From the President
Embracing Autumn's Palette: A Message to Watercolor Aficionados
Dear Watercolor Enthusiasts,
Embrace the invigorating chill in the air – the fervent heat of summer has graciously subsided. Observe as the monochromatic tapestry of green gives way to a kaleidoscope of autumn hues: reds, yellows, oranges, and an array of greys. The swamp sunflowers are in their prime, splashing the landscape with vibrant, sunny streaks. It's as if nature has laid out a canvas, eagerly awaiting the stroke of your brush.
This season is the quintessential moment to venture into plein air painting. It may present its challenges, but the rewards are the truest colors and a vividness in your art that only nature can evoke. I wholeheartedly encourage you to step outside, to breathe deeply of the crisp autumn air, and to grant yourself the liberty to revel in life and in the grandeur of the natural world. Let this energy flow through you and onto your canvas.
As the cool breeze whispers of the year's end, it's a poignant time to reflect on gratitude. I am deeply thankful for the robust support and boundless inspiration I've received from each TWS member. Your passion for sharing knowledge, your dedication to honing our collective skills, and the enrichment brought by our esteemed guest speakers have been the cornerstones of our vibrant community. Our exhibitions and shows have not only celebrated our talents but have also touched the lives of delighted collectors.
With these reflections, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyous Holiday season, spanning from Thanksgiving to the New Year. May your creative spirit soar, your dedication to our craft deepen, and may you eagerly anticipate the unfolding of another year brimming with fresh ideas and exhilarating events.
Let's paint the coming months with the colors of joy, gratitude, and artistry.
Warmest regards,
Natalia Andreeva
President, TaWS
Tallahassee Watercolor Society,
Signature Member AIS, PAPSE, OPA
Artist Presenter for our General Meeting November 19
Michael Harrell
Michael J. Harrell is a native of Tallahassee, Florida. He received a B.F.A. from the University of Georgia in 1988.
His oils and watercolors have, won numerous awards and can be found in corporate and private collections around the country. The Hilt "Harrell possesses a total command of his medium" and that his recent one-man show was on Head Island Packet recently wrote that a "resounding success." For six years Harrell was invited to participate in the American Miniature Show at Settlers West Gallery in Tucson, Arizona, featuring two hundred of America's top artists.
Harrell's work is reminiscent of American realists such as Andrew Wythe and Winslow Home and he is well known for his remarkable ability to capture the luminous effects of light. In 2005, "The Artists Magazine" list America to watch.
Corporate clients include the community of Seaside, Florida, MasterCard, American Express, and Paramount Pictures, Maritime Museum at Mystic Seaport, & The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.
Michael’s presentation will consist of analyzing 2-4 Winslow Homer paintings (He will bring a few reproductions of his), & show how his techniques were likely done, colors used, etc.. basically, how to “read” a painting to figure out how to employ similar methods in your own artwork. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear and see this Demo and Presentation!
Brush Strokes Member Exhibit
This year’s member exhibit is on display in the Tallahassee City Hall gallery through November 27. If you have not yet seen it, you still have time. Or if you’ve seen it once, go again. 300 S. Adams St.
The juried show features the work of 35 member artists:
- Celia Adamson
- Sherry Allen
- Natalia Andreeva
- Marina Brown
- Barbara Buckingham
- Fran Dellaporta
- Judith Ehrhardt
- Irene Ellis
- Rosemary Ferguson
- Echo Gates
- Harold Griner
- Marty Holland
- Jody Jones
- Lyna Knight
- Duke Kraai
- Jennifer Lange
- Robin Lee Makowski
- William McKeown
- Carolyn Molder
- Yoshiko Murdick
- Karin Murray
- Mary Neel
- Michael Parramore
- Phillip Pollock
- Nathaniel Pye
- Eluster Richardson
- Elena Scibelli
- Mary O Smith
- Gita Soltani
- Janis Spitzer
- Jenny Swearingen
- Don Taylor
- Mary Liz Tippin-Moody
- Lisa Waxman
- Suzanna Winton
Reminder to artists in the show- Pick Up is Tuesday, November 28 from 9- 11 AM. We look forward to seeing you.
We would also like to give another shout out to the art vendors who supported this year’s show with donations of merchandise and gift cards. Please consider making purchases from them.
Sam McCoy gave a fascinating presentation October 15th at our general membership meeting!
Artist Dialogue at the Library
Looking for a fun time on Sunday afternoons? The monthly Artist Dialogue at the Library may be just the right fit. It is a great opportunity to network with fellow watercolorists and share insights on how to improve your art going forward. Bring one or a few recently completed or in progress watercolor paintings to share and spark discussion.
