Chee Rickett’s painting, “Awakening”, has been accepted into the 42nd Southern Watercolor Society’s Annual Juried Exhibition, which will be held this year at the Kerrville Arts Cultural Center in Kerrville, Texas from May 23 – July 7.
Chee writes: “Ninety two paintings by member artists from 18 Southern states were selected by nationally acclaimed watercolorist, Judy Morris. My painting is a full sheet watercolor on 300# cold press paper.”
Congratulations Chee!
Twenty two guild members participated in a Workshop “ The essence of the Blue Ridge Mountains” taught by Peg Sheridan, May 7-8-9, 2019.
The class began with short introductions and self evaluation of how well we thought we painted, beginner, intermediate, mmmm ???, or advanced intermediate. Then Peg told us about herself and her life as a scientist, a wildlife biologist, (looking for snowy Owls) a mother, a teacher, and a watercolor artist of 37 years.
The first day we learned about aerial perspective. We painted mountains with different blues and a tiny bit of Burnt Siena to create grey and also used a miracle ingredient, white gauche. We used this to create the mist, the fog, that so often creeps in over the Blue Ridge mountains.
The second day we painted rocks and water. We learned lots of techniques to enhance and give texture to our rocks; salt, saran rap, tin foil, and scrapping with a credit card. Creating believable waterfalls was a bit more of a challenge. We again learned to use quache and worked at making believable waterfalls. Spattering makes the tiny little sparkles that causes foaming water look so real.
The third day we learned how to create the feel of misty mountains —-to create mood. This is done with granulating colors, mixing red, blue and yellow.
Planning your painting with a value study is key to creating a masterpiece, Peg told us. And she told us over and over to “buy quality paper. Her favorite is Arches.
Peg gave us all wonderfully written instructions and marvelous demonstrations. Thank you Peg for an inspirational three days!
Firnew Farm’s 16th Annual Spring Art & Photography show will be held on Sunday, May 19th, 2019 from 1-5 PM.
Over 90 pieces of artwork by 35 local and regional artists will be on display and for sale. We will feature two- and three-dimensional artwork in the Barn Gallery. Our Silo installation will provide educational information from The Socrates Project: Poisonous Plants in Virginia and original Firnew artwork inspired by the project.
Music by Toni Clare
3:00 p.m. Tucker Hill Scholarship Presentation
Firnew Barn Gallery, 19 Wolftown-Hood Road, Hood, VA 22723
John Hancock, CVWG member, presented a critique of our member’s artwork at our April Meeting. His insightful and thoughtful input was very well received and appreciated by all artists who brought paintings for consideration.
–Brenda Hounshell
Thank you to Barbara Gautcher for an interesting and inspiring demonstration of layering texture and applying pattern to paintings.
What’s a substrate? Why can’t I paint on canvas? What’s wrong with no mat? Why all this mess about ‘under cover’? Can I just paint on mirror?
Yes, these are questions you might have as you read a prospectus for an art show. Understanding the terms and the intent of the show can help you decide if this event is a good match for your work at this time.
For as long as it’s been having an Annual Show, our CVWG has held to some ‘rules’ or ‘standards’ to provide both consistently in display and a “level” playing field, so to speak, for artist who enter our show. The requirement of a standard light mat and the use of a simple frame give a visual consistency to the work when hung in for viewing. At McGuffey, the team works hard to make the paintings look consistent by centering all the paintings on a single “eye” line and using invisible fishing line which make the hanging process fairly invisible.
Since 1992, we have used the language “water media” in our prospectus and allowed the use of acrylics. We decided then to maintain the “water” roots of our organization and not accept oil or canvas. Perhaps the next generation of painters who manage our annual exhibition will change these restrictions, but for now, these are the “rules” we expect all to follow. “Under cover” means put Plexiglas (not glass) over your painting that you have matted in a light mat. Plexiglas is lighter and less dangerous if it breaks but one must take care that it not be scratched.
And last, the surface you paint for our show must be paper, and we will accept synthetic paper like Yupo. Another word for that surface is ‘substrate.’ It’s a fun word to use. You’ll sound as authentic as an artist, especially when asked, “What medium and substrate do you use?”
Keep painting. The deadline for entry is approaching! It’s May 4!
Pam Roland, Annual Exhibit Chairman
cvwg.art 