All posts by CVWG Webmaster

A left-brained technologist by nature, education, and training, I am now retired and experimenting with the "other half" of whatever brain I still possess. I am looking to meet interesting people, engage in variety of group activities, travel, and enjoy my grandchildren.

Central Virginia Watercolor Guild — Spring is Popping!

A reminder that Central Virginia Watercolor Guild is found online at www.CVWG.art.

The painting at the top of this post is by Warrenton artist Toni Bragg who will lead CVWG’s April program. Toni’s image, above, is only visible when viewed from our website.


Reminder: No Member Meeting on March 27…Workshop Only

Tranquil Waters by Peg Sheridan

This is a reminder that CVWG is not holding a member meeting this month. Instead, we have a special half-day workshop led by member artist Peg Sheridan. If you have a confirmed seat, you are reminded to bring your lunch and a drink as CVWG will not be providing hospitality at this workshop other than coffee, tea and water. Also bring your usual watercolor supplies for this workshop.

The workshop is fully reserved but you can contact Linda Abbey for a spot on the wait list. If you have not reserved a seat in the workshop, you can still take a seat along the outer perimeter to listen to Peg’s guidance. The workshop convenes at 10:00 AM and should end by 3:00 PM. Peg’s website is pegsheridan.com.


Attention New Members: Send Us Your Art for Our Next Post

Winter Landscape by Steve Keach

CVWG is blessed with several new members so far in 2022. We’d like to feature your art in our next post. New member artist Steve Keach sent us this fine creation. You can simply take a photo of one of your pieces using your phone or tablet (however, please avoid doing this under fluorescent lights) to CVWG Webmaster, Mark Fitzpatrick. On behalf of our entire Guild, we look forward to seeing your beautiful work!


Looking Ahead to April’s Meeting with Artist Toni Bragg

Endless Possibilities by Toni Bragg

Our next CVWG member meeting is April 24 when we’ll feature Warrenton artist Toni Bragg. Says Toni, of her work,

From my very first experience of water and color running freely on paper, I was captivated and exhilarated! And so began the quest of coaxing the medium into expressing my vision and my mood. I can imagine nothing more challenging and fulfilling than continuing to explore the infinite possibilities watercolor offers me. I am most inspired by its brilliant rich pure color and it’s transparent quality that can be enhanced with glazing and layering techniques, building value and luminosity into my paintings.

Plan to join us as we resume our regular meetings on April 24 at 12:30 PM. Look for more information in the next post. Toni’s website is tonibragg.com/.

Meeting details, maps, times, etc. are listed on our Meetings & Programs page.


We Enjoyed a Great Program by Chee Ricketts in February

Member-artist Chee Ricketts led a wonderful program at our member meeting in February. Chee’s focus was using water media on Yupo “paper”. Chee’s observations included:

  • Yupo, being a plastic sheet, is non-absorbant
  • It lends itself to feature more textures
  • It is easy to erase mistakes…but
  • It is easy to (inadvertently) erase your intended art
  • You must be patient and allow your paints to dry
  • It can be difficult to get detail…patience!

Chee’s presentation was well attended by >40 members and guests. Chee’s website is at cheekludtricketts.com/.


CVWG Exhibition at The Center in May and June

A reminder that CVWG is holding a member art exhibition at The Center in Charlottesville during May and June. Our Guild Exhibits page has been updated with information including entry form and labels to be placed on front and back of all submitted art. Donna Koutrakos is leading our efforts.


West Virginia Watercolor Society National Juried Exhibition: Aqueous 2023

The West Virginia Watercolor Society invites artists working in water-based media to enter its annual national juried watercolor exhibition, Aqueous 2023, May 15 – June 29, at the Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton, W.Va. Juror is Nancy Stark, AWS, NWS. At least $2,300 in awards available. West Virginia Watercolor Society members $20 per painting entry; non members $25 per painting entry. No more than two paintings may be entered per artist. Entered works must have been completed since January 2021. Entry deadline is midnight March 31, 2023. Find the show prospectus and online entry at www.wvwatercolorsociety.org/.


