Out of Darkness Walk Oct. 27 Mary Sue Schwab Workshop at Ivy Tech 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
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.
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
BWS member and professional clown Joe Lee transformed himself into “Jolais,” his clown persona, via costume and makeup while BWS members sketched and painted him. He talked about the significance, symbolism, and history of clowning using his own illustrations before striking a pose.
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!
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
BWS’ August Meeting will be held at First Christian Church beginning at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Program:
Joe Lee said this about the August program: “I will be posing in my “Jolais” costume and makeup. I will demonstrate the makeup application, and talk about the significance, symbolism, and history of clowning using illustrations I have put together over the years.”
Following Joe’s presentation members will be invited to do his portrait, applying all they have learned about drawing portraits from last month’s BWS Meeting (see the entry “Five on the Floor! Five artists demonstrate portrait methods, field questions at the July BWS meeting” in this Newsletter).
Members can use any art materials they wish (charcoal, pencil, watercolor, gauche, etc.). So Remember: Bring supplies and enjoy a portrait session sponsored by BWS and featuring Bloomington’s favorite clown and political cartoonist!!
Inside BWS
We Paint…Out of the Box
Join us at The Waldron Arts Center on August for a final reception from 5-8 p.m. We Paint…Out of The Box has attracted a lot of traffic and gained a few new BWS members.
If you wish to see the exhibit before August 4th be aware that the hours have changed since we hung the show.
We have new pickup dates. You may pick up your work during these days and times:
Wednesday, August 9, from 5:45 to 7:45 pm
Friday August 11, from noon to 3 pm
Waldron’s NEW Summer hours: Wednesday and Thursday 12-5 pm; Friday 12-8 pm. Saturday/Sunday, by appointment only. To make an appointment, contact info@seeconstellation.org.
BWS Membership Show: “We Paint…Things We Love”
“Bottoms Up!!” by JCHarste
Show chair, Laura Brown, encourages members to work on paintings to place in the member show which is titled “WE PAINT…Things We Love”. The show will be from September 23 through October 28 at the Viridian Moon Gallery. The dates to remember are the following:
September 13, provide images (pictures taken of work before putting glass in front of the painting) for use in publicity and for the online gallery.
September 15, deliver framed painting to Viridian Moon between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
September 23, opening reception 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
October 28, closing reception 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Members should read details for the show in the show prospectus.
AUGUST PAINT OUT at OWEN VALLEY WINERY
Sat Aug 12th 11:00am – 3:00pm
Owen Valley Winery, 401 Timber Ridge Road, Spencer, IN 47460.
It’s nearly Harvest time at Owen Valley Winery and the vibrant green leaves and plump grapes are filling up the vines. This beautiful country setting is ripe for a paint out. Bring your brushes and your vintner’s spirit to the Paint Out on August 12th. The gate will be open at 10:45 (so you may come in and set up for an 11:00 a.m. start). The winery officially opens for business at 12:00 noon, but arrangements can be made for wine to be served when you set up. Please reach out to April @ nablespics@gmail.com or Zoe @ stevezoedean@gmail.com by Friday 8/11 5:00 pm with any early requests. Otherwise, when you want to stretch your legs, wander into the winery for a tasting, lunch and a slice of their famous house-made cheesecake at noon. This is a 3-generation family-run winery, where the vino is produced and bottled with a heart for craftsmanship. A member of Indiana Grown, Owen Valley is on the Indiana Uplands wine trail with Butler, Oliver, Brown County, French Lick, Huber, Winzerwald, Best Vineyards and Turtle Run wineries. PLEASE NOTE: Due to ATC and Health Department regulations, no outside food or alcohol is permitted. You’re welcome to bring your water bottles and coffee cups.
If you are interested in carpooling check with Charlotte Griffin who has volunteered to coordinate such efforts.
Directions: (Using GPS directions is not recommended, better to follow the directions below as you drive)
Coming from 46 West out of Ellettsville.
46 West. Turn left on Hwy 43 at the light just before McCormick’s Creek State Park. Proceed 2.5 miles, Turn Right on Freeman Road Go .8 miles Turn Left on Timber Ridge Road. Proceed on Timber Ridge Road 2 miles. Owen Valley Winery will be on the Right.
Coming from the South side of Bloomington via 3rd Street (48 West passing by the airport)
Proceed West on 48/43 passing the airport, and toward Whitehall about 4.2 miles. 48 splits off at Whitehall. Stay toward the right on 43.
Continue through Whitehall on 43 for 7.8 miles and the beautiful country drive. Turn left on Freeman Road Go .8 miles turn left on Timber Ridge Road.
Proceed on Timber Ridge Road 2 miles. Owen Valley Winery will be on the Right.
BWS Members Collaborate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
In mid-July a half dozen BWS members volunteered to “Paint Rocks” in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The rocks that were painted can be seen by participating in the AFSP’s 2023 Bloomington Out of the Darkness Walk held on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
Some of the rocks painted by BWS Members. Photo compliments of Charlotte Griffin.
Eskenazi Museum of Art Live!
On July 15, the Eskenazi Museum of Art invited BWS members to come to the museum and paint as part of its “Art Live” program which the museum described as a “convergence of music, art, and community.” Several BWS members participated including Claude Cookman, Joanne Shank, and Leslie Asher. Below is a photo of Leslie Asher in the midst of painting on the second level of the atrium in the museum. When asked about the experience she said, “Painting at the Eskenazi Museum was really fun. I would definitely do it again.”
Five on the Floor!
Five artists demonstrate portrait methods, field questions at the July BWS meeting
It all started with Penny Lulich. She suggested a session titled “Four on the Floor” to BWS program chair Joanne Weddle. Penny’s idea was that four BWS members would paint portraits, while members kibbitzed and asked questions. Somehow, a fifth artist got added, and the whole enterprise shifted into higher gear. Five artists — Penny, Meri Reinhold, Deborah Rush, Jane Matranga, and Claude Cookman — demonstrated their methods, materials, and skills in the portraiture genre at the July 10 Bloomington Watercolor Society meeting at the First Christian Church. Despite working in the same genre, they produced extremely varied results, not merely because of the different content but because of their unique approach and handling of the materials.
Below are photos of the artists in action, their finished works, and their reflections on portraiture. Digital reproductions are never as good as seeing real work. Therefore, the five artists have agreed to bring their actual paintings/drawings to the BWS August meeting so you can see their final portraits in a mini exhibition.
Penny Lulich • Anna at the Creek • Watercolor
There are many ways you can paint a portrait, and I painted this one rather quickly and without a color photo to help me. I painted this because it inspired me with the beauty of the innocence of a young child exploring a creek for the first time, and I let values and shapes guide me.
Skin tones. The most asked question at my table, was, how do you make the color for the skin tones. I use Winsor & Newton “light red”, and go from there, adding other colors when needed such as burnt sienna, opera pink, cad red, and manganese blue hue.
Understatement. Someone said, “I can’t wait to see how you handle the rock that the child is sitting on.” I didn’t handle it very much, because I didn’t want the focus to be the rock, but rather the child. I hope it looks satisfactory.
Future. I felt like we had a good evening, and it was fun for everyone. I hope we do this again in other genres.
Penny Lulich takes a round brush to the portrait of her granddaughter, Anna, playing in a creek.
Meri Reinhold • St John Friend• Watercolor
Motivation. I am fascinated by the human form and love to draw it. The human face has so many incredible variations. It always captures my interest. As a member of the Bloomington Portrait Group, I was able to enjoy endless variety in features, from young people to elders and everyone in between; some in ethnic costume, some with instruments, even one young man with a snake wrapped around his neck.
