BRUSHSTROKES
official newsletter of the New Mexico Watercolor Society
Volume 16, Issue 7 July, 2015
Summer Daze...
Here, for your amazement, viewing pleasure and perhaps inspiration, is a group of works by
NMWS members. These recent works are presented together with some thoughts by their
creators about how they were made or inspired. It’s my parting gift to all of you; I have been
challenged and rewarded by the newsletter job for the last two years. Your new editor, Jinkle
Seagrave, will begin with the September issue of Brushstrokes. Remember, no Brushstrokes
in August. Happy Summer Daze! Laurel Weathersbee
“Glory Bound” by Ruth Andrews-Vreeland “What particularly
inspired me this year to paint some of my iris is the many
wonderful sunsets we’ve had this past month, and the way
that “stormy” evening light exposes SO MANY colors in the
iris petals, when you “backlight” them at JUST the right time
of day!”
“Claret Cup” by Laurel Weathersbee
- “I have re-discovered Aquabord and
have been enjoying trying out a loose
style on it. Cactus flowers are eternally
inspirational for me.”
“Tulip!” by Patsy Blasdell - “This summer I will
once again participate in Alto Artists’ Studio Tour in
Ruidoso which motivated me to get out all those
unfinished watercolors and complete them. The
tulip had been saved for years since I thought it
had merit. Finally it told me what to do so I did it! “
“Memories” by Penny Duncklee - “I painted this following what I learned in
the first workshop I ever took with Jim Kosvanec back in 1998...about the
differences between transparent, staining, and opaque stuff. Until recently, I
never used opaque colors. For this painting I used buff Titanium and yellow
ochre. I am very pleased with the brilliance of the painting and will continue
to play with the opaque watercolor paints.”
More summer stunners...
page 4
Prez Sez...
Albuquerque
As we approach the end of our fiscal and operating
year, MANY THANKS are due to our volunteers
who have given so much support to both our
programs and day-to-day operation. The NMWS is
very fortunate to have the members that we do who
will devote some of their time and effort to providing
such valuable and useful workshops, exhibitions,
refreshments, paintouts, books and materials and
overall creative and administrative support to us all.
Also, continuing the “Thank You’s” this month: I want
to welcome Jinkle Seagrave, our new
“Brushstrokes” editor-in-chief, and to recognize
Laurel Weathersbee’s excellent job of providing
such a vibrant and informative newsletter these past
two years. Thank you, too, to the members
who have volunteered to take over board positions
and committee chairs. Without your help we
cannot function as a society…everyone, make sure
you check the latest roster of officers and
committee chairs…this support is much appreciated.
And since we’re on the subject of volunteering,
we are still searching for a new president for the
northern group and a chair for Masterworks…If
you want to expand your social base, be privy to
all of the “inside info” and make a much needed
contribution to our Society, please step up now so
that we can seamlessly continue into next year
(don’t forget the “Best of Show” bonus…).
This month’s Membership Meeting (July 20,
Monday, Board @ 5:30, social time @ 6:30-7:00,
and General Meeting @ 7:00, Albuquerque
Museum) will have our new members presenting
examples of their work. This is always a fun and
interesting time to become better acquainted
and to see the talents of “New Blood.”
Stay tuned for our fall workshops and demos and for
our upcoming Fall Show info. Paint On! and
prepare for the Fall Show.
Las Cruces
It’s summer again and we are all busy, as usual,
with vacations, gardens, yard work, taking kids
swimming and to ball games. Grandparents will
go to the games to watch their grandchildren
play and we will yell and shout and try to pretend
we know what they are doing. (It’s no longer
just baseball and softball like in my generation.)
Sometime in the midst of this we will think about
finding a time to clean and organize our studios,
take some more reference pictures, and finally
put the paint to paper! And there is always
another ‘art show’ that we want to see.
A couple of weeks ago two friends and I went
to Mesilla to see the ‘blooming cacti’, and any
other things that were blooming. We walked
the streets of the small village which I had never
done in almost 20 years of living in Las Cruces.
We always just went to the Plaza and enjoyed
it. I suggest that any of you in the area should
take that tour. It is a beautiful place with its
Southwest architecture in many different styles.
Lots of patios at the sides or in the front of the
homes and beautifully landscaped with all kinds
of desert plants, flowers and cacti. We took
many, many photos as references to paint and
though we can’t paint them all we will always
enjoy the photos and the memories of that trip
with friends. Try it! I think you will like it.