Strathmore’s 2023 Online Workshops Have Started

Strathmore’s first online workshop of 2023, “Drawing What You See AND Don’t See” started this past week. But, it is not too late to engage and you should be able to easily catch up with the workshop. Details are at this Strathmore web page. Note that you might be required to sign up using an email address but, otherwise, the workshops are free.


Member News

Member artist Janice “Bunny” Creasy emailed us with recommendations for our members to visit the Louisa Arts Center for the paintings by Barbara Powderly in their Gallery. Bunny also reminds us that the Louisa Arts Center is a valuable resource in our area offering several classes and workshops. Bunny is signed up for 2 of their workshops coming this March:

March 18th 2-5 PM (Saturday) $45.00 MOUNTAIN FARM IN WATERCOLOR
“Spend an afternoon exploring watercolor to create a mountain farm scene. Students will learn the basics of atmospheric perspective, creating a mood, color mixing, and mark making with watercolor. Have trouble with clouds ??? Barbara will demonstrate some techniques for them too. Work from your own photo or from one provided by Barbara.

March 25th 3-5 PM ( SATURDAY) $30- Instructor Kateryna Smith
MIMIC THE MASTERS: KLIMT PAINTING CLASS

Learn about artist Gustav Klimt, then get instruction on how to create a painting in his style. All materials provided.


We’d Love to Hear From You!

Drop our CVWG Webmaster an email to let everyone know what you are doing and how your artistic journey is progressing.


Central Virginia Watercolor Guild — Getting Into the Swing of 2023!

A reminder that Central Virginia Watercolor Guild is found online at www.CVWG.art.

The painting, above at the top of this post is by member artist Matalie Deane entitled, “Family Love“. ..a perfect topic for this February post! This image only is visible when this post is viewed from our website. So, check out Matalie’s creation!


Member Directory is Updated

A reminder that we publish our Member Directory on this site to allow you, our members, to reach out to others in our Guild. The Directory can be found on this page but, for our mutual safety and security, is locked behind a password. All members should receive the password in a dedicated email from our Webmaster. It will also be announced at our February member meeting. Finally, if forgotten, you can email our Guild Webmaster, Mark Fitzpatrick, at cvwgwebmaster@gmail.com.


Have Yet to Renew or Join?

Please contact CVWG’s Treasurer, Robin Kuzen, for joining or renewing your membership.


February 27 Member Meeting with a Program by Chee Ricketts

CVWG’s next member meeting is set for Monday, February 27. Member artist Chee Kludt Rickets will lead our program, “Interactive YUPO“, an exploration and demonstration of creating water media using the slippery and elusive “plastic paper”. Chee’s programs for us are always interesting so be sure to join us.

CVWG will supply the Yupo, spritz water bottles, and plastic table covers.

Members should bring:

  • Watercolor paint in a small palette
  • Small water container
  • A few brushes
  • A clipboard or other mount to put the paper on
  • Q-tips
  • Paper toweling
  • Imagination and Creativity

While Chee will bring along samples of her own works, she invites all attendees to please bring along any finished Yupo paintings and plan to share your experiences. In Chee’s words,, “This seems like a good opportunity for sharing!”

See the Member News section, below, for insight to Chee’s next workshop offering.

The Challenge! theme for the meeting is “All You Need is Love”.

Meeting Agenda

We meet at 12:30 for social time, start the Member Meeting to review Guild business at 1:00 PM, and start the Program by 1:30 PM. See our Member Meetings & Programs page for details. Contact our Vice President and Director of Programs, Linda Abbey, for questions or comments.


CVWG Exhibition at The Center in May and June

A reminder that CVWG is holding a member art exhibition at The Center in Charlottesville during May and June. Our Guild Exhibits page has been updated with information including entry form and labels to be placed on front and back of all submitted art. Donna Koutrakos is leading our efforts.


January Meeting with Bill Snow

Here are some photos from our January meeting featuring Bill Snow discussing how to prepare your art for showing.


