Our December 14th Program

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

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A Word of Inspiration this Holiday Season

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

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

Inside BWS

Our Thanks to Kathy Barton

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

The BWS Art Scholarship Needs Our Support

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

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

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

Herald-Times Invitation

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

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

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

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

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

“We Paint … Carnival!”

MONTH of CHOCOLATE, February 2021

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

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

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

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

Gain Signature Status in BWS

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

Making “My Favorite Technique a Regular Feature of the Newsletter

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

Outside BWS

TC Steele Member Art Show

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

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

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

Watercolor Society of Indiana News

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

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

Call to Artists: Jasper

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

Call to Artists: Anderson

The Anderson Museum of Art announces:

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

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

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

Center for Lifelong Learning Spring Digital Catalog is Out!!

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

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

Call to Artists: Pikes Peak Watercolor Society

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

Sharing Our News

Betty Wagoner is Given an Award

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

Kriste Lindberg Shares a Recent Painting

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

Sandy Hall is in Several Shows

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

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

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

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

Donna Whitsitt is Moving and has Picture Frames to Give Away

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

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

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

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

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

Phyllis Taylor Wins People’s Choice Award

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

Andy Roberts Shares His Paintings

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

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Celebrating Local Artists

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

Sharing Favorite Techniques

Jeanne Dutton is Making Bookmarks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Nancy Metz shares her Favorite Technique for Painting Poinsettas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December Calendar

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

December 6 — Month of Chocolate Prospectus becomes available

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

Now thru December 9 — Participate in the FMCCS Auction

December 14 — BWS Holiday Party

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

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

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

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

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

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

February — Month of Chocolate

February 6-27 — TC Steel Art Show

February 14 — Deadline for submitting portfolio to Jasper Art Center

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

March 1 — WSI 2021 Juried Exhibition Prospectus Availble

Nov. 9

BWS program to feature

“Indiana Greens Throughout the Year”

Following the November business meeting, Kathy Truelove Barton will demonstrate mixing greens for the many changes of foliage color between April and the end of October. She will use four of her paintings created at different times of the year — early spring, early summer, late summer and early fall — as a guide for the colors. Kathy will use tube paints from Winsor Newton Professional and Daniel Smith Professional lines. Handouts including the brands and paint numbers where available will be emailed the first Friday of November.  However, members can create similar colors from the paints they have on hand.

Suggested supplies: Number 4 and 6 brushes; watercolor palette or an all-white dinner plate; a light, medium and dark shade of yellow, blue, and green.

The business meeting starts at 6 p.m. via Zoom. A link to the meeting will be emailed to BWS members the day of the meeting.

Announcing “We Paint … Carnival!”

MONTH of CHOCOLATE, February 2021

BWS will participate, for the sixth year, in supporting LIFEDesigns in the annual Month of Chocolate this coming February. The event will be different than before, but members can anticipate a guided video tour, lots of publicity, and a Best of Show award.  

Look for the prospectus to arrive soon, once the dates are confirmed with the Vault at Gallery Mortgage.  If you want to get an early start, remember all mediums are accepted in a 2D format, framed appropriately.

Thanks to our president, Joanna Samorow-Merzer, for suggesting this year’s theme of “Carnival.”  This may inspire you a bit!

FMCCS auction to benefit

the BWS scholarship

The BWS Art Scholarship is managed through the Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools (FMCCS).  We couldn’t hold our annual table sale this fall to renew our scholarship fund, but FMCCS has offered us the opportunity to enter items in their annual online auction.  Seventy percent of any sale will go to the Scholarship fund; 30 percent will be retained to cover costs.

BWS members are invited to donate something art related – a painting, a set of notecards, a print.  So far, three paintings have been donated – and thanks to those artists!  (One donation includes a Longaberger basket filled with beginning art supplies and two hours of watercolor instruction!) 

The deadline for donations is Nov. 18.  To contribute an item, please contact Jeanne Dutton at Scholarship@BloomingtonWatercolor.org.

The online auction opens Nov. 30 at biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?vhost=fmccs.

Watch your email for updates!

Membership Show

People’s Choice Awards announced

Stephen Edwards’s painting, Thawing Along Owl Creek, was the first place winner in the People’s Choice Awards for the 2020 BWS Membership Show.

Ballots were counted from the in-person viewing at The Vault and email voting from the online gallery hosted by SmugMug.com and BWS, and the results were announced by Show Chair Kathy Barton and 1st Vi ce President Patty Uffman.

Runner-up was Green Pears, Ready to Pick by MarySue Veerkamp-Schwab. Honorable Mentions were awarded to At Ghost Ranch, NM by Candace Bailey and Rainwashed Vienna by Carol Rhodes.

These paintings along with the entire show is still available for viewing at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.smugmug.com.

Kudos

2020 Membership Show

Let’s express our appreciation to Kathy Barton and Patty Uffman who created the actual exhibit and to Carol Rhodes and Charlotte Griffin who created the virtual reception and the virtual gallery, and to Jeanne Dutton who prepared the labels to accompany the paintings at the gallery, also to Kathy’s husband Craig who created the flyer for the exhibit, and to Kriste Lindberg for the publicity.  Please let’s make sure that we show our appreciation as well to John LaBella, the owner of The Vault Gallery Mortgage Company, who is so kind to us and welcomed again this year another BWS art show in his space.  And many thanks to our BWS artists who brought their paintings to the exhibition.  With all this collective work we made it happen!  It was a beautiful art show.

Thank you all,

Joanna Samorow-Merzer

BWS President

2020-2021

My favorite technique

Using wet in wet to create

hard edges for rim lighting

by Claude Cookman

When I showed a painting of a geranium at BWS’s September Show-and-Tell, one of our members asked how I got such hard edges on the petals. I’m happy to share that technique, but I’d like to expand my response slightly. I was using those hard edges to produce rim lighting, the effect of a bright light catching the edge of an object and outlining it in sharp detail.

This demonstration pulls together two big art ideas. First, many artists insist they paint light, not objects. Second, edges are a major tool in constructing pictures. Artists talk about hard edges, soft edges and lost edges. To make something recede, typically in the background, they use soft or lost edges. To emphasize an object — the focal point, for example — artists often give it hard edges. 

This technique works because of a unique property of the watercolor medium: If you wet good paper, then add watercolor to this area, the colors will not extend beyond the wet boundary.

Follow these steps:

1. Theory. Lightly draw your motif; then use a kneaded eraser to remove as much graphite as possible, leaving barely visible lines.

Practice. In this demonstration, the motif comprises two flower petals and the leaves around them. I’m creating rim lighting between the two petals and between them and the leaves. I’m drawing just the petals and trusting that I can paint the background edges without needing a pencil line. In this case, I left the lines much darker than I normally would so you can see them.

