President's Letter
The word for this month is “Discovery”……
You have taken the time to understand and learn the basics of watercolor. Now it is time to take the next step – experiment. Painting should be a continual evolution of growth. Using new ideas, techniques and products are as important as the first wash you put to paper. When a technique or style works well it is difficult to leave this comfort zone. Experimenting may lead to mistakes but may also open the door to your imagination. This is the time to play. Artist & Author: Joe Garcia, Book: Mastering the Watercolor Wash
The book I have mentioned above is one I have checked out of the library repeatedly. It is a wonderful book with lots of watercolor painting wisdom. At some point I will have to break down and just buy the book to add it to my library. I learn something from each watercolor painting book I read and I really enjoy the process of learning something new.
In the upcoming months our board will be looking for ways to encourage you to try some new techniques, new paints and products. As your artwork evolves with each watercolor demonstration and AWC workshop you attend, we wait with anticipation to see your paintings in our on-line, or in-person art salons and exhibits. With that being said, you will have three major exhibits/opportunities to show your paintings next year. These will all be part of our 50th Anniversary which will be celebrated at different times during 2025. We will be encouraging you to try painting with the 50th Anniversary color, which is gold. If you have had experience painting with gold or gold leaf, please let me know. We would like to have a workshop dedicated to painting with gold, to prepare you for one of the upcoming exhibits in the fall of 2025. Let us discover what we are capable of doing as we prepare for our 50th Anniversary celebrations. It is time to find that artist that is deep in the heart of you, just waiting to be discovered!
I cannot say enough, what a great month April was! Not only did I get to spend a lot of time with members of our club, but I also had ten days with my family from Olympia, WA. I traveled from Baltimore to Philadelphia, New York, and back. There was everything from sports to wrestling, to art exhibits and museums. It was a month I will not forget for a long time. I cannot believe so many things were done is such a short time. I can only say it was a wild ride, but so much fun!! I love making memories!
We hope that you were able to participate in some of the fun this month with AWC. The bus ride to New York was wonderful. The 157th American Watercolor Society's Exhibit at the Salmagundi Club was fabulous, along with the extended time to enjoy the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Earth Day Festival at the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Eastport was also enjoyable. There was music – piano playing and classical guitars and a special dance performance. We had our AWC members artwork hanging downstairs along with some photography and other artwork. It was another nice afternoon shared by all.
We hope to see you at upcoming events in the future! As always, we will let you know what is going on in our newsletter and in emails to our members. Make sure your new wellness routine includes your paint brushes and watercolor paints!
Juanita Green, President |
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Thank you, David Lawton, for critiquing the paintings by our members at the Spring Fling Members' Meeting on April 9th
We enjoyed learning from your professional experience as a watercolor, pastel, and oil painter.
If you would like to see more of David's art work, visit his web site:
https://davidlawtonfineart.com/
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Here is an example of how David’s suggestions, as well as advice from other well-regarded AWC members, influenced our member Dina Weavers to adjust her painting.
(original on left, adjusted painting on the right) |
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May 8: Zoom Members' Meeting
6:30 pm Art Salon presented by Shannon Kelly
7:00 pm Juanita Green will host our General Meeting
7:15 pm Painting Demonstration by Moh'd Bilbeisi
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ZOOM ART SALON
WITH ANDREA NAFT
6:30 PM
Thank you to all who participated in the April Spring Fling critique with David Lawton. He focused on how the composition leads our eyes into the painting and out. It was wonderful to see finished and in-progress paintings. We learned from David’s comments and the artists’ questions.
Please consider sending paintings for the May 8th Zoom Art Salon which will start at 6:30, as usual.
Email your JPGs for the art salon to our PowerPoint Master, Shannon Kelly, at skelly823@gmail.com by SUNDAY, MAY 5. Unfinished work and requests for suggestions are always welcome. This is how we all learn.
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Be sure to include the title, size, watercolor media, and a description about the painting which can include something about your process, questions, and what you felt were the most successful parts of the painting.
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Join AWC On May 8 At Our
Zoom Members' Meeting for our
Guest Painting Demonstrator
Professor Moh’d Bilbeisi
Mo Bilbeisi is an imaginative professor, visionary architect, book author, illustrator, and watercolorist who is driven by an incredible passion for self-expression through art and illustration. He is an award-winning educator and illustrator, and the recipient of many national and international awards in drawing and illustration such as: Ken Roberts Architectural Delineation Competition, the American Society of Architectural Illustrators’ International Competition, and the Design Communication Association William Kirby Lockard Award.