Opportunities

  • CVWG’s brass hanging system that was used in our Courthouse exhibits is up for grabs. We have a non-CVWG member interested, but if you want it instead, see Karen Schwenzer at the end of the meeting.
  • Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge is still seeking an in-house watercolor art teacher. This is a paid, independent-contractor position. Contact Sherrie Sykes, (434) 972-3248
  • Sentara Martha Jefferson Art Committee is seeking artists to exhibit in one of the three spaces in the hospital for 2 months at a time. Contact Matalie Deane, (434) 981-4232.

Updating Our Member Gallery…A 2023 Focus

Thank you to a number of CVWG members for sending in paintings to refresh our Member Gallery. Due to my personal travel for most of January and February, I am delinquent in getting your images posted. But I will be getting those uploaded in the coming days and will comment in a future post.

In addition to Matalie Deane’s art at the top of this post, here are just 2 of several I have received:

by Jane Matthews
by Patty Richmond

Regardless of whether you already have art displayed there, please send a recent piece so your artist friends can see how you/ve progressed. Send all art to CVWG Webmaster, Mark Fitzpatrick.


Member News

Member artist Chee Kludt Ricketts, in addition to leading our February program, has announced her next workshop(s) on Creating Effective and Exciting Compositions in Watercolor”. See her announcement, below.


Member artist Peg Sheridan, in addition to leading our March program, has announced a workshop “Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop” in western Virginia at the Fort Lewis Lodge. The workshop is June 5-8 but, as I am tardy in getting this announcement out to you, signup is now. To register for the workshop, you must first call Beverley Street Studio School will then make your own reservation at the Fort Lewis Lodge.


We’d Love to Hear From You!

Drop our CVWG Webmaster an email to let everyone know what you are doing and how your artistic journey is progressing.


Happy New Year 2023!

A reminder that Central Virginia Watercolor Guild is found online at www.CVWG.art.


Activities and Programs for 2023

Despite the Guild having ended 2022 in November with our final meeting and potluck luncheon– see more about this, below– your 2023 Guild Leaders have been busy preparing for the new year. Our website (www.CVWG.art) has been updated with the set of Meetings & Programs, the monthly Challenge! paintings, some early information about a Half-Day Workshop and a Guild Exhibition, an update on our Video Library, and other information for you to bookmark and refer back to throughout the year. As is our practice, we will post updates to those pages as new information is available or changes happen, send out a blog posting such as this at least monthly, send targeted emails to all members, etc.

As always, you can email our Guild Webmaster, Mark Fitzpatrick, at cvwgwebmaster@gmail.com or any of our Guild leaders using their email on our 2023 Leaders page.


January 23 Meeting and Program

CVWG’s next member meeting, the first for 2023, is set for Monday, January 23. Member artist William (Bill) Snow will share his experience and recommendations for “Presenting and Marketing Your Art”. The Challenge! theme for the meeting is “Winter Wonderland“. See our Member Meetings & Programs page for details.


Reminder: Renew Your Guild Membership or Join

With the new year, it is time to renew your annual membership to CVWG. Or, if you are a guest and interested in joining, now is the best time to take advantage of our 2023 offerings. 2023 membership:

  • Our annual dues is $35 for renewals and new members.
  • Our website is now enabled to accept membership online. You can enroll and pay by credit or debit card entirely online avoiding postage costs and the hassle of mailing it to us. Look for the Join/Renew CVWG Online link at the top left of all of our webpages. We have prepared the detailed guide, below, if you should need it.
  • Or you can renew using USPS mail. Look for the Join/Renew CVWG by Mail link in the left menu area of all of our pages.

Feel free to contact CVWG’s Treasurer, Robin Kuzen, for joining or renewing your membership.


November’s Potluck Luncheon

Our final meeting for 2022 was our annal Potluck Luncheon. Says member artist Patty Richmond,

CVWG’s last meeting was a huge success with about 40 members sharing delicious food and friendly conversation. (camaraderie.) Our outgoing President, Dona Koutrakos, brought many old photo albums so members had a chance to view pictures from the previous 25 years of our the Guild.

Christine Rich will store them in her home and promises to bring them out each year for the luncheon for all to reminisce about.

Our president gave gifts to all the 2022 officers and announced the speaker for our next meeting. One of our member William Snow will explain ways to from our paintings.


