SUMMER 2018

NEWSLETTER

Mountain Moon by Joe Cibere

2018 Member Show

to believe all that has happened in only three

ROBBIE LAIRD months. This is also the beginning of a new
VIEW FROM A journey, and my introduction has also been
LOFTY PLACE positive. I can attest to the vibrance, intensity,
contrast, talents, and dedication of the new
friends I am making as we work together
Is that giggling? Or is it squealing? Whatever it
for NWS. Their vision and dedication are
is, it is an unexpected expression of delighted
joy! It is the sound of children being lifted far contagious! I may not be giggling or squealing
above their familiar world and experiencing their with excitement, but I am filled with positive
first flight, with a preamble of turbulence enough anticipation! For me, this is the beginning of
to frighten many adults! Their glee has infected a journey that I know will be full of exciting
the entire plane, and joyful anticipation is the possibilities, responsibilities, and challenges.
tone that has been set for all onboard. Can the You are welcome to contact me personally to
earliest part of a journey set the tone for the talk about coming along. Here is some of what’s
whole experience? Whatever is coming next for happening now:
each of us, the introduction to this journey has Although a daunting task, our NWS Bylaws
been positive! Revisions Committee has been hard at work
In my role as president of NWS, I am now a in the last three months. This large committee
veteran of three months! Can that be possible? has spent countless hours, giving the necessary
I am often astounded at the dizzying speed attention to update our structural guidelines. This
of time. Yet right now, it’s impossible for me is spring cleaning! Cleaning out unnecessary
details and descriptions Website! This is the Exhibition where accepted
no longer useful. We artists who are not signature members are invited
are rediscovering the to apply to be considered for NWS Signature
strength of the original Bylaws Changes Membership.
purposes and goals of
Work has also begun on two additional special
NWS. When complete,
exhibition opportunities this year. The first, in
the updates will allow
the NWS Gallery this summer, is to honor our
NWS to remain strong
while functioning in an Vote Yes wonderful NWS Volunteers. The second show is
being jointly sponsored by NWS and Oceanside
expanded version of Together we stand, Strong,
Progressive & Powerful! Museum of Art and will feature NWS artists from
what has become close
Southern California.
to 100 years. We are
now having a legal review of our work and are Here’s an opportunity for you for join us. This
hoping to get the revisions ready for signature is what we need:
members to review, so we can have a vote on the Although we hate to give them up, a couple of
updated NWS bylaws on our October ballot. our dedicated board members want to be free
Exhibition opportunities for our members to find new ways to volunteer their time and
continues to be the heart and soul of NWS. In the talents to NWS. They have given heart and soul
last three months, intense effort has gone into our to their positions well beyond their two year term
two major Exhibitions of the year. commitments. The wonderful thing is that they
It has been amazing to witness the cohesive are ready for new roles and responsibilities and
efforts of Exhibitions Director Penny Hill and her want to continue to be involved. Therefore, we are
team, including Judy Saltzman, website director, on a serious search for the right volunteers to
Denise Willing-Booher, Vice President/Awards, consider for these two Board positions:
and Louisa McHugh, gallery manager. The results • Treasurer
make us all proud. • Director(s) of Exhibitions
Our Member Exhibition, open to all members of And for these two committees:
NWS, was a great success! It began with our • Finance Committee
opening reception on May 5, and is on view at • Centennial Celebration Events
the NWS gallery in San Pedro until June 24. A If you have any experience or interest in these
beautiful job was done by our Juror of Selection areas, and in becoming part of our NWS
and Awards, Mike Hernandez. leadership team, please talk to us about giving
This second major annual exhibition of the year some of your time to these tasks.
is our International Open Exhibition, open to
We would like to have some new names to add to
watermedia artists everywhere! Receiving over
the ballot this fall for the NWS Board of Directors.
800 digital entries from all over the world and
Terms will begin in 2019. You are invited to talk
giving daily help and attention with entries has
to any of our current board members about your
made the month of May a nonstop whirlwind.
interest.
There is still a lot of work being done to get ready
for this exhibition. It will open in October when we Is this a possible new journey for you? It is for a
gather in San Pedro for our Annual Meeting, and few people who are ready and willing to spend a
Awards Celebration Luncheon. small portion of their ‘artist’s journey’ volunteering
The thrilling announcement of the artists to making NWS stronger for all of us!
accepted into the NWS 98th International Robbie Laird
Open exhibition has been posted on the NWS NWS President

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 NWS 2018 Annual Members Exhibition
MAY 2 — JUNE 24, 2018