First Sunday (with a few exceptions) of each month
Leroy Collins Downtown Library
200 W Park Ave
Tallahassee, Fl
2-4 PM
Next two meetings
- November 5 in the Magnolia Room on the 2nd floor
- December 10 in Room B on the 1st floor (note date shift)
Robin Lee Makowski
Robin Lee Makowski, NWS, FWS, NMWS-MP, WFWS, earned Master Painter status from the New Mexico Watercolor Society! Requirements were having been a Signature Member for more than two years, be active in the society, and having been accepted to four National Shows.
There was no painting involved - it was an application, but here is the painting that won an Honorable Mention in the New Mexico Watercolor Society Spring Show: Color Wheel, Transparent Watercolor on Paper, 13" x 9".
Marina Brown
So Amanda Karoith is assisting the Tallahassee Symphony in compiling and publishing a new book titled: T is for Tallahassee, which uses examples of local artists' work to illustrate each letter of the alphabet as it applies to music in and about our city. One of my pieces was chosen to illustrate "L" and the songs of a woman known as The Tallahassee Lassie.
The book will be launched at Hearth and Soul on November 19th from noon till 3pm.
Tallahassee Memorial Rehabilitation Center Partnership
The Tallahassee Watercolor Society is pleased to continue its partnership with Tallahassee Memorial Health Care, by providing paintings at the Rehabilitation Center on Medical Drive. The rotating exhibit in the center hallway of the outpatient area features the work of member artists on a rotating basis. Staff and patients continually comment on how appreciative they are of the artwork and artists. The works raise spirits and provide inspiration to those who need rehabilitation to recover from illness or injury. Many of the pieces are available for purchase, with 20% of the sale price going to the TMH Foundation to support improved health care outcomes and the community in general.
The current display which went up in early October, features 17 watercolor paintings from the following members:
- Anna Drake
- Beverly Harding
- Lynn Heacock
- Bob Huskey
- Jennifer Lange
- Nikki LoRe
- Carolyn Molder
- Tristin Mor
- Yoshiko Murdick
- Elena Scibelli
- Mary Liz Tippin-Moody
- Charles Townsend
- Lisa Waxman
The display will change again in early 2024. Please consider participating in this project, and a similar one at the Cancer Center. Further information will be provided via e-mail as the dates near.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Jennifer Lange at jenlange@comcast.net
Thank you so much for considering participating in these events. This provides an important community service by bringing joy to the patients, families and staff while giving members an opportunity to display and sell their art.
Show at Tall Timbers
Duke Kraai: Moments in Time
Presented by Gadsden Arts Center & Museum at Gadsden Arts Center & Museum, Quincy FL
On view September 16 – December 9, 2023, Munroe Family Community Gallery
Duke Kraai draws upon his experiences boating, fishing, and hunting to depict naturalistic scenes that serve as a haven. Using blended brushstrokes and vibrant colors, Kraai’s work depicts scenes from Florida, Michigan, and New England. Through this collection of oil and watercolor paintings, Kraai tells us that nature is the safest place to rest when the world is too loud. Kraai has worked as a commercial artist for 20 years and taught himself to paint with watercolors. He entered his first invitational exhibition in 1993, and has since been featured in numerous juried shows around the state of Florida.
WILDLIFE ARTS festival
28th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival
November 9-19, 2023
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the 28th Wildlife Arts Festival. This year’s Festival honors precious traditions of the past, recognizes the beauty of our region and the talent of those who transform it into art, and lays the foundation for the next generation of passionate patrons to move the Festival forward with purpose and care.
It’s often difficult to put into words the big feelings that rise from this pristine land. Maybe words just don’t do it justice. Instead, we need art to tell the story of the rich life that surrounds us in the Red Hills region. That’s why Thomasville Center for the Arts and a band of dedicated volunteers have brought the Wildlife Arts Festival to Thomasville for the past 28 years to support creative programming at the Center.
This year, we’re honored to present Brennan Seward as our featured artist. A familiar Festival face, Seward first exhibited with us in 2004. He’ll join 70+ artists and artisans who inspire us to celebrate the sporting life through art. All of your favorite events will return, and as always, we have some fresh new experience in store. Join us!
Opening Nights will feature Dean Mitchell
Dean Mitchell “Navigating the Art World: Building Success Against the Odds” Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist
The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 Jim Moran Building 6:30 pm.
Tickets are on sale now! $40.00. This is the time to purchase! Limited space available.
Refreshments will be served.
