Artcolony Gift Exchange

The Artcolony is an other blog that I participate in started by Jane Freeman in MN. I was totally blown away and excited when she asked me to become a member some time this year. It is a group of very talented artists that support each other in all matters more than just art. It is truely a great gathering of friends even thought most have never met.

So, the holidays were coming and Jane asked if any of us wanted to do a gift exchange (of paintings naturally ). Jane drew names and we partnered up. I was partnered with Verena Heroux. Proving again just how small the world is, Verena lives in North Carolina near Morehead City and I figure we probably passed each other on the street at least once. She is a wonderfully gifted water colorist featured in the Oct/Nov 2010 issue of International Artist magazine. I am so honored to have received this. Thank you Verena.

Judy Morris Workshop

Last week was the Baltimore Water Color Society workshop with guest Judy Morris. The week went by unbelievably fast...my head is still trying to take it all in. I need to take better notes but then I miss things when I do that. I can't be a good note taker and observe at the same time.
Judy is known for beautiful textures in her paintings and we were privy some of her "secrets" which aren't really secrets at all. Most everyone has tried salt on their paintings at some point but Judy maintains that the paint must be wet and not shiny when you apply the salt. This really is the key. She also used Morton Kosher salt which she says makes a difference as well; the grains being somewhat flaky.

She also when asked, reveled the jury procedure for the AWS show. In a nut shell : The entrees are grouped by signature members, sustaining associate members, non-members and students. Four signature members, the AWS president and a guest juror do a run through of all the slides submitted, then look at each one individually. With a control devise in hand (think Jeopardy), each juror voted "yes" with a push of the button or "no" by doing nothing. They had about six seconds on each painting to decide ! Of the six votes, four to six votes meant admission to the show, three was a "maybe" and got another look, anything less meant, well, try again next year.

Poor Judy. She was unimpressed or negatively impressed by our endless freeways and traffic. I really wished she had been here at least one more day to see all that the area has to offer. We did hit some great restaurants each night and sampled various wines ! And had a couple hours to tour Ellicott City's historical district on the way to the airport. But there was not nearly enough time to discuss or show her all we wanted. You'll just have to come back, Judy. :)

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OK...It's been busy at the Belich household this month. Not a lot of art work being done . But well worth it. I have a daughter now ! Best wishes to Christer & Jessica Belich ! 10/23/10

Utah Vacation and Water Colors

Milo and I are in Utah "Oooing" & "Awwing" at the georgous landscape ! The scenery never ends and the color, shapes and shadows change moment by moment.

This morning while buying a book of watercolor paintings by Don Weller, I asked the woman at the desk if he was a local artist. No, he lives up near Park City but comes down here to paint the wranglers at the lodge. Turns out that he and his family are staying here now too !! He is a very personable man and indulged me by signing the book and taking a photo. It was a real treat talking water colors with him and a BIG bonus to the vacation! Check out some of his work ! You'll love it too. http://www.donweller.com/

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I Heart PA & PA Hearts ME!!

The letter from Pittsburgh Watercolor Socirty came this week and "Jersey Girl" will be included in their Aqueous exhibit this Fall. The show will run from Oct.1-30 at the Fein Art Gallery,19 E. Ohio Street, Pittsburgh,PA (North Side). It's been a good year, 5 for 9, and 3 for 3 in PA....but who's counting!

Wow. What have I been doing for almost a month? I know that I've been on the computer but I guess I haven't been up to blogging.
There has been some news : "Lunch Time for Becca" was accepted to the Pennsylvania Water Color Societys juried show. It will be in Warren, PA this year. Juror was Nick Simmons. Thanks Nick ! Now all I need to do is drive to Pittsburgh to retrieve the painting from Becca and get it to Warren.

Other good news : "Bat Wings & Twirrly Things" was juried into the Philadelphia Water Color Society show ! It will be at the beautiful Goggle Works in Allentown,PA. Juror was Paul Jackson. Thank you Paul ! (This painting continues to surprise me.)

OK, to keep me humble : "Indian Corn II, no 5" was not sellected to be in the National Water Color Societys show in California this year. No worries, I understand how subjective these things can be. I think I'm still ahead of the count this year. One more to hear from. Waiting for the Pittsburgh Aqueous results. Juror is Don Andrews.

OK...back to the drawing board ! Prospectus' come in the mail for next year in a couple months !!!

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My very DEAR friend Cathy with her new T-shirt to benefit the wild critters in the Gulf of Mexico. Cathy doesn't do much "half way" ; she also ordered a mug, a tie and a bumper sticker !!! I thank you Cathy, and I'm sure we helped wash a few birds this way.