A reminder that Central Virginia Watercolor Guild is found online at www.CVWG.art.
Rhonda Roebuck on Keeping a Journal

CVWG was very pleased to have hosted noted sketchbook artist and nature journalist Rhonda Roebuck at our March 28 meeting. Rhonda is a former photography and art teacher here in Albemarle County Schools. She has taught Nature Journaling workshops for Shenandoah National Park, Mary Baldwin University, and various local venues. Rhonda has kept journals/sketchbooks for over 25 years, and enjoys teaching and encourages others to do the same.
One of Rhonda’s main points is the importance of keeping simple notes about your day-to-day life. Says Rhonda,
Sometime in the future, you or someone you know may want to learn about your land, your home, your daily life, and you. Think of the stories you may have heard about “your place” and how you might record them. What grows at your place naturally, what have you planted, and what do you know about how the land was used in the past?
I ask workshops participants how they would feel if they found a journal with writing and illustrations recorded by their great grandmother or great grandfather. That is the reason for recording nature and our lives.
Rhonda led attendees in some simple exercises with guiding questions to help us get started in keeping a “place” journal. Rhonda graciously gave us permission to post her handouts:
If you have questions you may email Rhonda at rhondaroebuck@mac.com or find her on Instagram at @rhondafroebuck.
We’re Back to In-Person Meetings

A reminder that CVWG has resumed our in-person meetings. Our Challenge! topic for March was “Buildings” with 8 member-artists sharing their work.
Our Meetings page provides the latest news and insights to our monthly meetings.
Hope to See You at Our Next Meeting on April 25
Our next meeting will feature a critique of members’ paintings by renowned artist Karen Rosasco (www.karenrosasco.com). Each member and guest may bring one (1!) unfinished, unframed painting soliciting Karen’s recommendations.
Says Karen,
I have provided art instruction for adults in both evening courses and workshops for nearly thirty years. As a retired high school art teacher and self-described shape maker, I emphasize design and composition as the foundation for the symbols placed on paper or canvas. I’m also an avid traveler, searching for new and unusual subjects as themes for my paintings. You can view my paintings at: Abend Gallery, Denver CO, the Departure Gift Shop, Albany International Airport, SVAC, CoArt Gallery, Flying Fox Vineyards, Reid Street Gallery. and by appointment at my home in VA.
The April Challenge! topic is “Memories” so bring a 2nd painting inspired by that topic. Again, our Meetings Page explains the Challenge! program and future topics.
Updated Information on Our Web Pages
Our Member Directory and Video Library pages have been updated with new information for your use. A reminder that the Member Directory is password protected so send an email to our Webmaster if you want to access our listing of members.
Member News
Member-artist Juliette Swenson reminds us that her next watercolor class starts on April 19. Email Juliette for more information and to enroll. Juliette’s website is www.julietteswenson.com/.
Member-artist Janice (Bunny) Creasy reports,
I recently drove to Lynchburg, Va for two classes with Purnell Pettyjohn. Each day was five hours of class in watercolor/pouring. Her home is set up perfectly….I have heard of her for years and enjoyed the company of five others learning this art. I have since bought a DVD on the watercolor/pouring so to really understand the steps.
I recently took another class from Eleanor Cox whom CVWG featured at our October 2021 meeting. As of March 30, I will have completed four of her sessions with the last one scheduled for the first week of May. The workshops are being held at Bon Air Community Center in Bon Air, Va. I love her “light touch” and I am learning a lot.
Member-artist Peg Sheridan writes:
I am offering more classes soon: Rocks and Water in Watercolor on April 13-14, Beginning Watercolors on April 30, and Plein Air Painting in Watercolor on June 6-7. Also, registration is open for Plein Air Painting in Coastal Maine from September 8-14 in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The class listing on my website (www.pegsheridan.com/upcoming-classes.html) is up to date or send me an email.
Lastly, I am also in a group show, “Rivers and Streams of Western Virginia” from May 6 through 27 at Smith House Galleries in Harrisonburg, VA. The other artists in the show are: Debra Sheffer, Nan Mahone Wellborn, and Julie Farrell. There will be an opening on Friday May 6, from 5-7 pm., and all are invited.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Drop our CVWG Webmaster an email to let everyone know what you are doing and how your artist journey is progressing.