Contact Brad Lister at 850.644.1531 Or Ben Poland at 850.644.7670
Susan Stratton is going to see if a special discount can be offered to TaWS members. Regardless, this is a very worthwhile event to participate in! Don’t delay.
Gadsden Arts contrasts renowned painters Dean Mitchell and David Hockney
Presented in three parts, Present Tense pairs the large scale painting by Pop Art painter David Hockney, 15 Canvas Study of the Grand Canyon on loan from Art Bridges, with the work of Florida artists at various stages in their careers. David Hockney is an English-born painter who rose to popularity in the 1960s. Residing primarily in London, Hockney has two homes in California that he uses for inspiration. Throughout his career, Hockney’s background in the Pop Art Movement – creating art that comments on popular culture – has allowed him to explore different mediums like printmaking and collage, in addition to painting. In the 2000s, he began to explore great open spaces as his subjects - in the U.S., most notably, the Grand Canyon.
The first piece featured alongside Hockney’s work is a painting by Dean Mitchell from his award-winning Reservation series. This social realist work depicts the poverty found in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Native American community located in Arizona. In this work, Mitchell breaks from the often-romanticized artistic views of the American West. Dean Mitchell was raised in Quincy, Florida, and captures the quiet essence of the commonplace in rural areas. He celebrates scenes and people in local communities that are often overlooked, like dilapidated buildings and elderly people. Mitchell’s work as an American painter has earned over six hundred awards and critical acclaim on an international stage.
Parts II and III of present tense will be announced in January 2024, so stay tuned for more great art! Experience Present Tense through self-guided visits, guided Group Tours, or one of the museum’s many special events. Call 850-627-5023 to schedule your tour, and reserve our Bates Community Room free of charge to order in luncheon for your own private event. Drop in for one of our new 20-Minute Art Talks offered on the first Wednesday of each month at 12pm, and keep an eye on our website for a new series of Dine & Discover Luncheons in 2024. This project is made possible by generous support from Art Bridges.
Present Tense will be on view in three parts now through June 29, 2024 at Gadsden Arts. The museum is located at 13 N. Madison Street, Quincy, Florida, just 25 minutes from Tallahassee. Exhibitions and the Fletcher Museum Shop are open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10am–5pm. Admission is free for all museum members, children ages 17 and under, families visiting the ArtZone, and children’s groups, and $5 for adult non-members. Guided tours are available by appointment, at 850-627-5023. Information at www.gadsdenarts.org.
About Art Bridges Foundation
Art Bridges Foundation is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton. The mission of Art Bridges is to expand access to American art in all regions across the United States. Since 2017, Art Bridges has created and supported programs that bring outstanding works of American art out of storage and into communities. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 220 museums of all sizes and locations to provide financial and strategic support for exhibition development, loans from the Art Bridges Collection, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. The Art Bridges Collection represents an expanding vision of American art from the 19th century to present day and encompasses multiple media and voices. For more information, visit artbridgesfoundation.org.
CALL to ARTISTS
DUE SOUTH2024: STRINGS ATTACHED
Public Art Competition + Exhibition
Spring brings PUBLIC ART in Thomasville, GA; this year is no exception. The public art Strings Attached celebrates string guitars and guitarists influenced by Southern communities. Through a “parade of guitars” along West Jackson Street, our community will listen + learn about iconic musicians who connected neighborhoods with their music.
Thomasville Center for the Arts is seeking artists to create original works of art for DUE SOUTH2024: STRINGS ATTACHED: a public art exhibition during the 14th annual Due South music, food, and art festival. We invite all artists to create a visual artwork representing a SOUTHERN GUITARIST.
The following dates/deadlines are important:
- DEADLINE to apply – December 1, 2023
- ACCEPTANCE by – December 6, 2023
- MATERIALS PICK-UP – December 12 & 13, 9 am – 1 pm
- DEADLINE for artwork – April 3 & 4 (Load-In)
$30 APPLICATION FEE INCLUDES:
- ONE-YEAR THOM Collective membership with opportunities to exhibit, and sell work, and the potential for an artist residency at The Center.
- ONE – 2.5′ x 6.5′ wooden guitar shape for creating your artwork
- THREE – 7oz samples of paint – the Benjamin Moore color of their choosing provided by Sampson’s Paint & Decorating
- ARTIST BAG full of goodies!
- The chance for BEST OF SHOW – $1000, 1ST PLACE – $750, and HONORABLE MENTION – $250.
- A SPOT in the “parade of guitars” along the W Jackson Street corridor in The Bottom Creative District in Thomasville, Georgia between April 4th and 25th during DUE SOUTH music, food, and art festival
- The OPPORTUNITY to support public art in a small town.