Advice. As I teach drawing, I hear comments such as “I can’t do hands or teeth” or variations of that. But I can tell you that drawing is drawing is drawing…. It’s ALL the same and what you learn is perspective and the relationship of shapes and contours to each other.
Meri Reinhold works on her portrait as a BWS member looks on.
Deborah Rush • Anne • Watercolor
I’ve been drawing people since I was a child. A lot of times that’s the only thing you have to draw. If you want to draw, there are usually people around.
Objective. Other than a likeness, it’s capturing a spirit. It doesn’t have to look exactly like the person, but it has to have their character.
Method: I usually start with an oval and the line for the eyes and also down the middle of the face. And then I start drawing the eyes. They’re very, very important. And then I carry on from there, because everything is connected: do the eyes, come down the nose, do the mouth. And then refine. But it’s a very rough drawing.
You almost have to work in layers. I start with a thin layer of the darkest color — to get started, to get past that white-paper thing.
Anne. Part of it was her pose, part her beautiful coloring: the red hair and the pale skin. It’s like: you see something and it strikes you; it’s something you want to capture. Also, I had done a portrait of her at a Portrait Group session, and I didn’t like it. So, I wanted to do something better. I’m still not satisfied. I think I could work on it for another four hours, but I know I won’t.
Questions. Most of the questions were about the colors I was using for the skin tones. That seems to be a big mystery for people. And everybody uses something different. … I use new gamboge and opera rose, which is a pink. And when you mix them together in any strength, it looks like methylate, for people who are old enough to remember what that is. So, it’s a hideous color. But when you water it down and put it on paper, it’s a nice, sparkly skin tone. It’s absolutely appropriate, I think. It doesn’t get muddy.
Advice. The whole thing can be daunting. But if you start doing small studies of eyes, a nose, mouth. And don’t worry about how they all go together. But get familiar enough with those features that you know what the shapes are — any intricacies — then it’s much easier to put them together in a face.
Under the watchful eye of Barbara Coffman, Deborah Rush picks out a tube of color for her painting of Anne.
Jane Matranga • Elsa Schiaparelli • B&W charcoal
Drawing and painting portraits is perhaps my favorite form of art making besides designing clothes. I’ve drawn “figures” and “faces” since I was a toddler!
Objective. Early on, my reason for doing portraits was to capture a likeness and make sure the facial feature proportions were accurate. That is still important but, now I want to infuse the portrait with character, the subject’s and some of my own. I hope to accomplish that by being more loose with paint application and by using some unexpected, bold colors.
Model. I chose to draw Elsa Schiaparelli because she is my fashion idol. The image I used was a black and white photograph from the 1920’s so I used black and white charcoal on grey paper.
It was fun to create a portrait as people watched. It reminded me of doing portraits on the boardwalk in Atlantic City one summer.
Questions. Most people asked me questions about my painting of my parents on the velvet top I had on display.
Claude Cookman • Toni Morrison • Charcoal
Motivation. I’ve been trying to learn to draw since 1994. For me drawing is about seeing in a concentrated, purposeful way. In his book “Why We Draw,” Frederick Franck expressed it best: “I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen …” The human face is complex. We can always discover new facets.
Method. I’ve been drawing portraits seriously since the Bloomington Portrait Group launched in January 2017. After several frustrating years, I discovered a method published by Andrew Loomis in 1943. It lets you establish the structure of the head plus the proportion and arrangement of the features from any angle. I work in many different mediums but for the BWS session, I chose charcoal. I started by covering the paper with powdered charcoal, which got rid of all that intimidating white. It also let me draw negatively by erasing with cotton swabs, a chamois skin, and a kneaded eraser. I did the block-in with vine charcoal. It’s extremely malleable; you can erase and redraw endlessly. When I got the structure and tonal values down solid, I moved to compressed charcoal for dark values and charcoal pencils for fine details. I used a white charcoal pencil for a few small highlights on her face. Pardon my enthusiasm, but I also like charcoal because it’s great fun. Creating gradients, softening edges, or blending tones is like finger painting in grade school. I have more than 8 hours in this drawing, and am still not satisfied. I stood during the entire time, at BWS and also in my studio. This kept my arm off the table, allowing for gestural strokes, and let me step back from the drawing frequently to evaluate proportion, tones, transitions, etc.
Motif. I chose to draw Toni Morrison, the Nobel laureate in literature and one of my favorite authors. The reference photo captured her face, but I gave her a sad expression. At a time when politicians attempt to deny America’s history of slavery and the systemic racism that prolongs that era and when police officers still summarily execute unarmed young black men with impunity, I tried to imagine the sad wisdom that Ms Morrison expressed in “Beloved” and other novels, then convey it by her expression and dramatic tonal contrast.
With a vine charcoal stick, Claude Cookman blocks in his drawing of author Toni Morrison.
Outside BWS
“On MY Journey” by Zoe Dean Cancer Support Community
Mon Jul 10th – Fri Aug 25th
Cancer Support Community Building, 1719 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47403.
Zoe Dean is the featured artist for July/August at the Cancer Support Community. Her show is titled “On My Journey.” Gallery hours are Tuesday toThursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but visitors must make an appointment to avoid conflicts with other activities at the center. Make appointments by contacting Stephanie@cancersupportscin.org or call 812-233-3286.
Call for Artists: The Venue
Grand opening and reception: September 3, 2023.
Dave at the Venue invites artists to submit work for The Venue’s Juried Art Show, a part of The Art & Soul of Bloomington. APPLY NOW to participate. The prospectus can be found on the Venue’s website: http://thevenuebloomington.com.
The Venue is pleased to answer all of your questions by your calling 812-322-1661, emailing venueartshow@gmail.com.
Reminder: Call for entries for the Friends of T.C. Steele Member Art Show.
T.C.Steele, “Selma in the Garden” (Internet photo)
Show dates: August 25-September 23, 2023 Registration deadline: August 10, 2023 Closing reception: September 23, 2-4 pm. Features a guided tour of the Brown County Art Gallery with an emphasis on the history of the Brown County. Art Colony and an online tour of the T.C. Steele Trail.
Prizes awarded in all categories: 1) Professional 2) Amateur/Emerging Artist 3) Youth (18 and younger 4) Best-in-Show: $1000
All art media accepted, including photography.
Youth are encouraged to enter. (Parents, grandparents and art teachers/tutors, please encourage youth artists to enter their artwork.). Frames for youth artwork will be loaned for the duration of the show. We will frame the work at time of delivery of artwork.
The show is on exhibit during the Brown County Art Colony weekend that features paint-outs at T.C. Steele State Historic Site and Nashville.
Not a member? Join the Friends at time of registration.
Hancock Country Arts along will be hosting a Regional Portrait Society of American Exhibition on August 11th and 12th. In addition to exhibition there will be demonstration by artists creating portraits. Guests also are invited to take part in the annual Greenfield Chocolate Walk festivities.
The Exhibit opens August 5th at 11 a.m. and closes August 26th at 2 p.m. Hancock Country Arts Gallery, 20 West North Street, Greenfield, IN.
Watercolor Society of Indiana
WSI invites members and friends to attend the 41st Annual WSI Juried Exhibit at Newfields/ Indianapolis Museum of Art. The show runs from August 4 to September 30, 2023. On August 6th at 2 p.m. there will be an opening reception and an awards ceremony in the DeBoest Lecture Hall & Bret Waller Gallery at the museum.