2. Theory. Wet an area thoroughly with clear water. Paint right to the edge of the line, but not over it. 

Practice. I used a half-inch chisel brush. And painted two coats of water to make the area very wet. I let the paper rest for two or three minutes to absorb any puddles.

3. Theory.  While it’s resting, mix your colors. Experiment with consistency to find the results you like best. For starters, make it somewhere between tea and milk. 

Practice. To get a range of values, I used Opera Pink for the main wash and Pyrrole Red for shadow areas. Also, I used a clean, damp brush to lift out lighter areas.

4. Theory.  Charge the paint into the wet area. With a minimal amount of brush work, move it to the edges. Add any additional colors while the paint is still wet.

Practice. I used a No. 8 pointed brush, quickly flooding the area. I let gravity do much of the work, tilting the paper at a gentle angle to move the paint around and let it bead along the edge. I added the darker red, but made sure it was dryer than the wash on the page to avoid back runs.

5. Theory. Let the paper dry thoroughly. Then use this same process to create the background. With clear water, paint as close to the edge of the petal as possible, about 1/8th to 1/16th of an inch. Charge in your background colors.

Practice. I did this twice. Once for the second petal and again for the leaves. For them, I used blends of Sap Green, Permanent Green, and Hansa Yellow Light.

Comment. Although I have presented this as a technique for rim lighting, you can use it just to achieve a hard edge on any object. Simply stop at Step 4.

If you have a steady hand, of course, you could paint a hard edge without the water. I use it for two reasons: 1) It guarantees my edge is precise. If I accidentally paint over the line, I can let the water dry and try it again. 2) It gives a consistently even wash.

If you try this, I would enjoy hearing how it worked for you and what innovations you add to it. Send me an image and an account of your experience, if you please.

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

T.C. Steele Historic Site

Final 2020 paint-out in photos

Barbara Coffman, photographer

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Member News

Susan Savastuk is displaying her series of Pointillism Covid-19 Mask portraits. They are done with marker on paper. You can view the display through the window at ArtBeat in the College Mall. The Bloomington Arts Alliance store is still closed.

Hopi Maidens, a watercolor painting by MarySue Veerkamp Schwab, is in the Richmond Art Museum Show Nov. 5 through Jan. 9. She says it is from a Hopi Ceremony she and her husband were invited to attend on First Mesa in Arizona.

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Andy Roberts sent in three paintings he has been working on from plein air paint-outs and other outings in recent months. “Now that the nice weather is coming to an end,” he says, “I guess I will resolve to painting from the numerous photos I have taken at various locations around southern Indiana.” He still hopes to get back to Florida in January to paint his favorite subject matter: palm trees and seascapes.

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Lynne Gilliatt sent in a portrait of Gallery mortgage owner John LaBella (left) and one she calls Spanish Soup (right), which incorporates black washi tape and gouache.

Calendar

Nov. 9 BWS Meeting via Zoom, Program by Kathy Barton

Nov. 18 Deadline for donating to the FMCCS Auction

Nov. 30 Bidding opens for FMCCS Auction

Dec. 9 BWS Holiday Celebration via Zoom, Artist Trading Cards

February Month of Chocolate

BWS Meeting: October 12

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

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

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

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

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

Inside BWS

November 1st Deadline

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

BWS Membership Show

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

Paint-Out at TC Steele

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

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

Outside BWS

Art Sanctuary Fall Art Show

Char Dapena shared this announcement from Nancy Maxwell:  

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

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

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

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

Other Area Shows

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

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

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

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

Member News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October’s Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sept. 14

Show & Share to highlight

September meeting program

by Kitty Garlock

As always at our September meeting, we have arranged a program of show and share.  Due to the times being what they are, we will be sharing on Zoom after our business meeting.  This requires a few procedural steps and a tiny bit of know-how in order for things to happen efficiently.

First, I will be sending a reminder email with some procedure points. I would appreciate it if you would respond to my email if you plan to share. Just send your name (in the body of your email) and say “sharing in September’s BWS”; then I will know how many people to plan for and how to allot our time.

Second, all artwork should be shared without glass. Matted is OK, but the glare of the glass is problematic.

Third, you have three choices on how to share:

• When you notify me, send a picture of the piece you want to share. When it is your turn to share in the meeting, I can bring it up from my computer and you can talk about it.
• Have the piece ready at your computer and hold it up to the view hole as you talk.
• Use the share button on the Zoom screen as follows:

For computers and laptops:

1. Have open on your desktop a scanned copy or photograph of your painting. Edit it as you wish in Photoshop or another image processing app. Open the digital file on your computer monitor, and size it to fill the height of your screen.
2. When it is your turn, click out of Zoom’s Full Screen mode so you can switch between Zoom and your file.
3. At the bottom center of the Zoom window, click on the Share Screen button.
4. Click on the image you want to show and it should fill the screen. You should still see a Zoom window off to the side.
5. Start talking so your computer becomes the active Zoom window.
6. If you have several images, stack them in a folder, top to bottom, in the sequence you want them to appear. After you have shown each one, miniaturize it and the next should appear.
7. When you are finished, click out of Share Screen.

For iPads:

1. Have your photo gallery open on your device before you enter the meeting 
2. When it is your turn click on the Share Screen button.
3. You should see a list of options. Choose photo.
4. Your photos will come up, so choose the one you want and click done; this action will display the photo to everyone.
5. When you are done click out of the Share mode 

We look forward to seeing what you have been doing since last year!

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BWS Paint-outs

by Betty Wagoner

BWS’s last paint-out of the year will be at T.C. Steele State Historic Site Saturday, Oct. 10, starting at 10 a.m. The fall at T.C. Steele is beautiful even in rainy weather.  The entry fee is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors. We will be able to paint the beautiful grounds plus tour the Steele Studio and Home.

Last month, on a beautiful summer day, eight artists set up easels and chairs at The Woolery.   We painted and sketched the metal shell of the Woolery, stone columns and walls, and old machinery such as the crane in the back.  The farmer’s market at the site that day, offered us a chance to stock up on fruits and veggies.

BWS Membership Show opens Oct. 2

The 2020 BWS Membership Show will feature the theme “We Paint … Renewal/Rejuvenation,” but COVID-related pieces will be accepted as well. The show will hang Oct. 2 – 29 at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage Company, 121 E Sixth St., Bloomington.

Kathy Barton, Show chair, encourages artists to offer their paintings for sale; however, that is not required. When pricing your artwork, keep in mind that The Vault will keep a 25 percent commission of all sales.

Because of COVID-19 conditions, no physical reception is planned for the show. A Virtual Gallery will be provided on the BWS website instead. This will require all artists to submit digital images to Carol@BloomingtonWatercolor.org before Sept. 22.

