An Artist's Work is Never Done

After the large, combined conference (Watercolor Society of Oregon and Western Federation of Watercolor Societies) was over April 9, I took a week off. I pulled weeds, read a book, did laundry, vacuumed corners--in other words, I took some time to get my home-life pulled together. But the following weekend, I traveled to Coos Bay, Oregon to attend the opening reception of the Expressions West Exhibition at the Coos Art Museum (CAM).

It was a delight to visit with other artists, meet new folks, and have a good visit with my mentor, Katherine Chang Liu. The beautifully hung exhibit at CAM is full of good art with expressive color. A real bonus to visiting the Expressions West Exhibition is that Katherine and fellow artist, Eileen Senner have a striking two-person show upstairs at CAM. Aside from all the festivities of the opening, I was honored to win an award for my painting "Teen Dreams."

Teen Dreams
Mixed Media, 29 x 21

But as the title of this posts indicates, as an artist, I must continually come up with more art to display, enter into competitions, while selling a painting or two along the way.

So what's next? There are always competitions to enter, but I try to limit the number I send images to. I plan on sending images to San Diego Watercolor Society's 2017 International Exhibition and the National Watercolor Society 2017 International Open Exhibition next week, both big shows I have not yet had work accepted. Many of these exhibitions require work done in the last 2 years, therefore, an artist cannot rest on her laurels! Studio time and creativity are always on my mind.

And I am very happy to have an upcoming workshop in Portland, May 3-6. This workshop is something I've developed to help other artist add more content to their art. Although I have taught many workshops in the past, this is the first one focused on content. I am excited to see how it goes. I truly hope the artists attending will go away with fresh ideas of how to express themselves and new creative energy.

I will keep you posted and review the workshop from my perspective.

After a Big Build-up, "Pour It On" Arrived

For years the Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO) has been preparing to host the Western Federation of Watercolor Society (WFWS) Annual Exhibit. It was our good fortune to be able to hold both exhibits at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, Oregon. The museum also agreed to have a 12 piece exhibit of our Juror Jeannie McGuire's work. These three shows are full of color and energy. The shows demonstrate why watercolor is truly fine art. As the co-chair of this big event (including a 5-day workshop and a 4-day convention) I am now sitting down to catch my breath.

I had several very nice things come with this convention regarding my art. My painting was featured on the postcard published by they JSMA as well as the 8 foot banner that you see above. On top of that, "Will She Be Allowed?" was the featured colored painting in the Register Guard's article about the Exhibit. http://registerguard.com/rg/entertainment/arts/35436062-60/color-me-water-watercolors-get-their-due-at-the-expansive-pour-it-on-exhibit.html.csp. And to top off all that recognition, this painting won an award from Juror Jeannie McGuire.

Will She Be Allowed?
Mixed Media, 29 x 22
*Winner of an Award of Merit*

I have two other paintings in Oregon exhibitions this spring. One is in Expressions West at the Coos Art Museum. That show opens this Friday in Coos Bay, Oregon. I will be traveling down to the opening reception to enjoy the art and see which paintings Juror Katherine Chang Liu has chosen for awards.

Teen Dreams
Mixed Media, 29 x 22

And today I ordered the mat and frame for "When Women March." That piece has been selected by Juror Ruth Armitage for the Emerald Spring Exhibition 2017, in Springfield, Oregon. That show opens on May 5 and will show for the month of May.

When Women March
Aquamedia, 18 x 24

I do hope you all find an art exhibit to visit soon, whether it is here in Oregon or in some other state. I know I have gotten so much inspiration from seeing how others paint and think and express their creativity. Now I am needing to settle in and start painting some of the many, many ideas residing in my mind!!