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VERMONT WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
| March 2014 |
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HUBS
Hub news can be found in the new "HUB NEWS" section in the main body of the newsletter. If you have Hub related questions please contact Pamela Dexter,Director of Hubs:
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Facebook
If you are a Facebook user and a current VWS member, please consider joining the Vermont Watercolor Society Facebook group. This is a place for members to share their work, and information about shows and events. Click here to join.
We have also created a Vermont Watercolor Society page. This is a public place where VWS will share announcements and other information. Members are welcome to share their work and announcements on this page as well. Please share the page with your friends.
Newsletter Submissions
All member events , workshops and show announcements should be sent to :
Newsletter article deadline is the 20th of each month.
Please put "VWS NEWSLETTER " in your title. Thank you!
Submissions must be fully written and spell-checked with accurate punctuation in order to be included. This saves our volunteer editor much valuable time so that she can return to painting.
If you have images, please send them in JPG format as an email attachment. It is extremely helpful if images are labeled with a file name related to the content.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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Mark Nielsen
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The VWS on Facebook
Link - www.facebook.com/pages/Vermont-Watercolor-Society/510601739004268
Have you visited the VWS on Facebook yet? There are lots of great images and interesting announcements as well as notices of classes that some of us offer. I personally enjoy Lynn Pratt's posts in which she shows her paintings in various stages of completion, it is kind of a mini tutorial if you like.
Our Facebook Page is open to anyone inspired to post on it and all communications on the site are considered informal, not part of the official VWS record. That being said, this seems like such a good and visual way to share what we are doing with each other that I would not be surprised to see it used even more than it is now.
For instance, I could imagine that Hubs that have their art on exhibition could share photos of the exhibit and reception with those of us who could not attend. I can imagine one of us being inspired by an instructor, book or a movie about another watercolor artist and sharing that inspirational source with us on Facebook. Maybe you have written a piece about painting yourself and want to share a link to it. Perhaps you want to show off a new painting, maybe even solicit constructive criticism! Perhaps some of you are affiliated with other watercolor organizations and they are doing something that you would like to share with the VWS community. Maybe you have photos from a painting trip abroad that you think others would enjoy seeing. Really, the possibilities are limitless in today's internet reality.
If I have caused you to think of something you would like to post, please do. If you do, I cannot imagine how rich and varied a page it will become!
Sincerely,
Mark Nielsen, VWS President
VOLUNTEER NEWS
Hi Watercolor Colleagues:
I am Charles Norris-Brown, the new Volunteer Coordinator for the Vermont Watercolor Society.
Sorry -- I do not yet have a website (I know how out of date I am). But you can see some of my work and a little blurb on the VWS website Gallery as well as just a few items on the VWS Facebook page. To fill you in, much of my ongoing work focuses on figure studies primarily as a way to develop my sense of human gestures for a series of children's books I am trying to write and illustrate. A recent example of my work is enclosed here which gives a sense of my style and subject matter. This item, called "Nepal Cisticola," one of a series, will be made into cards. I have also been judiciously entering shows here and there with either the children theme or other figurative work and I have been organizing a live figure session in Burlington (see other item in this newsletter).
As Volunteer Coordinator, since the beginning of this year I have been busy working with other Board members to come up with ideas that support our work as well as bring us all out into a broader world. This has included working on a "watercolor kit" for schools, reaching out to our Canadian neighbors, and finding ways to coordinate volunteers with ideas.
As we know all too well, we are an all-volunteer organization, and although we can bring in outsiders to hold workshops, use outside galleries, and supply some materials and what not, the actual organizing and logistics of any of these events is up to us to do.
Please help us out with two things. One, share suggestions not only about where you think the VWS could have a presence as well as share thoughts about what you would like your Board to help you with. Secondly, of course, please be there to help out when needed.
Best of luck to you all,
Charles
conewango@gmail.com
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VWS Spring Meeting
Mark your calendars for April 27, 2014.
Bring in your favorite painting to show and win a Peoples Choice Award. The registration form will be on the website soon.
More details coming soon. Questions? Email claudiaec@yahoo.com.
Framing & Matting Guidelines for All Shows*
Mats: sole or top mats will be white or off white. If a bottom mat is used, it may be white, off white or colored. Filets may be used. Mats are not required for all paintings, but if you are not framing your painting, archival spacers must be used.
Frames: frames must be sturdy, in excellent condition, and must be professional quality. They must have picture wire attached to the back from which to hang the painting.