September 13th will be our first meeting after
the summer. We will be opening our year with
an interesting program demonstration given by
artist Bob Adams from El Paso. Also in the year
we will have demonstrations by Dave Sorenson,
Julie Cafee Cruz, Ron Fritsch and Laurel
Weathersbee, among others.
Wishing you a happy and safe summer.
Best wishes for a fun and safe summer,
NMWS OFFICERS 2014-2015
ALBUQUERQUE - MAIN GROUP
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Steve Maize (505) 265-9643
[email protected]
1st VP/Programs: Susan Weeks (505) 2944704 [email protected]
2nd VP/Exhibitions:
Tina Stallard (505) 385-0432
[email protected]
Membership: Joyce Rapp (505) 343-7457
[email protected]
Secretary: Carol Maestas
(505) 828-4886 [email protected]
Treasurer: Toni Seidel (505) 821-1791
[email protected]
LAS CRUCES - SOUTHERN CHAPTER
EXECUTIVE BOARD
2015-2016
President: Kaye Faircloth (575) 382-3673
[email protected]
V.P./Programs: Darrell McGahhey
(915) 857-7300 [email protected]
Treasurer: Sue Ann Glenn (248) 933-2666
[email protected]
Secretary:Beverley Pirtle (575) 647-2780
[email protected]
Publicity: Mayanna Howard
(575) 522-6382 [email protected]
Membership: Linda Keener (575) 915-7576
[email protected]
Exhibits: Janet McLennan (575) 647-2780
[email protected]
Check out the NMWS website,
www.nmwatercolorsociety. org, for more info
about NMWS contacts and events.
REMINDER:
SC is “off” for the summer we’ll re-convene in September
and
Steve Maize
NMWS President
2014-2015
Kaye Faircloth
NMWS-SC Presildent
2015-2016
Albuquerque does not meet in
August.
2
Calls for Entries
Vertu Fine Art Gallery - Socorro
“Facets and Faces of New Mexico”
September
New Mexico artists are invited to submit entries
(online entry only) via http://www.vertuarts.
com/juried2015/ .
Awards will range from $200 for Best of Show, to
$125 (First), $75 (Second), and $50 (Third).
John Math of the online gallery Light Space
and Time (www.lightspacetime.com) has been
selected as juror for the exhibit as well as the
awards. John is a skilled fine art photographer as
well as an online art gallery owner and an artist
marketing specialist, based in Jupiter, Florida.
A catered Artist’s Reception for this exhibit, open
to the public, will be held on Friday, September
4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
NWS 95th International Exhibition
NWS Gallery, San Pedro, CA
Jurors Judi Betts, Soon Warren and
David Poxon. Prospectus, www.
NationalWatercolorSociety.org
SMG Exhibit
Signature Member Group announces an SMG
members exhibition in conjunction with the 2015
Fall Show. There will be room for 30-35 paintings
for members to proudly display their work. We
are also in the planning stage to host a potluck
for the fall Judge/Juror. See details in upcoming
mailed invitation the first week of August.
Workshops
NMWS Fall Workshop
Linda Doll
Sept. 29-Oct. 2 - EXPO NM
Registration is open for the Fall 2015 workshop
with juror/judge Linda Doll, AWS, NWS, a
painter, digital photographer, graphic artist,
instructor and juror. A teacher of workshops and
seminars throughout the US, Mexico, Canada,
France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Ireland and Bali,
she is the Past-President and Life Member of
the National Watercolor Society, a Past Board
Member and Juror of the American Watercolor
Society, and a past Board Member of Watercolor
West . She is a Life Honorary Member of the
Federation of Canadian Artists and an Elected
Life Member of the San Diego Watercolor
Society. Her paintings and drawings are included
in many books and have been used by several
magazines for their covers.
Cost $300, $100 due at registration.
http://www.nmwatercolorsociety.org/
upcoming_events
NMWS-SC Fall Workshops
Michael Reardon
Indoor Oct. 27-29 or Plein Air Oct. 30
Las Cruces
Studio workshop has filled but there is still
room in the 1-day plein air workshop (meet at
Good Sam’s and carpool to a nearby National
Monument), Oct. 30, 9:00-4:00- Hone your plein
air painting skills. Some of the basics of painting
comfortably outdoors will be covered, along with
composition, value and color. A demonstration
will start each day, followed by painting with
individual instruction the rest of the day. No
special equipment required. $80.