This year the NWS Member’s Exhibition was chosen from 479 entries and introduced many new members.
Our juror Mike Hernandez made a great selection of diverse and exciting work.The awards in honor of our
past presidents are as follows.
Howard Clapp Award: Anne Crown Cyr, Crab Boats
Arthur Kaye Award: Feeling Lin, Pondering
Roger Armstrong Award: Marion Mettler, The Observers
Jan Carmichael Award: Anita Amrhein, Bird Dog
Katherine Change Lui Award: Gale Webb, Dominant Personality
Gerald Brommer Award: Thomas Schaller, Winter Light, Tverskaya Street, Moscow
Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, 10 am — 2 pm, Saturday & Sunday, noon to 4 pm. Appointments
may be made through the gallery. Also our YouTube channel allows viewing of all accepted works and
award winners online at NWS STREAM.

NWS 2018 Member Exhibition Attending Artists

PHOTOS BY NANCY SWAN

Debbie Abshear Joe Cibere Constance Fisher

Louis Gadal Antoaneta Georgieva Jan Godachy

Kim Granhaug Ron Howlett Cherzz Jennings

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 NWS 2018 Member Exhibition Attending Artists
PHOTOS BY NANCY SWAN

Diane Klock Fealing Lin Carol Mansfield

Yolande McAlevey Louisa McHugh Joan McKasson

Marion Mettler Margaret Mohr Kathryn Morganelli

Gay Paratore Kathy Pate Carla Stolzfus

Deanna Thibault Phyllis Tseng Marilyn Wear

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 The Perils of Plein Air Painting in the Tropics
WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY GARRY HAMILTON

ast week I got myself all equipped and

L ready to paint en plein air in the jungle
near Sosua in the Dominican Republic.
My wife Jo-Ann and our good friends Rollie and
Theresa had rented a car and, in high spirits, we
headed toward Cabarete, a 10 mile drive.
The plan was to drop me off en route, in a
paintable area, and pick me up on the return trip.
We were unaware of the frightening encounter that
lay ahead.
No, I am not talking about armed robbers or
corrupt cops with plans of extortion. No, not even
a herd of cows behind a blind curve strolling along
the highway. This was far more frightening than
those scenarios.
Rollie was driving — his full attention on the road
ahead — when suddenly it happened.
From the narrow space between the windshield
The gecko stared straight ahead through the windshield
and the dashboard, a tiny gecko poked its
like the captain on the bow of a ship directing the pilot.
head up. In perfect unison both of our wives
simultaneously screamed. Calmly, Rollie reached
I believe he waved on the way out.
through the steering wheel to brush the gecko
toward the open driver side window. Nervous giggles were heard from behind,
somewhere between the back seat and the trunk.
The gecko accepted this as an invitation to get
acquainted and ran up Rollie’s forearm to perch Rollie spotted a bare spot beside the highway. He
on the steering wheel. It’s little eyes peered into pulled over and stopped the car. There were cows,
Rollie’s. I waited anxiously to find out if it would some buildings, and palm trees. Very paintable.
open it’s mouth and address us with a cockney
accent like I have seen on TV. I set up my easel under the shade of a large
tree, arranged my paints stared at the scene and
Meanwhile in the back seat, both our wives were mentally composed my painting. Then, as is my
attempting to access and climb into the car trunk. custom, I blocked in my shapes with a 2B pencil.
The gecko gave up trying to steer the car. Instead With full concentration I surrendered myself to the
it ran up Rollie’s arm to his shoulder. From there painting.
it leaped to the top of the baseball cap on Rollie’s
head. It paused and stared straight ahead through Still I could not avoid the feeling that from a low
the windshield like the captain on the bow of a ship hanging branch, just behind my shoulder, tiny little
directing the pilot. Rollie did not take the implied eyes were watching me and my evolving painting.
demotion well. He swept his cap off his head
A trouble-making miniature critic.
toward the open window.
Just one of the perils of plein air painting in the
The gecko exited the car.
tropics. v