Professor Bilbeisi’s work is noted for its hidden meaning, unique dynamism, elegance, and masterful technique. Moh'd has developed an innovative loose style that blends perceived precision with loose abstract expressionism. His use of vibrant watercolor pigments and expressive brush strokes distinguish his paintings and illustrations. He has had solo exhibitions in in the US, Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE. His work is highly collected by individuals, nationally and internationally by governments, corporations and other entities such as: General Motors, Ducati USA, BMW, SKF Group, Oklahoma State University, Emirates Air, and Hilton Intl.
Moh’d is an avid traveler and his passion for travel and cultural multiplicity had taken him to places, near and far. He is often carrying his graphic journal documenting his experiences. He offers journaling, painting and sketching workshops nationally and internationally emphasizing the importance of graphic literacy and communication.
Moh’d is also a noted author of several books such as Graphic Journaling and co-author of Words and Colors, Creative Journeys, among others. His illustrations have appeared in numerous publications, books, and journal ads. A selected collection of his work may be viewed at his website with links to several of his social media accounts. Visit his website: https://www.mohdbilbeisiart.com/ |
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MONTHLY FEATURED ARTIST
Sabine came to the US from Germany at the age of nineteen with her American husband. After attending various Art schools around the country and being invited by Kodak in Rochester, she started her career in photographic art. She began with retouching negatives and prints to then advance to colored pencils, dyes and oils on photographs. It gave her the experience to work on old photographs that sometimes were in pieces and had to be put together before being restored with airbrushing, colored pencils and gouache. The memories she gave back to families with their heirlooms were very satisfying.
At thirty-two her art career was put on hold for many years while working in the corporate world. A serious illness brought her back to painting in 2013. She chose to learn watercolor for relaxation. In 2015 she was asked to enter her pictures to a Jury with the Baltimore Watercolor Society (BWS). It led to her achievement of a Signature title with the BWS. Two years later she achieved the Signature title with the Philadelphia Watercolor Society (PWCS). |
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Sabine is a member of the following Art Societies: American Watercolor Society (AWS), Annapolis Watercolor Club (AWC), Baltimore Watercolor Society (BWS), California Watercolor Society (CWS), Pennsylvania Watercolor Society (PWS), Pennsylvania Watercolor Society (PWCS), and North West Watercolor Society (NWWS).
She encourages others to learn to paint for the enjoyment and seasoned painters to continue to learn because there are so many different styles and new ideas to try. Joining groups and societies offers so many opportunities to learn by attending workshops
As a Board Member with BWS for eight and a half years and being the Programs and Workshops Chair during that time, organizing all programs and workshops, gave her a chance to work and paint with a lot of different instructors from around the country.
Her husband passed away in 2018 and she left beautiful Carroll County and built a house in the quaint town of Ridgely, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore. She lives with her pets Jill, the cat and her very active Izzi, a Border Collie Mix. Sabine continues to paint and enter exhibitions.(Sabine's paintings are below.) |
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Old Ruin In Eastern Germany |
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A Final Breakthrough With Tears |
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What Are Our AWC Members Up To? |
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Andrea Naft Recommends 100 Heads Society
At a recent Zoom Art Salon, Andrea mentioned that she sketches and paints from a live model at a place in Baltimore called the "100 Heads Society," and we were all interested to know more. Here is what she has shared:
The 100 Heads Society meets on Mondays from 6 to 9 PM at 3500 Parkdale Ave., Baltimore, 21211 to paint portraits from a model. It is located in the Hampden neighborhood. The group's founder and organizer, Lauren Carlo, has secured grants for the group, so there is no charge for the sessions. The group is lively, supportive, and fun loving. All are welcome.
Lauren's Instagram handle is @lauren.carloart. You can also search on Instagram for 100 Heads Society to get updates. Please contact Lauren at 100headsociety@gmail.com for further instructions if you plan to attend. |
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Bus Trip to Salmagundi Club in NYC
on April 13th
Was a Success!