Members register and pay on line at www.
nmwatercolorsociety.org OR, register online
and send your check to: Arlene Tugel, PO Box
3761, Las Cruces, NM 88003. Please include
your name, address, phone number and e-mail.
Non-members may participate by paying an
additional $40 fee with the deposit; OR, join the
NMWS for $40 and register as a member. Nonmembers must register directly through Arlene
Tugel with check made out to NMWS-SC. For
more information, contact Arlene at: fullersres@
msn.com or at (575) 532-0918.
Carl Purcell - Paint What You Really See
Farmington Museum - August 20-22
Learn to see past what things are to the hidden
patterns of color, line and shape that make up
what we really see. It’s the heart of realism in
art. $220 per student. Contact Carl Purcell, (435)
835-7892, [email protected] or register
online at www.thewatercolorteacher.com.
Jeanne Hyland - Workshops at Santa Fe Girls
School, 310 Zia Road, Santa Fe
Contact Jeanne to register, (505) 466-1782 or
[email protected]
Wet & Workable; Open Subject (2-day)
Mon/Tues, July 20-21 (9:00-4:00) $180.
Wet glazing on saturated paper creates relaxed
working time. Paint your favorite subject. Learn
to manage moisture in your brush, paint & paper
for better results. It will open your eyes to what
WC can be.
Wet & Workable; Portraits & Pets (2-day)
Mon/Tues, Aug. 10-11 (9:00-4:00) $180.
Take the intimidation out of portraits — discover
they are comprised of shapes, colors and values.
Learn to simplify and break the face down to
paintable shapes and values. Understand facial
proportions and features. Keep the painting
“workable” for hours to lift, sculpt, glaze and
achieve a rich, painterly character.
Jeanne Hyland - Wet & Workable
Artisan Albuquerque (9:00–4:00PM)
Held at Artisan’s Albuquerque store.
3107 Monte Vista N.E., Albuquerque, NM
87112. 505.256.4540—sign up through me:
505.466.1782 or workshops@JeanneHyland.
com. Wet & Workable; Open Subject &
Transparent Glazing (1-day) Sat, August 29 $90
Wet glazing on saturated paper creates relaxed
working time. Paint your favorite floral, still life,
landscape or portrait subject. Learn to manage
moisture in your brush, paint & paper for better
results. It will open your eyes to what WC can
be. Great warm up for painting on YUPO and
Aquabord, too.
Jeanne Hyland
Teacup Garden Studio - Las Cruces
November 9-10
Wet & Workable - Southwestern Still Life
9:00AM–4:00 PM - $180; Have fun exploring
the range of what watercolor can do. Learn to
control edges, glaze color layers for rich color
and form, and easily feather in gradations.
Learn strategies to distill your subject into
simple shapes, values and colors. Southwestern
subject matter; pots, blankets, chilis? Contact
Jeanne, (505)466-1782 or
[email protected]
Jeanne Hyland
Fuller Lodge Art Center - Los Alamos
September 19
Wet & Workable; Fall Still Life (1-day) Sat,
September 19, 9:00-4:00 $84. Wet glazing on
saturated paper creates relaxed working time.
Paint your favorite fall still life subject. Learn to
manage moisture in your brush, paint & paper
for better results. It will open your eyes to what
WC can be. Register at Fuller Lodge: (505) 6621635, fullerlodgeartcenter.com
check page 6 for
Ming Franz classes,
paintout info
3
“Dripping Springs 2” by Beverley Pirtle - “I was inspired by Ron
Fritsch’s recent workshop, working with Impressionist techniques.”
Summer Daze
Stunners
“Yucca Bloom” by Rachel Murphree - “I started
the yucca bloom painting with an overall pale
wet in wet wash of yellows, blues, pinks, letting
the colors make greens approximately where
I thought the stalks would be. When it dried, I
started carving out the blossoms.”
“Anna’s Favorite Flowers” by Linda Keener “I painted my daughter’s favorite flowers for her
wedding invitations, a process which got me started
painting again after a year of not being inspired.”
“Enjoy Life” by Barbara Lewis Dean - “I enjoyed
learning an experimental process using white tempera and black acrylic ink over a “failed” painting,
then washing off the tempera and finding images.
This one is like life -- you have to discharge the
clutter before you can find the good things!”
“Spotted Sandpiper” by David Richman - “I’m trying to improve my treatment
of water...this painting is from a photograph I took of a spotted sandpiper at
Leasburg Dam State Park, near Radium Springs.”