WSI is also hosting a 3-day workshop (October 4 to 6) with Michael Holter at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street. The topic of the workshop is “Watercolor Impressionism: Landscape/Cityscape.” For more information and costs go to WSI’s website.
Impressionistic landscape by Michael Holter
Friday, August 4 & Saturday, August 5 West Baden Springs Hotel • Garden & Veranda
Local artists will be painting in the West Baden Springs Hotel garden and on the hotel veranda. The paintings will be displayed and available for purchase Saturday, August 5th, in the West Baden Springs Hotel lobby.
Artists for Climate Awareness
Have you ever noticed trees with knitted sweaters around the Courthouse in Bloomington? Artists for Climate Awareness will be a “tree hugger” this year with its own sweater! Artists for Climate Awareness are raising money toward the “Wrapped in Love 2023″ tree sweater project for Middle Way House. Sara Steffey McQueen and her women’s group have already planned a knitted/crocheted design. The tree Sara has reserved is near the corner of Kirkwood and Walnut, across from Uptown Cafe. (A highly trafficked location! ). Deadline for donations is September 8.
Viridian Moon Gallery
The Viridian Moon Gallery will be hosting an Upland Plein Air Exhibit starting August 9th with an opening reception on August 12.. Here is the link to the event: https://www.viridianmoon.art/events
Membership News
Joanna Samorow-Merzer. “George and Viola Taliaferro,” a painting by Joanna Samorow-Merzer, was accepted into the KWS Aqueous USA National Juried Exhibition. The exhibition is scheduled between July 27th through September 16th at the Preston Arts Center, 2660 S. Green Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.
“George and Viola Taliaferro,” by Joanna Samorow-Merzer
Timothy Lewis. Nothing new to show – working on 4 commission paintings right now. I do have a couple of items of note:
The Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Annual Juried Exhibition will open on August 5th in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. The show will have 45 of the best watercolors in Indiana on display through the end of September.
My watercolor, “Old Hamilton County Jail”, was included in the Nickel Plate Arts’ Noblesville Nostalgia show in Noblesville from July 6th through Julyt 29th.
“Old Hamilton County Jail” is a 16” x 12” watercolor using QoR paints on 300# Arches cold-pressed w/c paper
Patty Uffman. I asked Patty Uffman if she would mind my publishing her limerick (a ode to Carol Rhodes as an outgoing president) in the Newsletter as so members who were not at the July meeting might enjoy it. She agreed, so here it is: To Carol from All Of Us.
OUR HEARTFELT TRIBUTE
She has inspired us year after year. We respect her as both a leader and peer. Founding member of BWS… Who’s this person? Take a guess! Carol Rhodes is the one we honor here! With every office she has dutifully held From Prez on down, she’s always excelled. Talented, yet humble… Catching us if we stumble… With Carol on board, we’ve all been propelled. Carol has always stepped up to the plate, Arriving early for set-up – she’s never late. Need something done? Carol Rhodes is the one! She has the knack to make us look great! Wherever she’s present she offers a smile. She’s just a nice lady to talk with a while. She’s done more than most And knows how to host, And is quite accomplished as a true technophile! Carol’s a gift, we all must conclude. Her dedication we all have viewed. She has served us But now, no more fuss. Carol’s a model – just not in the nude!
Patty Uffman – On Behalf of Bloomington Watercolor Society – June, 2023.
Tricia Wente. Here are a few photos from a July event held here in Oregon. Every year there is a Lavender Festival and 150 artists are encouraged to paint up to 5 works during a period of 3 1/2 weeks at the lavender farms throughout the Willamette Valley. The paintings must be within certain sizes, and painted plein air. It is always a fun time since usually we have great weather. It culminates with a two day art exhibit for the public to enjoy at the local Newberg Arts Center. Of course, I sampled the wine at the Durant Winery which is my favorite site to paint.
Robin Edmundson has an exhibition at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage from August 3-Sept 29. You are invited to attend the opening reception on Friday, August 4 from 5-8pm. 121 E 6th St. #1, Bloomington, Indiana
Robin Edmundson, ‘Evening, Wabash River’, watercolor, 10×14 inches.
Kathy Truelove Barton.
Gazebo at Farmhouse Cafe and Gardens Painting by Kathy Truelove Barton 2022 Watercolor on paper with Acrylic white highlight on the gazebo. This painting was done with three layers of Daniel Smith watercolors.
Kathy’s painting was exhibited at the Will Vawter Show, hosted by Hancock County Arts, at Twenty North Gallery. The show came down in July. Three other Bloomington artists also exhibited; Betty Wagoner, Irina Shishova (owner of Viridian Moon Gallery, and Katya Alexeeva.
Laura Brown. These are a few examples of the paintings I’ve done for the July World Water Color Month hosted by @doodlewashed on Instagram . The first is called “Diversion” (the road sign); the second, “Flavor” (the boulion cubes). Each piece is approximately 5.5 by 8.5 inches.
July World of Watercolor paintings by Laura Brown
Joanne Shank. Here is the poster and description of the show I’m having at the Venue during August.
The blurb for the show reads: Joanne Shank is fascinated by the energy of movement and how that can be expressed in her artwork.
She enjoys sketching musicians while they are performing. The music inspires the lines as she tries to capture the essence and energy of the moment. The exhibit will have a number of large drawings of musicians playing a variety of instruments.
Joanne is also inspired by the energy in spontaneity that she captures in small finger paintings. She has made large acrylic paintings in an effort to duplicate this movement and energy. Being a dancer as well as painter, Joanne finds satisfaction in trying to express movement in a large 2D format.
Joanne works in several different styles. She will have her watercolors on display at the Bloomington Open Studios Artists Exhibit at the Backspace Gallery, with an opening reception the same evening, August 4th. See her work at both places!
Joanne adds a personal note: On July 15th, I participated in the event at the Eskinasi and drew musicians in two bands that played. The musicians loved the drawings, so I gave them away. Wore my BWS badge proudly! Appreciated the opportunity. Thanks
Calendar
August 1 – August 25. Zoe Dean’s Exhibition, Cancer Support Community Center.
August 3 – September 29. Robin Edmundson Exhibit, The Vault.
August 4 – August 5. West Baden Garden & Hotel Vernada Paintout.
August 4. Reception, “We Paint…Out of the Box,” Waldron, 5-8 p.m.
August 4 – 27. Joanne Shank’s show at the Venue. Opening Reception: August 5.
August 4 – September 28. WSI’s 41st Annual Juried Exhibition, Indianapolis Museum of Art.
August 5 – August 25. “Portraits.” Hancock County Art Gallery, Greenfield.
August 12. BWS Paintout: Owen Valley Winery, Spencer.
August 14. BWS August Meeting, 6-8 p.m., First Christian Church.
August 25 – September 23. T. C. Steele Member Art Show.
September 23 – October 28. BWS Membership Show, Viridian Moon Gallery.
September 3. Grand opening and reception, Art and Soul of Bloomington, The Venue.
October 4 – October 6. WSI’s 3-Day Workshop with Michael Holter, First Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis.
October 22. “Out of Darkness Walk,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
In June, and in conjunction with our yearly change of officers, BWS celebrated Carol Rhodes’ long-time commitment to the organization by giving her a Jane Matranga silk hand-painted and sewn tote bag full of well-wishes from individual members. Pictured above are Carol Rhodes, Patty Uffman, Jeanne Dutton, and Linda Branstettler. Photos compliments of Nancy Metz.