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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Daven Anderson’s series of over 50 Linda Cloonan, associate member, had
paintings, THE RIVERS: A Celebration of the honor of having her watercolor painting
Life and Work on America’s Waterways, Southern Exposure featured in the March/
will open with a reception on May 3rd at April 2018 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur
the Evansville (IN) Museum of Art, Science magazine.
and Technology. The exhibition will run
through July 15th. This is the fourth of eight Alicia Farris, NWS, was awarded signature
museum exhibitions currently scheduled status in both Missouri Watercolor Society
through 2021. A 134-page exhibition catalog and Southwestern Watercolor Society earlier
supports the exhibition. Details are available this year. Alicia was also honored to be
at www.TheRiversExhibition.com commissioned to create nine large acrylic
paintings now on display in the hospitality
Lisa Forster Beach, NWS, has been area of the new 430,000 sq. ft. Museum of
awarded the Alden Bryan Memorial the Bible in Washington, DC.
Medal in the 151st American Watercolor
Society 2018 International Exhibition at the Jim Fox’s watercolor illustrations were
Salmagundi Club in New York Çity for her published in a new bilingual children’s book,
watercolor painting “Your Number Is?” Babies Nurse / Así se alimentan los bebés,
released in June. The book was written
Matthew Bird, NWS, was awarded by his daughter-in-law Phoebe Fox, and
First Place in the Northwest Watercolor features Jim’s paintings of animal babies
Society’s 78th International Exhibion for and their mothers. Books can be ordered at
Not Interested, and Honorable Mention www.PlatypusMedia.com.
in Louisiana Watercolor Society’s 48th
International Exhibition for Angel of Music, Jeanne Hyland’s painting, Museum
the Merit Award in the Watercolor Society Lady, was awarded Honorable Mention
of Alabama’s 77th National Exhibition for in the 43rd Annual Western Federation of
For You, the American Frame Award in the Watercolor Societies Exhibition. She also
Texas Watercolor Society’s 69th National received her WFWS Signature Membership
Exhibition for San Pedro Laundry, and with this acceptance.
the Directors Choice Award in the Illinois Jonathan Knight LhD, NWS, SWLM,
Watercolor Society’s 34th National Exhibtion recently had three original works acquired
for The Coming Winter. Matthew’s painting by three museums: Spencer Museum
Branzino for Two won an Honorable of Art (on Kansas University campus, in
Mention in the 2018 Marché d’Aqua Lawrence, KS) purchased Wreathed for
International Biennial Prize in Watercolour- their permanent collection; Nerman Museum
Fabriano, Italy. Jazz By Brennan’s was in of Contemporary Art (Overland Park,
the February issue of Fine Art Connoisseur KS) purchased Dusk for their permanent
magazine in the Today’s Masters feature. collection; and Jenkins House Museum, and
Francesca Brayton achieved Master Artist Showcase of the Palm Beaches (Palm
Signature status with her 10th accepted Beach, FL), purchased Contemplating
entry into Rockies West with the Western Basquiat for their permanent museum
Colorado Watercolor Society while also collection.
receiving a Third Place Award for Kris Preslan has five paintings in an exhibit
Moo-o-o Wisconsin. called Luster: Realism and Hyperrealism in
Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 NEWSLETTER GUIDELINES
We are proud that our members receive so many accolades;
however, we are limited in what can be included.

WE PRINT the following for Signature and Associate

members:
• Awards (only from national or international exhibits
Painting which will travel to different open to all artists. No “members only” shows.)
museums throughout the country for the Indicate the award[s] you received.
next two years. • Recent publications that include your work
• Special honors (i.e., signature membership to
Zhou Tianya, AWS, won The Debra national art groups; serving as juror; having work
Manifold Memorial Award in the Royal added to permanent collections, etc.)
Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) • Inclusion in invitational, solo or two-artist exhibitions
206th Exhibition in London and was elected
as a member of RI.
WE DO NOT PRINT:
Lois Ward Wolford, NWS, BWS, was • Your workshops or websites
awarded Second Place in the 34th Annual • Your inclusion into exhibits (unless you get an award
North American Miniature Exhibition with and it is in an exhibit open nationally to all artists)
her painting Long Line. She was selected • Items more than 6 months old
to juror the 49th Annual Open Exhibition Submitted material will be edited if it does not conform
sponsored by the Laurel Art Guild at the to the above criteria OR in order to fit space available.
Montpelier Arts Center.
Vladislav Yeliseyev, NWS, AIS, was REQUIREMENTS:
featured in the March issue of The Art • Indicate your member status (signature or associate)
of Watercolour Magazine with the article • ACCOLADES: Submit your information PROPERLY
Vladislav Yeliseyev - Uncovering the city’s FORMATTED and in the 3rd person. Use the
Inner Beauty, and in the April-May issue of Accolades section in this newsletter as a guide. Be
Plein Air Magazine with his painting Storm specific about titles and dates.
Over Atlanta. He received the 1st Place • ARTICLES will be reviewed for content and
Award for the painting Green Door at relevancy. NWS reserves the right to accept or reject
the 2nd Annual Laguna Plein Air Painters articles and to edit the contents to fit.
Association National Juried Art Show, • IN MEMORIAM: NWS will publish one submitted
Waterworks, won the Quick Draw 1st photo, space permitting.
Place Award and Best Urban Landscape • CALL FOR ENTRIES: Submitted and applicable to NWS
Award at Olmsted Plein Air Invitational, will be posted on our website.
People’s Choice Award and Quick Draw • WE REQUIRE A PERSONAL SUMMARY OF YOUR
3rd Place Award at Forgotten Coast En ACHIEVEMENTS. A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WILL
Plein Air Invitational.
NOT BE GLEANED FOR CONTENT.