In September BWS members will receive an electronic invitation to view the Virtual Gallery that they can forward to their friends,family and art contacts.

Mark these important dates in your calendar:

Sept. 22 Submit images for Virtual Gallery to Carol@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Sept. 29 Deliver paintings to The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 121 E Sixth St. between 4 and 6 p.m.

Oct. 29 Pick up paintings at The Vault.

The Show Prospectus, which includes detailed information all exhibiting artists should read plus the labels for the paintings, is available at https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/prospectus/.

To participate in the show, all exhibiting members must have paid dues for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year.

BWS to exchange ATCs

for the holidays

BWS won’t have a party at Meadowood this year, but that doesn’t mean the season will go unmarked by BWS. Jo Weddle announced at the August meeting that members will be exchanging Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). She showed examples and outlined how the exchange will work. But in case you didn’t take notes, here is what you need to know.

1. Paint one to 10 originals that are 2-½ x 3-½ inches. This is the size of a baseball card. You can paint any topic, and they can be all different or all the same. Put your name and contact information on the back; some do this with labels.
2. You can find many examples and instructions by looking up artist trading cards on google.com.
3. You can cut cards out of your favorite watercolor paper or purchase artist trading cards.  I have found the best selections on amazon.com. Strathmore offers various paper choices, and packs of 10 or 20 cards cost less than $5. Andrew Preston of Preston Arts Center in Louisville also carries them and gives BWS members a 20 percent discount. Ones at Hobby Lobby are not good quality paper for watercolor and have a smooth surface.
4. Send your finished cards in an envelope along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Cassidy Young at 1419 E. Browning Lane, Bloomington, IN 47401. Be sure to send them to Cassidy so she will receive them no later than Nov. 1.
5. Cassidy will open all envelopes and return to each person in their stamped-self-addressed envelope as many cards by other people as the number of cards sent to her.
6. Do not open this envelope until our Monday, Dec. 14 Zoom meeting. We will all open them at the same time and share our oohs and aahs along with thanks.
7. You can save these in three-ring binders in plastic sheets you can purchase made for baseball trading cards (also available online).
8. Questions?  Contact Jo Weddle.

Thank you letter from BWS Scholarship recipient

Words of advice

from a fellow Indiana artist

Jerry Harste came across this letter Kurt Vonnegut wrote to a high school class and found the overall message inspirational. He did take exception to Vonnegut’s last piece of advice, however, and offered an alternative, which can be found following Vonnegut’s letter

In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write a famous author and ask for advice. Kurt Vonnegut was the only one to respond – and his response is magnificent: 

Dear Xavier High School, and Ms. Lockwood, and Messrs Perin, McFeely, Batten, Maurer and Congiusta:

I thank you for your friendly letters. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. I don’t make public appearances anymore because I now resemble nothing so much as an iguana.

What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.

Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you’re Count Dracula.

Here’s an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don’t do it: Write a six-line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Don’t show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK?

Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash receptacles. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what’s inside you, and you have made your soul grow.

God bless you all!

Kurt Vonnegut

Jerry’s final recommendation would have been to paint a picture and then put it away. “Don’t tear it up,” Jerry says. “Six months later — or maybe a year – ‘do something to it, then do something to that something, and soon, you will have something.’ As you can see, I’m a Jasper Johns proponent.”

Member News

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.Two BWS members, Bess Lee and Jerry Harste, have had works juried in to the Desiderata show, which will hang at the ArtsIlliana Gallery, 23 N Sixth St, Terre Haute from Sept. 4 to Nov. 20. Jerry’s piece is a wall hanging or throw made from his paintings of goats that a friend put together in a 40-inch by 60-inch quilted wall hanging.

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Because of the pandemic, the Burris family art show, “A Look at Relative Art…” will hang at the Columbus Learning Center through Spring 2021. This is a collaborative family exhibit of works by Bob Burris, his deceased wife Catherine, and their daughter Lydia.

Lynne Gilliatt’s “Pandemic Walk” was published in the August issue of The Ryder magazine.

The Watercolor Society of Indiana’s Juried Exhibition included works by four BWS members, two of whom received top recognitions. Stephen Edwards’s “Studio Windows” received the Dorothy Schulz Englehart Memorial Award of $1,100. Jerry Harste’s “A Steadying Force” received the Theodore M. Englehart Memorial Award of $750. Jerry also earned WSI Signature Member status. MarySue Veerkamp-Schwab was recognized as a first-time exhibitor with her painting, “The Old Homestead,” and Robin Edmundson exhibited “Bluebell Wood – Just Starting to Bloom.” The show hangs in the Bret Waller Gallery of the Indianapolis Museum of Art Indianapolis Museum of Art through Sept. 26.

Stephen Edwards has also recently had paintings accepted into the Hoosier Salon, the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society 41st Annual International Exhibit (juried by Daniel R. Smith AWS, NWS), as well as the Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s 120th Annual International Exhibition Works on Paper (juried by John Salminen AWS, NWS). Edwards also received 1st Place Award in the Pendleton Artists Society exhibit.

Andy Roberts sent in two paintings he has done from Upland Plein Air and BWS paint-outs in July and August. The Woolery Mill one is from the July BWS paint-out and the other is Cheryl Berg’s farm  barn and stables, which was from a Tuesday Upland paint-out. “Getting outside and enjoying new sites is a great way to keep artistically motivated and sane during our Covid isolation,” Andy writes.

BWS member Claude Cookman is the lead curator of a virtual photography exhibition opening in October. “Wild Horse Running: The Courageous Journey of Tom Fox” is presented by The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and Untitled Light Gallery. It documents IU alumnus Tom Fox’s terminal struggle with AIDS in the late 1980s when there was no medical response for this disease.

Cookman will also moderate an online panel discussion by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution medical writer and photojournalist who documented Tom’s final months, a gay pastor who lived through the crisis, and a doctor who gained national recognition for his response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in our region.

You can join the panel Friday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m., by going to this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1608126726031106

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Beyond BWS

The Watercolor Society of Indiana announces its Membership Exhibit of the Art Association of Henry County in New Castle Oct. 22 to Nov. 20. The show is open to WSI members who submit entry forms and payment by Oct. 2. Entry information is available on the WSI website: http://watercolorsociety ofindiana.org.