BWS Monthly Meeting: July 10th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Business Meeting:
BWS’ July Meeting will be held at First Christian Church beginning at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Program: “Five on the Floor”
Watch five BWS artists create portraits.
Penny Lulich • Ethan • Watercolor
We are fascinated by faces. Child psychologists tell us that after only a few hours newborn infants can distinguish their mothers’ faces. For millennia artists have portrayed the human face in every medium from charcoal to chalk, silverpoint, ink, graphite, pastel, watercolor, and oil, as well as three-dimensional representations in wood, clay, stone, and metals. Humans are compelled to create portraits.
Meri Reinhold • Massai Jeweler • Watercolor
All forms of artistic expression are equally valid, but portraiture is more exacting than other genres. In landscape, it is not essential to get every tree exactly in place. With still lifes and florals, there is latitude in size, contour, and value. In a portrait, however, if a feature is a few millimeters out of place, if an angle is askew, or a proportion slightly off, viewers will sense something amiss.
Deborah Rush • Claire • Watercolor
At July’s BWS meeting you will have the opportunity to see five BWS artists paint and draw portraits from reference photos of their choice. They are: Penny Lulich, Meri Reinhold, Deborah Rush, Jane Matranga, and Claude Cookman. Each will give a brief description of her/his process, then go to work. Members are encouraged to circulate, watch them in action, and ask questions. During the program, there will be a mini exhibition of portraits by the five participating artists. A handout on portraiture will also be available.
Jane Matranga • Donna Carlton • Watercolor
Claude Cookman • Wendell Willkie bust in IMUnion • Charcoal
If you need motivation to kick start your own portrait making, visit these URLs:
An audio slideshow of work by the Bloomington Portrait Group, which shares many members in common with BWS.
The finals of the British Portrait Artist of the Year Competition. Watch six exceptional portraitists, including a watercolorist. British actor, Sir Ian McKellen, is painted in different styles with different materials. Worth the time.
Inside BWS
BWS Membership Show
“WE PAINT…Things We Love!” September 20 – October 28, 2023
BWS Show Chair, Laura Brown, announced that this year’s theme is “We Paint…Things We Love!“
For Mary Cassatt it was “The Goodnight Hug.” For some, that may be a family heirloom. For others, the house where they grew up. For gardeners, these amazing spring flowers. For portrait painters, your beautiful grandkids! And the list goes on…. Whatever you love and whatever makes you happy, paint it!
This year’s show will be at the Viridian Moon Gallery (1600 W Bloomfield Rd, Suite B). Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Opening Reception will be on Saturday, September 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. The Closing Reception will be on October 28, from 3 to 5 p.m.
See the Prospectus on BWS’ website. Now is the time to begin work on your contribution. Let’s make this the best Membership Show yet!
We Paint…Historic Bloomington!
“Uncle Bruce & Aunt Vearl’s House” by Jane Matranga. The house at 607 E. 12th Street belonged to Jane Matranga’s great uncle and aunt, Bruce and Vearl Callahan, and their children, Conrad (Connie) and Carolyn. The house was built in 1920. “My family drove down to Bloomington from Franklin many times for family gatherings and especially to visit before and after IU football or basketball games. The house is five blocks from Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall. “Bruce and Vearl welcomed my sisters and me when each of us attended IU in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s.”
Closing Reception: Gallery Walk Friday – July 7 – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Monroe County History Center
Catch your last glimpse of the Historic Bloomington exhibit before it becomes, well, Historic! Then pop around the corner to the Waldron to enjoy “We Paint…Out of the Box!”
We Paint…Out of the Box!
BWS (with the support of the Sande Nitti Education Fund) offered a workshop on Friday, June 9 by Anne Farley Gains entitled “Exploration in 3-D Watercolor”. The 3-D art produced by Jerry Harste, Leslie Gamboa Asher, and Linda Mann, (shown above) are a part of the Out of the Box Waldron show.
June 22 – August 5
The Bloomington Watercolor Society includes talented watercolorists who are also accomplished in other mediums. This exhibit includes work by BWS members who go “out of the box” and create art in myriad mediums or produce works that use watercolor in unconventional ways.
See our works at The Waldron Arts Center Education Gallery!
Receptions are during First Friday Gallery Walk times: 5-8 pm on July 7 & August 4.
Note: Kate Galvin, Artistic director at the Waldron Arts Center, advises us that there is a small modification to public gallery hours for July and August, as this is the slow part of the year in Bloomington. Beginning on July 1, the galleries will be open to the public at the following times:
Wed and Thurs 12pm-5pm
Friday 12pm-8pm
Sat and Sun by appointment only
Galleries will also be open during all performances. For folks wishing to visit the galleries over the weekend, the Waldron crew will be very happy to accommodate them; people will just need to email info@seeconstellation.org in advance to make arrangements. This information will be updated on their websites and on Google beginning on Saturday and they will also post signage on the doors.
Gallery Walk will be next Friday July 7 as per usual, and we hope to have a great turnout for that! Please encourage everyone to come out!
Garden Club’s Garden Walk
This year’s Garden Walk on June 10 and 11 saw ten BWS and Plein Air painters displaying their talents. The gardens were in full bloom and, for the most part, the rain stayed away. Below are some pictures of the gardens and the paintings that were created.
July is officially World Watercolor Month!
Begun by Charlie O’Shields of Doodlewash in 2016, this month celebrates all things watercolor! The challenge is to paint a little something everyday – 31 days, 31 paintings. Find inspirational prompts and ideas at https://doodlewash.com/world-watercolor-month-july/
We got the Rocks! You got the Creativity! A Suicide Prevention Effort
Thursday – July 13 – 1:00 p.m.
BWS has been invited to join Project STAY and Kiwanis on a project to paint rocks as part of a National Suicide Prevention. Kiwanis is purchasing the supplies, including acrylic paints, Posca paint pens, and brushes, all for your creative use! Much thanks, too, to Preston Arts Center for making supplies affordable.
Later that week, after the paint dries and before they’re varnished, a tag will be added that gives credit to BWS and Kiwanis.
Thursday, July 13 we’ll meet at the home of Michelle Martin Colman, SafeTalk trainer. She’ll serve iced tea and coffee and treats while we do the painting.
Want to join in for a couple hours of fun and chatter? We can do a lot with 6-8 artists. Please let Jeanne know with an email to info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. You’ll be glad you did!
Announcements
Betty Wagoner — The Friends of T.C. Steele announces a new project, a virtual or driving trail, with maps, that explore the life and work of T.C. Steele, one of Indiana’s greatest impressionist painters. For more information go directly to “The Trail”: https://trail.tcsteele.org
Nancy Metz – The Eskenazi Museum of Art has an exhibition of “Landscape and Abstraction in Watercolor, 1780-1980” from September 5 through December 10.
Sarah Ward, BWS Scholarship Committee Chair, announces that the BWS scholarship has been awarded to Danza Batson who is a recent graduate from the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship and will be attending Indiana University to major in Fine Arts. The scholarship committee will try to get Danza to come to our meeting to show some of his work.
BWS Paintouts
Paint the Park — Saturday, July 15th, 9 am to 1 pm., Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park, Bloomington, IN 47404. Hosted by Carol Rhodes. Announcement will be sent to members. for more information, contact info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.
