Oct. 2

BWS Member Show Drop Off

Artwork for the 2019 BWS Member Show, “We Paint … the Past, Present, and for the Future,” must be delivered Oct. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Untitled Light at the Mill (642 N. Madison St., Bloomington, IN 47404). Members can stop by any time within those two hours to drop off their artwork, make three labels for their pieces, and sign a release form. 

Any member unable to make it during those hours should find a friend to drop off the paintings. Jessica McKinney, show chair, says all who have given their intent to show two paintings will be able to do so.

The Member Show Opening  Reception will be during First Friday Oct. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. Come out to the Untitled Light Gallery at the Mill to view member artwork and have a good time! Bring friends.

BWS Paintout Finale

Festival on Fairfax

All Saints Orthodox Christian Church

6004 S. Fairfax Rd.

Saturday, Oct. 5

Painters will meet in the parking lot at 10 a.m., and the Festival activities, music and food will open at 11 a.m. Priest Father Peter will give the BWS group a tour of the inside of the church. The church property offers many pretty painting locations, including flooded limestone quarries, ruins, forest, and a building. For more information, contact program chair Katya Alexeeva. You may also be interested in checking the festival website https://www.allsaintsbloomington.org/festival-on-fairfax/.

Oct. 14 meeting

Double feature: Show and Share

plus Pet Portraits

This month’s meeting will follow a slightly altered schedule in an effort to include the Show and Share program from the September meeting, which had to be canceled. Those who wish to share their artwork from the summer and to view what others have done are welcome to come any time after 5 p.m.

Following the 6 p.m. business meeting, Jane Matranga will present a lesson on painting animals in watercolor working from photographs . She will show pictures of pets and other animals she has painted and describe the process and techniques she uses, including laying in an underwash, negative painting, and drybrush.

Please bring a photo of a pet to paint, watercolors, paper, and a pencil or colored pencil for sketching and mapping lights and darks.

Presidential Message    

by Patty Uffman

With our first meeting of the year delayed until October, BWS may be off to a slow start, but we are definitely off and running!  The opening reception for our Membership Show Oct. 4 will be history by the time we hold our upcoming meeting. And, of course, more activities are on the horizon.  You can be sure that if you miss one event, another will be around the corner!  

You may notice that some members active in plein air painting are MIA.  Life constantly offers us choices, and we all prioritize our time — meaning it’s hard to do everything all the time.  We know that our friends who are remaining solely in the plein air group will continue to enjoy the camaraderie and the chance to use other media.  On the other side of the equation, for those of us in BWS who want to continue pursuing plein air or to see what it’s about, we have formed another group, simply called “The Paint-Out Group.”  Betty Wagoner, one of our signature members, is leading this effort.  You’ll hear more about what’s in store soon, but with the thought of allowing more members to participate, paint-outs are being planned for Saturdays, starting next year.

Thanks again to Jerry Harste for teaming up with Nancy Metz to become co-editor or Brushstrokes!  What a goldmine of information comes our way every month!  Please don’t expect us to repeat the information at our business meetings because we have pledged to do our best to keep them succinct and on target.

Our officers and committee members are a dedicated group, and I would like to thank all of them for unselfishly volunteering their time and energy.  To our entire membership, we’re so glad to be experiencing another year of creativity together!  Let’s enjoy it!

In memoriam

Sande Nitti

BWS and Upland are saddened by the unexpected death of Sande Nitti the last week of September. She hosted many Upland paintouts and had agreed to co-chair BWS’s Paintout Group with Betty Wagoner. Sande created beautiful paintings and friendships. She will be missed.

Member News

Joanne Shank is now exhibiting her paintings at the Hoosier Artist Gallery, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville, IN, where Carolyn Rogers Richard is also a member and exhibits her work. 

BWS swept the watercolor awards at the 2019 T.C. Steele Great Outdoor Art Contest. Jacki Frey won 1st, Andy Roberts placed 2nd, Bob Burris got 3rd, and Betty Wagoner received an honorable mention. 

MarySue and Bill Schwab invites everyone to the opening of their art show Friday, Oct. 4,  to 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington. Come for wine and refreshments. The show features a variety of work, and the reception will include a question-and-answer session with the artists. The show will be up all of October.

The Venue has selected Rose Brenner to participate in Ekphrasis IV. She will choose one of her paintings to display in the show, and The Venue will invite a group of talented poets, each of whom will select one painting to inspire their writing a poem. The selected painters and their paired poets will be divided into two groups. On two Sundays, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m., at The Venue, half of the selected artists will present their paintings with an explanation of the paintings’ inspiration, and the paired poets will read their poems and explain what about the paintings inspired their poem. The public will be invited and refreshments will be served.

Lynne Gilliatt‘s Side Door Studio group is having a show at Bloomington Playwrights Project during the month of October.  This work includes watercolor, tempera, encaustic, and pastel.  Bloomington Playwrights Project is located at 107 W, Ninth St., Bloomington.. At least six of her group will be showing their work. There is also a textile artist showing her work.

MarySue Schwab received an honorable mention for her oil painting, “Secluded Pool” at the Hoosier Salon Gallery in New Harmony. The show hangs until Oct. 6.

Several BWS members exhibited work at the Mitchell Persimmon Festival Art Exhibit. Meri Reinhold placed 2nd for “Blue Dream” and Rose Brenner received honorable mention for “Abstract Peonies” in the Abstract/Non-objective/Fantasy division.  Honorable mentions in the Landscapes & Waterscapes division went to Linda Endris for “Open Spaces” and to Nancy Metz for “Cannon Beach.”

Beyond BWS

Former member Susan Williams tipped us off to an online course offered by the Cornell Bird Lab that might interest several of our members. Don’t be fooled by the title; the course is not limited to birds. Here is the link: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/nature-journaling-and-field-sketching/  

IU’s Eskenazi Museum of Art will celebrate its reopening after a multi-year renovation with Museum Fest that starts Nov. 7. The public is invited to explore seven galleries of art, including new works; a new art-making studio; and new Centers for Education, Conservation, and Prints, Drawings, and Photographs from 4 to 8 p.m.   Guided tours will be given Nov. 8, 9, and 10.

IMO

Social media users recognize IMO as an abbreviation for “In My Opinion,” and each month we close by giving you the chance to share your opinion on a specific question.

Question for November Brushstrokes:

What is your favorite book about watercolor? Please identify the title and author and explain why you think it is so good.

Send your 1- to 3-sentence response to Jerry Harste by Oct. 21. Please use IMO as the subject line of your email.

September 9 Meeting

After a summer hiatus, Bloomington Watercolor Society resumes its monthly meetings Monday, Sept. 9. Members are asked to bring paintings they have worked on this summer for a “Show and Share” session. 

The business meeting will start promptly at 6 p.m. with a refreshment break scheduled about 6:45 p.m. The “Show and Share” program will follow refreshments at 7 p.m.

The meeting is a St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on the bypass at 100 N. State Rd. 46, Bloomington.

Learning from others by sharing what we love is what BWS is all about so:

Remember to bring your paintings!!

BWS News

Presidential Update.  Patty Uffman reports “GOOD NEWS!”   Things are definitely moving in the right direction! These are some of the reasons we are kicking off this year on a good note:

·       St. Mark’s has renewed our meeting space free of charge.

·       Jo Weddle has confirmed a complete year of diverse programming.

·       We have a new Plein Air Committee:  Sande Nitti and Betty Wagoner have agreed to combine their talents to form the committee, which Sande will chair.

·       Kathy Truelove-Barton has been named the ad hoc chair of the BWS “Painting Space Search Committee” looking for a place for members to go to paint together.  

·       Steve Dawson has extended an open invitation for BWS to have a paint out at his place. 

Hinkle-Garton Farmstead Picnic Pickup.  For those of you who participated in the Hinkle Farmstead Paint Out pickup will be on Wednesday September 4th between 10 a.m. and 1 p. m. Bloomington Restorations Incorporated (BRI) will be furnishing a meat and cheese tray. Participants are invited to bring a favorite side dish and gather for a pot luck lunch at the same time. 

The Farmstead board is pleased with how successful the 2019 Hinkle-Garton paint out and open houses went. As a result BWS has been invited to paint on the farmstead through the fall season and consider having another show in the fall 2020. To paint on the grounds, call the number for BRI (812-336-0909) and leave a message for LeAnn or Steve.  The areas around the hoop houses are off limits, but the houses, barns, and gardens are available. The large old maple trees near the house should be particularly beautiful this fall.