The following are not acceptable for VWS shows:
- Float frames
- Table top frames
- Damaged frames or frames that are disjointed at the corners
- Saw tooth hangers
- Duct tape, masking tape or other non-professional-looking materials used on backs of frames.
- Sloppy construction as seen from front or back
Persons accepting paintings at drop off are instructed to not accept paintings if they do not meet these guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.
*Occasionally there are special shows where other guidelines apply, which will be described in that show's prospectus and/or other communications. Otherwise, the above guidelines will apply to all VWS shows including hub shows.
This information can also be found on the VWS website:
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VWS
WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS
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VWS DVD LENDING LIBRARY
VWS has created a lending library. Videos may be previewed on Creative Catalyst http://ccpvideos.com. The current list includes:
Chen-Kee Chee
Saturated Wet Technique
Tony Couch
Painting Barns in Watercolor
Carl Dalio
on Color Power
The Path to Visualizing Energetic Color
Linda Kemp
Negative Painting Techniques
Mark Mehaffey
Painting a Dramatic Landscape in Watercolor
Birgit O'Connor
Waves, Water and Clouds
Ann Pember
Painting in the Flow of Watercolor
On High Plate Illustration Board
Soon Y Warren
Vibrant Watercolor Techniques: Water
Frank Webb
Using Your Head, Heart & Hand
Donna Zagotta
The You Factor:
Powerful Personal Design in Opaque Watercolor
If interested, email Claudia. She will send the video with a self-addressed envelope for return after 2 weeks. Please open the package carefully so that we may re-use it. Suggestions for additional videos to Claudia, claudiaec@yahoo.com. Donations for this program are welcome.
JOHN SALMINEN
June 23-27 2014
ONLY 5 Spaces left for the workshop! Don't let this one pass you by!
Realism Through Design
John Salminen is coming to Vermont June 23-27, 2014 and If you haven't signed up yet this is the time! Send in your deposit so you don't miss out on an unforgettable experience with an exceptional internationally renowned artist. Even if the style of Johns artwork might be intimidating to you let this be a challenge to get you thinking and seeing your process differently. I am so excited to have someone of this caliber coming to teach us. This has been 3 years in the making and you just don't want to miss it. Just start setting aside a bit of money now in the "ART EDUCATION" piggy jar and by April 29 you could have it all! Questions? Email claudiaec@yahoo.com.
 
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Burlington/St. Albans Hub News
Burlington/St. Albans Hub Card Making Get-Together
Four members of the hub gathered at SEABA on February 10 to make Valentines and other greeting cards. Thanks to VWS for supplying paints, collage papers and blank Strathmore greeting cards. It was a fun time and so exciting to see the diverse cards produced by the end of our activity.
The photo shows some of the cards made by Martha Hoar, Monique Dewyea, Charles Norris-Brown and Lynn Cummings.
Life Drawing/Painting
There are several venues for working from live models in the Burlington/Shelburne area one of which is being organized by Charles Norris-Brown. If you are interested in working from the figure, please contact Charles at conewango@gmail.com. We also took part in a figure session in Randolph, and if anyone farther afield from Burlington is interested in setting something up in your area, contact Charles as well and he may be able to help out.
Hub Volunteers
Our hub is still in need of greater volunteer participation for both hub and full VWS activities. We'd love to have a volunteer (or two) to coordinate painting pickups and dropoffs, organize carpools to various activities and other small tasks. Without volunteer efforts, there will not be any activities, as VWS is an all-volunteer organization. Please let me know what you are willing to help with, and if there are other events that you'd like for our hub to offer. (email: Lynn.Cummings@uvm.edu)
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Each month we feature a VWS member in this newsletter. This month we welcome:
Barbara Pafume
Talking about oneself at my age can be pretty challenging, a bit intimidating and probably boring, but I have been asked about my many years' love of painting and creativity, so here goes. Memories started when I was 4, in Kindergarten with Ms. Minnegan, who taught me to always paint what I love, be original and not be persuaded by my admiration of another's work to imitate! Then there was Guido Chigi, high school art teacher, extraordinaire! He introduced me to the idea that my love of painting and creative problem-solving skills could and maybe should be used to help others who may not be as blessed or as happy as I was. I went back to him for critique long after I was married. The rigidity and ego-centered two instructors at the Art Institute in Chicago taught me how not to teach. And so off on my own to find my mentors and teachers and to teach myself!