Calendar

Sept. 14 Monthly BWS meeting. Check email for Zoom login info

Sept. 22 Deadline for submitting images for Membership Show’s Virtual Gallery. Email image to Carol@BloomingtonWatercolor.org

Sept. 29 4 to 6 p.m. Deliver Membership Show painting to The Vault at the Gallery Mortgage Company, 121 E. Sixth St., Bloomington

Oct. 2 BWS Membership Show opens at The Vault, 121 E. Sixth St., Bloomington. See Virtual Gallery on https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org

Oct. 2 Deadline for entry forms and payment to be received at Watercolor Society of Indiana for its Membership Show at the Art Association of Henry County in New Castle

Oct. 10 10 a.m. Final BWS Paint-out of 2020 at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site

Oct. 12 BWS Zoom meeting

Oct. 22 – Nov. 20 WSI Membership Exhibit at the Art Association of Henry County in New Castle

Oct. 29 Pick up paintings from the BWS Membership Show

Nov. 1 Deadline for Cassidy Young to receive ATCs for Holiday Exchange

Nov. 9 BWS Zoom meeting

Dec. 14 BWS Zoom meeting

August Business Meeting and Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside BWS

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

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

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

       August 10 – Artist Trading Cards – Joanne Weddle

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

       October 12 – Printing Cards From Paintings – Joanne Shank.

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

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

       January 11 – Journals – Jeanne Dutton.

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

       March 8 – Making Folding Greeting Cards – Charlotte Griffin

       April 12 – _______________

       May 19 – ________________

       June 14 – ________________

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

Attention! August BWS Paint-Out 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! 2020 BWS Membership Show

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

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

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

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

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Greenfield and BWS Proud by Kathy Barton

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

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

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Sharing What We Have Been Up To?

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

Robin Edmundson

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

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Susan Savastuk

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

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Carol Rugers Richard

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

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Patty Uffman

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

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Jacki Frye

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

Nina Ost

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

Carla Hedges

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

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Bess Lee

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

Suzanne Thorin

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

Claude Cookman

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

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

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

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

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

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Lynne Gilliatt

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

Nancy Davis Metz

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

Sara Steffy

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

Barbara Coffman

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

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`Meri Reinhold

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

Jerome Harste

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

Remembering Our History

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

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

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Outside BWS

Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition

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

Watercolor Society of Indiana

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

Hoosier Art Salon

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

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

Desiderata Art Show

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

Upland Plein Air Welcomes Us To Join Them as a Guest

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

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

Bloomington Portrait Group invites You to Take the challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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August Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 13th Meeting:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Program Description:

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

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

Supplies: Sketchbook or paper, pencil

BWS Outgoing President’s Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patty Uffman

Inside BWS

Karst Farm Part Paint-Out

July 11, 9 am-12

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

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

Yellowwood Paint Out, June 20

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

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A Message From Grant Wood

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

Patricia Coleman:  How to Create and Share Your Videos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping this helps. 

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

How Members Are Spending Their Time

Phyllis Taylor (One of our Members from Oregon)

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

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Susan Savastuk

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

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Candice Bailey

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

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MarySue Schwab

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

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Robin Edmundson

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

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Jacki Frey

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Jerry Harste

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

Cassidy Young

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

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Char Dapena

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

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Bob Burris

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

Meri Reinhold

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

Carol Rhodes

“Here is a pandemic entry.”

Nina Ost

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

Outside BWS

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

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

Watercolor Society of Indiana

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

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Picture Gallery

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July Calendar

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

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

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

Remember These Dates

July 1-25 Prospectus Due: Hoosier Art Salon

July 3-29 Robin Edmundson’s Show at Venue

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

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

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

August 7-Sept. 26 WSI Exhibition at IMA

June 8

BWS to meet via Zoom;

Program on painting shadows to follow

BWS will continue its monthly meetings via Zoom with the next one being June 8 at 6 p.m. A June 1 email from Patty Uffman has the link and password so you can log in to the Zoom meeting. Following the business meeting, Cassidy Young will teach members about painting shadows.

Message from the President

Our Zoom meeting on June 8 will be my last as BWS president. I hope you’ll join us as we formally install our new board and present a program I know you’ll enjoy! It’s certainly been an interesting year, wouldn’t you agree? Working with a great team that has taken the reins and ridden the trail over some rough terrain without complaining of saddle sores has given me real appreciation for the contributions everyone makes. Although we started the year with some uncertainty about holding on to our membership numbers, we are happy to see that we have attracted new members and are very close to our total from last year. From my standpoint, it’s the quality rather than the quantity that matters most, and on that front we are constantly setting the bar higher! Meeting and knowing all our members has been a personal goal for me, and I am constantly impressed by our members’ array of talent and willingness to pitch in when we need it. Thank you to each member for being part of BWS! And a special thanks to the board for supporting BWS with your time and unique qualities.

Patty Uffman, 2019-20 BWS president

Mevis awarded BWS Scholarship

The Bloomington Watercolor Society Art Supply Scholarship for 2020 has been awarded to Mikah Mevis, a graduate of Bloomington High School South. She earned 13 fine art credits taking ceramics, sculpture, painting, stained glass, and jewelry 1 and 2.  Mikah was recently inducted into the National Art Honors Society and has been in 4-H fine arts for seven years.

“I am so grateful that BWS chose me to be awarded the scholarship!” Mikah wrote in a note to BWS. She will pursue her education in the Fine Arts program at Ball State University. 

Opening for historian

If you missed a prior email or our May Zoom meeting, maybe you haven’t heard that we have an opening for our BWS Historian. Candi Bailey will pass the torch to someone who essentially collects and catalogs news clips and published information related to BWS. The job isn’t very time-consuming, but it’s an essential part of our organization. If you’d like to explore a bit more of what it entails or are ready to help BWS by stepping in to this role, please notify Patty Uffman or Joanna Samorow-Merzer at info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org.

Month of Chocolate

Exhibitors to pick up paintings

Artists who participated in the Month of Chocolate exhibit last winter can finally retrieve their paintings at the Vault at Gallery Mortgage this week. Please pick up your work between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. June 1-5. Please respect social distancing and wear a mask while in the gallery. If you cannot personally pick up your artwork, please arrange for a friend to do it for you.

BWS paint-out schedule

Paint-out sites have been selected for both natural beauty and space to accommodate safe distance.  Face coverings will be required until further notice.  Information regarding each paint-out will be emailed at least a week before each paint-out. Start times are 10 a.m. but earlier if the weather is hot.

Saturday, June 20

Yellowwood Lake Shelter, in the Yellowwood State Forest

Saturday, July 11

Karst Farm Park, a Monroe County park near the fairgrounds

Saturday, Aug. 8

Clear Creek Trail, a Bloomington park

Some of you have expressed an interest in the annual West Baden paint-out, sponsored by Indiana Heritage Arts.  It is scheduled Aug. 14 and 15, but these dates may change or the event may be canceled. Watch your email for confirmation of this paint-out.

Please contact Betty Wagoner if you have questions.

