by Paula Fowler, Gallery Co-Director

We weathered the worst freeze most of us remember just a few weeks ago and now spring growth is peeking through the frozen remains of our gardens and bringing us joy…and yes, a few sore muscles from clearing out the dead plants!  We also experienced a taste of spring joy as we opened the images of the 40 wonderful painting that were entered into our April show.  The theme was People and Places, and it was a chance to focus on places real and imagined and people dear to us or only observed from a distance.    See the winners and all the participating paintings here.

We were honored to welcome as our juror this month nationally known artist and teacher, Don Andrews, who has conducted painting workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Africa for over 30 years.  Don is a signature member and past board director of the American Watercolor Society and his paintings have received numerous awards in national watercolor competitions, including three awards from the American Watercolor Society, and two Best of Show awards from the New England Watercolor Society.  You can view his work, his books and classes at his website donandrewsstudio.com.  His demo at the Zoom reception of his loose, wet in wet technique made me want to rush to my studio and try to redo my latest landscapes.  If you missed his workshop, check out some of his videos. 

Don shared with me his juror’s statement for this show and then a summary statement about the winners:

JUROR’S STATEMENT – DON ANDREWS AWS

• ·         “The WAS-H April 2021- People and Places online show is a testament to our diverse love of the medium of watercolor.
• ·         My award selections were based on the artist’s application of color and design principles in their work. Technical skill, gained through much thought and hard work is also appreciated.
• ·         It was a pleasure to serve as this year’s judge and thanks to all who participated.”

WAS-H SHOW AWARDS

First Place:  Larry Spitzberg - New Orleans Conversation

“Overlapping figures in a three-dimensional circular design enhance this personal interpretation.”

      Second Place:  Maureen Lewis - Perfect Medicine

“The emotional story is backed by strong composition.”

      Third Place:  Mohammad Ali Bhatti - Burnes Road Karachi

“This structural city-scape is built on value control of lights and darks.”

      Honorable Mention:  Jan McNeill - Sand Party

“Rich granular washes weld the figure to the reflections.”

      Honorable Mention:  Trish Poupard - Freckled Angel

“A unique division of space, action and rest, unify the painting rectangle.”

      Honorable Mention:  Yasue Motoko - The Cliff Island

“An intriguing view into the creative mind of the artist.”

To learn more about our winning artists and their works, please read Winners’ Words here.

This show would never have happened without the energy and time of our online show team:  Karen Stopnicki, Sally Hoyt, Cissy Geigerman, Nancy McMillian and Beth Graham.

Looking ahead:   Watch for the prospectuses of our up-coming shows that are posted on our webpage about 2 months ahead of the show!  We have some interesting themes and amazing judges.  We’re also planning to return to the in-gallery shows in September!  Stay tuned for details.    I can’t wait to see each of your and your work in person. Remember, your participation supports WAS-H and keeps our wonderful organization prospering!