Although I studied with Franklin Jones, Tony van Hasselt and others, John C. Pellew was my most influential, inspirational and motivational teacher. A few of my other favorite masters include N.C. Wyeth, Winslow Homer, Albert Bierstadt, John Singer Sargent, who taught me to see and paint the light, atmosphere, drama and magic in our ordinary lives with focus and passion. I tell students to "immortalize the ordinary!" My Mom, who used her incredible creativity to solve all problems and to create beautiful gardens; and my Dad who was Display and Store Design Manager at Marshall Field and Company for 50 years, rounded out my support and education in the arts.
I started teaching children's classes over forty years ago, when my own children were very young and later began teaching teens and adults. I have been invited to do artist residencies in public and private elementary and high schools in Illinois, Georgia, Connecticut and Vermont. I have also taught painting courses for the Community College of VT, Southern Vermont Art Center (this is my 34th year there!), Chaffee Art Ctr., Chester Art Guild, Windsor State Craft Center, Saxton's River Arts, Killington, Middletown Springs, Shrewsbury, Middlebury, Shelburne and for my own business, Four Seasons Studios in Fairfax.
Because of my love of painting, teaching, inspiring and empowering people and my admiration for Robert Henri and Leonardo da Vinci, I began studying the brain and learning process so I could give the very best to my students. That began my intensive study of the Creative Process. I was subsequently invited to teach at Castleton State College and have done workshops for the S.W. Office on Aging, Oncology Dept. of RRMC, Vermont Depts. of Health and Education and for private substance abuse prevention organizations. Whether I am teaching a course on painting, creativity or doing my own painting, I see adversity and conflict as opportunity and failure as success trying to be born in a bigger way!
I have won many awards and my work has been published in several magazines and books including American Artist Watercolor Magazine and Splash 7, A Celebration of Light. My paintings have been in exhibitions in several states and Europe; have had many solo exhibitions and will have another at Southern Vermont Art Center in June/July this year. I owned and operated Canterbury Corners Art Gallery in Mendon, which showcased not only my work but many other artists and sculptors. I have owned and operated Four Seasons Studios for 25 years. Most of my exhibition paintings are watercolor but I continue to teach and also work in oil, acrylic, water-based oil and pastel. Classes start here soon and In October I will be taking a group of painters to Italy. Please see my website: www.art-in-vermont.com I am most happy and proud to say that I was one of the folks who envisioned and worked on the 1995 incorporation of VWS!
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Welcome New Members
- Marcia Reese
- Darlene Ratte
- Carolyn Subin
Jean Cannon
Jean Cannon will be teaching two watercolor classes through the UVM OLLI program. OLLI stands for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and it for people over 50.
Beginning watercolor, Tuesdays, March 11 - April 1, 5:30 to 7:30
Level 2 Watercolor, Tuesdays, March 8 - 29, 5:30 to 7:30.
Larry Coffin
I have an upcoming solo show at The Inn at Eastview in
Middlebury. The exhibition, entitled "East Meets West in Watercolors", will feature my work over the past year studying Chinese brush painting and applying its principles to conventional Western watercolor technique. The show opens on the 10th of February and runs through the end of March.
Tony Conner
Classes
"Watercolor: Go With The Flow", Monday Evenings 6 - 9pm, Feb 24 - Mar 31, Class offered through the Vermont Arts Exchange, North Bennington, Vermont (802) 442-5549. One of the most unique characteristics of watercolor is the movement of color in a flowing wash. In this class we'll work on creating these flowing washes and using them to make both abstract and representational paintings. To register contact Vermont Arts Exchange.
"Painting Studio: Painting The Found Object", Friday Mornings, 9:30am - 12:30pm, Williamstown, MA. During the winter months it can be hard to paint outside. Interior studies of found objects- from a pet's leash to a book on a bed stand- offer great opportunities for keeping observation skills sharp as well as playing with different color and composition. In this class, students will sketch and paint simple objects from varying points of view and with different focal points. Special attention will be paid to color mixing and placing values in a composition. This class is open to those working in any paint medium who want to dig in and work on their skills at any level. Class is offered through IS183, Stockbridge, MA - contact them to register - www.is183.org or (413) 298-5252.
Online Exhibit
Winter Hundred - Online Exhibit of One Hundred New Paintings.
