by Donna Schultz Van Fleet, IWE Chair
For more than forty-five years, this globally recognized competition has attracted artists from as far away as China and India, and the corresponding, month-long exhibit has been a staple in the art community attended by art collectors and enthusiasts. The 2022 IWE received entries from almost 200 artists from 34 states and 5 nations. From the almost 400 submitted pieces of art, nearly 100 were invited to be displayed in what was described by culture and entertainment journalist Andrew Dansby as "a feast of astounding works."
The 46th International Watermedia Exhibition will showcase artistic excellence of global participants from March 5 – March 30, 2023 at the WAS-H Gallery, and winners will be awarded over $10,000 in cash prizes.
Acclaimed watercolor artist, Brenda Swenson, will serve as juror and judge for the event. Additionally, Swenson will instruct a four-day workshop coincident with the exhibition. A Signature Artist in WW, NWWS, SDWS and CWA, Swenson's art has been featured in several volumes of "Splash: Best of Watercolor", "Watercolor Artist", "Watercolor Magazine", "Watercolor Highlights", "Plein Air Magazine" and numerous other publications. She is the author of two books and an active participant in the arts community as 1st Vice-President of the California Art Club, as well as having served on the board of directors for the National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West.
Entries are submitted through Call for Entry (CaFE') at this link HERE
The deadline for artist submissions is January 13, 2023, and invited entries must be received at the WAS-H gallery by 3:00 p.m. CST, on February 28, 2023, to be included in the exhibition.
To view the Prospectus: Click Here
This exhibit is different from our typical monthly exhibit and understandably we've received lots of questions. We will answer the most frequently asked ones here:
Q: If I enter four framed paintings, can I also enter cards and unframed paintings? YES! The registration link is different, but it works the same way.
Q: If I finish my holiday cards later than the deadline, can I still bring them in? Yes, if you have signed up to submit up to 30 pieces and you have not exceeded the 30-piece limit, you may bring in additional pieces throughout the month of November.
Q: Do my framed pieces have to be wired? Yes, these pieces will be hung on the wall, so we need them to be wired.
Q: Do my unframed pieces have to be wired? No, these pieces will be placed in baskets in the gallery or hung differently. They will not be hung using a wire.
Q. How much do I charge? That's up to you. Remember that WAS-H receives 25% of what you charge and if framed, the frame goes with the painting.
Q. This exhibit is called "Small Treasures," does that mean that my paintings need to have that as a theme? No, the theme of your paintings can be anything. The only thing you need to keep in mind for this show is that your painting can be no larger than 15" x 15".
Q. Do the unframed pieces also have to be small? Yes, the 15" x 15" size limit also applies to unframed paintings.
By Laurie Hammons, WAS-H Member
On Friday a group of friends visited an interesting exhibition of paintings. It was at the Julia Ideson (old) building at the Houston Public Library downtown. It's an eye-opening look at art in the 1930s in Houston and Dallas, the way the two cities developed differently due to the strong influence of two people. They each studied in Paris and Europe from 1888-1890, and then returned to Texas. Frank Reaugh in Dallas continued to paint in the impressionist/regionalist style, while Emma Richardson Cherry in Houston kept up with European and East Coast art movements as they emerged. These two people deeply influenced two generations of artists in their respective cities. It was fascinating to compare how each city's art scene evolved.
There is no charge either for admission or the beautiful 80-page full color exhibition catalog, shown here:
The exhibit is scheduled to run till November 5, subject to change. The Ideson building has been beautifully updated since I last visited. It reminds me of some of the elegant museums I have visited -- at no charge to us! What a treasure.
Find the link to the exhibit information HERE
I spent some time today researching Emma Richardson Cherry’s life:
What an inspiring person!
Meet Katherine "Kat" Rodgers who will be teaching a four-week Introduction to Watercolor course on Tuesday nights (6:30-9 pm), beginning Nov. 1.
A native Houstonian and a graduate from The University of Texas, Kat learned to paint 30 years ago at the Glassell School of Art. She works in oil and acrylic but prefers painting with watercolor for the transparency of the medium.
She is married to a US Army soldier and has found inspiration from the many locations that they lived to include Germany, Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, and Cuba. Kat is happy to return to Houston and is looking forward to teaching again and to being active with the WAS-H community.
You can see more of her work at her website by scanning the QR code or typing her website address into your browser Katherinerodgersfineart.com
By Laura Mossman, Artist Liaison
After the event, I approached our two big sellers, Pei Hong Endris and Laurie Hammons and asked them what the secret to their success was. Here is a summary of their recommendations:
If you are thinking about selling at Art Fairs, our participants have shared their tips for Art Fair success. If you want to read a detailed listing with links to preferred equipment and additional comments on selling tips, read the full "Art Fair Summary" article by clicking HERE
The Annual Art Fair on Saturday, October 8 was a success! It was a beautiful day! The people came, talked to the artists and bought some art. Below you'll see pictures of many of the Artists/participants in this year's event. Total sales for this year is $10,663.68. Twenty-six artists participated in the event.
November Paint-In
MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Class: 10:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Lynn Chatman
Register HERE
Much of Lynn’s work pushes the boundaries of abstract experimentation. She focuses on ways to express the different “seasons” in the circle of life through the use of symbolism, texture and color. Lynn explains “Art is a journey and the road I travel will always be reflected in my work.”
A new member orientation will be held on Friday, November 4 from 1 pm - 2 pm
While this is intended for new members, anyone who has questions or would like to attend is welcome to join us.
Please sign up HERE
Watercolor mapmaking - a tool for illustrating urban sketching, ethnographic study and personal reflection. Not just essential guides from our GPS, maps are also a way to tell our Personal Stories.
At the General Membership Meeting & Demo on November 6, 2022 at 2pm, Ed Pettitt will enlighten us about the different kinds of maps -- representational and metaphorical -- and the various map components -- cartouche, compass rose, symbols and more.
As Ed sketches and uses watercolor techniques to create a map, attendees will gain appreciation for mapmaking as an illustration tool for urban sketching, ethnographic study, personal reflection and decorative illustration.
You may have received an email from Amazon Smile this week asking you to select another Charity. If you have, please click on this link and update your account: Amazon Smiles Program.
Each time you shop, be sure to log into smile.amazon.com (instead of amazon.com). When you do, if you have updated WAS-H as your charity of choice, WAS-H will receive .5% of your eligible purchases (at no extra cost to you!)
Thank you!
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