Yes, there’s more! Page 5
4
“South Padre Island Scene” by Barbara McGuire “After attending the Eric Wiegardt workshop in May, I painted
this scene to practice some of the things I learned.”
“Yupo Iris” by Jinkle Seagrave. “My first
attempt in a very long time on Yupo!”
“Derivative FR-2” by Janine
Wilson. “At the beginning
of 2013, I began a series
of geometric hard edge
abstracts derived from
photographs of architecture
or objects like stacked
chairs. My intention is to
do 20 paintings and at this
point I have three more to
do. I’ve learned a lot about
color movement, design and
acrylic painting. I was surprised to find my watercolors
are better as a result.”
“Poppy” by Ruth Burkett - “I’m finally getting back to painting after a long break. This one is out of Kathy Dunham’s
Artists Projects You Can Paint- 10 Floral Watercolors.”
Page 3- NLAPW
Exhibit Info
more
More
MORE!
Page 6
“Funky Cat” by Donna A. Wood. “I experimented with an
under painting of white gesso, which I texturized with some
pieces of poly screen. I painted on top with watercolors
after the gesso dried.”
“Monochrome Landscape” by Cindy Lane. “My son sent
me a picture of a cloudy winter day in Michigan on his cell
phone. This painting is what I drew from that cell picture.
I decided to use only one color (Payne’s Gray); it allowed
me to see the range of values for the gray. ”
5
Paintouts
Albuquerque
July 25 - we will paint at the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area on Simms
Park Rd. off of Tramway near Academy. After stopping at the
entrance to pay the small parking fee, drive all the way around the
loop to the Cottonwood Springs Trail. (Where you turn there may
be a sign that says Kiwanis.) We will meet in that parking lot at
9:30 am. A boardwalk goes up to the springs/pond and along it are
occasional shelters from which one could paint. Bring water. There
are rest rooms. The view is of the Sandias and down to the valley in
the other direction. I’d like to invite those who come to paint to my
house afterward for a light lunch. Contact Karin Cook if you have
any questions - [email protected] or (505) 856-1685. Karin Cook
More Stunners......
MING FRANZ CLASSES
Chinese Brush Painting Demonstration at Artisan, Santa Fe
June 20 1:30pm - 3:30pm at 2601 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM
(505) 954-4179 / http://artisan-santafe.com
Subjects: Bamboo, Orchids,Peonies, Lotus Blossoms, Wisteria.
Chinese Brush Painting Classes at NMAL
Buffy Nelson (505) 293-5034 or www.newmexicoartleague.org
Sundays July 5 & 19; August 2, 16 & 30, Sept. 13 & 27
9am - 12pm
Beginner Watercolor Classes at NMAL
Buffy Nelson (505) 293-5034 or www.newmexicoartleague.org
Sundays July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23; Sept. 6 & 20. 1pm - 4pm
Splash Color Workshop at UNM Continuing Education
Marie McGhee (505) 277-6320 / www.ce.unm.edu
Fridays July 10th and 17th. 9:30am - 4:30pm
Chinese Brush Painting Classes.at UNM Continuing Education
Marie McGhee (505) 277-6320 / www.ce.unm.edu
Mondays July 6, 13, 20 and 27. 12pm - 4pm
“Red Road” by Kathy Gaither. “I’m having my students focus on
learning to paint New Mexico’s distinctive geologic landscape
enlivened by our junipers and pines. Everyone is taken with the
stunning red rock outcrops in the Jemez Pueblo area, but few
embrace the challenge of learning how mix that amazing redorange: (Quinacridone Burnt Orange plus Alizarin) shadowed by
red- and blue-violets. As a geologist I’m teaching myself to keep
it simple and not paint all the detail I know is there. The real lesson is learning to be a better observer of the beauty in which we
live our daily lives.
Keep Going...Page 12!
“Fire and Water” by Ming Franz - “This is my first creation in acrylic on panel.
My agent approached three art galleries in Santa Fe, and they all told her the same
thing: they like my paintings but don’t like the glass, they asked if I can paint acrylic
on canvas or panel. I tried and found it is totally different, the ink does not move,
it is difficult to create what I am used to!”
6
July NMWS Volunteer Star
Jinkle Seagrave
•
Jinkle joined NMWS in approx 2003 (after being pushed a little, she says) by her
first teacher, Dorothy Voorhies.