The overall challenge is to produce 100 paintings in 100 days - more or less. In addition to the 100 paintings, the challenge includes a goal of producing as many of them "en plein air" as possible. Only the weather is likely to keep me from painting outside, on location. The paintings will be posted in an exclusively on-line exhibit, one per day, for 100 days from January 20 - April 30, 2014. The works will all be for sale on-line, with mats and backing but without frames. The exhibit can be seen at http://tonyconner.com/2014/01/20/1st-annual-winter-hundred/.
Community Outreach & Education in Chittenden County
by Lynn Cummings
The Burlington/St. Albans Hub organized a dvd viewing and discussion at the beautiful, busy Charlotte Senior Center on January 28. Fifteen people came and watched 4 short information-packed dvd's by John Lovett, Australian artist, and the juror of last June's VWS juried show. After each 10-minute dvd, there was lively discussion about techniques, pigments, brushes, design choices and other elements of his paintings. We were prepared for this group to actually paint after a few dvd's but everyone voted to continue to watch and learn from John Lovett! The enthusiastic crowd asked if there could be more such events, and for future ones we will provide materials for everyone to start on a painting. I will try to plan one dvd/painting a few more events such as this at CSC this year.
On January 31, I also planned and facilitated an introductory workshop for clients at Spectrum Youth and Family Services, an organization which helps teenagers, young adults, people with a history of violence, and their families turn their lives around. The 5 clients, 2 staff members, and director of Spectrum spent a few hours learning about watercolor, then delving into creating their own works of art. One teenager, who could not make eye contact with me when we met and barely mumbled his/her name, so enjoyed making a painting and having a positive encounter with an adult, that after 2 hours, the person looked me in the eye, smiled, thanked me and shook my hand. They were all ecstatic when I told them I would be scheduling more painting sessions this year at Spectrum.  | | Spectrum |
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Jeanette Fournier
Jeanette Fournier was selected by the New England Society of American Foresters to provide artwork which will be presented to the winners of the Integrity Award at their annual meeting. The art submitted for consideration needed to represent the ideal of "Integrity" in some format and use nature to portray the concept for this.
Several months ago, following an intensive submission process, she learned her name had been "short-listed" down to four finalists and then she received the call letting her know she was the artist chosen to provide the art for this award. The reviewing committee decided on one of her paintings of a red-tail hawk as the image to be used for the award, which will be 5 framed limited edition giclee reproductions to be awarded to one recipient in each of the next 5 years.
Upon hearing the news, Jeanette said, "This is such an honor and I'm thrilled to have my artwork chosen to represent this award. While thinking about my art and the "integrity" concept, my thoughts turned to red-tail hawks, one of the raptor species I see most often during my excursions in and around the forests of New England. It's probably one of the most recognizable hawks and it's always exciting to see one. I'd read that in some cultures, the hawk is seen as a symbol for hope, inspiration, foresight and deemed the protectors and visionaries. So with that in mind, I thought the red-tail hawk would best personify the ideal of integrity and would be a subject many people could identify with in this regard."
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Green Mountain Watercolor Exhibition
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Deadline: April 28, 2014
Green Mountain Watercolor Exhibition - 3rd annual - June 27 to July 26, 2014 in the Mad River Valley (Waitsfield) Vermont. 2000+ visitors/23 paintings sold in 2013. Juror: Robert O'Brien AWS, NWS - cash and merchandise awards. Prospectus/digital entry form: www.valleyartsfoundation.org. Information: GMWE@moosewalkstudios.com or 802-583-2224
PAINT-OUT
July 15, 2014
Springfield, VT on the Toonerville Trail. This is a walking trail along the Black River in East Springfield. The trail offers beautiful vistas of the river as well as some homes and other buildings. The Eureka school, an old schoolhouse, just off the trail is an additional subject. There is parking and benches to sit on if you wish. This event if open to all hubs. Come on down and join us for a relaxing day of painting and sharing from 9:30 AM to around 5 PM. Bring a sandwich and we'll supply water for the day. If you choose, you can drive (just a few minutes) back into Springfield to grab some lunch. Around 3 PM we'll gather together and share our paintings, enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and have a glass of wine. Please come.
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It is very exciting to have Holbein, USA as a VWS Partner. Being a Vermont based art supplier and full time supporter of arts and the artists who make them, it is a perfect fit for both of us. Please get to know Holbein and support them not only because they are one of our partners, but because they are a world leader in colors and mediums for artists. The Landgrove Inn is the premier, all-in-one lodging, dining and fun space in which to create, exhibit and learn. Check out the 2010 workshop schedule at Landgrove Inn, or call 802 824-6673. Tom and Maureen Checchia, owners. |
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