- Artist Reception on Installation Day
A few DETAILS to NOTE:
- Guitars will be individually sponsored as a fundraiser to support public art in Thomasville. Each Sponsor will keep their guitar once the run date ends.
- We will celebrate these iconic Southern guitar musicians during the 14th annual Due South Music, food, and art festival on April 20 between 6-10 PM in the amphitheater.
- You will need a Black/White high-res headshot (from the waist up) – allow room to crop around your image – not too close!
- You will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for commitment purposes.
- You will be required to follow basic guidelines that will include: no offensive images or language
- All artworks must be family-friendly
- All mediums are encouraged to apply
- Once accepted (By December 6), you will receive MOU + guidelines + analogs for inspiration.
PUBLIC ART strengthens community identity and its appreciation for where we live, work, and play. It engages and connects the youth in our community, sparks conversation across neighborhoods, brings people together around common interests and ideas, and bridges the gap between past, present, future, and diverse groups.
Little Known D.C.
Think you know the art scene in our nation’s capital?
Next May 7-11, 2024, join Gadsden Arts staff on a trip to discover the hidden gems in and around Washington, D.C.! We will stay in a 4-5 star hotel steps away from the National Mall, and dine at some of the most revered restaurants. Traveling aboard a minibus, the group will visit the private collection at the Glenstone Museum, the stately Renwick Gallery, the newly renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts, the architecture and history of Ford’s Theatre, the beauty of the mansion at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, and the quirky hidden doors at the O Museum in the Mansion.
Trip fee $2950/person includes 4 night stay at 4-5 star hotel, 1 group breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, bus transport to and from activities, admission and tour fees to museums. Price based on double occupancy.
Reservations: Limit 20 travelers. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to reserve each spot. Open enrollment begins 10/1/2023.
Confirm your spot by mailing your registration form (click button) and check to 13 N. Madison St., Quincy, FL 32351. Flights are not included and are arranged by each traveler. Questions? Contact: Grace Robinson, (850) 627-5020.
Nourish the Artist Within
As an artist, mother and creative entrepreneur, Jenna Rainey knows how life can get in the way of art-making. She also has plenty of ideas for how to push past roadblocks to let your creativity thrive.
Making Magic with Watercolor
“Watercolor is magical! I love the fluidity of the medium and how it moves on paper,” Jenna says. “You really don’t have to do anything extravagant in terms of subject matter to become totally mesmerized by the way it blooms and flows. Quality materials make all the difference, which is why I love working with MaimeriBlu Watercolor pigments, Saunders Waterford paper (my preference is the cold-pressed), and Princeton Heritage 4050 and Velvetouch brushes.”
Breaking Down Creative Roadblocks
The biggest roadblock to creative success that Jenna Rainey sees has to do with mindset. “Creativity is an act of expression, and expressing yourself takes courage,” she says. “We get in our own way 99% of the time. I see students struggle with perfectionism and fear of failure, or just being overly critical of their art. Every artist struggles with these intrusive thoughts at times, which causes a fear of starting and also limits artistic growth because you get stuck in what you’re comfortable doing.” Here are some of the artist’s recommendations for breaking down these barriers and nourishing the artist within.
1
Find Your Flow. Try an automatic writing exercise Jenna calls flow writing. “It’s a simple practice that works even if you’re not a huge fan of journaling, she says. “It’s just a matter of writing for as little as a few minutes and letting the words flow out of you. With no judgment. The process of writing helps develop and strengthen those parts of the brain that are similar to the ‘flow state’ when we’re painting or creating.” Jenna often writes about how she’s feeling in that moment or about something that’s inspiring her. “I usually end up with some fun ideas for what to paint next,” she says.
2
Make Space for Art to Happen. “We create our best work when we become deeply involved in the task at hand,” says Jenna. “If you’re excited to paint but are constrained by an environment of clutter (mental and physical), this becomes a distraction. To remove barriers that might trigger excuses, like ‘I don’t have the time to create,’ and other critical mind interruptions, you should always have a clean workspace that’s ready to welcome you whenever inspiration strikes!”
3
Bring on the Good Vibes. Sometimes you might feel like your creative efforts are still coming up short. “When that happens, I like to go for walks and get out into nature,” Jenna says. “Or, I might just put on a really good playlist.” Here’s one she recommends to help drop into flow state: https://spoti.fi/3GDjsxw
4
Keep it Fun! “Any time you sense resistance, that’s your mind’s effort to restrict flow,” says Jenna. “Do some doodling or try playing with watercolor. Having time dedicated to play and not always being so serious with your practice is incredibly important for growth.”