•
She says she has benefited enormously from the club, in terms of opportunities
to exhibit, demos, and workshops, not to mention friends made.
•
Almost fully retired from her left-brain day job, Jinkle has a fair amount of
experience in writing and editing, and a little bit in formatting and design, so she
decided it was time for her to try to contribute to the society.
•
Please welcome your new Brushstrokes editor!
Don’t hold your applause - WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEER STARS!
Jinkle Seagrave
Did You Know?
Permanent Collection is Yours to Enjoy
In case you didn’t know...NMWS has a large (and
gorgeous) collection of paintings by prominent artists. Most
have been donated, many by past jurors and workshop
instructors, some by past NMWS presidents. For more
details on when and where the permanent collection can
be seen, contact Karin Cook, [email protected] or 505 8561685.
AND the permanent collection paintings can be viewed at
the NMWS website: http://www.nmwatercolorsociety.org/
images_perm_coll
“The Thought: Beauty and Joy” by Mary Ann Beckwith,
donated by Mary Ann when she served as juror and judge
at our fall show in 2010. The painting was created with her
polyester webbing technique, using the “spider webbing”
stretched agross Yupo and spray painting with liquid
watercolors. After drying, Mary Ann used tape and other
masking items to reserve the oval shapes, lines and words,
then rolled over with opaque liquid acrylics.
7
Books, Articles, Videos of Special Interest to Watermedia Artists
Please visit our new watercolor society website and browse our large selection of books on various watercolor topics. We welcome any requests sent to
us by e-mail or phone call and will happily bring your reserved book to the next meeting. If you have interest in a topic or book not available in the library
we would love to hear about it. AND Please return any books you have that belong to NMWS so others may use them. Library Update: All of the newly
donated books have been added to our Library inventory and are available on our NMWS website (resources tab).
Jeanne Hyland DVDs Available
Wet & Workable: Portrait
The latest DVD was recorded at a live demo in Sedona, AZ in the fall of 2014. See how she works her magic and paints memorable portraits.
Both her DVD’s are available at her website at jeannehyland.com.
NMWS Paper Sales
As always, call (505) 296-0273 or e-mail [email protected] ahead for your paper requests or to inquire about prices. Since they do not bring all
the paper to every meeting, please request your paper order PRIOR to the next meeting, so they’ll bring your requested supply. 300 lb. paper is now $10
and the cost of 140 lb. paper will remain at $5 a sheet.
Las Cruces needs a paper sales volunteer. If you are looking for a way to help out, this could be it. Contact SC prez Kaye Faircloth, kayefaircloth5120@
gmail.com.
DON’T FORGET TO SEND YOUR NEWS ITEMS TO JINKLE AT
[email protected]
BY AUGUST13 FOR THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF BRUSHSTROKES!
NMWS Meeting Info:
JULY PROGRAM
Albuquerque
Monday, July 20, Albuquerque Museum - board 5:30 p.m., social 6:30 p.m., program 7:00 p.m. Presentation features new members, who will introduce
themselves and show a few pieces of their watercolors.
SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Albuquerque
Monday, September 21, Albuquerque Museum - board 5:30 p.m., social 6:30 p.m., membership meeting 7:00, program 7:15 p.m. SC signature member
and former Brushtrokes editor Laurel Weathersbee will demonstrate painting florals from photographs. See some of Laurel’s paintings on her blog,
“Teacup Inspiration,” www.teacupinspiration.blogspot.com.
Las Cruces
Sunday, September 13, Good Sam’s Activity Room - board 1:00 p.m., business meeting 2:00 p.m., program 3:00 p.m. Bob Adams, a plein air painter,
will be demonstrating the magic of desert colors using acrylic paint.
OCTOBER PROGRAMS
Albuquerque
Monday, Sept. 28, EXPO NM Fine Arts Gallery - board 5:00 p.m., social 6:00 p.m., program 7:00 p.m. Public painting demonstration by NMWS Fall show
juror/judge Linda Doll; $5 (free to workshop participants). EXPO parking charges may apply.
8
Summer is here and many of us are making vacation plans and digging out our warm weather wardrobe. When you gear up for
summer travel don’t forget your travel watercolor sketching kit. Whether you’re just going up to Taos for a long weekend or
you’re headed overseas, time to relax means time to feed your artistic soul with quick sketches that will remind you of special
moments of pleasure for years to come. Use your time in transit, in airport lobbies, standing in line for tickets, meal times and
other small pieces of down time to capture quick sketches of your experiences. Postcard-sized watercolor paper and a tiny kit
can do wonders, as will basic sketching with a Micron pen. There are many online sources that describe travel kits and travel
sketching. The website makeeverydayapainting.com has free exercises and a description of their recommended travel kit. Try
cathyjohnsonartblogspot.com for another source. See sketchaway.wordpress.com for some inspiring watercolor sketches.