Updating Our Member Gallery…A 2023 Focus

Continuing the initiative started in October, your Webmaster is asking you to contribute art to our Member Gallery. Since COVID struck in 2020, we have all been a bit remiss in updating that page.

Regardless of whether you already have art displayed there, please send a recent piece so your artist friends can see how you/ve progressed. Send all art to CVWG Webmaster, Mark Fitzpatrick.

The nice painting at the top of this post is by Robin Kuzen. A drawing of her’s is also shown, below.


Member News

My time in December got away from me and I am late in getting news out from member artist Chee Kludt Rickets:

I have a class coming in January titled “Creating Exciting and Effective Compositions in Watercolor”. Registration is limited so, if interested, get in touch with me ASAP. Both classes are on Zoom. (A nice benefit is that Mary Ann Friedman, who has recently moved, will be joining us, so CVWG members can “visit” with her through the class.)

Chee has agreed to be CVWG’s Program Leader for our February 2023 Program, “Painting on Yupo“.

Upon Reflection II by Chee Kludt Rickets

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Drop our CVWG Webmaster an email to let everyone know what you are doing and how your artistic journey is progressing.


2022 Year End Guild Activities

A reminder that Central Virginia Watercolor Guild is found online at www.CVWG.art.


Last Member Meeting in 2022– November 28th Pot Luck Luncheon

Can you believe how quickly this year is rolling to a close? CVWG has only one more meeting in 2022.

Our Annual Pot Luck Luncheon will be held on Monday, 28 November. Members, please bring a guest and, yes, guests are most welcome! We meet at 12:00 noon and begin the luncheon by 12:30. We will send more information the week before.

This will be held at our usual location, the Fellowship Hall at the Church of Our Savior, 1165 Rio Road E., Charlottesville, VA. The Fellowship Hall is toward the rear of the property. Our Member Meetings page provides a map from which you can find driving directions, if needed.

The luncheon is our entire meeting; we will not have a Challenge! nor a organized Program.

A reminder that CVWG does not hold a member meeting in December. We will continue to publish this blog and send emails to members as we can. We will certainly be communicating news about 2023.


Overdue Credit to Member Artists Linda Bethke and Jane Matthews

Through the years, our CVWG member artists have created many beautiful pieces of art. Occasionally, I will tap into that history and feature a work of note that complements our themes. Unfortunately, in some cases, we lose track of the artist and title so we publish them seeking attribution.

Recently, we used the following two pieces in separate posts. The member artists have graciously acknowledged their work and, now, I want to acknowledge them appropriately:

Thank you, Linda and Jane, and all of our member artists for your incredible art!


Drawing Portraits at October’s Meeting

Our meeting last month on 24 October was well attended with more than 20 members and guests. Our Challenge! topic was “Children”. Member artist Linda Abbey led our program for “Drawing Portraits”. Some, not necessarily my own, were even recognizable but everyone enjoyed the activity!


Review of Beverly Street Studio’s Travel Workshop to Maine

Member artist and Director of CVWG’s 2022 Member Programs, Karen Schwenzer, reviews her experience on a recent travel workshop in Maine:

I recently traveled to Maine to participate in a travel workshop with Staunton’s Beverly Street Studio School. Our group of 9 painters was led by Peg Sheridan and Nancy Armstrong. We were based in Bar Harbor at the Acadia Inn, which was on the National Park bus route. Some days we carpooled to the “quiet” side of Desert Island. We had picture perfect weather everyday, almost too warm at times in the bright September sun.

Our days started early. Nancy invited all for yoga on the dock at sunrise. I have to admit I’m not an early bird. Then we were off to find beautiful vistas to sketch and paint. Peg was always willing to do demos on site and provide individual support throughout the week.

If you have wanted to try a travel workshop but hesitant about anything, feel free to contact Karen. Some of Karen’s art from the workshop is shown, below.


2023 Membership

CVWG recently sent out a Guild-wide email with guidance on renewing your membership for 2023:

  • 2023 Dues is $35 for renewals and new members.
  • Our website is now enabled to accept membership online. You can enroll and pay by credit or debit card entirely online avoiding postage costs and the hassle of mailing it to us. Look for the Join/Renew CVWG Online link at the top left of all of our webpages. We have prepared the detailed guide, below, if you should need it.
  • Or you can renew using USPS mail. Look for the Join/Renew CVWG by Mail link in the left menu area of all of our pages.