Jenna’s latest obsession has been to paint big watercolor florals, using large blocks of paper, like the 12×16-inch block of Saunders Waterford block. “I’m creating large-scale florals with fun cropping,” she says. “Not much detail, just flowing and watching the water and pigment bloom and burst.”
Meet the Artist
Jenna Rainey is an artist and self-taught designer who has made it a mission to help others find their creative voice. The watercolor enthusiast has authored two books on the medium: Everyday Watercolor and Everyday Watercolor Flowers. If you want to go deeper on the topic of flow state and find ways to create your best work, and more, check out her online course, “The Art Within” at jennarainey.com/courses. You can also connect with the artist on Instagram @jennarainey, on YouTube @JennaRaineyChannel and at @jennamrainey on TikTok.
9 Tips for Better Designs
When painting with watercolor en plein air, follow Dale Laitinen‘s advice for the best shapes, angles, and experience:
1. Use the largest shapes you can identify in your subject to add structure to the painting. Shift your mind from the objects in the landscape to flat shapes that relate to each other; I call it shape-shifting. Shapes can also be used to create scale, direction, and focal interest.
2. Use negative shapes to hold positive shapes in place. The positive shape is your subject, the negative shape is the space around it. For instance, a tree trunk and limbs are positive shapes, and the empty space around the subject is the negative shape.
3. Direct the viewer by using horizontals, diagonals, and verticals. In “Sun-Washed Slopes,” I used the angles of the snowfield to direct the eye to the shoreline, and horizontals for the placid lake. Due to the subject matter, verticals didn’t come into play much.
4. Pathways can also be made for viewers using combinations of the basic elements of art — line, shape, value, color, and texture. Use them to direct the eye and unify the composition. Everything in the universe is connected to everything else. The same goes for art.
5. Use contrast to depict light and shadow. For watercolor, that means painting dark over light. To paint a boulder, for example, introduce lighter washes first then add darker shadows. In painting the dark values, you actually reveal the light hitting the boulder. Add a cast shadow and the likeness of the rock is complete. Strong contrast leads to a strong result.
6. Use large, wide brushes as long as possible. I employ 3-inch, 2-inch, 1 1/2-inch, and 1-inch to keep my washes fresh and free of busy brushstrokes. As the painting progresses, the shapes become less general and the brushes I use become smaller.
7. Turn to round brushes for more detailed or intricate shapes. Building confidence with large flat brush handling means you’ll need to rely less on the smaller rounds. As a result, your watercolor will be simpler and fresher.
8. “Less is more” is an oft-spoken observation, aimed pointedly at an overly detailed artwork. What you see first should be the last to be painted. For example, when portraying a group of trees, paint the general under-shapes first, then work to the surface details. That way your underlying washes support the smaller shapes, and ultimately the details.
9. Shadows and atmospheric conditions change with time. Refrain from working all day on the same painting. As weather and the light change, the original intent of your painting may get lost. It’s best to stop at a certain point; you can always finish in the studio. Beginning a new work is more productive, and allows you a new perspective on the subject.
Kickstart Your Creativity With Color Studies
Watercolor artist Peggi Habets shows you how to work out composition kinks and make informed color decisions by making a few, quick studies of your subject.
Color studies are small, quick paintings that help you plan for your larger works. They allow you to try a variety of compositions and color options without committing to any of them. Because the studies are small and can be done quickly, I often do three or four of them at a time. What I love about it is that I often end up with several different paintings of the same subject.
When you have your values and color worked out in small studies, you can approach your larger painting more confidently, with less changes. As a result, your painting looks more spontaneous and does not become overworked with adjustments.
Color Studies in Action
The color studies to the right could be turned into four separate paintings. Here are examples of two large paintings that came from this exercise.
6 Tips to Help You Get Started Creating Color Studies
- Keep your color studies small, 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 inches.
- Leave out the detail. Focus on simple shapes and values.
- Try a new color scheme that you’ve never used before. Remember that clothing, hair, grass, trees, even skin tones, do not have to be a realistic color.
- Think Papa bear (dominant color), Mama bear (secondary colors), and Baby bear (discord, or accent colors).
- Mix complements for beautiful neutrals.
- Try different color wheels for new color combinations: Triadic, Munsell, Johannes Itten, Stephen Quiller.
Peggi Habets lives and works in her hometown of Pittsburgh. Her deep love for the fluidity and spontaneity of watercolor have led her to paint and teach the medium for over 15 years.