Ivy Tech CLL classes

go online this summer

Several BWS members will be teaching virtual classes through Ivy Tech Lifelong Learning this summer. Katya Alexeeva will be offering a beginning oil painting class in June, an intermediate class in July and an advanced class in August. Cassidy Young is teaching Developing Your Perfect Practice starting June 15. Carol Rhodes and Nancy Metz are offering an online edition of Discovering Your MUSEum: Transforming Your Findings into Your Art starting June 18.

See details and register at: https://ivytechbloomington.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010&.

Check out latest offerings

on BWS Forum section of website

Some highlights from the past several weeks:

In Our Shelter-in-place Artwork:

• Bob Burris posted a colorful and upbeat work called, “Good Morning Sunshine.”
• Andy Roberts has painted a rustic and legendary grocery, Yoho General Store, in Solsberry, Indiana.
• Meri Reinhold posted her studies of ballerinas at the IU Ballet theater during practice in early March.

Under Critiques wanted! Debbie Tocco displayed two of her paintings and would like to get some critiques.

In  Watercolor Book Recommendations, Jeanne Dutton has  a watercolor book recommendation.

Under  Self Portraits at Home, Joanna Samorow-Merzer  has posted her self-portrait.

You can find the forum by going to the website and clicking the Forums tab at the top. Or go directly to the forum at
https://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/forums/

No credentials are needed to view the entries. Please enjoy!
If you want to post, just scroll to the bottom of any conversation and you’ll see where to enter your username and password. Carol Rhodes has sent members login information; if you can’t find yours or if you want to add a topic, contact her. She is also will also glad to help with any issues you have with the forum.

Painting a seascape

with Grant Wood

Grant Wood, BWS associate member in South Africa, has posted a Youtube tutorial on how to paint a seascape.  According to Jeanne Dutton, his technique for capturing the wave movements and spray is amazing.  If you decide to do the tutorial, please send your rendition to info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org so it can be posted on the BWS Facebook page. The link to the YouTube video is

Obituary

Frank Hall

Before former BWS member Frank Hall died in April, he arranged for many of his studio supplies and books to be donated to BWS for its annual table sale. Bess Lee, who knew Frank for many years but especially through his volunteering in one of her kindergarten art classes, wrote a tribute for his funeral home notice. What follows is an excerpt from that tribute:

Frank Hall was a decent, good and witty friend to me. I met Frank in the ’80s when I first moved to Bloomington to attend graduate school…. Our interactions continued over the years: friends in common, some shared interests and then, in 2007, Frank happened upon one of my public school art kindergarten classes (he was a reading volunteer at the school), and he said, “Wow, Bess, you really need some help here!” He then began to volunteer in my art classroom.

He came each week for three different kindergarten classes and did that for the next five years. He was patient, loving, stern, sometimes surly and the kids LOVED him. I am grateful for that time we shared in the public school classroom and later for many dinners with my husband, Joe.

Frank was also an accomplished watercolor and acrylic painter, woodworker, stone carver, linoleum print maker, avid reader, history and news buff, and practicing Zen Buddhist. He was quite an accomplished human although I don’t think he would have categorized himself that way.

Member News

Patricia Coleman has been developing a surface design line on Spoonflower, working mostly with her art and  some of her photographs. This pattern is a repeat of a  watercolor titled “Shadow Crow” and is listed in Designs Not for Sale. The crow from “Shadow Crow” is also used in a black and white repeat in the quilterscomfort_design shop.

This is the link to Patricia’s design shop:

https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/quilterscomfort_?sub_action=shop.

She also has a video of herself sharing fabrics, many of them based on acrylic paintings and pen and ink drawings at https://youtu.be/cG-7HfkDZWw and shares her work on https://instagram.com/patriciaccolemanart.

Suzanne Thorin writes: “During the dark and rainy spring, I painted a Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) because I needed the warm yellows to cheer me up and because Fresh Thyme had one. I used just four colors: Ultramarine Blue (M. Graham), Winsor Lemon (Winsor & Newton), Brilliant Orange (Holbein), and a touch of Permanent Magenta (Winsor & Newton). I have been practicing making my own greens and browns. No more tubes.

Lynne Gilliatt says her latest foray at her art table is cutting up old watercolors and temperas, designing with washi tape on top of the cut up drawings, and making them into hanging birds. She has sold $100 worth, which has gone to a food pantry on South Walnut Street continued by a friend Mary Blizzard. “Paintings cut up into 3d birds look pretty wild,” Lynne said. “You don’t know what you’re going to get at all! I sell them for $5 each, and folks usually buy four at a whack. I attach ribbons inside and to the left side of the wings.  When I goof, they dive-bomb!”

The Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are sponsoring a joint project to paint registered historic sites in Indiana. About 60 paintings year, starting in October 2020. The show will be in Nashville next spring. Betty Wagoner shares a few of the paintings she has submitted to the project.

Kathy Barton writes: This painting is organized on 9 x 12 Arches hot press paper. The paper is horizontal but the structure is vertical thirds. The reflection of the tree near the middle of the stream and the milky white sky reflected in the water are what drew me to the scene. Paints are mostly Daniel Smith with some Winsor Newton Professional grade colors used as well.  The time was about 9:30 or 10 a.m. The creek is inside Olcott Park in Bloomington, Ind.

Beyond BWS

Aqueous USA 2020, Kentucky Watercolor Society’s national juried competition, will be a virtual show only. The deadline for submitting entries is July 6. For a complete prospectus, go to https://www.kentuckywatercolor society.com/aqueous-usa-2020-prospectus.

Hoosier Art Salon’s 96th Annual Exhibition & Awards will hang at the Indiana State Museum Aug. 29 to Oct. 25. All entries must be submitted online before June 30. Entry instructions and applications are available at https://hoosiersalon.org/96th-annual-exhibition/.

The Watercolor Society of Indiana 2020 Membership Show is now online. Click on the following link to view the show: https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the webpage.  There you will be able to view both the membership show and the 2020 James C. Lentz Scholarship Winner.

Calendar

June 2-5 Pick up Month of Chocolate paintings from the Vault at Gallery Mortgage, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June 8 Zoom meeting and program on painting shadows by Cassidy Young

June 20 Paint-out, 10 a.m., Yellowwood Lake Shelter

June 30 Deadline for paying 2020-21 BWS dues

June 30 Deadline for entries to Hoosier Art Salon’s 96^th Annual Exhibition

July 6 Deadline for entries to Kentucky Watercolor Society’s Aqueous 2020

July 11 Paint-out, 10 a.m., Karst Farm Park

July 13 Zoom meeting and Discovering Your MUSEum program by Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes

Aug. 8 Paint-out, 10 a.m., Clear Creek Trail

Aug. 10 Zoom meeting and Artist Trading Cards program by Joanne Weddle

Make sure you read through to the end for a special collection of paintings and poetry by Jerry Harste.