Any kind of travel inevitably involves periods of being carried along in car, train or plane with interesting things whizzing by or
below you. Use those bits of time to make art. A sketchbook, watercolor pencils and a water pen provide insurance against the
boredom and aggravation of delays and long waits. People, their clothes, gear and activities are an endless source for sketches.
Pick a common public activity, such as how people stand in line or their posture when reading a book or e-device., or their hats,
or hairstyles and make a “collection” of sketches of these as you travel. You can quickly add splashes of color with watercolor
pencils. When riding as a passenger in a car, bus or train you can quickly sketch the general shape of the horizons, mountains,
trees, fields, etc. that go by. On one trip I decided to “collect” sketches of the shapes of hay bales and bale stacks in Montana. It
kept me occupied for hours. Who knew there was so much variety in common things? You will when you sketch them.
As you travel you’ll easily find the most well-known landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, etc. that typify the place you visit. Don’t
overlook other subjects like meals of local specialties which you can sketch quickly before you eat. Food shops and markets as
well as clothing stores and street vendors are great small subjects that capture the flavor of a place. You can capture small
snippets of architecture from building facades, often just above your head, so look up. Look down, too. Some outdoor
restaurants allow pets—always an interesting subject. Don’t forget to collect maps, tickets, menus and other ephemera around
which you can build watercolor sketches in your sketchbook.
Take notes like a nature journalist when you’re traveling. With or without a sketch, notes about the weather, wildlife, sounds,
smells, quality of light, and how you felt will take you right back to that place years from now. A quick click of a camera will
capture details of the scene, but the time and the type of observations required for a quick watercolor sketch and color notes will
lock the memory in your mind. We are all more successful when our paintings capture how a scene made us feel than when we
capture only an accurate rendering a camera could have supplied. The bonus: sketching engages our artistic souls. Frederick
Franck observed “When I start drawing an ordinary thing, I realize how extraordinary it is-sheer miracle.” Enrich your travel by
experiencing the small miracles you can capture in sketches and relive the joy of that trip for years to come.
Kathy Gaither
9
WHO WE ARE AND
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
• The New Mexico Watercolor Society was founded in 1969 as a statewide chapter of the Southwestern Watercolor Society
of Dallas, Texas. In January, 1970, the New Mexico Watercolor Society became an independent entity with 501(c)(3)
status.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SOCIETY IS THE ELEVATION OF THE STATURE OF WATERCOLOR AS AN ART MEDIUM
AND THE EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC AS TO THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WATERCOLOR AS
AN IMPORTANT CREATIVE, PERMANENT PAINTING MEDIUM.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO MAKE NEW MEXICO KNOWN NATIONALLY FOR ITS WATERCOLORISTS.
• Signature status is attained when a member has been accepted in five NMWS juried shows with a maximum of two pieces
accepted per year. The initials “NMWS” can then be used with the member’s signature.
• The New Mexico Watercolor Society is a member of the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies (WFWS).
Spotlight: Pam Atkins
•
Born in Cisco, Texas, today Pam lives in Artesia,
NM, with her husband Darrell.
•
Retirement from the public schools in 2010 has
allowed Pam the opportunity to pursue her own
voice in painting and photography through travel,
workshops and increased studio time.
•
As an artist in resident at the Ocotillo Performing
ArtsTheatre, she gives instruction in a variety of
mediums to all ages.
•
Pam is a partner in the Cloudcroft Art Workshops
and enjoys spending her summers taking lots of
workshops in the cool pines.
Pam Atkins
“The White Cross”
“Callie”
“As an artist I strive to show the
beauty of the world that I see. ”
“Cloudcroft Aspens”
10
Bragging Rights
(But It’s Not Bragging if You Can Do It!)
NMWS Signature Group co-chair Andie Nichols presents Arlene
Tugel with her Signature Member certificate at the 2015 NMWS
Spring Members Only Exhibit.
NMWS spring show juror Eric Wiegardt presents new member
Jonathan Keeton with the show’s first place award.