T-Shirt Design Contest.  Deadline is September 6.  The Month of Chocolate is February 2020.  LIFEDesigns, in collaboration with the Bloomington Watercolor Society, is sponsoring a tee shirt design contest with a prize of $100 and, of course, a free tee shirt.  This contest is open to everyone.  (See lifedesign/t-shirt contest for more information).

Membership Show.  This year’s BWS Membership Show will be held at the Untitled Light Gallery at the Mill (642 N Madison St., Bloomington). The reception will be on October 4 from 5-8 p.m. More details to follow. Jessica McKinney, our Membership Show Chair, needs 13 volunteers to help with the drop off, reception, and pick up of paintings. 

Beyond BWS: September Opportunities

T.C.Steele, Indiana’s oldest plein air painting competition will be held at the T.C. Steele Historic Site (4220 T.C. Steele Rd., Nashville), September 14, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early bird registration ends August 31 but artists can register for the event even on the day of the competition. Categories for kids 12 and under, teens, and adults, will be judged beginning at 2 p.m. with awards announced beginning at 3:15 p.m.  First place and People’s Choice winners will be on display at Brown County Art Guild following the competition until September 30.  (For more information go to https//tcsteele.org).

Paint Columbus is a two-day event being held on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 & 22.  Artists are invited to paint the iconic town.  On Sunday at 3 p.m. all works will be exhibited, judged, and awards given at The Commons at 300 Washington St.  At 4 p.m. work will be available for purchase to the viewing public.  Paint Columbus is free and all skill levels are welcome. Artists can register by email: Janek@c21breeden.com.

Mallow Run Winery is continuing its Artist Series Wine Label Competition.  Entries are now being accepted for the 2019 release! The deadline for submissions is Monday, September 30. The Artist Series Wine Label project features a special wine released each year featuring label artwork from an Indiana artist that is chosen from submissions. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this release will be donated to promote the Center Grove Arts Foundation and the Johnson County Community Foundation Mural Project. The winning artist will be celebrated in a reception at The Sycamore at Mallow Run in November, and the wine will be released to the public just in time for holiday celebrations. (For more information see https://mallowrun.com/artist-series/).

Persimmon Festival Art Show.  Artists are invited to enter up to three paintings ($5 per painting as an entry fee) in the Mitchell Persimmon Festival which takes place on September 24 at the Mitchell Community Public Library (8th and Main). Artists must be 18 or older and must be current or former residents of Indiana. Paintings must be ready for hanging. No saw-tooth hangers are allowed.  Ribbons and cash prizes in five categories will be given.

Membership News

 Candi Bailey was juried into the Anderson Museum of Art Figures of Speech Show with a painting entitled “Black Sheep of the Family.”  Candi was also awarded 2^ndplace for her painting “B-town Authors” at the Venue’s Art & Soul of Bloomington Exhibit. BWS has a total of 12 entries in the show, 3 of which won recognition.

Meri Reinhold’s painting entitled “Buddy Guy Plays the Blues” was juried into the 2019 Watercolor Society of Indiana Exhibition now showing until September 25 at the IMA at Newfields.

Robin Edmundson hopes to see you at her solo show entitled “Not Far Afield” being held at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage (121 E 6^thSt., Bloomington).  Her show runs from October 1-29 with an opening reception on Friday, October 4, 5-8 p.m.  

Lynne Gilliat shared her summer. “In May I went to Romania. I had a showing of my temperas and pastels at La Vie en Rose upon my return. The next month I showed the same show at the Unitarian Universalist church.  I’m now working on making figurative studies over old watercolors. It’s working out well. I enjoy Claude Cookman’s portrait group and am experimenting with drawing and painting in tempera whole figures as well as portraits.  I am excited to paint from my Romanian photos next!”

Nina Ost reported that she is still in Florida but will return to Bloomington around the middle of September.  “Instead of doing pretty but boring paintings of Florida’s flowers, I’ve been taking a phone photo, switching it to negative, printing out a copy, and painting from that. Phone photos are always more vibrant than print outs. Also, I have returned to sketching in shapes with my brush and building the painting rather than first doing a careful drawing. I can often get fixated on the drawing part.”

Claude Cookman served as one of two judges for the Indiana Wildlife Artists’ annual competition on August 24. He and co-judge Leah Frenzel chose first, second and third place winners from more than 80 entries in five categories. The exhibition will hang at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, through September. Details at: http://indianawildlifeartists.org/judges.htm]

Deborah Rush currently has a show at the Unitarian Universalistic Church. She invites everyone to come and enjoy her art work.

Kitty Garlock reports that she and Betty Wagoner, Anne-Karine Bley, Henry Leck, Kathy Barton, MarySue Walker, Bill Schwab, Don Geyra, and Rose Brenner participated in the paint-out at the West Baden Resort in French Lick. Each artist painted from one to four pictures of the wonderful sites around the grounds and on the veranda.  The days were gloriously blessed with mild weather and gentle breezes and, with the exception of a threatening thunderstorm that passed rather quickly with only a spit of rain, were perfect for painting. Kitty reports, “A few of us even got a nocturnal painting!”  Saturday at 2:00 pictures were placed on display and voted on by the artists, hotel guests, and site visitors. Inside a wonder repast of hors d’oeuvres and wine were served “It was wonderful!!  And to top it all off, three paintings by our group were sold!!”

Nancy Metz shared what she learned from a week at the Art Institute in Chicago:

Spending five days at the Art Institute of Chicago sounded like a dream: endless hours with some of the world’s best paintings, studio space at the School of the Art Institute, a Blick’s art supply store within walking distance, and a friend and colleague to share it with. 

When Carol Rhodes and I registered for SEEING the Art Institute of Chicago, a summer intensive one-week class offered by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Continuing Education, we were apprehensive about how our drawing skills would measure up against the other students, so we found online videos and met to improve our graphite and charcoal skills.

I learned Carol does beautiful work in black-and-white dry media. She would be observing and placing her marks on the paper, adjusting values as needed, and building toward a finished image. I, on the other hand, would be on my second or third version of our subject as she was finishing her first. I realized then that I habitually hurry through the drawing stage, my goal being to place as few marks as possible so I can get to my paints. 

At that point, I said to myself: “Oh well, who cares if I am the worst in the class. I have paid my money, and I will enjoy this experience.”

As it turned out, the ten students represented a range of artistic abilities and interests, and our instructor, Nancy Murphy Spicer, used her training as an art coach to help each of us shape our Art Institute experience. 

Our mornings started in the studio with Spicer suggesting ways to approach an artwork and different focuses for our sketching. As soon as the museum opened, we had free rein to sketch in the galleries.  After lunch, we worked in the studio on developing our individual projects based on our interests. Spicer and Ishita Dharup, the teaching assistant, would periodically demonstrate charcoal, pen, or graphite techniques that students could join in if they wanted. 

The class wasn’t focused on technique, however. The idea was to tap in to the resources of the Art Institute and build a personal experience from there. I latched on to the idea of finding one painting that captured my attention and visiting it each day. Of course, my first stop was 20^thcentury American paintings where I found works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Demuth, Charles Sheeler, and Edward Hopper. I rounded the corner and there it was: My One – the painting I would visit each day – “Movements” by Marsden Hartley. Colorful shapes spiraled on the canvas, and it looked like rock ‘n’ roll – even though it was created about 40 years before that music genre was invented.

That afternoon, I discussed with Spicer the challenge of creating a back-and-white version of such a colorful painting, and that led us into looking at the painting’s values. The next thing I knew Spicer had me covering a 22 x 30 sheet with solid charcoal and using erasers as my drawing utensils.  The first piece took two days to complete, but after a student critique session, I knew I wanted to see if I could create the negative of the value study I had just done. That took only one day but a lot of concentration. Turning blacks into whites and vice versa is easy; the challenge is in translating those middle values. Having completed two studies using the charcoal erasing technique, I was pretty comfortable in tackling a Marsden Hartley landscape with the same tools. That one took one afternoon. The landscape was necessary to establish how far a departure “Movements” was from the Hartley paintings I was familiar with.

Friday afternoon we hung our show on the studio walls and discussed each other’s works. Spicer had created a community of artists willing to share ideas, suggestions, and materials. Drawings large and small and even a 3-D presentation of classic urns had sprung forth during the week. Some were based on the Art Institute’s collection, some were in-depth studies of a chosen artist, and some were personal subject matter. 

That is the School of the Art Institute of Chicago class in a nutshell. It is only my experience. I know Carol’s journey unfolded differently, and I am confident the other eight students each had unique experiences. 