Paint a Vineyard Scenein August–Owen Valley Winery, 401 Timber Ridge Road, Spencer, IN 47460, USA. Owen Valley Winery sits on a high ridge in a beautiful country setting featuring the vineyards, a cafe, a front porch, out buildings – all the things that make for a fine day of painting. The winery opens at 12:00, but hosts April Bledsoe and Zoe Dean will be on hand to open the gates and greet our plein air painters at 11:00. The cafe offers lunch, wine tasting, and a place to cool off in the August heat. Carpooling for members is available – watch “Brushstrokes” and your email for details. Email Info@BloomingtonWatercolor.org with questions. For more information about the winery, go to https://www.owenvalleywinery.com/about/
Outside BWS
An Invitation: Art Alliance of Greater Bloomington
Henry Luck, President of AAGB, sent BWS members this invitation: Upland Plein Air and AAGB are co-sponsoring a FREE art demo, pitch in and music evening with Rick Wilson !!!
Thursday night, July 6. 6:00 -8:00 pm at the Flex Space at the Arts Alliance Center. Rick Wilson is known nationally and is highly respected as a landscape oil painter. He has a current exhibit at the Flex Space. We’ve asked him if he would be willing to share his approach to painting. So he will do a 90 minute demonstration, showing his approach to the art of painting . (We won’t be painting.) I think this will be a valuable session for painters of all mediums. He is also a guitar player. So after the demo, he will play a few tunes while we enjoy each others company and share in a pitch in (hors d’oeuvres/desserts). AAGB will provide the wine !
This should be a really fun opportunity to relax and socialize as a visual arts community in Bloomington.
Upland and AAGB are sharing the cost for the evening, so it will be free to all. Please help us spread the word !!!!!
Call for Artists: The Venue
Dave at the Venue invites artists to submit work for The Venue’s Juried Art Show, a part of The Art & Soul of Bloomington. APPLY NOW to participate. The prospectus can be found on the Venue’s website: http://thevenuebloomington.com.
The Venue is pleased to answer all of your questions by your calling 812-322-1661, emailing venueartshow@gmail.com.
Call for Entries: Friends of T.C. Steele Member Show
Artists with active membership in the Friends of T.C. Steele are invited to enter the show. Non-members are welcome to the show after the completion of the membership application.
The show is open during the Brown County Art Colony Weekend, September 8-10! That means more visitors to see the show.
Categories of Artists: 1) Professional Artist 2) Amateur/Emerging Artist (New this year) 3) Youth (18 and younger)
Win up to $1000! Parents, grandparents, art teachers and tutors, please encourage your young artists to enter the show. They could win a prize for their school art program and a gift certificate for themselves!
Dates: Registration deadline: August 10 Deliver artwork. August 19 – 20, 2023, 12-4pm Show Opening. August 25, 2023 Closing Reception. September, 23 2023. 2-4pm Pick-up of Artworks: September 23 after reception & September 12-4pm
The Hoosier Salon’s current show is “Timeless Treasures.” This will we followed with its annual “Good Ole Summertime Exhibition” from July 15 to September 3. The Hoosier Salon is open Thursday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.
Watercolor Society of Indiana
If you have not yet seen the WSI Annual Membership Exhibit, you have got to see this show! There are 75 beautiful pieces of original art.
Open until July 22 at McFarland Hall Gallery at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.
Membership News
Lynne Gilliatt wants to invite you to Jane Haley and her fiber art show at the Vault Gallery from now until the end of July.
Robin Edmundson. I have a show coming up in early in August. Here is the postcard announcement.
Tim Lewis. I have a new watercolor that I finished in June: “Rapid Transit” (15″ x 11″ transparent watercolor).
My watercolor, “Sunshine Came Softly” (15″ x 22″ transparent watercolor) was accepted into the Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Juried Show which will hang in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from August 4th through September 30th.
Two of my watercolors, “Entropy” (15” x 22” transparent watercolor) and “Caw Caw Perspective” were juried into the Hancock County Arts’ Annual Will Vawter Show and “Entropy” was awarded “Best Of Show”. This show will be at the 20 North Gallery in Greenfield through July 15th.
Leslie Asher wrote to share a picture she did while traveling in France this summer.
Susan Savastuk and local photographer Don Waters have teamed up for a Gallery-Walk event.
“Juxtaposition: A photographer and a Painter” will be on display at The Engraving and Stamp Center July through August.
Susan has been using some of Don’s landscape photos as references for her paintings. They joined up to display them together.
Sharon Parsons. I started this painting in a workshop by Renee Brouwer. Her new tips on composition gave me the start, but it was my composition and my painting .
Jacki Frey. Here are 3 paintings I completed while vacationing in Maine. We spent several days around Portland, Rockland, and Port Clyde where Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth painted.
Jacki also shared some of her Maine photos for us both to inspire and to enjoy!!
Andy Roberts. I painted at this year’s Garden Walk on Saturday June 10th at the Slaven Garden in Spicewood. While the garden had a very elaborate landscaping (huge stones surrounding the home with a waterfall and stream), I concentrated on some of the flowers planted amongst the rocks. I completed four 5×7 note cards which are attached. I plan to have prints made from these as well as four more that I have completed on various paint-outs this summer.
Barbara Coffman. I attended Ann Grimes’ 3-D workshop. To add an extra dimension of “3-D-ness” to my piece, I let the leaves dry and then used a small brush and clear water to paint a line down the central stem. Then I creased the leaf along that line before gluing it down. I wish I had finalized all my pieces and my layout before gluing my flowers. I would have cut out the petals separately and curled up the edges.
Laura Brown. A type of painting I love to do is what I see out my window when I am a passenger in a car. I always looked out the window when I was a kid and always thought there was so much beauty in simple highway scenes. Shapes, atmosphere and color all intermingle to make an interesting and fun painting. I’m calling this one “Power Lines.”
Calendar
Note: For up to date information always check BWS’ Online Calendar!!
-Participate in World Watercolor Month by producing a painting a day throughout the month of July. -Submit an abstract painting, Southside Art League -Stop by to view Lynn Gilliatt and Jane Haley’s Fiber Art Show at the Vault -Plan trips to see WSI’s Membership Show at Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis (ends July 22) and/or The Hoosier Salon’s “Timeless Treasures” Show (ends July 14) -Stop by the Education Gallery at the Waldron to see our “We Paint…Out of the Box” Exhibition (ends August 5th; Closing Reception, August 4) -Volunteer to paint rocks as part of suicide prevention (6-8 artists needed by July 13) -Submit a painting to the Venue Juried Art Show part of the Art & Soul of Bloomington
July 6 — Rick Wison, Art Alliance of Greater Bloomington, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
July 7 — Closing Reception of “We Paint…Historic Bloomington,” Monroe County History Museum
July 7 — Opening Reception, “We Paint…Out of the Box,” Waldron, 5 to 8 p.m.
July 7 — Opening Reception, Susan Savastuk & Don Walter’s Exhibition, Engraving & Stamp Ctr.
July 10 — BWS Meeting, First Christian Church, 6-8 p.m.
July 15 — Paint the Park, Sycamore Shelter, Lower Cascade, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
August 4 — Opening Reception, Robin Edmundson’s Exhibition at Monroe County Cancer Center
August 4 — Opening of WSI’s Annual Juried Show, Indianapolis Museum of Art (ends September 30)
August 10 — Registration Deadline, T.C. Steel Membership Show
September 5 — Eskenazi Museum of Art, Landscape & Abstraction Exhibit
September 23 — Opening Reception, “We Paint….Things We Love,” BWS Membership Show
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.