NMWS Prez Steve Maize presents Mary Jane Milz with the
“Artistry of Iron” award at the spring show opening ceremony.
NMWS spring show juror Eric Wiegardt presents the show’s
second place award to Dave Cook.
Sandra Humphries’ “Orange Cliffs” was accepted
into the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 35th
International Exhibition.
Patricia K. Williams had two pieces accepted into the National
Association of Women Artists Summer Small Works Exhibition in
New York City. The show runs from July 8th through July 29th.
At left is one of the two chosen, “Mirror Images.”
11
“Cottonwood on the Rio Chama” by Jonathan Keeton. “An
August afternoon on the Chama, near Ghost Ranch.”
“Rigel” by Carol Larson. “This is a portrait of
my step-grandson, Rigel, who enlisted in the
Marines June 1.”
“A Splash of Color” by Ray Prudhomme. “I bought a new paintbrush and tried it out!”
“Country Cousins” by Tom Nagy. “This
is the third in a new series I’m working
on..."The Littlest Cowboys.”
“Autumn’s Low Flow” by Phil Yost. “This painting of the Robledos is different for me - I ‘stretched’ the dimensions for effect.”
More...Page 13!
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“Spooky Canyon #2” by Jane Fritz. “I have been working on a
series of paintings (5 so far) of slot canyons in Escalante National
Monument in Utah. I was inspired by the marvelous abstract positive and negative shapes created by the silhouettes of the canyon
walls. I find these neutral colors challenging to paint, and I experimented with color temperature in these works. The latest painting,
Peekaboo Canyon 3, was exhibited in the NMWS Spring Show.”
“Consider the Poppies by Helen Gwinn. “My painting is a watermedia/collage. Included in the embedded collage pieces are some
fragments from my journal about the awe I feel when I consider the
intricacies and complexities of creation.”
“The Day the TV Froze” by Mayanna Howard. One day I walked into my studio and a glitch with Comcast had caused my TV to
freeze. I quickly grabbed my camera and got a photo. Over the next 3 months, I painted this, 1/2 square inch at a time and framed it
as a triptych.”
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“Taos Sunset” by Steve Maize. “One of the few paintings I’ve completed this spring...
All my ‘art time’ has gone to matting and framing for the NM Arts and Crafts Show...
Hope to see you all there (June 26 thru 28, Lujan Bldg., State Fairgrounds, Booth
#124).”
“Claret Cup” by Sue Ann Glenn. “I’ve been excited about all the
beautiful flowers that have bloomed on cactus, and plants all over
the desert too. I did this claret cup with a Schmincke Maskierstift.
It comes in a tube type bottle that you just squeeze out through a
small tip. You can lay down a pretty narrow line with it. It rarely
plugs up and if so you can unplug it with a pin very easily! I found
these to be the best for small and narrow lines.”
”Alimentary My Dear Hoatzin” by Susan Weeks. “This bird, the hoatzin, is one we
saw in the Amazon in Ecuador. It has a big crop where it lets its food (vegetarian) ferment. In that way, it is something like ruminants with multiple stomachs in
which they digest their food. Now let me explain what I was trying to accomplish
with the piece. Lately, I like to add some whimsy to my paintings, mostly by playing with the background. I still enjoy painting representationally, so here I tried to
marry a made up background with a realistic rendering of the bird.”
”This summer I am pulling out my stack of unwanted paintings and revisiting their potential for cropping and creating
cards and small paintings.” Jeanne Zschaechner
More...page 15!
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“Sun Worshippers” by P.K. Williams. “I have been
working on a little different style than usual--still
painting fairly loosely but I am using brighter colors
and lots of black ink as well as incorporating geometric patterns in my compositions.”
“Arch” by Lucy J. Hays. “This piece reflects my
interest in nature, its colors and patterns, and the
mood it creates. I have a new website showcasing
my current watercolors: lucyjelinekhays.com
“Time to Garden” by Kay Smith. “I’m still
excited about painting gardens and flowers,
especially with all the rain we’ve had here
in west Texas and our other properties in
Ruidoso!“
At right: “Agave” by Mary Oelschlaeger. “My neighbor told me
about this agave and I grabbed my camera and went over in
early morning to capture the light....a goal in this painting.”
More...page 16!
“Nesting Geese Along the Chama River” by Jane E. Chandler. “Painted with watercolor on five 12 X 12 canvases.”
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“Conversation with My Muse” by Sharon White.
This painting is in memory of my teacher,
Dorothy Vorhees, who always encouraged
her students to get out of their comfort zone.