DEADLINES:
NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: Spring: March 1; Summer: July 1; Winter: November 1.
NOVEMBER 1, 2018 ONLINE PREFERRED | [email protected]
Please follow the newsletter guidlines on (Indicate “NWS Newsletter” in subject line, or it may
the right when you make your submissions! be missed.)
MAIL-IN | NWS Newsletter Editor, 915 S. Pacific
Avenue, San Pedro, CA 90731-3201

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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All Together Now
A SPECIAL EXHIBITION FOR NWS VOLUNTEERS

s we approach our Centennial We have extended this invitation to you and

A Celebration year of 2020 we are
endeavoring to honor our members
know you will enjoy the opportunity to exhibit
either some well loved pieces or something new.
in as many different ways as possible. In our The committee will be sending out invitations
upcoming exhibition this summer, All Together to volunteers, if we miss your name on our lists
Now, we wish to honor the many members who please contact me.
have taken the time away from their own painting
to give of their time and talents to NWS. Please Please include in the body of an email a short
join us in this opportunity and allow us to thank bio, how and when you worked as volunteer with
you once again, as we share your work with the NWS. This information will be edited for a wall
community of San Pedro and beyond. didactic.

All Together Now With heartfelt thanks for all your volunteerism for
Exhibition Dates: NWS — you are what makes us great.
July 12, — September 23, 2018 The Board of NWS
National Watercolor Society Gallery For any questions or concerns please contact;
915 South Pacific, San Pedro, CA 90731
Penny Hill, Director of Exhibitions
Gallery Hours Thursday & Friday 10 am — 2 pm, The National Watercolor Society
Saturday & Sunday Noon — 4 pm tel: (+1) 760 908 3389
eMail: [email protected]

NWS Board of Directors

PRESIDENT TREASURER DIRECTOR, SPECIAL PROJECTS

Robbie Laird Alice Kayuha Stephanie Goldman
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT AWARDS DIRECTOR, EXHIBITIONS DIRECTOR, NEWSLETTER
Denise Willing-Booher Penny Hill Matthew Bird
THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT PUBLICATIONS RECORDING SECRETARY DIRECTOR, WEB
Carol Newsom Mary Pennell Judy Saltzman
FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENT DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP PAST PRESIDENT
PUBLICITY N.C. Swan Ken Goldman
Beatrice Trautman

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 NEW NWS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
March 1 — June 1, 2018

Rhonda Anderson CA MingJun Qian China

Maureen Asper PA Patti Resso FL
Helen Beacham SC Sharon Romm WA
Mark Bird KY Susanne Slater CA
Terry Bryson OK Mikhail Starchenko Russia
Karen Brungardt AZ Nancy Taylor HI
Stuart Cantor FL Fei Teng China
T K Chau CA Junco Uras IL
Michael Cessna KS Jean Vivrette CA
William Cherico TX Nancy Walton MA
Toska Courbron AL Bess Woodworth AZ
Carol Delisi MT Pei-Feng Yee CA
Mary Elle OR Robert Zeidler IA
Sandy England NV Dong Zhang China
Belle (Martha) Heppard CO
Joan Judge CO
Janet King FL
Howard Kuo MO
Jennifer Koury NY
Timothy Leahy MD
Xuhui Li China
Yan Liang China
Debby Marriott FL
Andrew Muwanguzi MA
Nancy Mysak MD
Elissa Nesheim CA
Boonkwang Noncharoen Thailand
Michael Pearson SC
David Penman CA
Steve Puttrich IL

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 U
 pcoming International Exhibition
2018 Calendar
Jurors And Alternates

June 1 Entries open for OMA/NWS Exhibition 2018 Alternates

Carla O’Connor Michael Schlicting
11 Exhibitors of the NWS 98th
Linda A. Doll Charles Rouse
International Exhibition posted online Linda Daly Baker Doug Lew
30 Members Exhibition closes 2019 Alternates
Jean Grastorf Zl Feng
July 1 Entries close for OMA/NWS Exhibition
Elaine Daily Birnbaum Bruce Bobick
12 “All Together Now” Volunteers Frank Eber Joe Cibere
Invitational Exhibition opens 2020 Alternates
August 23 “All Together Now” Volunteers Dean Mitchell Chris Krupinski
Katherine Chang Liu William Hook
Invitational Exhibition closes
John Salminen Stan Kurth
October 4 NWS 98th International Exhibition
opens