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.
by Linda Branstetter
Shakespeare’s Garden by Leslie Asher Gamboa
by Anonymous
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.
Purchasers hold prints of artwork done by Ukrainian art students.Prints of four new still lifes from Kyiv students are now available.
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!
by Thomas A. Veerkamp
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.
Sunshine Came Softly by Tim Lewis
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
“COLA WARS” by Stephen Edwards has also been juried in to the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Juried Exhibition.
Prickly Pear in Bloom by MarySue Schwab
Mary Sue Schwab also has a painting, “Prickly Pear in Bloom,” in the WSI Annual Juried Exhibition.
Left: The Duck Pond, Center: A Landscape Study. Right: The Seagull
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!
Orca Rising by Zain MackeyNude by Zain Mackey
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.
West Porch by Andy RobertsRed Sky in the Morn by Andy Roberts
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.
Spring Has Sprung!! by JCHarste (Currently on display at the Emeritus House on IU’s campus.)
BWS Meeting: May 8
BWS’ May Meeting will be held in the Great Hall at First Christian Church beginning at 6 p.m. Enter through the Washington Street door; the door code will be sent by email. The meeting will not be on Zoom.
Program: “Watercolor Painting with Framing in Mind”
Our May 8th BWS program will be given by Matthew Schnaars, a custom framer of Framemakers. Let Joanne Weddle know if there are specific topics or things you would like him to address in this session so she can pass them on to Matthew. The May 8th program will not -be available on Zoom.
Program synopsis: Matthew Schnaars, a Bloomigton picture framer currently working at Framemakers, will give a presentation on best practices for presenting and preserving watercolor paintings in a frame. He will discuss topics such as mounting options, working with watercolor paper as a framer, different framing styles, and ways to keep costs low when framing. Matthew will have some examples of all of the above to view, and will be happy to answer as many questions as his experience and time will allow.
Michael will be bringing a few small framed pieces as well as some smaller examples of materials that people can look at or touch if they want.
Note: Our BWS Historian, Linda Branstetter, wanted to let members know that she will be bringing BWS’ Historical Binders to the meeting so as to give members an opportunity to browse them.
Inside BWS
Encore!! “We Paint Historic Bloomington” by Jeanne Dutton
This historic home on Kent Road is over 100 years old. Painted by MarySue Schwab, watercolor.
Historical Photo: Bob and Mary Jo Kent, original owners of “The Old Homestead.”
The encore exhibit of “We Paint…Historic Bloomington!” opened with a well-attended reception on Friday, April 28, at the Monroe County History Center (MCHC). New paintings from various BWS members have been added. Hosted by curator Hilary Fleck, the show drew several new visitors including the Monroe County historian.
On exhibit now through July 8, the MCHC hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 – 4.
Here, Deborah Rush and her mother, Loretta, enjoy the show.
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center Paint Out by Patty Uffman
Saturday, May 20, 2023 10 am-2pm Hilltop Garden and Nature Center 2367 E. 10th Street in Bloomington
There is a profusion of flowers at this time of year as well as sunny and shady spots waiting for you to paint!
Please join us if you can. If you have questions, feel free to call or text.
Painting in New Harmony by Betty Wagoner
In March, New Harmony was the site of the First Brush of Spring Paint-out, cosponsored by IPAPA and the Hoosier Salon. It was 4 days of gorgeous spring weather. Spring flowers were blooming in the yards of charming 19th century homes, as well as flowering trees. I concentrated on sketching for the 2024 Field to Finish exhibit. A great find was a wonderful alley next to a church. There was a pink Redbud, a Pink Dogwood and a Viburnum, all in bloom. I did a fairly detailed value study in preparation for an acrylic painting. (Both images are included above). I wish I had paid more attention to the value study. The lightest items in the scene were the Redbud followed by the fence and the blooms of the Viburnum.
Unexpectedly, the fence became the focus of the painting in competition with the Redbud. Studying again the value sketch, it occurs to me that the fence and the Redbud, being the lightest in value, are of nearly equal value. I will do another painting following the value sketch closer while using warmer and cooler colors to create distance. The Redbud is further in be background and therefore would be cooler in color. Stay tuned.
Monroe County and Brown County BWS and Upland painters were well represented, including: Katya Alexeeva, Kathy Barton, Kitty Garlock, MarySue Schwab, Bill Schwab, Betty Wagoner, Anne-Karine Bley, Ellen Cramer, Clenna Perkins, and Lory Winford.
Painting at T.C. Steele by Betty Wagoner
The T.C. Steele State Historic Site celebrated Earth Day with an Arts of Earth Day Celebration. Artists were invited to paint at the site for free. The site was beautiful with great scenery for painting. But, there was a cold and blustery wind coming over the ridge, making it uncomfortable for plein air painting. The House of the Singing Wind lived up to its reputation. Plein air artists must tolerate all sorts of weather conditions, but a cold wind is as difficult as pouring rain. Sketching was all that I was able to finish before retreating to a warmer place. Intrepid BWS and Upland artists, in true plein air fashion, actually got some painting done. Those attending included: Andy Roberts, Kathy Truelove Barton, Patricia Rowbottom, Anne-Karine Bley, Clenna Perkins and Betty Wagoner. Unfortunately for Clenna, the wind blew over her easel and painting.
Kathy Truelove Barton’s T. C. Steele Painting of last April. Watercolor on paper with white acrylic accents on the blossoms. Title: Near The Frog Pond
Cancer Support Center
Christine Peterson will be the featured artist at the Cancer Support Center from May through June. The reception for Christine’s show will be on May12 from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. The Cancer Support Center is located at 1719 West Third Street, Bloomington. Christine is hanging the show on May 1. In addition to the paintings she will have prints and cards available for purchase.
Shows at the Cancer Support Center are a collaborative effort between the Center and BWS. Plan now to attend and show your support.
A Little History & A Interesting Story by MarySue Schwab
My dad was a master watercolorist. He painted this scene as a very young soldier in the army during WWII. This is one of the native’s huts on the island of Samoa. The collection includes paintings of giant trees and lush vegetation next to a soldier’s tiny tent, beach scenes and even other soldiers. Since paper was scarce, my dad often painted on both sides of the paper. I have a whole album of these wonderful pieces, a little bit of history captured in art!
Outside BWS
Viridian Moon Gallery
Irina Shishova, announced that in May the Viridian Moon Gallery would be hosting a solo show of Kem Cotton’s art. This is Kem’s first solo show. .The details about the event are here: https://www.viridianmoon.art/events
Irina would very much appreciate BWS members help in getting the word out about this show.
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Artist for Climate Awareness by Carol Rhodes
Call for artists for and upcoming gallery show, “Conserve Bloomington” May 10-June 11, 2023
An exhibition to provide environmentally themed music and art to the Bloomington Community.
This gallery exhibition is open to all artistic mediums that depict aspects of nature, environment, and climate change. Carol Rhodes with Artists for Climate Awareness is organizing the display of art, while IU Jacobs School of Music students working on the Conserve Bloomington project will debut their musical composition comprised of nature sounds recorded in and around Bloomington, IN. The music has been developed in conjunction with an innovation grant. In addition, a watercolor workshop by nature watercolorist Rena Brouwer will take place on May 13, and a reception for all events and activities will be on Friday, May 12 at the Arts Alliance Center in College mall.
Artwork from all members of Artists for Climate Awareness and Bloomington area artists is welcome. There is no entry fee; 25% commission on sales. All work must be for sale. For submission information and more details, email Carol Rhodes.