We all enjoyed the amazing paintings by the members of the American Watercolor Society |
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The bus load of happy artists from AWC and BWS enjoyed the ride, good company, and treats shared by Eileen Hempel and Linda Luke. Even some delightful French Macarons Linda brought from Sweet Hearts Patisserie in Annapolis! |
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Our excellent, friendly bus driver Mathew Lee
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AWC organizer extraordinaire, Eileen Hempel |
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Some of the amazing paintings by the
American Watercolor Society |
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The house was a work of art! It is the last surviving brownstone on lower Fifth Ave. Built in 1855 as the residence of Irad Hawley, President of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, and his wife Sarah
(see portraits below). Visit the web site for a tour: www.salmagundi.org |
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The carved mantle was exquisite. Connie had to have her picture taken here! |
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Sarah and Irad Hawley, who built this home in 1853 |
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Wendy is enjoying the vast book collection, along with portraits |
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We also made new friends with BWS members |
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...and just enjoyed being together |
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The rest of the afternoon was spent at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art
~ A treat for the heart and soul ~ |
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EXHIBITS
EARTH DAY AT ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, APRIL 26-28
Annapolis Watercolor Club was splendidly represented at the annual Earth Day Arts Festival at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Eastport on April 26 and 27, where we were invited to exhibit for the second year. Rain and cold discouraged some guests from attending but we still had a lot of visitors to our exhibit in the “Undercroft” and everyone admired the beautiful paintings we had on exhibit. They truly helped to establish AWC as a fine arts presence in the community.
The Festival featured dancers, musicians, singers, poets, speakers and more in the Sanctuary and outside in the amphitheater. The tent outside was abuzz with children’s activities and face painting. The woodland Restoration was resplendent with its redbuds and carpets of blue phlox and bluebells.
Thanks to all of the artists who participated and were there to help throughout the day on Saturday, and a special note of gratitude to those who donated paintings for the raffle. Our own webmaster, Liz Grimes, was a winner of one of the paintings.
We’ll take the summer off and our next exhibit will be in the fall at Wimsey Cove, then in December-January we’ll return to Ginger Cove for our annual exhibit in their gallery.
Next year will be the AWC 50th (Golden) Anniversary and we already have four exhibits lined up (details in future newsletters). AWC members will return to Quiet Waters Park Gallery in the fall with a juried exhibit featuring golden paintings. Be thinking about golden foliage, golden sunsets, goldenrod.
Joan Machinchick, Exhibits Chair |
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Thank you Rector Lauren Bloom for inviting AWC back to exhibit our art at St. Luke's Church during Earth Day |
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AWC members' art work (two sides) |
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Eileen Hempel (AWC VP) and her husband, Brant,, watch their son, Thomas,
have his face painted. |
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AWC members admiring art works |
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Thomas Hempel - a budding artist
like his mom |
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May 11, 2024 - Annmarie Garden Rosé Soirée Wine Festival
Attention AWC Members: Special event! (Not sponsored by AWC)
You are cordially invited to merge your passion for watercolor with the charm of the outdoors at the upcoming Rosé Soirée Wine Festival. This delightful new gathering takes place in the enchanting surroundings of the Annmarie Sculpture Garden in Solomons, Maryland. Imagine setting up your easel among the vibrant spring blooms and majestic azaleas, all nestled amidst whimsical sculptures and serene woodlands. The festival is seeking plein air painters and outdoor artists to not only enhance the event with an artsy ambiance but also engage in lively conversation with the guests. Don't miss this unique opportunity to paint plein air, meet other artists and art lovers, and enjoy a day filled with beauty, creativity, and community.
What You Need to Know:
• Self-sponsored: You are on your own so gather some friends and make the trip! Artists are responsible for bringing their necessary painting supplies.
• Entrance Fee: Waived for artists painting during the festival! Fill out the ACTIVITY BOOTH APPLICATION form noting you are an "AWC member" and "fee waived: approval from Jaimie Jeffrey" in the section titled Anything else you need to tell us?.
Link to the application form: https://annmariegarden.wufoo.com/forms/rose-soiree-wine-festival-24-activity-booth/
• Art Sales: Interested in selling your artwork? Whether it's pieces you bring along or creations from the day itself, you're welcome to do so. Just fill out the required form, and the venue will provide a table for your display and sales. Note on the application form your are an AWC member.
• Travel: Given the festival's location is about an hour from Annapolis, carpooling is a great idea. Share the journey with fellow artists! There is parking but there will be a lot of folks attending.
EVENT DETAILS: "The Rosé Soirée celebrates all things light, flirtatious, and fun."
• When: Saturday, May 11, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (setup time between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM).
• Location: 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD 20688.
• Application Form Due Date: May 1, 2024 (may be extended).
Even though this is not an AWC sponsored event, we request you Register on the Events section on our AWC web site in order to have a head count on how many members are attending. https://annapoliswatercolorclub.org/event-5678304
QUESTIONS: If you have any questions or concerns, call the Annmarie Garden office at 410-326-4640 or email events@annmariegarden.org.
Visit their web site and learn more about this event: https://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/ros%C3%A9-soir%C3%A9e |
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May 14, 2024 -Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm
We invite you to join us for a unique plein air event, nestled amidst the tranquil backdrop of a picturesque pond. Enjoy the beauty of blooming herbs and flowers embracing park benches and wooden bird houses. There are many inspirational places to paint! By joining this event, you're not just choosing a location to paint; you're supporting a philosophy that cherishes and preserves the natural world. Their dedication to nurturing native plants and maintaining a haven for the ecosystem is reflected in every corner of Willow Oak. We look forward to seeing you there!