Feel free to contact CVWG’s Treasurer, Robin Kuzen, for joining or renewing your membership.


Member News

Ever vigilant member artist Bunny Creasy emailed us with news of another member, Juliette Swenson:

I have been very busy with shows and had one in Woodstock at VECCA, one at the Smith House in Harrisonburg and am now featured artist at my own gallery.

In November I have a show in UVA hospital in front of the cafeteria as well. My works will be up through January 8.

The featured painting at the top of this post is one of Juliette’s. Plan to swing by the UVA hospital and see Juliette’s art.


Long time member and artist Marcy Springett generously sent in several nice pieces of her art. Here are some while others are posted in our Member Gallery so take a look there, as well.


Member Gallery– Let’s Refresh It!

Speaking of our Member Gallery, we have all, jointly, allowed it to stagnate. Marcy’s paintings are the first we have added since early 2022. Calling All Members, please send me a painting to add to our Gallery and freshen up that feature!


Other News

I am tardy in posting news from Catherine Hillis, a friend of CVWG, about the following:

A class in Fredericksburg, VA: Nov. 7: First of four classes begins on Monday the 7th.  Now is the time to learn how to paint in the fluid medium.  All details are here

by Catherine Hillis

Catherine is quite active in the Fredricksburg area art scene so be sure to check her website to stay current with her offerings. My apologies for this late notice.


We’d Love to Hear From You!

Drop our CVWG Webmaster an email to let everyone know what you are doing and how your artistic journey is progressing.


Remembering Edith Arbaugh in the Middle of Fall 2022

A reminder that Central Virginia Watercolor Guild is found online at www.CVWG.art.


In Memoriam of Edith Arbaugh

It is with heavy hearts, once again, that we learned of the passing of another CVWG member. Edith Arbaugh, pictured at the top of this post, shared the distinction of being one of the founding members of our Central Virginia Watercolor Guild. Along with Marion Hansen and Patricia Travers, she nurtured our Guild into the success it is today.

You can read Edith’s obituary at this link.


Our October 24 Meeting, Program, & Challenge!

Our next meeting is Monday, October 24 at our usual time and location as posted on our Members, Meetings, & Programs page. We gather for social time at 12:30 PM, start the meeting by 1:00 PM, and usually end by 3:00 PM.

Member Artist Linda Abbey has graciously agreed to lead our Program on the practice of Drawing Portraits. As Linda says,

I will be showing how to draw a portrait. People should bring a sketching pencil and/or charcoal to draw with. That’s all the materials you need to bring with you.

I will supply paper for each artist, and an eraser, some additional pencils/charcoal, paper towels, and cleaning supplies at each table. Unfortunately, we will not have time for painting watercolor at this meeting so, please leave those supplies at home.

I look forward to our drawing together.

The Challenge! topic for this meeting is Children. Bring your art in any media to share begore the meeting and when called during the meeting.


Slate of Officers for 2023

At the meeting on October 24, we will be voting to elect our CVWG officers for 2023. The following member artists have agreed to serve:

President – Karen Schwenzer
VP/Programs – Linda Abbey
Secretary – Jane Williamson
Treasurer – Robin Kusen
Past President – Donna Koutrakos

The Guild still needs members to get involved for our committees for next year. 2023 program year. Please consider what you can do to help the officers, above, provide interesting content and meetings in 2023.


Strathmore Online Workshop #4 Starts Nov 7

.Strathmore, known for their broad offering of quality art papers, is soon wrapping up their 2023 online workshops. Their Workshop #4, entitled “Art Journaling 101”, kicks off on November 7.

Astute CVWG members should recall that CVWG hosted Rhonda Roebuck at our March 2022 meeting where she demonstrated Art Journaling. Also, our August program featured member artist John Hancock demonstrating similar techniques in his program, Urban Sketching.

You can read all about Strathmore’s workshop including the materials list and how to register at this link. The workshop is free but requires you to open an account using your email address.


We’d Love to Hear From You!