Here are a few more lessons I learned while roaming the Art Institute:

Lesson #1: Always carry a sketchbook and pencil. In the museum, free yourself from “copying” a work. You can sketch the painting’s composition or make a gestural drawing of a figure in the painting. You can capture the painting’s values.  Make a diagram or notational drawing of the work. Any of these strategies will lead you further into the work. Try to spend 10 to 15 minutes with a piece.

Lesson #2: Don’t be in a hurry. Stand before the work that interests you. What is the affect of the artwork: Do you have an involuntary physical or emotional response? What has the artist made you look at? Move slowly toward it. How does it change as you move closer? 

Lesson #3: Trying a new medium and technique can unlock your creativity. I spent four consecutive afternoons erasing. I was using black instead of colors. I was subtracting instead of adding. For several hours I had to think about everything I was doing. And suddenly, my mind was racing with ideas about how to accomplish the range of values in the piece I was working on, what the next piece would be, and the next one, and so on. 

Lesson #4:  Critiques come in many forms and are often more useful when they have some structure. One of my favorites was a See/Think/Wonder exercise. Each student hung their work from the previous day, and students were given small sheets of paper on which they were to write one See statement, one Think statement, and one Wonder statement for each piece.  Then, each student had a few minutes to talk about their work before receiving their classmates’ critique sheets. Because the comments were written before each artist’s talk and without hearing others’ reactions, the critiques provided a wide range of ideas to think about.

Lesson #5: Drawing is a valuable tool for information gathering. Each visit to Hartley’s “Movements” yielded new information. One day I found circles that had gone unnoticed. Another day revealed proportions were off in my original sketch. Another information gathering operation was my afternoon charcoal-erasing sessions. As the image developed out of the black charcoal, I was constantly adjusting values and, at one point, realized this work I had viewed as a collection of shapes was pretty weak without the carefully placed lines. I plan to adjust my painting process to include some more developed drawings before I start a painting. I might first make a charcoal drawing of my subject matter just to learn about it before I make those sketchy lines on my watercolor paper. 

Lesson #5 is not new. Artists have been doing preliminary drawings forever. But I rarely have done more than a quick thumbnail to work out composition and values, and even those had trailed off in recent years. Of all I learned in my week in Chicago, this is probably the most important. 

Oh yes, I also learned it really isn’t such a good thing to be within walking distance of an art supplies store. Carol and I both had to swear off Blick’s by mid-week.

______________________________________

If you’re interested in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Continuing Education program, visit continuing studies.saic.edu.

MarySue Schwab reviewed an Honorary Mention for her painting “Secluded Pool” from the Hoosier Salon in New Harmony.

IMO

These questions were posed to BWS members currently teaching courses: 

Question 1:  “What is the best tidbit of advice you give to students in your classes?  

“Let it dry!” Linda Meyer-Wright

 “The first piece of advice that comes to mind, which really seems to click with my high school students, is to avoid falling prey to your mental “autocorrect” while drawing or painting. High school students are very aware of the awkwardness that the autocorrect function can play on their texts and emails and it doesn’t take them long to realize they each have a mental autocorrect too. Their mental autocorrect will start overriding a drawing – telling them what they “should see,” not what they actually see. Doing more work from observation, not labeling objects, and looking for how abstract shapes fit together in a source image all help to develop a larger autocorrect vocabulary and reduce its helpful mistakes. More important is noticing when it kicks in, forgiving yourself when it does, and actively practicing.” Cassidy Young

“ALWAYS do a value painting before doing the completed colored painting.  Make the value painting small, 8 x 10.  Notice the placement of objects in the study. Is there an interesting balance?  If not, change the study. Correct the values. A good study makes a good finished painting. You will have more confidence by doing a value study first.” Jacki Frey 

“I tell students not to worry about finding the “right way” to do watercolor. There are lots of ways to paint with watercolors. Learn the basic washes and brushstrokes and all will reveal itself — if you let it.” Nancy Metz

Question 2: What if any effect has teaching art had on your own artistic process?”

“Teaching keeps me on my toes – I learn new stuff so I can teach new stuff.  I try to stay about 10 minutes ahead of the class.”  Linda Meyer-Wright 

“Active practice and forgiveness are keys to my own art practices. They keeps me from setting down the brushes for too long.” Cassidy Young

“Teaching has helped my own paintings. To have a good painting for my demos I have to be prepared. I put a lot of time into painting for a class. I also learn from what students may paint.” Jacki Frey

“Teaching “Painting Styles of the Masters” has affected my artistic process more than any other class I have taught. Now, when I start a painting, I think how would different artists approach this subject. I might even do a few small painting sketches in the styles of different artists to see what I like best.”  Nancy Metz

June 29

Hinkle-Garton Farmstead Open Day

Features BWS Art Exhibit, Gallery Sale

This month’s Museum Open Day at the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead features “Plein Air Artists’ Lovely Renditions of the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead” June 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Members of BWS, its Upland Plein Air Painters, and artists from Brown County Arts Alliance created images of spring at the Farmstead in May. These paintings include images of two historic homes, farm land, gardens, and outbuildings. These artistic creations will be displayed and available for purchase inside the 1892 Queen Anne style home at monthly Farmstead Open Days through Aug. 31. Individual artists will donate 25 percent of the proceeds from art sales to pay for restoration of the Hinkle-Garton Farmhouse.

In addition, visitors can enjoy the plants, trees, and the beauty of the volunteer garden. A variety of plants will be available for purchase as well as jams, jellies, and maple syrup produced by volunteers. Friday Musicale and The Bloomington Old-Time Music and Dance Group with Mark Weidenmayer will be hosting music in the parlor. Volunteers will give Farmhouse tours.

The Farmstead, located at 2920 E. 10^th St., is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned and maintained by Bloomington Restorations, Inc. It is free and open to the public the last Saturday or most months. For more information, call BRI at 812-336-0909 or visit its Facebook page www.facebook.com/Hinkle-GartonFarmstead.

Top: Carriage House at Farmstead/Watercolor/Andy Roberts. Morning at the Farmhouse/Oil on canvas/Henry Leck. Shine On/Oil on panel/Anne-Karine Bley. Bottom: Spirits of the Past/Oil on canvas/Katya Alexeeva. Daisy’s Dairy Barn/Oil on canvas/Francita Agostino. Barn at Hinkle-Garton Farmstead/Watercolor/Linda K. Branstetter

2018-19

State of the Society

By Kitty Garlock, BWS president 2018-19

Last year when I was asked if I would be president of this organization, I was stunned. I feared I did not know enough about how it all worked to be able to do the job to the level I had already observed in others. I soon found out it had nothing, well very little, to do with me. To use Jane Matranga’s words, “It is a well-oiled machine.” The thing that makes this society great is its people and their willingness to step up and do the work that keeps our group strong and vibrant.

I am now going to mention many of the things we have done this year, and even though I cannot take the time to mention everyone involved , if you were involved in any one of these things, when I am done I will ask you to stand.

Of course, our board and leadership team confronted some big issues this year: our move to St. Mark’s, forming a finance committee, weighing the idea of adding a portrait group involving nonmembers, and letting go of our beloved plein air group, to name a few. Not all turned out the way I personally wanted, but – as it turned out – the decisions that were made benefited all because of generous attitudes and staunch ideas as to what this society’s focus truly is.

I want to mention a few people by name. We want to thank Claude Cookman, Barbara Edmonds, and Carla Hedges for helping to put into action our biggest change, that of moving to SMUM and opening our treasury to more empowering things. Kathy Truelove Barton, Carol Rhodes, and our brand new member Mark Seaman were immediately willing to help form the Finance Committee. Our Nominating Committee, which included Meri Reinhold, Barbara Edmonds, and Jacki Frey, not only helped find a new president, but also a new secretary, treasurer, show chair, publicity chair, and gave a few ideas for a Brushstrokes co-editor. All said “Yes” immediately to my request for help. And on top of it all, the great thing is people were willing to step up and take most of these positions. Six members – some teaching twice – were willing to present all of us with wonderful programs to fill our calendar with inspiring lessons. They are Suzanne Thorin, Nancy Metz, Carol Rhodes, Jane Matranga, Claude Cookman, and Stephen Edwards.

This organization is blessed with many people who made it work. Members of the Upland Plein Air group hosted venues to paint or coordinated an entire season of paint-outs. Volunteers produced our member show, “We Paint … the Past, Present, and for the Future,” and Taste of Chocolate’s “We Paint … the Blues.”  Others got involved with Peden Farm, card painting at College Mall, organizing the Hinkle-Garton paint-out and show, and arranging our participation in the Garden Walk. Members were willing to share their time or home to make a success of our annual Holiday Party and Year-end Picnic, the most recent one at May Creek.