President’s message

BWS adds program

to May 11 meeting

What’s your idea of a “silver lining?” Reading more? Binge-watching your favorite TV series? Having fewer “gotta go” places and more “free time”? Gardening? Delving into artistic pursuits a bit more? Whatever combination of these things or others might pertain to you, there are definitely reasons that we may benefit from the extra time the coronavirus allows us to spend on things we choose. For BWS members, I hope that artistic pursuits factor into your answer.  

In April we had our first ever BWS Zoom meeting, and I’m happy to say that it went quite well for the 25 members who participated. Our next BWS Zoom meeting is scheduled for May 11 at 6 p.m.  

PLEASE NOTE: To increase our security this time we will have a password which will be needed for both web and phone-in participants. (See the April 29 email from me for detail on those two options.) Phone-in participants will be asked to hold their commentary until the end of each agenda topic when the leader will open the floor for input.

ANOTHER CHANGE: Participants will be muted upon entering to keep noise down. As hostess, I will be glad to acknowledge and unmute a video participant if you will raise your hand (like you’re swearing an oath).

WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR MEETING: We will announce the results of the voting for our slate of officers. We will NOT video record our business meeting; however, we WILL record the program that follows. What’s the program? Glad you asked! We would like to have a “Show and Tell” with every participant showing a piece of artwork with very brief comments — and I always look forward to interesting, inspiring pieces from everyone!

If you have any questions before then, feel free to contact me by email, text, or phone.

See you soon!

Patty Uffman, BWS President

The enjoyment of travel sketching

by Penny Lulich

I do a lot of travel watercolor painting, and my supplies are few and simple. I use a sketchbook or a block of watercolor paper such as the 5×7 block of cold press by Fabriano Artistic. If I have it with me, I’ll use a larger size block, but that all depends on my mode of transportation. If I am traveling across the U.S. by train, for example, it is much easier to take larger supplies. Oh, and I used to do these types of long distance train trips quite a lot, and was even interviewed in Chicago for an article in “All Aboard Indiana” News Publication, back in 2016 (The article with photos of my “Train Art” is still accessible online). I was just starting out on my watercolor journey, at that point in time, but there was definitely a spark of inspiration that travel ignited in me, and so I have continued to paint wherever I go.

Most recently I spent time in South Africa; starting out in Durban, then traveling to Kwa-Zulu Natal for Safari (Thanks to the auction at the Art of Chocolate event a year ago), and ending in Cape Town. Though our time was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, I was able to get in some quick sketches and have since desired to paint more from home. 

Last year I painted my way across Germany, visiting Munich, Mainz, Koblenz, Hanover, Augsburg, Hamburg, Lubek, and the Baltic Sea. Most of my sketching was done in the evenings at my hotels, from photos I took, but the impressions of places were very fresh in my mind. It seemed very real to me, as if I were set up on the spot of each site I painted. I did have occasion to paint on site once or twice, and one of my paintings was sketched in the garden courtyard at the Le Meridian Hotel in Munich. The Hotel put my painting up on their Instagram site, they liked it so much. 

As far as paint and brushes for my travel sketching, I have created my own palette of 12 Daniel Smith paint colors that I carry in a small metal Schmincke watercolor pan. I use Sterling Edwards brushes: #12 round, #6 rigger, and a #4 round. I have a small collapsible water container, and if I can’t get water, I’ll pull out a water brush that also comes along in my kit. I usually take a ruler, a pencil, and an eraser, too.

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Time to pay dues

for 2020-21

You can expect BWS to continue to offer a choice of activities, even while we are physically apart. To stay an active member, all BWS membership fees are due by June 30.

Membership types are:

• Active Member: $35 annual dues for artists living in the local area
• Student Member: $15 annual dues
• Associate Member: $15 annual dues for non-residents
• Family Member: $50 for two persons from the same household
• Patron Member: A patron member makes a monetary contribution to BWS to further the objectives of the organization
• Lifetime Member: a lifetime member makes a $300 contribution to BWS and becomes an active member

You can join online by credit card or PayPal account at http://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/home/join-bws/

Or you can send a check to Bloomington Watercolor Society, PO Box 5236, Bloomington, IN 47407-5236.

This year, because we know that paying annual dues may be difficult for some, we have established a membership subsidy fund. We want you to keep painting with us! Apply by email to treasurer@bloomingtonwatercolor.org. The deadline to apply is June 15.

BWS “Thinks Big”

during pandemic

The BWS “Think Big” session came together virtually on April 22. Our enthusiastic attendees came up with myriad ideas to stay active during social distancing and beyond.

We decided BWS will hold monthly Zoom meetings, including July and August, for its members. Meetings will begin with a short business update as usual, followed by some sort of a presentation on Zoom.  On May 11 the Zoom business meeting will be followed by a Show and Share program facilitated by Babette Ballinger. During the program, people will be able to share a painting from their cams and make a brief statement about it.

Beyond that, here is a synopsis of how BWS plans to move forward for the coming year:

Spring

Meetings: Business meeting via Zoom and then demonstrations:

May 11: Show and Tell, directed by Babette Ballinger

June 8: Shadows, by Cassidy Young

Note: Business meetings will not be recorded but demonstrations will be, so those who don’t want their headshots recorded will be so advised.

New forum topics for the website:

“Critiques wanted”: Post a painting and ask others to respond to your questions about it.

Recommendations for watercolor books: Post information about your favorite watercolor books, with a brief explanation of their appeal.

Artists in the Garden: This would be like the Garden Walk, but not public. It would be an event just for BWS members to paint. We would pair up willing artists with willing gardeners. The completed artwork could then be displayed in a virtual gallery and proceeds from sales could go to the artist. Another possibility is collecting images for cards that could be sold to raise funds for the garden club or a donation to something like Hoosier Food Bank and to BWS (or possibly to the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington’s Artist COVID-19 support fund).

Summer

Meetings: BWS will not take its usual summer hiatus and instead will continue to meet July and August via Zoom.

July 13: Discovering Your MUSEum, by Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes

Aug. 10: Artist Trading Cards, by Joanne Weddle

Virtual Workshop for all BWS Members: Details still need to be worked out, but brainstorming yielded the following ideas. BWS could pay a well-known instructor for real-time delivery and/or access to prerecorded material that would be available to all BWS members. It is possible for someone to stream a pre-recorded video over Zoom, so it could be played by a BWS member with the simultaneous participation of the group. A few presentation configurations are possible, depending on what the artist will do and what is best for us, so this is still under discussion. Several artists were mentioned in writing: Eric Rhoades, Carol Carter, Johannes Vloothius, Angela Fehr. We intend to require no fees for our members to attend.