Place: Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Rd, Severn, MD 21144
Easy access to the indoor restrooms will be available.
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Rain Date: Thursday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fee: None. It is our gift to you.
Meeting Point: In the parking lot near the building entrance upon arrival.
RSVP Deadline: Sign-up on the AWC website by May 4, 2024 |
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WEB SITE
Did you know: you can contact any of the board members with a question or suggestion directly through the website. Go to the drop-down menu under ‘Contact Us’ and select ‘Board Members’ to find a list of our current board. We strive to protect personal information, especially email addresses and phone numbers, since we are all bombarded with spam and solicitations, so that information is not published. Just click on their name to bring up a contact form, and your message will be sent directly to their email address. You can also send a message to any AWC member, but you will need to log in first. When you are logged in, the directory will show up in the drop-down menu under ‘Contact Us’. Find the name in the directory and click on it to bring up a contact form. Liz Grimes, Webmaster |
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MEMBERSHIP
We currently have 187 active members, with nine new members joining in the past month. Welcome to our new members!
Liz Grimes
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SUNSHINE CLUB
Mother May I! May I Help? May I Commiserate?
May I Congratulate? May I Wish You Well?
That is my job here at the Sunshine Club. To communicate with any of our members in need of cheering up or just a good Cheers! Well Done! Please, if you, or someone you know would benefit from one of our Jacquie Lawson e-cards, please send their name, email and occasion to sunshine.AWC.dw@gmail.com and we will salute them with a beautiful ecard.
Thank You, Dina Weavers |
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AWC CALENDAR 2024-2025
(click here to print copy)
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MEETINGS:
May
2 7:00 Board Meeting
8 6:30 Zoom Art Salon by Andrea Naft
7:00 Members' Meeting
7:15 Painting Demonstration by Mo Bilbeisi
June 6 7:00 Board Meeting 12 1-4 pm Seelos Hall, St. John Neumann Ch Demonstration by Debra Halprin
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EXHIBITS:
September (dates TBD)
Wimsey Cove Framing & Fine Art Printing
November 2024 - January 2025
Ginger Cove Retirement Community
EVENTS: May 11
Plein air painting at Annmarie Sculpture Garden
May 14
Plein Air Sketching & Painting: 10 am - 2 pm
Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, Severn MD
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Below are the dates and locations for our 2024 Members' Meetings:
May 8 - Zoom meeting 6:30-8:30 pm
June 12 - Seelos Hall 1-4 pm
(July and August - no meetings)
September 11 - Zoom meeting 6:30-8:30 pm
October 9 - Seelos Hall 1-4 pm
November 6 - Zoom meeting 6:30-8:30 pm
December 11 - Holiday Party in Seelos Hall 1-4 pm
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NEW PUBLICITY COORDINATOR:
Cynthia (Cyndy) Marlette-Adams
CONGRATULATIONS! |
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OPEN POSITIONS FOR
BOARD MEMBERS AND CHAIRS
As noted below, we have the following volunteer positions open.
Please consider serving a two-year term for one of these fun jobs!
TREASURER
EXHIBITS CHAIR
HOSPITALITY CHAIR
Email our President, Juanita Green, for more information
about any of these positions.
Juanitagreen640@yahoo.com
Or email the person in the job at the present time. |
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APPOINTED CHAIRS
Exhibits, Joan Machinchick
410.757.7901, joan21409@gmail.com
Hospitality (open)
Newsletter Editor, and Social Media,
Connie Robinson 410.533.0991
constancejr@comcast.net
Plein Air/Journal Sketching
Jan Morris 443-979-3821
Publicity Coordinator
Cynthia Marlette-Adams 443-223-2373
cynthia.marlette@verizon.net
Art Salon, Andrea Naft
443.255.5353, anaft123@gmail.com
Sunshine Club, Dina Wevers 443.597.2381, high-strung@comcast.net
Webmaster, Liz Grimes,
410.456.2560, lizgrimes@comcast.net |
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Do you have an article to submit? Any friends having an art exhibit?
Email the article to Connie Robinson, Newsletter Editor ,constancejr@comcast.net |
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Copyright © 2024 Annapolis Watercolor Club, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you “opted in” via our website.
www.annapoliswatercolorclub.org Our Mailing address is:
Annapolis Watercolor Club
PO Box 6030, Annapolis, MD 21401-0030 |
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