There are also those who worked so hard to bring us the workshop by Judy Mudd and those who participated so it could go ahead. Our signature members spent months to get their work displayed at the Indianapolis Airport. Many others won awards and recognition for their work that spreads the word about BWS.

Yes, I was stunned to be asked to represent you as your president, but by accepting the challenge I have been truly honored and now deeply know what an amazing group we really are!

BWS Officers 2019-20

Summer Paint-outs with Upland

Come out for summer painting adventures with your painting buddies. Upland summer event coordinators are Jacki Frey and Babette Ballinger. Email upland@bloomingtonwatercolor.org for more information.

Friday, June 21, Mary Hartle’s house and barn, hosted by Betty Wagoner

Tuesday, June 25, Detmer Park, hosted by Candi Bailey

Tuesday, July 9, Bean Blossom Bridge, hosted by Lory Winford

Garden Walk

BWS painters participated in the June Garden Walk again this year. Floral arrangements were available at the Monroe County History Center for painters not wanting to dodge the rain storms, and private gardens like the one pictured on the right provided great subject matter.

Member News

BWS members Anne-Karine Bley and Eric Brock are two of four artists featured in the group show “Expressions in Harmony” at the Hoosier Salon in New Harmony, Ind. Each artist contributed between 15 and 20 works. Many of Anne-Karine’s and Eric’s paintings were done plein air, often inspired by Upland locations. The last day to see the show is July 7.

Cassidy Young will be at the Arts Fair on the Square June 22, the Fair of the Arts (Farmers’ Market) July 13, and the Garlic Fest Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

Stephen Edwards’s “Backdoor at Draper’s Farm” is one of 45 paintings that will make up the 2019 Watercolor Society of Indiana’s 36^th Annual Exhibit. The paintings were juried by Don Andrews, AWS.

“Buddy Guy Plays the Blues” by Meri Reinhold has also been juried in to the 2019 WSI Annual Juried Exhibit. The show will hang at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields from Aug. 4 to Sept. 28.

“Rurification,” a solo exhibition of Robin Edmundson’s works depicting rural Indiana, hangs at the Gaslight Art Colony in Marshall, Ill., till July 12. For more information about the exhibition, see Robin’s blog post at https://rurification.blogspot.com/2019/06/upcoming=show.html.

Joanne Baum is exhibiting pastels and oils – some from around Bloomington, others in Florida, Colorado, and the Carolina lowlands – in the windows of Darn Good Soup in its Darn Good Art Gallery until June 27.

Beyond BWS

July 1 is the deadline for entering the Kentucky Watercolor Society’s 2019 Aqueous Show. Previous prizes annually have averaged $10,000 in cash, materials, and purchase awards. Paul Jackson will be the juror for the show. The Aqueous USA 2019 Exhibition will hang at the Actors Theatre of Louisville Sept. 6 to Oct. 31. To enter, download the prospectus from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bb4e1e892441b44de9c89e9/t/5cab5075e4966bd72edad4bc/1554731130918/2019+KWS+AQUEOUS-PROSPECTUS.pdf.

Lawrence County Art Association announces its Fifth Annual Midsummer Judged Art Exhibit June 28 to July 20 at the Wiley Art Gallery in Bedford, Ind. Any artist over 16 years old may enter up to three artworks. The cost of entering is $5 per work of art. Art must be no larger than 36” X 36”, including the frame and have a wire hanging on the back. Art is due June 26 between 2 and 4 p.m. with Deb Weld, a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, doing the judging June 27. The reception and awards event is scheduled for Friday, June 28, 5 to 7 p.m. All art must be picked up July 20 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information contact Sammie Justesen at 812-675-8053 or sammie@norlightspress.com.

All artists in the Midwest are invited to enter Anderson Museum of Art’s 8^th annual “Figures of Speech” competitive exhibition, which runs Aug. 2 – Sept. 22. This is your opportunity to turn classic figures of speech into memorable and interesting works of art such as “She sells seashells” (alliteration), “A little thin on top” (euphemism), “I’ve told you a hundred times” (hyperbole), “All the world is a stage” (metaphor), “Jumbo shrimp” (oxymoron), or “Wise as an owl” (simile). Digital entries will be accepted no later than July 8, and accepted entries will be due July 26. The artist reception will be Aug. 2, and pick-up will be Sept. 23 – 28. Works on paper, paintings, photography, mixed media, and sculpture are acceptable. For more information, see https://andersonart.org.

IMO

Social media users recognize IMO as an abbreviation for “In My Opinion,” and each month we close by giving you the chance to share your opinion on a specific question. This month’s question is in preparation for the coming year:

What do you want to ask your BWS colleagues? I’ve been writing most of the questions for the last two years (with an occasional welcome assist from readers/leaders). So now it is your turn. Ask about subject matter, inspiration, techniques, supplies – just keep it watercolor-related, please. Your questions will appear in this column in the coming year.

Send your 1- to 3-sentence response by July 14 to Nancy Davis-Metz. Please use IMO as the subject line of your email.

St Marks United Methodist Church

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Kitty Garlock, President. Kitty reminded us that June is when we pay our BWS dues of $35 which includes Upland programs through November.

• Hospitality– Carla Hedges thanked Katya Alexeeva, Kathy Barton, Barbara Coffman, Mary Walker, and Patty Uffman for bringing refreshments.
• Secretary‘s Minutes – Jill Olshavsky called for a motion to approve the May minutes.  Motion: Meri Reinhold; Second: Carla Hedges. The motion passed. Jill reminded everyone to sign the attendance sheet.
• Treasurer’s Report – Patty reported that she has received 29 membership renewals.  Members may pay at tonight’s meeting with cash or check, by mail with a check, or online with PayPal.  PayPal charges BWS $1.05 each time it is used.  Kathy Barton moved to accept the Treasurer’s report; second:  Meri Reinhold.

Committee Reports

Activities –  Katya Alexeeva reported that 30 painted at the Hinkle Garden Farmhouse paintout in May and that the exhibit is ready.  On June 29 the farmhouse will be open from 1:00-4:00. There are 4 more paintouts this year: July 13 Showalter Fountain, August 16/17 Indiana Heritage Arts at West Baden/French Lick, September TBD TC Steele, and October 5 Anthiohian Orthodox Church.  Katya will send emails with details about these paintouts.

    Charlotte Griffin reported that this year’s Garden Walk paintout went well.  Some of the paintings were exhibited at the meeting and some were given to the home owner.

    Kitty reported that the Indiana Heritage Arts show is ongoing at the Brown County Gallery.

    Kristen Stamper reported that Upland will spin off from BWS to form a new plein air group which will include all media.  Kristen will resign from BWS as of June 11 to help the new group get started. Kristen said that Upland owes a debt of gratitude to BWS for support.  There is a strong bond between the two groups. During the transition phase, the Upland Schedule will remain in place, and Brushstrokes will continue to publish the schedule of paintouts until the end of this year.  Upland appreciates that BWS will provide this support. Memberships in the new group will begin soon, and Kristen brought a sign-up sheet.  All BWS members are welcome to attend the Upland weekly events until the end of 2019 at no cost. Participants who are not BWS members will be charged $10.00.  A one-time Founder category in the new group costs $50.00 and includes a 2 year membership. (Anyone joining now will have a 2 ½ year membership.). Paintouts are scheduled for June 14, 21, 25 and July 2 and 9.

Programs – Jo Weddle asked us to use the ‘Program Suggestions/Ideas for 2019-2020’ sheets she placed on each table to write topics or presenters for our meetings.  She encouraged members to volunteer to lead a program. Jo plans to have the full year’s program available to share at the September meeting.

Scholarship – Jo Weddle said we had no applications for a BWS scholarship this year.  Jo learned that many high school students had not heard about the scholarship.  She will meet with the Scholarship Committee over the summer to plan ways to get the word out to students.  She read excerpts from this year’s winner, Clara Smith’s recent letter describing her first year as an art major.  

Brushstrokes – Kitty reported for Nancy Davis-Metz that June’s Brushstrokes will be published in two sections.  We are still looking for someone who can devote approximately 10 hours a month to help Nancy with Brushstrokes.  

For the Good of the Order

Jessica McKinney announced that there will be a Tuesday and Wednesday class on art and color for toddlers, infants and pre-schoolers at Wonder Lab.  Anyone who wants to work with the class should talk with Jessica during the break, and she will send an email with more information.

    Meri Reinhold told us that John Wilson, Pygmalions owner, passed away.  The store will be run by Jane Otten and John’s sister. All artists are invited to a July 4^th 4:00 party at the store.