19 Mixer at the Hilton Double Tree,

ARE YOUR DUES PAID?
CHECK LABEL ON NEWSLETTER
San Pedro See if paid until 4/1/2018
20 Reception and awards ceremony,
annual general meeting and awards If not, please go online to pay:
luncheon, held at The Double Tree, www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org
Hilton, San Pedro, followed by open or send your check to:
reception at the NWS Gallery
NWS, 915 S. Pacific Avenue,
December 16 International Exhibtion closes San Pedro, CA 90731-3201
Membership dues are $50 for
Signature and Associate

ARE YOU A SIGNATURE OR ASSOCIATE

MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING?
Don’t miss out on your member benefits,
make sure your dues are up to date. If
you are lapsed or have questions about
your membership, please contact the
membership director:
Nancy Swan [email protected]

All exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops are held at:

NWS Gallery
915 S. Pacific Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731-3201

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 In Memoriam
Pia Messina, NWS
Born in Turin, Italy, with a talent for colors, Pia was introduced to brush work by her
grandmother who taught her china hand-painting in the Limoges style. She moved to the
US with her husband and two sons in 1969; living in the New York City area, she attended
the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League for several years and became
life member in the League and signature member in the New Jersey Watercolor Society.
Pia resided in Bellevue, WA, since 1989, where she obtained signature membership in the
Northwest Watercolor Society, Montana Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor
Society.

Donald W. Patterson, NWS

February 2, 1930 – January 7, 2018

Don Patterson was a nationally recognized watercolor artist. He exhibited in museums and
galleries across the United States, Japan, and Canada, and was a consistent award winner
in regional, national and international juried exhibitions. He was a graduate of the Philadelphia
Museum School of Art, now called the University of the Arts. Don was a member of the
American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, Allied Artists of America,
Audubon Artists, Inc., and was an Honorary Life Member of the Philadelphia Water Color
Society. He is listed in the Millennium Edition of Who’s Who in America.

Since serving as a Training Aids artist in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War, Don freelanced
as an illustrator and graphic arts designer. He was product manager for the Franklin Mint from
1977 to 1985. Since then, his primary focus had been watercolor.

Patterson had been featured in American Artist magazine, The Artist’s Magazine, Watercolor
Magic, and U. S. Art magazine. In 1990, he was a winner in the American Artist magazine
competition “Preserving our National Resources”. Patterson’s work was chosen for Splash
2,4,5,7,8,10,12,13,15 and Painting the Many Moods of Light, published by North Light Books.
His work appeared in The Best of Watercolor 2, Painting Light and Shadow, and Painting
Texture, published by Rock-port Publishers.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, and his son, Paul, and is survived by two sons,
Don Jr. and Steven, and his granddaughter Jessica.

Arnold Solomon “Arne” Westerman, NWS

March 24, 1927 - April 17, 2017

Artist, trumpeter and Royal Rosarian, Arne Westerman departed this earth on April 17, 2017.
He is survived by his emotional rock, Claire Westerman; his three children – Martin Westerman
of Seattle, Alan Westerman of Portland and Judy Gehman of Tucson.

Arne was one of old South Portland’s native sons. He attended Shattuck GS, Lincoln HS and
Reed College. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving in the medical corps. After
his honorable discharge, he attended University of Oregon and graduated with a BA degree in
Journalism. He married Claire in 1948. He opened Westerman Advertising in the early 1950’s
and sold it 35 years later to become a fine artist. He began in watercolors and was a signature
member of the American, Northwest and National Watercolor Societies. He taught art classes
around the world and would tell you that was one of his greatest joys. His art is featured in
public galleries, art museums, universities and private collections. Images of his paintings have
been published in numerous art magazines and books, and he authored two art books – Paint
Watercolors Filled with Light & Energy and Becoming an Artist Through Pain & Suffering.

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY • SUMMER 2018

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 NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE

PAID
TORRANCE, CA
PERMIT 102

915 S. PACIFIC AVENUE | SAN PEDRO CA 90731-3201

2018 NWS Annual Member Exhibition

May 3 – June 24, 2018
NWS Gallery, 915 S. Pacific Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731-3201

The 97th Annual Catalog

is available for purchase.
Contact us to buy this or
past editions: Still Fragrant with Ruby Wine
Marta Spendowska
www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org/store 2018 Member Exhibition