Paint-outs: Betty Wagoner will organize safe-distancing monthly paintouts. She is also keeping a list of those who are willing to organize ad hoc small-group paint-outs

Fall

Meetings will continue on the second Monday of each month. The board will determine whether they will be in-person or on Zoom, based on health recommendations.

Sept. 14: Show and Share, led by Kitty Garlock

Oct. 12: Printing Cards, by Joanne Shank

Nov. 9: Indiana Greens, by Kathy Barton

BWS Gallery show: Depending on health recommendations, the show will be virtual if not in person. Cassidy Young can provide assistance to make it virtual, including sales methods.

Table Sale: We continue to amass pre-owned art materials for the September table sale to benefit the scholarship fund. Depending on health recommendations, the sale can be either an in-person event or as  an online auction on our website.

Holiday party: Whatever the health recommendations, we can offer a holiday activity. Cassidy Young offers to coordinate artist trading cards. If we are unable to have the party in person, Cassidy can collect cards and redistribute them so all participants will be able to get others’ painted cards. For those of you unfamiliar with artist trading cards, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist_trading_cards#Commercialization  (To display the cards you can buy easels, mats with one or many openings, and frames. To store and send them you can get envelopes and plastic sleeves. Do a web search for “artist trading card display.”)

Spring 2021

Major Workshop or Field Trip: We all agreed that, despite uncertainty, we should start to plan for in-person events in the spring of 2021. Discussions in our Zoom meeting were not able to drill down to specifics but we have two ideas for that: a field trip and a multi-day workshop. It would be good to gather ideas soon and start to inquire about the mechanisms needed to get them going. Jo Weddle can help with those long-term aspirations, and Carol Rhodes will recruit another couple of people who would like to brainstorm about them. An in-person workshop without booked rooms but covering four or five days, featuring more than one presenter, is a suggestion. 

Other suggestions we didn’t have time to discuss:

Postcards to raise money for charitable purposes: Every member would create a design for a postcard.  Postcards could be for Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, thank you, get well, etc.  Everybody could just choose a theme for one of occasions.  We could advertise in Bloom Magazine, or website, or other places that BWS offers watercolor postcards.

Show with a Bloomington Rural/Urban theme: Artists would choose a subject that either reflects some aspect of downtown “urban” Bloomington or the rural life that surrounds us. This could be either two exhibits–one rural, one urban–or combined into one show. A virtual gallery show is also possible.

June 20

BWS to paint out

at Yellowwood

BWS painters plan to gather at the Yellowwood Lake Shelter at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20. However, given the uncertainty of the status of the coronavirus pandemic, this paint-out may be cancelled. Please look for an announcement in the June Brushstrokes and the BWS email.

More paint-outs for the 2020 season will be scheduled if and when it is determined group outings are safe. In the meantime, there are places where it is safe for two or three people to gather for

painting, providing social distancing and other safety guidelines are observed. The city parks are open. If you need assistance finding a painting partner or suggestions where to paint, please contact Betty Wagoner.

ArtBeat goes online

ArtBeat, a community arts center in College Mall, has just announced it is opening an online shop for its artists. Go to https://artbeatbloomington.square.site/. Several BWS members exhibit their work at ArtBeat, which is an endeavor of the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington.

Member News

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Lynne Gilliatt was featured in the “attractions” section of the Sunday, May 3, Herald-Times.

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Last month’s Brushstrokes announced the death of BWS member Deloris Schneider, who had served as BWS workshop chair and as hospitality chair. At the time, we did not have a photo of Deloris, a problem since resolved by Carla Hedges.

Beyond BWS

The Kentucky Watercolor Society has announced July 6 as the deadline for entries to Aqueous 2020, its national juried show. A link to the prospectus can be found at https://www.kentuckywatercolorsociety.com/.

Calendar

May 11 Zoom meeting and Show and Share program

June 8 Zoom meeting and Interpreting Shadows program by Cassidy Young

June 20 Paint-out, 10 a.m., aint-out, 10 a.m., Yellowwood Lake Shelter

June 30 Deadline for paying 2020-21 BWS dues

July 6 Deadline for entries to Kentucky Watercolor Society’s Aqueous

July 13 Zoom meeting and Discovering Your MUSEum program by Nancy Metz and Carol Rhodes

Aug. 10 Zoom meeting and Artist Trading Cards program by Joanne Weddle

Sept. 14 Meeting and Show and Share program with Kitty Garlock

Oct. 12 Meeting and Printing Cards program by Joanne Shank

Nov. 9 Meeting and Indiana Greens program by Kathy Barton

Responding to the Covid Pandemic

by Jerry Harste

One of the advantages of a Shelter-in-Place order is that art thrives when given attention. In response to the current crisis I started a series on paintings focused on the various emotions I experienced during this pandemic — everything from isolation to new appreciation for first responders, to feelings of vulnerability, then dread, and finally to surprise by neighborly small acts of kindness.

Sheltering in Place.
Glass buildings,
reflecting sunlight and other weather.
Becoming a mere artifact of our Shelter-in-Place time
as well as a catalog of iives
not quite being fully lived.

Ode to First Responders.
To first responders,
as they suffer privately,
our deepest thanks.

Vulnerability.
Even under a microscope,
the softer side
of Covid-19
looks dangerous.

The Angel of Death.
With cold stares,
undeterred by our symbols of Comfort and Liberty,
She waits.

Jerry’s Lot in Life.
Looking out my window,
watching corona colors,
iridescent,
redolent of soap bubbles 
and peacock tails.
Passing me by.
Trapped, like a rat.
and chicken to boot.

Covid-19 Fever.
Temporal disintegration.
Symptoms:
At sea; 
Difficulty in retaining, 
coordinating,
and serially indexing Time,
when not governed 
by the emotions we feel
from the traditions
we are used
to performing.

Effects:  
Shaky as a Fiddler on a Roof ;
Often reduced to wondering,
“What day of the week this is?,
“Does anyone know the time?”,
“When does it end?”

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Remembering:
When we could go shopping
on Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market;
When we could chat with neighbors
as they too shopped;
When we could grab a blueberry muffin
and cup of coffee on the fly;
When we could take a pie home
to enjoy later;
When we had fresh vegetables
and a bouquet of flowers
to see us through the week.
The good old days;
no equivalents in this new normal.

Grandmother.

Grandmother has concerns:
About the pandemic;
About her Granddaughter;
About the future;
About how to hold things together.

Two ax-handles wide in the hips.
Yet, always,
that steading force.

Love in the Time of Covid-19.
In honor of a young husband and wife team
who in our darkest hour
renewed our hope in the present.
Pray all they touch
miraculously heal
as has my soul.

Artistic Optimism.