A Word from the Outgoing President, Kitty Garlock

Kitty thanked members for their willingness to step up and do the work that keeps our group strong and vibrant.  She mentioned the major accomplishments of the year which were: moving to St Marks United Methodist Church, weighing the idea of adding a portrait group involving non-members, and letting go of our beloved Upland plein air group.  She thanked people by name for their work on these efforts as well as:

• members of the board and leadership committee;
• the 6 members who conducted one or more programs;
• members of the Upland plein air group who hosted venues to paint and coordinated an entire season of paintouts;
• volunteers for our member show, We Paint Past, Present, and for the Future and Taste of Chocolate’s We Paint the Blues;
• those who were involved with Peden Farm, card painting in the mall and organizing the Hinkle Garton paintout and show and the Garden Walk;
• those who made our annual Holiday Party and the Year-end picnic at May Creek successes,
• those who arranged for the Judy Mudd workshop and participated in it;
• the Signature members who displayed their work at the airport; and
• many others who have won awards and recognition for their work that spreads the word about BWS.

Installation of New Officers

Installation of New Officers – Meri Reinhold thanked members of the nominating committee:  Jackie Frey, Barbara Edmunds who, along with herself, selected the slate and held the vote for our new officers: President: Patty Uffman, 1^st Vice President: Kitty Garlock, 2^nd Vice President: Jane Matranga, Treasurer:  Carol Rhodes, Secretary: Suzanne Thorin.

Kitty called for a motion to end the meeting at 6:35.  Motion: Candi Bailey; Second: Katya Alexeeva

Program:  Creating a Mood in Watercolor was presented by Stephen Edwards at 7:00.  Stephen conducted a demo using his techniques for using light and values to create an illusion of “real”.  He gave many tips for choosing paints as well as some basic rules for watercolor landscapes to convey the emotional content as well as the technical side of painting.  Stephen continued past 8:00 to respond to requests and answer questions.

Due to unforeseen circumstances,this month’s “Brushstrokes” will be published in two installments: (1) this early edition that covers Monday’s meeting as well as weekend news including Bloomington’s First Friday Gallery Walk, and (2) a late edition that will cover all the member news and usual features.

June 10

Stephen Edwards to present “Creating a Mood in Watercolor”

Stephen Edwards will present “Creating a Mood in Watercolor” at the June 10 BWS meeting. “Representational art depends on using light and values to create the illusion of ‘real,'” said Steven. “My demo will emphasize using them to make 3-D happen in a painting.” His presentation will also give some basic rules for conveying the emotional content as well as the technical side of painting watercolor landscapes.

Bring the watercolor and tools you usually work with. If you wish, you can take notes rather than paint along with Stephen.

The presentation will start around 7 p.m., following a brief business meeting. The business meeting will be called to order at 6 p.m. The meeting is at St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 100 State Road 46.

The Vault

“In Memoriam: James MC Yang”

Make sure The Vault Gallery is a stop on your First Friday itinerary June 7. “In Memoriam: James MC Yang” opens Friday with a reception 5 to 8 p.m. and will be shown until July 26. This exhibit will be the last opportunity to enjoy James’s Chinese calligraphy and paintings (and other art forms) in an exhibition format. The Vault is hosting this event to align with James’s birthday and the one-year anniversary of his Celebration of Life ceremony.

Young to be at Handmade Market, Pygmalion’s

Cassidy Young will have her booth up at the Bloomington Handmade Market Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She will also be teaching an Urban Sketching Workshop at Pygmalion’s June 10, 12, and 14.

St Marks United Methodist Church

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Kitty Garlock, President.   She welcomed new member Melissa Adkins.  Jo Weddle introduced her guest, Bernadette de Leon and said Bernadette plans to join BWS.

Hospitality

Kitty read Carla Hedges’ list and thanked Mary Walker, Betty Wagner, Mary Sedman, Dawn Cartwright, and Joanna Samorrow-Merzer for bringing refreshments.

Secretary’s Minutes

Jill Olshavsky called for a motion to approve the April minutes.  Motion:  Babette Ballenger, Second:  Char Dapena. The motion passed.  Jill reminded everyone to sign the attendance sheet.

Treasurer’s Report

Kitty Garlock reported for Patty Uffman that BWS received a thank you card from LifeDesigns expressing their appreciation for our support of the Week of Chocolate.  BWS was among those who helped LifeDesigns raise over $42,000 for programs to provide staff support to people with disabilities.  As Kitty noted, “That is tremendous!”

     Minor expenses were incurred for copies and printer ink, and income came from two new memberships, Melissa Adkins and Douglas Roberts. 

     If anyone has BWS expenses to be reimbursed, receipts may be sent to our post office address, PO Box 5236, Bloomington 47407-5236.  A check will be sent to you the first week of June.

     Remember to renew your BWS membership in June.   See out website for categories and cost. You may renew with Patty Uffman at the June meeting, send a check to the above PO Box, or use your PayPal account. 

Old Business

Kitty reported the the Finance Committee evaluated proposed ways to spend the extra money BWS has.  They selected the 4 proposals which received the most votes at the April meeting.

1. Pursue the possibility of becoming a nonprofit organization.  While there is no cost, the committee will explore the benefits and any negatives.  So far, the only negative is that it will require record keeping, but that does not appear to be an obstacle. (32 votes with 5 comments)
2. Cover a percentage of the cost of workshops (21 votes with 5 comments)
3. Invite more artists from outside to do our programs (workshops/demos) and provide a small stipend  (29 votes with 2 comments)
4. Purchase/build a portable display wall for shows (16 votes with 5 comments).

New Business

Charlotte Griffin is again coordinating the BWS paintout at the Garden Walk which will be held Saturday, June 8 and Sunday June 9 from 10:00 – 2:00 each day.  She reminded us that it is usually warm and that the walk is held rain or shine.  Charlotte provided a sign- up sheet for 6 slots, 5 at houses and 1 at the History Center.

While she requested people to sign up for a 4- hour slot, Charlotte said that you may share a slot with someone.  Painters should select a spot in the garden that is not in the walkway.  A limited number of Garden Walk tickets will be able for artists to attend the show on the day they are not painting.  Kitty reported that she has painted at the Garden Walk every year and finds it a wonderful experience.   

Committee Comments

Meri Reinhold presented next year’s slate of officers: 

• President-Patty Uffman
• 1st Vice President- Kitty Garlock
• 2nd Vice President-Jane Matranga
• Secretary- Suzanne Thorin
• Treasurer- Carol Rhodes

Meri asked for a motion to vote on the slate.  Motion:  Kathy Barton, Second:  Char Dapena.  The vote was unanimous, we had a quorum at the meeting, and the slate was approved.  The officers will be inducted at the June meeting.  Kitty thanked all on the slate.   Charlotte Griffin presented a traveling artists’ palette and some watercolor tubes to Kitty Garlock, outgoing President, in appreciation of her fine service this year.   

Kitty reported that we still need someone to work with Nancy Davis Metz on Brushstrokes next year.  Nancy is willing to do 1/3 of the work, but we need someone to assume most of the editorial role which requires approximately 10 hours a month.  If we are unable to fill this position, Brushstrokes would only be published every 3 months.  Anyone who is interested should talk with Nancy.

Commitee Reports

Activities-Katya Alexeeva reminded us that the Daisy Garton Farmhouse paintout is Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 until 2:00.  On May 22 from 10-12:30 Katya will be at Hinkle Garten farmhouse to collect your framed painting and an easel to display your art (there is very limited wall space).  Volunteers are needed to help hang the show. 

The show will hang  May 25th through the end of August.  The Farmstead Show is open to public on the last Saturday of each month June, July and August from 1:00 to 4 p.m.  Volunteers staff the farmhouse and appointments can be made at other times by calling the number on the Bloomington Restorations Inc. Website, or Contact LeAnn Luce or Kathy Barton  at 812-679-6353.

The art will be on display and possibly sold at these times.  Individual artists will donate 25 percent from sales to pay for restoration of the Farmhouse. The pick-up date for paintings is September 4 from 10:00 AM to noon.

Upland Painters-Kristen Stamper welcomed anyone interested in joining Upland Painters to put their name on the sign- up sheet to receive event announcements on the Saturday before an event.  The schedule is available in Brushstrokes.

Programs-Jo Weddle reported that new member, Stephen Edwards will present at our June meeting.  He was asked to talk about how he does plein air paintings, and he explained in a letter to Jo that he prefers to use his time analyzing a scene and taking reference photos.  He sketches and paints landscapes in his studio.  Jo asked for a volunteer with a truck or large SUV who can help her move our mirror (from First Christian Church to St Marks and back) for Stephen’s presentation.