Drop our CVWG Webmaster an email to let everyone know what you are doing and how your artistic journey is progressing.


Urban Sketching & Planning for Autumn

A reminder that Central Virginia Watercolor Guild is found online at www.CVWG.art.



Urban Sketching Program by John Hancock

Examples of John Hancock’s sketches.

We had 31 members and 4 visitors attend our most recent member meeting– a nice turnout for a summer month– on Monday, August 22. We featured a program by member-artist John Hancock on the discipline and art of Urban Sketching.

The painting featured at the top of this post is by member-artist Patricia Travers.

We received several comments from attending members.

Per John, Urban sketching is not like plein air, it’s where the people live and is closely aligned to journalism. John uses a variety of palettes in his sketching…a plein air palette and a much smaller palette which he uses for quick and spontaneous sketches. He’s NEVER without a pencil, pen or a small sketchbook.

Member Carolyn Ratcliffe
Member-Artist John Hancock Demonstrating his Portable Palette for Urban Sketching

And another:

John entertained us with lots of stories about his childhood. He loved cursive writing which he was taught in second grade. Maybe this led to sketching. He wanted to paint in oil like the Masters he was studying but in Art school moved on to watercolor and sketching which he loves.

John has been teaching art for years as a college professor and in his own studio.

He had many of his sketch books displayed for us to look at. He demonstrated many of his techniques and then gave us each two black pens and a bookmark which had a lIst of classes he taught at McGuffey and at the Crozet Art Center. Earlier in the week we were asked to bring some watercolor paints which we used with the black pens to do a painting. He walked around the room making suggestions and critiquing what we were doing. His style made us all feel comfortable, (lots of camaraderie.)

Member Patty Richmond

You can find John’s professional website and workshop offerings at johnahancock.com.


Our Next Meeting is September 26

A reminder that our next member meeting is Monday, September 26. We meet for a social time at 12:30 PM with the meeting starting by 1:00, our program by 1:30, and, usually, ending by 3:00 PM.

Program

For our program this month, CVWG welcomes award-winning, Staunton artist Robert Stuart to provide a friendly, non-threatening critique of members’ artwork. Says Robert of his art:

In paintings I strive for “new beauty,” for opening pathways to emotional and intuitive responses. Three “encounters,” have been particularly inspiring to me as an abstract painter.

The first was walking unawares into an exhibit of eight sequential grid paintings by Agnes Martin and seeing that contemporary painting could be about the infinite.

Another was standing on brilliant crevices of light in the loft of our large, old barn as early morning sunlight filled the bay below transforming slits between the floorboards into lines of light. It
was what I wanted in painting.

And thirdly, directly after a trip to Japan which included a tour of Zen gardens, a vivid dream of a large red abstract painting with white lines that compelled me to start on this path.

Please bring up to two pieces of unframed personal art for Robert to provide unbiased praise and criticism. Robert Stuart’s professional webpage is robertstuart.net.

If you participated in last months meeting with John Hancock, please bring your ink/watercolor sketches to display on the sharing table throughout the meeting.

Challenge!

We continue with having our monthly Challenge! The theme for this month is “Our Pet Companions”. Please display your paintings on the sharing table.


You can find more detailed information for all our 2022 meetings on our Member Meetings & Programs page including a detailed map, program description, and our Challenge! topics:


Upcoming Activities

Here are some of the upcoming activities for your awareness:

  • Member Survey— Long time member and past Director Pam Roland is leading our efforts to solicit your opinions, thoughts, and interests. Look for more details in an email.
  • Volunteers Still Needed— Your Board of Directors continues seeking members to step forward and help lead this Guild into 2023. Please contact Donna Koutrakos if willing to help.
  • Meetings Through 2022— CVWG, in a typical year, holds our final member meeting in October, hosts a luncheon in November, and then goes on hiatus until January in the new year. Stay tuned to these posts and emails from our leadership for more information on these activities.

Member News

Our members have been unusually quiet these past few weeks. Hopefully, the old adage “No News is Good News” applies.


We’d Love to Hear From You!

Drop our CVWG Webmaster an email to let everyone know what you are doing and how your artistic journey is progressing.