Open to all members of Artists for Climate Awareness, Bloomington Watercolor Society, Upland Plein Air,Bloomington Portrait Group, and Arts Alliance.
Entry specifications:
Nature, environment, climate related works
All mediums accepted
No entry fee, 25% commission on sales. All work must be for sale.
All artwork should represent your original best effort without an instructor Each artist may submit up to two pieces
All hanging art must have attached wire with D shape hooks on back Every artwork must have one label attached to the back or underside
Depending on total quantity of works, all may not be accepted. Please number your labels with your priority for displaying: 1 and 2
Schedule:
Drop off: Sunday May 7, 3:00-5:00pm
Opening Reception: Friday May 12, 6:00-8:00 pm
Show Dates: Friday May 12 – Sunday June 11
Pick up at Arts Alliance: Thursday June 15, 11:00am-3:00pm
“From Watching Birds to Sketching and Painting Them”by Carol Rhodes
On Thursday, April 27, internationally known bird artist Alex Warnick delivered a workshop called, “From Watching Birds to Sketching and Painting Them.” 15 Bloomington Watercolor Society members plus 11 others attended. The event was sponsored by Artists for Climate Awareness, Sassafras Audubon, and Ivy Tech. In the 2 ½ hour workshop, Alex’s presentation and demonstration largely focused on artistic technique: how to observe birds, the art of quickly documenting what you see, getting body shapes right, understanding head and wing formations, journaling, and more. In addition to that, Tom Ashcroft of Sassafras Audubon (often known as “SAS”) delivered a short presentation on the things SAS is undertaking for bird conservation and activities they are hosting in to boost bird appreciation in the community. During the workshop, there were also conversations about being connected to nature, how we can help wild birds, as well as the importance and interconnectivity of birds with the environment.
Juniper Art Gallery Featured Exhibit: Cross-Country Recent paintings by Wyatt LeGrand
The Juniper Art Gallery (615 W Kirkwood AveBloomingto https://juniperartgallery.com) will have an opening reception of Wyatt’s work, May 5th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m with special music by Sarah Flint.
This exhibit highlights the talents of Wyatt LeGrand. When he is not teaching art at Bloomfield High School, he packs up his traveling art-mobile and ventures cross-country in search of inspiration. Featured is a diverse collection of scenes from across the U.S. plus familiar rural Indiana farms and landscapes.
The gallery is pleased to have this special exhibit of Wyatt’s work on display May 1 – June 25, as well as his on-going inclusion in the Paul & Margaret Sweany Legacy Room (main gallery) as part of their year-round Regional Artists’ Exhibit. See the paintings on display, and read more about Wyatt here.
Looking for a New Place to Exhibit Your Work? ByNorthstar Watermedia Society
Lena Wendel wrote to say that The Northstar Watermedia Society has announced its 9th Annual National Juried Exhibition.Entries open on May 1 at www.callforentry.org and close at midnight on July 1.
This year’s exhibition will be at the stunning Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson WI. With its museum-quality galleries and lighting, the Phipps ensures optimum exposure of each selected entry!
Juror for the exhibition is Dan Mackerman, a nationally acclaimed artist and teacher. As in the past, there will be at least $3,000 in cash awards, as well as a host of non-cash awards such as gift certificates and painting supplies.
Inspiration: 12th Annual “Figures of Speechby Anderson Museum of Art
The Anderson Museum of Art are seeking paintings that capture a classic figure of speech, such as “It’s raining cats and dogs!” Art work must be accompanied by a statement about how or why this work inspires them. Entries are due June 2. The show will run June 7th through September 7.
Where: Arts Alliance Center Flex Space, 2894 East 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN 47401
On Friday, May 12th we will be hosting the premiere performance of a music composition which began by collecting environmental sounds around the city of Bloomington.
Also on the same weekend will be debuting a new exhibit sponsored by the Artists for Climate Awareness, which will include art from the Bloomington Watercolor Society and Upland Plein Air. On Saturday AAGB is sponsoring an environment focused watercolor workshop with Rena Brouwer from Delphi, Indiana.
This has been an amazing spring! Recently the AAGB merged with Arts Forward. On Tuesday, April 11, The AAGB/Arts Forward, in cooperation with The Waldron Arts Center, sponsored a Bloomington Mayoral Candidate Arts Forum. It was a very successful event with over 100 people present. Supporting and maintaining a vibrant arts community is part of the mission of the AAGB. In addition to this event, we have held nearly a dozen workshops this spring, including photographing your art, (which is available on our website) painting, concerts, mediation, Tai Chi and portraiture. The Arts Alliance Center at the Simon Mall gives over 30 artists the opportunity to market their art. We have changing monthly art shows involving various topics, ages and experience. (high school, undergraduate, community). We feature emerging and youth artists in the Arts Center. Last fall we supported Paint Bloomington which involved classes for all ages and over a hundred local painters, and we are in regular dialogue with the city arts leaders involving upcoming arts projects.
To know what is happening just go to “bloomingtonarts.org”. If you are an artist and haven’t already done so, we encourage you to sign up in the “Arts Directory”, check out Connie Shakalis’s blog, and look at the Arts Events calendar. You can also sign up for our newsletter. Keeping the arts vibrant in our city, requires community support. If you are already a member, Thank you !! If you haven’t, please consider joining the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington!
Thank you for helping us with our mission of supporting and sustaining a strong arts community in Bloomington.
Membership News
Zain Mackey. Attached are my April watercolors, “Chemical Sunrise” and “Tornado Tree.” I joined Artists for Climate Awareness and I’ve been thinking a lot about the climate changes we’ve experienced over the last 10 years. These will be on display at the Arts Alliance in May.
Andy Roberts. Here are two of my most recent paintings: “Beck Chapel from Memorial Union” and “Red Sun Morning.”
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MarySue Schwab. This watercolor painting will hang in the Annual Membership Exhibit at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, from May 13 to July 21. I’ve entitled it, “Mandevilla in Bloom!”
Calendar
May 1 – July 8 — We Paint….Historic Bloomington Exhibit at History Center.
May 1 to July 1 — Entires due to Northwest Watermedia Society.
May 1 to June 3 — Entries due to Figures of Speech Exhibition, Anderson Museum of Art.
May 7 — Drop off paintings for Conserve Bloomington Exhibit, Art Alliance Center.
May 8 — BWS May Meeting, First Christian Church, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
May 10 to June 11 — Conserve Bloomington Exhibit, Art Alliance Center.
May 1 — Kim Cotton’s Exhibition, Viridian Moon Gallery (Ending TBA).
May 12 — Reception for Christine Peterson’s Exhibition at the Cancer Support Center (Exhibition will run May and June).
May 20 — Hilltop Garden and Nature Center Paint Out.
The monthly BWS meeting will be both in-person and on Zoom, starting at 6 p.m. Following the business meeting, members/attendees will have time to sample various watercolor mediums under the direction of Jeanne Dutton and Carol Rhodes. Those attending should bring their own paints, paper, brushes, and mixing palette or plate. Tubes of paint work best; a few colors will suffice.
Our May 8 BWS program will be given by Matthew Schnaars, a custom framer of Framemakers. He is calling this “Watercolor Painting with Framing in Mind.” Let Joanne Weddle know if you would like Matthew to address specific topics in this session so she can pass them on to him. Matthew expressed great interest in doing this program for us and was glad we had asked him to do it. Zoom option is to be determined; the large-format content of the demonstration may not be suited to a Zoom setup.