For the Good of the Order

Babette Ballinger described the art quilt project for which each artist will paint on an 8×8 wood panel.  If she gets enough panels before the Daisy Garton show, Babette will assemble them into a quilt for display.  Some examples for the panels are an acrylic and paper collage, a montage, or a watercolor using either watercolor ground or gouache with an acrylic under coating.

Katya Alexeeva reminded us to bring paintings to share at our meetings, and she set up a table for the display.

Jerry Harste described the Figures of Speech art contest to be held at Anderson Museum of Art, 32 W 10^th Street, Anderson, IN 46016 August 2 – September 22.  Entry for the show begins July 8, and there is a $2,000 prize available.

Kitty requested a motion to adjourn. Motion:  Meri Reinhold, Second:  Katya Alexeeva.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:34.

Program-Following socializing and refreshments, Bonnie Gordon-Lucas told us about her background, paintings and line art.  She brought some of her paintings and books and explained that her inspiration comes from poetry, dreams, funny songs, quotes and mis-quotes.  Unfortunately, due to the inability to project her images, Bonnie was unable to present her program “Lyrical Lines”.  Bonnie graciously offered to return for another program after we are able to resolve the computer issues.

May 13

Bonnie Gordon-Lucas

to present “Lyrical Lines”

Bonnie describes herself as a visual communicator. “Whimsy and imagination define my style,” she said. “I live within the confines of dyslexia but refer to myself as ‘reality challenged,’ an adult who continues to think like a child. My paintings are inspired by dreams, song titles, famous quotes and twisted misquotes.

Bonnie has worked freelance for New York advertising agencies and animation design studios. Her illustrations have appeared on greeting cards, posters, clothing, rubber stamps, in magazines and children’s books. She will bring to the meeting samples of her work.

“I hope to teach how to draw like a melody maker, by weaving lyrical line and color on paper,” Bonnie said.

Bring to the meeting a dream (grab one by writing it down when you awaken), your sketchbooks, watercolors, paper, your favorite (non-fugitive ink) drawing pen. Unlike erasable pencil, your line will become part of your painting.

This presentation will start around 7 p.m., following a business meeting and refreshments that start at 6 p.m. The meeting is at St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 100 State Road 46.

May 18

Daisy Garton Spring Plein Air Paintout is coming

Bloomington Restorations, Inc. (BRI) has invited members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society, its Upland Plein Air Painters, and artists from Art Alliance Brown County to paint Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead, 2920 E. 10^th St., Bloomington.

Paintings created May 18 will be displayed and available for purchase inside the 1892 Queen Anne-style homestead at monthly Farmstead Open Days beginning May 25 from 1 to 4 p.m., and at events throughout the summer. Individual artists will donate 25 percent of the proceeds from art sales to pay for restoration of the Hinkle-Garton Farmhouse.

BRI members will be present to assist with questions and information on the Paintout, Farmstead, and BRI activities.

Upland Schedule

May 7, Henry’s Lake House, hosted by Henry Leck

May 14, Leslie Daniel’s Garden, hosted by Kitty Garlock

May 28, Cataract Falls, hosted by Kathy Barton

June 4, Upland organizational meeting, hosted by Kristen Stamper

BWS business

Finance Committee report

The Finance Committee held its first meeting April 13 and will present a budget proposal (including funds dedicated to workshops and visiting artists) to be approved by the board this summer. Aside from normal ongoing expenses, a contribution was suggested for St. Mark’s to be applied toward microphones. There were no objections to the requests for funds from BWS committee chairs.

Member News

Jerry Harste would like to thank whoever in BWS suggested to the Bloom Magazine editors that he be honored as a featured artist in the current issue. It is much appreciated.

Above Left: Jo Weddle holds her Roy Lichtenstein-inspired abstract. Above Right: “Bear” was painted by Chris Flask. Jo and Chris showed their work last month at an exhibit of work produced in a recent “Painting Styles of the Masters” class at the Waldron.

Jacki Frey’s “Market Day Provence” received third place honors in the Indiana Artists Club’s juried show, which will hang through June 1 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

Nancy Davis Metz was awarded a first place for “Early Morning Drive” and a fourth place for “Judith’s Patchwork Barn” in the watercolor division of Paoli’s Tri Kappa Art Show.

Lory Winters and Kristen Stamper have paintings juried into the Arts Illiana Gallery’s Anything Goes Show in Terre Haute. This five-state, all media exhibition runs from May 3 through July 19.

Penny Lulich as been painting her way around Germany.

Beyond BWS

The Watercolor Society of Indiana has announced May 10 as the entry deadline for two shows: the 2019 Membership Show and the annual Juried Exhibit. Entry forms and additional information are available at http://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org.

The entry deadline for the Kentucky Watercolor Society’s Aqueous 2019 is July 1. This national show will be juried by Paul Jackson, a signature member of AWS and NWS. Write to KWS, P.O. Box 7125, Louisville, KY 40257-0125 for more information and a prospectus. Or you can email kentuckywatercolor@gmail.com to request a prospectus. The exhibition will hang at Actors Theatre in Louisville from Sept. 6 to Oct. 31.

IMO

Social media users recognize IMO as an abbreviation for “In My Opinion,” and each month we close by giving you the chance to share your opinion on a specific question.

This month the question is:

What is your favorite paintbrush? It may be the one you reach for the most, or it could be one that meets a very specific need. Identify the brush and tell why it is your favorite.

Jeanne Dutton

My favorite paintbrush, and the only round brush I ever use anymore, is the Escoda Versatil. It holds a beautiful point and lots of paint, and is also available in a travel set. I have found that it meets, if not exceeds, the performance of sables, even by the same company.

Carol Rhodes

My favorite brush is a Casaneo #2 quill. This synthetic brush can be used on an entire painting; it not only holds an immense amount of water to perform as a large-area mop, but it also comes to a tiny point for detail. I dab it on a damp cellulose sponge to help moderate the water.

Jill Olshavsky

One of my favorites is the #12 Lowe-Cornell 7020 Ultra Round synthetic brush. It’s inexpensive but keeps a great point.

Question for June:

What do you want to ask your BWS colleagues? I’ve been writing most of the questions for the last two years (with an occasional welcome assist from readers/leaders). So now it is your turn. Ask about subject matter, inspiration, techniques, supplies – just  keep it watercolor-related, please. I will use your questions for this column in the upcoming year.

Send your 1- to 3-sentence response by June 1 to Nancy Davis-Metz. Please use IMO as the subject line of your email.

Meeting Minutes April 8, 2019

Call to order: Kitty Garlock, president, called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. She welcomed new members Malissa Edwards and Sarah Ward. Two other new members were not in attendance: Steve Edwards and Christine Flask. Kitty also welcomed guest Mary Willett.

Hospitality: Carla Hedges thanked Cassidy Young, Patty Uffman, Suzanne Thorin, Mary Walker, and Penny Lulich for bringing refreshments.

Secretary’s Minutes: Katya Alexeeva moved to approve the March minutes and Penny Lulich seconded the motion. The minutes were approved subject to changing the meeting end time to 6:50 p.m.

Treasurer’s report: Patty Uffman reported that there was March income from new members and from notecard sales. Expenses for the Judy Mudd workshop resulted in a loss of $25 dollars because of the hotel cost. The BWS balance is $3779. Carla Hedges moved to approve the report and Meri Reinhold seconded the motion, which passed.

Committee Reports

Activities: Katya Alexeeva thanked Kitty Garlock, Carol Rhodes, Patty Uffman, and Jo Weddle for help with the Judy Mudd workshop. Katya said that:
• The May 4 Musgrave Orchard paint out is cancelled.
• May 18, there will be a paint out at Hinkle-Garton Farmstead.
• Information and sign up for the garden walk is available. Sign up for two or four hours.

Upland Painters Activities: Kathy Barton thanked everyone who hosted events.
Upcoming Upland activities:
• April 9, Knawbone Camp, hosted by Jane Matranga,
• April 16, Abel Nursery
• April 23, Musgrave Orchard
• April 30, Boyhood home of T.C. Steele at Waveland
Upland paint outs are listed in Brushstrokes.

Nominating Committee: Meri Reinhold announced the slate of 2019-20 officers for the May vote. She said that Jackie Frey and Barbara Edmonds helped with the slate.
• President, Patty Uffman
• First Vice-President, Kitty Garlock
• Second Vice-President, Jane Matranga
• Secretary, Suzanne Thorin
• Treasurer, Carol Rhodes,
Nancy Metz Moved to accept slate. Penny Lulich seconded the motion, which passed.