For artists
this can be a time to grow;
to use all those bright colors;
to try out new ways of being;
and, through it all,
to become a head taller
than one’ s current self.

Too many people
— myself included —
edit dreams
even before
we allow ourselves
to have them.

Message from BWS president

BWS will meet online

April 13 via ZOOM

Our April meeting is still on!  In this technological age that we’re living in, we can meet by video!  To join us at 6 p.m. April 13 by ZOOM Meeting, please download ZOOM as shown on the URL address that will be sent to you via email Monday afternoon. That email will provide complete instructions for joining the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE:  We are limited to 40 minutes, so this will be our business meeting portion.

Please stay well by following the recommended protocols so familiar to all of us by now, and we will hope to meet in person again soon.  Keep painting!

Patty Uffman, BWS President

While we are at home…

By Carol Rhodes

 The board discussed canceling the April meeting, but as we chatted over email, I began to feel that we urgently need to give our BWS members the best experience possible during these lonely and trying times.  Rather than being forlorn about having to forgo our meetings and paintouts, it seemed a good opportunity to think of creative ways to keep in touch. In my mind, whatever modes we would choose should allow people to show their artwork and chat back and forth, much like we do in our meetings. With that suggestion, a few of us swapped ideas about it. We decided that email would be too messy. We rejected Facebook because of its intensely public nature, the extra burden of monitoring it, and the way our Facebook site is set up to be used more as a public-facing space than an internal communication device.

Having narrowed our options, Charlotte Griffin and I chose a forum tool for the bloomingtonwatercolor.org website. We worked on it for about three days. Initially, we tested a forum that would allow self-registration, making it easier for our members. However, within minutes of activating our test forum, several fake “bots” with random names had already registered for it. Consequently, we closed it to open registration and instead created a list of all our members with unique usernames and passwords.

 Our forum is now active and is called “While we are at home… .” The welcome page is at http://bloomingtonwatercolor.org/forums/.  I recommend that everyone view and participate in the discussions. Our members have posted some interesting things there!

 We already have a demonstration on painting shadows ready to launch in place of our April face-to-face meeting. It is hidden for now, so keep an eye out for it. Patty Uffman has personally followed along with the tutorial and will post her results. We hope to see more of our members’ work!

 Current forum topics are:

• Watercolor Inspiration and Instruction: Curated by Nancy Metz, a watercolor magazine consisting of articles from various watercolor publications.
• Making Color Sing: Mouse Power and Luminous Grays: Created by Barbara Coffman, an engaging exploration into mixing grays based on Jeanne Dobie’s book. Plenty of pictures.
• Our Shelter-in-place Artwork: Members’ snapshots of their recent painting and card-making projects.
• The Views from Our Windows: Intriguing pictures, including a charming snapshot of the expansive windows in Sara Steffey McQueen’s studio.
• Pickup and Delivery Tips for Essential and Nonessential Things: Tips for surviving daily life in these challenging times.
• Our Five Favorite Things about Sheltering in Place: Jammies? Late mornings? More time to paint? Share your favorites!
• Paint Mixtures for Skin Colors: Members suggestions for skin color formulas.
• Virtual Meeting Refreshments!: Share your favorite recipes.
• Virtual Art Museums: Enjoy the world’s art museums from the comfort of your home.
• And more! Check it out.

 All members can reply to any topic or create a new one.

 A message was sent to everyone March 21 with their personal login information, and another will be sent before the April meeting. Watch for it. If you want to log in now, please email info@bloomingtonwatercolor.org and you will receive your login info within a day.

In memoriam

Deloris Schneider

Longtime BWS member Deloris Schneider died March 12 at the Hospice House in Bloomington.  She had taken ill very suddenly the week before. She passed away peacefully shortly after her watercolor friend, Mary Feeny, was there to visit her.

Deloris had served as BWS workshop chair and as hospitality chair.

April paint-out canceled

The April 11 wildflower walk and paint-out with Gillian Harris has
been canceled.  The paint-out will be rescheduled in the spring of
2021.  The June Garden Walk event has been canceled as well. A decision regarding the May 16 paint-out and a possible June paint-out is pending and will be announced around the end of April.

Share your art with

Hoosier Music Corporation

Necessity IS the mother of invention, and local artists are demonstrating how to stay connected in these isolating times.

Amy Dunn, who has attended some paint-outs and portrait sessions in the past, extends an invitation to BWS members to join with the Hoosier Music Corporation to make some art for fun.

“The rules are very simple, Amy says. “ Make a piece of art that surrounds the theme of the month and submit it via email, and I will share it along with the music that Hoosier songwriters share for the month.” This month’s theme is dreams. Any kind of art is welcome. Send a digital file to aminkone@gmail.com.

This project has been going on for six months and is a “really nice way to come together as Hoosiers for music, and now for art, too,” Amy says.

Member News

Bess Lee sent this painting she did in a workshop last month. She wrote: “The interesting thing about this painting is a little baffling to me. When I am not caring much about the outcome of a painting, I tend to be looser, more experimental and often have better results than usual.  This was one of those times …it was basically a demonstration for a class. When I am very consciously trying, a formality kicks in with my brushstrokes that feels inhibiting. I guess with practice this eventually recedes a bit. Just a learner’s share…

Joanne Shank‘s exhibit “Taking Flight,” at By Hand gallery was scheduled for the month of April, but has been postponed to August with opening reception Aug. 7.

Calendar

April 13 BWS monthly meeting via ZOOM, 6 p.m.

May 8 Deadline for receipt of digital entries to 2020 Juried Exhibit of the Watercolor Society of Indiana. Prospectus is at https://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/juried-exhibit/.

Editor’s Note:

As co-editors of Brushstrokes, Jerry Harste and I strive to keep our personal opinions out of this newsletter, but I feel compelled to stray a bit from that tenet. After all, we are in uncharted territory these days. BWS is rising to the occasion, and our leadership deserves praise. Rather than cancel everything, the board with Carol Rhodes and Charlotte Griffin has worked to create ways that BWS members can continue to support each other. In very short order, they figured out how to deliver the April meeting content online: the business meeting via Zoom and the program on painting shadows via a video on the While We Are at Home… forum. And more is to come. These creative individuals are looking at other ways we can stay connected through BWS. THANK YOU.

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

BWS Monthly Meeting.

Program: Capturing the Night

Presenter: Kitty Garlock

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

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

Inside BWS

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

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

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

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

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

2nd Reception:”We Paint the Sweet Life”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outside BWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Report

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Gallery

Calendar

March 9 — BWS Meeting, 6 pm St. Marks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 9 – WSI Membership Show Opens.

May 16 — Yellowwood Lake Shelter Paint Out

June 6-7 — Bloomington Garden Club Walk Paint Out