BWS Highlights Newsletter • February 2024

President’s Palette

February brings thoughts of celebrating relationships with chocolates and flowers. We all need relationships. I often tell those people that I paint with, “We are all in this together.” They laugh and nod their heads in agreement -- as we help each other use the many art supplies that we seem to need. The older we get, the more this is true.

Artists strive to portray settings and feelings that resonate with them in their own art work. I paint my watercolors in a realistic style in the Brandywine Area tradition. No matter what my subject is, this is the way I see it -- this is my foundation. My first private instructors were Chadds Ford Pennsylvania artists from the area where I grew up. I later spent years studying with the colorist, Zoltan Szabo. I can look at my work and see their strong influences intertwined into my paintings. The results make me very happy!

The Baltimore Watercolor Society Signature artists were invited to show their paintings at the Maryland House of Delegates in Annapolis during the month of February. At the reception, the highly respected judge, David Lawton, thanked everyone for including their paintings in this exhibition and “putting themselves out there.” He continued to explain how challenging this is for artists to expose themselves in this way. David then critiqued several paintings, pointing out details that only someone with an experienced eye could see. I tell people that “I paint when my heart wants to sing.” It is a challenge for any artist to exhibit their artwork, since they probably wonder if others will like their song.

I have found that the spirit of the Baltimore Watercolor Society is one of community and support. Each member that I have worked with has been incredibly kind, very accomplished, and helpful. I want you to know that you are a part of this community. It is a good place to grow strong relationships and support one other. We are all in this together!

BWS President

Join Us for the 2024 BWS Signature Member Exhibition 

Featuring artwork by:

*Paintings on the invitation postcard are by these artists:
(top to bottom, left to right)

Elaine Weiner-Reed, "Chasing Shadows"
Frank Spino, "Fresh Start"
Ruth Lampi, "Locks of Love"
Constance Fisher, "Golden Echo"
Christine Duke, "Veteran's Story"

The Baltimore Watercolor Society will be Exhibiting works from Signature Members at the Maryland House of Delegates on the 3rd Floor Baltimore County Wing.

The exhibit will run from January 23, 2024, through March 22, 2024. There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

The building is open to the public Monday through Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, and is closed to the public on weekends. 

Because the Legislature is in session during the exhibit, parking is very limited. We offer the following plan for attending the exhibit:

From Rowe Boulevard bear right on to Calvert Street. Once you are on Calvert Street you will see a public parking garage on your left (Gotts Court Garage). Park there, and from the garage walk right on Calvert Street to right on Bladen Street. Enter the Maryland House of Delegates at the main entrance on Bladen Street. At the Information Desk in the main lobby, go right and follow that corridor to the end. Elevators will be on your right. Go to the 3rd floor, the elevator will open next to the exhibit hall.

The walk from the garage parking lot to the Maryland House of Delegates is two blocks long. There is an hourly fee for parking.

The March newsletter will feature more about the exhibition, including photos, the award winners, and Judge's notes. 

Design Your Way to Stronger Paintings in 5 Easy Steps
with Lois Ward Wolford

April 1 - 3, 2024

REGISTRATION:

Members: January 10, 2024,10:00 a.m. $290

Non-members: January 24, 2024,10:00 a.m. $320

Registration ends March 24th, 2024, or when the event is full - only one space left!

FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION VISIT: www.bws.wildapricot.org and go to Public Events.

If a member, be sure to login before registering.

Membership Dues and Donations

Thanks to all who paid their dues between October 1st and now. As of January 15th, we still have 89 members who have yet to renew online or send a check to the Membership Chair. Please remember, to be considered on time, dues should be paid by January 31st. If you have sent a check, there may be mail delivery delays, but we will process your check as soon as it arrives.

It is suggested that you pay your dues online to expedite processing. Follow the link in the invoice that we emailed to you in December or sign on here to pay your dues online.

You can also pay by sending a check made out to the “Baltimore Watercolor Society” and mailing it to:

Janice Hendra - Membership
103 Avondale Circle
Severna Park, MD 21106

While you are paying your dues, please also consider making a donation to BWS. There are several categories/funds to which donations can be designated and instructions for making a Donation can be found here.

We very much appreciate your continued interest in BWS.

Membership

Welcome New Associate Members

All images are the property of the artists and protected by copyright. No image can be used without the written permission of the artist.