Where are we Going? Kitty Garlock facilitated small group discussions with large group sharing and suggestions about how to use the extra money BWS has. Kitty passed out ballots with the objectives of the organization and ideas for spending the extra money. Below are the suggested ideas followed by comments made before the small group discussions:

1. Become a non-profit so that we can apply for grants.
   Kitty said that becoming a 501c-3 is easy. We could qualify under education. There are three pages to fill out. It takes 2-4 weeks for approval. Tax forms have to be filed yearly, but we don’t have over $50,000 we could use a short form. A three-page report has to be submitted every year. Advantages could be: donations to BWS would be tax free, lower postage rates, increased credibility in the community. Babette Ballinger said we have already met many of the requirements, like having a board of directions. The board will discuss becoming a non-profit organization if people are interested in moving forward.
2. Reduce the cost of membership dues. Carol Rhodes has ideas about what finances would be if we reduced dues.
3. Cover a percentage of the cost of a workshop, so the cost to members can be minimized. Idea 7 could supplant idea 3, and ideas 3, 5 and 7 could be compressed.
4. Organize more shows. The problem is who has energy to organize shows, rather than the need for more than money.
5. Invite more artists from outside the organization to do workshops and demos for our programs. (Which will/may incur a stipend).
6. Purchase of a portable display wall for pop-up shows.
   Pop-up displays seem to be popular.
7. Pay for a member to attend a professional workshop IF they teach the lessons of the workshop to us for free. Nancy Metz said there could be a problem with taking the workshop presenter’s intellectual property.

At 6:45, each small group turned in their vote on which ideas to pursue. Kitty said that no decisions would be made tonight beyond what ideas we want to be pursued.

Note: Barbara Coffman brought in paper for the share table, and Bob Burris brought in water bottles.

Program: Carol Rhodes presented a hands-on program, “Weaving Depth and Direction Into Your Painting Using Dynamic Composition: Lessons from Paul Cezanne.”

Respectfully Submitted, Char Dapena

April 8

Weaving Depth and Direction into Your Painting:

Lessons from Paul Cezanne

Take your knowledge of composition to a new level by learning the ideas of Post-Impressionist and “father of modern art” Paul Cezanne. In this session, Carol Rhodes will instruct members how to manipulate objects by manipulating planes, forms, and shapes using dynamic versus static tension. Since Cezanne developed his techniques, famous artists have used these concepts in subtle to radical ways to create energetic compositions of all types of subjects — landscapes, still lifes, animated forms, and more.

During the demonstration each table will create a still life, manipulating the various objects in specific ways to demonstrate movement and energy.

As such, please bring one object you would like to see in a still life (to be shared with your table), plus a sketchbook and drawing implement.

Carol’s presentation will follow a brief business meeting that starts at 6 p.m. The meeting is at St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 100 State Road 46.

Letter from the BWS President

At our March meeting we asked for input from the group as to how we can best use our funds to support the goals and mission of our organization, which are as follows:

Article II — Objectives of the Organization

1. To promote the interest of the Bloomington Watercolor Society.
2. To increase the effectiveness of artists through education and activities about watercolor painting.
3. The definition of watercolor is “aqua media on 2-dimensional substrate.” The term “watercolor” shall be deemed to exclude encaustic or oil. Watercolor paintings can include other water-based mediums, e.g. collage, pastel, ink, etc., if the total does not exceed 50% of the painting. Official, member-only BWS shows may invoke stricter definitions, depending on specific show rules.

Keeping these in mind, we will be discussing at our meeting the following ideas from the response sheets we received last month.

1. Become a non-profit so that we can apply for grants
2. Reduce the cost of membership dues
3. Cover a percentage of the cost of a workshop, so the cost to members can be minimized
4. Organize more shows
5. Invite more artists from outside the organization to do workshops and demos for our programs (which will/may incur a stipend)
6. Purchase of a portable display wall for pop-up shows

It is important to note here that this is a fact-finding, consensus-building effort to go forward with ideas and suggestions favored by as much of the group as is possible and to keep us a fulfilling, progressive organization. The discussions we will be having will address next year’s budget planning.

The finance committee will be meeting this month for a review of the past year’s budget and to make considerations for next year’s. With this feedback they will be able to discuss the impact of our suggestions on our budget and to provide our leadership team and new executive board with a clearer idea as to how to move forward when they gather this summer.

Please come next Monday with your ideas and open minds to help us establish ideas as to how our monies will be spent.

Hope to see you there.

Kitty Garlock

BWS President 2018-19

A Signature Collection:

Bloomington Watercolor Society

Eight of Bloomington Watercolor Society’s Signature Members are exhibiting their work at the Indianapolis Airport till mid-July. The exhibit includes 24 pieces from Tricia Wente, Bob Burris, Sara Steffey McQueen, Donna Whitsitt, Cathy Korinek, Jacki Frey, Jerry Harste, and Nancy Davis Metz.

This is the culmination of a nearly two-year process started when Tricia Wente applied to IndyArts for the venue. The group had to first pass a selection review, the Signature Members then self-juried each other’s work to choose the final exhibition works, and finally IndyArts had the final say on pieces to be hung.

The exhibit is on the Airport’s Departure Level between the ticket counters and the Food Court.

May 4

First Saturday Paintout of 2019

Shake off the chill of winter, get out your paint materials, and join fellow painters for BWS’s first plein air experience of the year at Musgrave Orchard, 8820 N. Old State Road 37. Besides the blooming apple trees, there is a lake, a lot of barns, and a garden. The paint out starts at 9 a.m. and continues till 1 p.m. Painters are welcome to bring their lunch and stay longer.

Daisy Garton Spring Plein Air Paintout

BWS to paint, exhibit

at Hinkle-Garton Farmstead

Plein air painters will gather at the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead on East 10th Street at the invitation of Bloomington Restorations, Inc. (BRI) Saturday, May 18.

Members of the Bloomington Watercolor Society, its Upland Plein Air Painters, and artists from Art Alliance Brown County will paint from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmstead, 2920 E. 10th St., Bloomington. The Hinkle-Garton Farmstead includes two historic homes, farm land, gardens and outbuildings. Paintings created May 18 will be displayed and available for purchase inside the 1892 Queen Anne-style homestead at monthly Farmstead Open Days beginning May 25 and at events throughout the summer. Individual artists will donate 25 percent of the proceeds from art sales to pay for restoration of the Hinkle-Garton Farmhouse.

The Hinkle property was settled in 1886 and grew to 82 acres which included a dairy farm and later a flower farm. As the city of Bloomington grew, land was sold to various buyers such as the Illinois Central Railroad. In addition, land was sold for the building of the U.S. Post Office and to developers for an apartment complex. The Farmstead today contains 11 acres.

Daisy Hinkle Garton was born on the Farmstead in 1908 and remained connected to it until her death in 2003. In the 1940s Daisy and her husband, Joe Garton, moved back to the Farmstead. Daisy and Joe had both studied music at Indiana University. Upon their return, Joe taught in the Indianapolis schools, and Daisy taught in the Bloomington schools and also gave private lessons in the home. Daisy loved the land, her students and tenants, art and sharing her heritage with others. Upon her death, she left the property in her trust to a not-for-profit organization that would preserve the Farmstead and operate a museum within the main rooms of the first floor of the farmhouse. The Farmstead retains the history and bygone charm.

Artists who have been invited to paint are excited to bring life to paper and canvas with images that recall the times, flowers, the music and the historical buildings of the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead. BRI members will be present to assist with questions and information on the Paintout, Farmstead, and BRI activities.

Upland

Spring destinations announced

With the weather a bit warmer, Upland Plein Air Painters has switched to outdoor painting events. The 2019 outdoor schedule kicked off March 26 at Bryant Lake shelter house in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, complete with a campfire lunch thanks to Betty Wagoner. A spring goal is to catch the spring glory with some great gardens and the blooming apple trees at Musgrave Orchard.

Upland generally meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, but as morning temps may be chilly, start times may be shifted later. Be sure to get the final details on times and locations with a quick email to upland@bloomingtonwater.org.

April 2, Strahl Lake Brown County State Park, hosted by Claude Cookman

April 9, Gnaw Bone Camp, hosted by Jane Matranga

April 16, May’s Greenhouses (local) or Azalea Path (long distance–bring bag lunch), hosted by Kathy Barton

April 23, Musgrave Orchard or Paynetown SRA, hosted by Katya Alexeeva

April 30-May 2, Retreat at Waveland (long distance), hosted by Betty Wagoner

May 7, Henry’s Lake House, hosted by Henry Leck

Obituaries

Carolyn Waldman

Carolyn Waldman, a former but long-term member of BWS, died Friday, March 8, after a long battle with cancer. She was active in this organization’s early years, participating in workshops and painting with BWS friends.