In this painting she is telling me to move on,
try a different approach to a mundane subject!
Dorothy’s influence reached out to so many
artists in Albuquerque.
“Christmas Cactus” by Joy Calvert. “I
was working on establishing a focal
point and contrasts as well as developing an”S” composition.”
“The Beauty and Love in Nature” by Deborah Odum
Hutchinson. “Painted on Aquabord, a new surface
for me, as I generally use clayboard or paper. It is
abstraction of flowers, my favorite subject to use.”
“Paint Supplies” by Jude Rudder. “I’ve been taking instruction to
brush up on my drawing skills. What’s a better subject to practice
drawing than painting supplies! Once I broke down my subject, it
became more manageable.”
“Black Cat with Orchids” by Barbara Kejr.
“Loved painting this kitty, silhouetted against
a sunny window, with backlit orchids. I was
rewarded when the recipient told me that
she cried for 5 minutes when she first saw
the painting. Made my day!”
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WESTERN FEDERATION OF WATERCOLOR SOCIETIES 40th EXHIBITION
The meetings for the 40th WFWS were held in Lubbock, Texas on May 29 and 30. The
morning meeting, on May 29, was a presentation by the delegates from Colorado, who
will be hosting next year’s WFWS Exhibition. This gives all delegates a chance to make
comments and ask questions. Everyone knows their turn is coming, so any information
on pitfalls and difficulties is appreciated.
In the afternoon delegates were given a tour of Texas Tech University’s Public Art. What
a treat! Texas Tech has a 1% for art program so their beautiful campus is littered with
outdoor sculptures. What a great experience for their students.
On the morning of May 30, the delegates had another meeting to discuss news about
what’s happening in their societies. This is a great way to learn about how other groups
are dealing with current issues. We all are struggling with how to attract new and younger
members without alienating older longstanding members. Everyone is working out how
to deal with new materials and techniques and yet stay a “Watercolor Society”. We also
discuss workshop presenters who’s good and who’s not, value for the cost. Everyone is
dealing with these issues in different ways, so new ideas are always helpful.
“Ministry” by Rex Barron. “...as in George Orwell’s
book 1984...maybe I watch too much news?”
That afternoon we went to the Museum of Texas Tech University for the Awards ceremony and to view the WFWS40 Exhibition. The university hung the show before the juror
had a chance to determine awards, so they chose to hang the paintings by state. It was
fun to see what was happening in other societies and how location can affect paintings.
There is news regarding Signature status for WFWS. The delegates voted to change the
requirements from four WFWS shows to three. One of the delegates brought up the issue
that it is easier to become a signature member (fewer shows required) of the national
organizations than it is WFWS. It was felt that we should try to stay in alignment with
other organizations. Everyone realizes this will makes a lot of artists happy and there will
be a large group of new signature members next year in Colorado.
Congratulations to our three new WFWS signature members, Patricia Baca, Rex Barron
and Tricia Love. Great job!
“All Dressed Up” by Fran Krukar. “I based this on a dress
I saw at a concert. It was such a cool looking dress!”
“Algodones Plateau” by Candice Hogan. “Done for a
“Let’s Paint New Mexico Challenge”. My first time using
watercolor canvas, I experienced some beading and also
found that color lifted very easily, but will probably try it
again.”
The WFWS40 Exhibition will hang thru July 15 at the Museum of Texas Tech University.
Anyone who feels up to making the trip, it is worth a visit. Toni Seidel, WFWS Delegate
WFWS 40 Delegates, our own Woody Duncan third from right, front row.
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“Prickly Poppy” by Georgette Evans Grey. “I see them Socorro and
Magdalena, a symbol of the desert in summer. I love how soft and
white the flowers are, yet how prickly the seed pods are. The beautiful,
big, blousy show with the danger to follow!”
“Street Music” by Woody Duncan. This is one of
a series of paintings of street musicians, from the
photos I took in the French Quarter, New Orleans
when we were there in March.”
“Tree Exercise” by Arlene Tugel. “I painted these trees as an exercise at a Cloudcroft Art Workshop, June 1-5, 2015. Joyce Hicks
is an excellent teacher and brilliantly describes the elements of art
and principles of design while she paints her demos. I encourage
you to attend her workshop, she will be back next summer!”
“The Dwelling” by Pam Atkins. For more of Pam’s works, see our “Spotlight
Artist” feature on page page 10.
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