“Courthouse” by Deborah Rush
Encore Exhibit
“We Paint…Historic Bloomington!”
The Monroe County History Center welcomes the encore presentation of “We Paint … Historic Bloomington!” April 25 through July 8. You won’t want to miss this collection of paintings by the Bloomington Watercolor Society, an exhibit featuring historic homes and buildings, trailblazing citizens, and landmarks. Entertaining and educational, the show also includes new paintings from Joanna Samorow-Merzer, Charlotte Griffin, Deborah Rush, and Joan MacDermid.
Mark your calendars and save these dates:
Opening Reception, Friday, April 28, 5-7 p.m.
“Paint on the Lawn,” Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Closing Reception, Friday, July 7, 5-7 p.m.
The History Center hours are 10 a.m.– p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and is located at 202 E. Sixth Street in beautiful downtown – and historic – Bloomington.
Art vs. Fiction
by Andy Rogers
I recently discovered novels by an American author whom you may or may not be familiar with; however, I have found these works stimulating and of artistic interest. The author Susan Vreeland has written several books that deal with the relationship between art and fiction. The Passion of Artemisia is an investigation of some aspects of the life of Artemisia Gentilecschi, while the Girl in Hyacinth Blue centers around an imaginary painting by Vermeer. My favorite was Luncheon of the Boating Party, an exceptional novel describing the creation of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” painting and the characters that were included in this composition. The painting, considered “one of the most famous French paintings of modern times,” combines Renoir’s signature impressionist style with portraiture, still life and an en plein air setting. Additional Vreeland novels are Lisette’s List, Clara and Mr. Tiffany, The Forest Lover, What Love Sees, and Life Studies: Stories.
Most of these books are available at the Monroe County Public Library or can be found on Amazon. If you haven’t read any of these, I encourage you to do so.
Have watercolors, will travel
by Penny Lulich
I have been doing a lot of traveling of late and when I travel, I try to connect with watercolor artists wherever I go. So I thought I would share some of my experiences and paintings from recent trips. I hope to encourage artists to reach out wherever they go because it can be fun and you can make new friends. I have learned so much from artists in other states here at home, and in other countries too.
Don’t wait for a workshop to connect with other watercolor artists!
Penny on a visit to the studio of watercolorist Anita Ulrich in Augsburg, Germany. What a lovely time I had with Anita, who served tea and cake in the garden. We chatted for quite a long time, and I went away with some of her printed cards, watercolor books, and a calendar.
I make it a mission, wherever I go, to connect with watercolorists ahead of time. Sometimes it works out to paint together or visit a studio. I got great tips for sketching in Ireland from the president of the Irish Watercolor Society who lives in Kinsale. I had been invited to visit her studio and go together painting one morning.
My sketch of daughter Rachel and my son Steven at the English Market in Cork, Ireland.
A watercolor sketch of Blarney Castle.
Irish lady at the English Market in Cork.
Recent sketch of a Venice trip in September
I have also developed relationships with watercolor artists in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest. I am always encouraged by how friendly and welcoming artists are when you contact them and show up in their town. It’s a great way to grow as an artist, and to make new friends. I have found that people who do watercolor are the nicest people.
A look back
In 2010, Meadowood hosted “Art in the Garden” plant sale and craft fair. In addition to featuring flowers, herbs, vegetable plants, and gardening tools, they had an art show with Bloomington Watercolor Society. Quite a few artists displayed their work. Jeanne Dutton and Jo Weddle were just a couple who showed their paintings.
Avon Waters led a workshop on “Painting Nature in Wet Pastel.”
Artists for Climate Awareness brings
Avon Waters to teach wet pastels
Several BWS members learned how to use soft pastels with various mediums in an Artists for Climate Awareness workshop, “Painting Nature in Wet Pastel” last month. Avon Waters shared eight techniques he uses which add watermedia to pastels.
Waters taught various pastel techniques; Ann Connors from Sycamore Land Trust gave a short talk about what that organization is doing for the environment; Carol Rhodes led an all-group discussion about how to talk about climate change and caring for the environment. See the activities in progress and the works– both in-progress and finished– by going to the following website and clicking the pictures and advancing through the collection: https://artistsforclimateawareness.org/painting-nature-in-wet-pastel/.
“Bloomington has a large watercolor society and to my surprise a lot of the students in this class were watercolorists — they took to these techniques like a duck to water… Watching watercolorists us(ing) these techniques gave me new ideas to try.” – Avon Waters
by Meri Reinhold
by Jerry Harste
by Betty Wagoner
by Sara Steffey McQueen
Member News
Tim Lewis received a Distinction of Merit award from judge Jeff Hagan at the Brown County Art Guild’s Annual Patron Show in January for his watercolor, “Crab Bounty.” Tim is also the Show Chair for the annual Watercolor Society of Indiana Juried Exhibition this year. The show is open to WSI members only. Entries must be submitted by May 5, and the show will hang in the Waller Gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from Aug. 5 through Sept. 24. More details are available on the WSI website at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/Juried-Exhibit.
“Crab Bounty” by Tim Lewis
Leslie Gamboa announces a Beginning Watercolor class starting April 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Owen County Art Guild. This class will meet each Wednesday for six weeks. The cost for the six-week session is $40 per person. Call 812-829-1877 or email Owencountyartguild@outlook.com to reserve your spot.
“Butterfly Dreams” by Stephen Edwards
Stephen Edwards’ painting, “Butterfly Dreams,” was accepted into the 2023 National Watercolor Society Members Exhibit. It won the Robbie Laird President’s Award of Excellence as well. Steve writes: “My wife, Sheree, and I would like to thank the group for their thoughtful get-well card. Sheree is recovering and progressing well after the car accident. Many thanks from both of us.”
Photos by Craig Barton
This month Viridian Moon Art Gallery hosts another group exhibition – “Places We Love” – featuring work in various media by three local artists: Kathy Truelove Barton (watercolor and acrylics), Bill Schwab (oils), and MarySue Veerkamp Schwab (oils and watercolor. These three artists teamed together to share with the public their traveling experiences and plein air adventures. The reception for the show is Saturday, April 8, 3-5 p.m. The details, as always, are here: https://www.viridianmoon.art/events.
Viridian Moon has also launched a fundraiser to help talented young art students from the Salvador Dali Academy of Contemporary Arts in Kyiv, Ukraine, pay their tuition. So far $700 has been raised for the cause. The ultimate goal is to raise $3,000. One hundred percent of the proceeds from print sales will benefit the Art Academy students. Learn more here: https://www.viridianmoon.art/post/prints-from-students-of-salvador-dali-academy-of-contemporary-art.
Nancy Davis Metz attended the weeklong Kanuga Watermedia Workshop in Montreat, N.C., last month. She worked with instructor Teresa Kirk. The workshop drew nearly 200 artists, who chose from 10 artists who who work in numerous genres and styles. Anyone interested in learning more about this annual workshop should ask for details. (P.S. She LOVED it.)
Nancy Davis Metz is fifth from the left in the back row of this photo of Teresa Kirk’s class. Teresa is fourth from the left in the front row.
“At the Union” by Jacki Frey
Calendar
April 8 3-5 p.m. Reception for “Places We Love” at Viridian Moon Art Gallery
April 10 6 p.m. BWS meeting
April 19 Beginning Watercolor class begins at Owen County Art Guild
April 28 5 – 7 p.m. Opening Reception Encore Exhibition “We Paint … Historic Bloomington”
May 5 Deadline for entering Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Juried Exhibition