Sammye Dina Smith

Sammye Dina Smith, also a former BWS member, died March 31 after more than four years of declining health. Bruce Smith, her husband, asks that any memorial contributions in her name be made to the Greene County Humane Society, 1026 N 1375 W, Linton, IN 47441.

Member news

Austin Faulds, an IU Media School student, has posted a feature about Claude Cookman that traces his artistic journey from childhood to his most recent Best of Show piece in the Art of Chocolate. No matter how well you know Claude, you will probably learn something new from Faulds’s feature. Read it at https://mediaschool.indiana.edu/news-events/news/item.html?n=portrait-of-a-teacher-as-an-artist&fbclid=lwAR3lJBbilbwYenT41euhs5YWHR5gHWQlksv-rT9tAK3zZvFlor5U3OC-Zd4.

Works by Steve Edwards have been juried in to two shows. His painting in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Member Exhibit received an Honorable Mention Award from juror Yachiyo Beck. There were 504 entries. Steve also has a painting accepted in the “[untitled] exhibit” at the Athens Art Gallery in Crawfordsville, Ind. LuAnn Lamie selected 83 paintings from 543 entries for the show, which will hang from April 6 to May 4.

Beyond BWS

The Watercolor Society of Indiana has announced May 10 as the entry deadline for two shows: the 2019 Membership Show and the annual Juried Exhibit. Entry forms and additional information are available at http://www.watercolorsociety of indiana.org.

Canadian doctors will be able to prescribe a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in a one-year pilot program. A doctor’s note will make admission free for ther patient, caregiver and three family members. To read more about this initiative, go to https://observer.com/2018/11/doctors-prescribe-art-montreal-heart-condition-asthma-cancer/.

IMO

Social media users recognize IMO as an abbreviation for “In My Opinion,” and each month we close by giving you the chance to share your opinion on a specific question.

This month the question is:

As spring turns our world green again, what are your favorite greens to paint with? Please provide tube/pan colors, pigment codes, or “mixing formulas” you prefer.

Betty Wagoner

One way to gray a green is to mix yellow with Payne’s Gray. Winsor Newton’s “neutral tint” when used from the tube provides a gray green that can be used as a base color or tree trunks or late winter grass.

Meri Reinhold

The only tube green I use direct from the tube is from American Journey: Earthen Green. Otherwise I mix Permanent Sap Green (W/N) with a dark blue such as Ultramarine or Phthalo (various brands), or various yellows.

Jeanne Dutton

My favorite green is Sap, but I use it as a starter green. Add some lemon to make a sunny green or blue to cool it down. When I paint leaves, I often blend the colors on the paper and drop in a touch of the flower’s color, just to add some interest.

Deborah Rush

I always use Winsor Newton paints: Green Gold as a base, and Perylene Green for darks. I occasionally add my staple colors Opera Rose, New Gamboge, or Indigo to shift the greens one way or another. I know these are oddball colors compared to what others use, but I never use anything else for greens, no matter what I’m painting.

Jo Weddle

I have accumulated many tubes of green paint. It seems the one I use the most is Sap Green though most of the time I use it as the starter color and then add different yellows, blues, neutral tint (and/or others) to get the shade I want. One artist whose workshop I attended a long time ago said he never bought tubes of green but achieved what he needed by mixing blue, yellow, and/or whatever else gave him the results he needed.

Jerry Harste

I really dislike most tube greens, and I’m not a big fan of greens generally. When I do use green, I almost always add blue (Ultramarine, Cobalt, Turquoise) or yellow (Cadmium Yellow Deep, Lemon Yellow, or Aurequne) to vary the shade and never stay with one color for very long. I’ve gotten sucked in to buying Skip Green, Jadeite Genuine, and any quantity of other greens but am always disappointed. I am really hoping to learn something useful from other people’s answers to this question.

Question for May:

What is your favorite paintbrush? It may be the one you reach for the most, or it could be one that meets a very specific need. Identify the brush and tell why it is your favorite.

Send your 1- to 3-sentence response by April 21 to Nancy Davis-Metz, and look for it in the May newsletter. Please use IMO as the subject line of your email.

March 11 , 2019, Minutes of the Bloomington Watercolor Society

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm on March 11, 2019, by Kitty Garlock, President.   She welcomed new member Mary Feeney and guests Christine Flask and Robbyn Smith, and Sara Ward.

Hospitality– Carla Hedges thanked Linda Branstetter, Barbara Coffman, Lynn Gilliatt, Charlotte Griffin, and Nancy Metz for bringing refreshments.

Secretary ‘s Minutes – Jill Olshavsky called for a motion to approve the February minutes.  Motion:  Char Dapena, Second:  Meri Reinhold.  The motion passed.

     Jill gave a brief tribute to Carolyn Waldman, a former BWS member, who passed away on Friday, March 8.

Treasurer’s Report – Patty Uffman reported that we had some minor expenses for our show at the Vault and for Upland signs and paper.  Original cards painted by Jean Dutton and Linda  Branstetter are currently available for sale.

     The Finance Committee will hold its first meeting May 6 at Patty Uffman’s home.  Patty reported that Cathy Barton, Carol Rhodes, and Mark Seaman volunteered to serve on the committee with her.  Patty asked for input from all chairs for expenses next year.  She plans to send out an email, but she also provided forms for requests which are due by April 15.

New Business – President Kitty Garlock discussed the need for volunteers to help arrange tables and chairs and return them to their original positions and to assist with other set-up needs at each month’s meeting.  This involves arriving at 20 minutes before 6:00 and staying after the meeting (all work needs to be completed by 8:30).  A sign-up sheet for volunteers was available.

Our move to St Marks United Methodist Church saves BWS $630 each year, and Kitty said we need to determine how our monies will be spent.  There will be some meeting room expenses such as a portable microphone so that members in the audience who wish to talk will be audible, but most of the extra money will be available for new expenditures such as:

• Reducing our dues to $25
• Funding half the cost of a workshop to make it available to more people
• Paying a small stipend to our program presenters
• Advertising our paintouts and gatherings to promote new membership and community awareness
• Creating another set of greeting cards
• Broadening our choices for potential gallery venues or
• Becoming an official non-profit

Kitty placed a sheet on each table for members to write their suggestions.  These suggestions will be discussed at the April Finance Committee meeting and at the regular finance meeting held in May which addresses next year’s budget planning.   

     The custodian at First Christian Church provided a lot of service to BWS for our meetings, and Kitty asked if we wished to give him $100.00 as a thank you.  Motion: Babette Ballinger, Second: Nancy Davis Metz.  The motion passed.

      Kitty described IU Health’s request for 8 original works which, if selected, would be purchased by the hospital for up to $2,000 and turned into large wall mosaics.  There are specific categories for the art which is meant to reflect Monroe County.  All submissions are due by the end of March.

Committee Comments – Meri Reinhold explained that the nominating committee is looking for 3 officers for next year:  president, secretary, and treasurer.  The officers will be inducted at the June meeting and will begin with the summer Leadership meeting and September BWS membership meeting.  Interest forms were circulated.  In addition, we need chairs for the show committee and the PR position. 

Upland Painters – Kristen Stamper reported that Upland meets Tuesday mornings at sites around South Central Indiana.  Meetings are outdoors except November – mid-January.  Kristen brought a schedule and may be contacted for additional information after the meeting.

Signature Member Group – Nancy Davis-Metz reported BWS signature members’ paintings will be on display in 4 cases at the Indianapolis Airport until mid-July.  The cases are on the main level between the ticket counters and food court (across from the restrooms) and have a sign which reads ‘A Signature Collection Bloomington Watercolor  Society’.  The process of applying and preparing for this display took over two years.  The $100 cost for the display was approved and paid by BWS.

Shows – Anne-Karine Bley asked Kitty to thank those who helped with the March reception at the Vault.  All paintings from the show must be picked up Friday, March 29 from 10:00-Noon.

Programs – Jo Weddle thanked this years’ presenters.  On April 8, Carol Rhodes will present ‘Weaving Depth and Direction into your Painting using Dynamic Composition:  Lessons from Paul Cezanne’.  We need a presenter for the June 10 meeting, and Jo passed out sheets for suggestions.

For the Good of the Order

     Barbara Edmond said the artist registry will be ready in September.

Jeanne Dutton sent her thank you for participants in the Art of Chocolate show and reported that we contributed over $5,000 to the fund raiser.

Kitty made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Sande Nitti.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:04. 

Following socializing and refreshments which included Carla’s birthday cake! Claude Cookman presented ‘Six Steps to the Illusion of Spatial Depth’.