Designing or creating the composition of your art work is very important in order to end up with a pleasing result. I have been painting for many years, and I find myself doing much of the composing as I take photographs of the subject matter I want to paint. Sometimes I do not consciously think about it. Other times I find myself deliberately taking photos from many different angles hoping that a good composition will result.

The term “composition” is defined by Dictionary.com in the area of fine art as the organization or grouping of the different parts of a work of art so as to achieve a unified whole. The art text book  ART TALK by Rosalind Ragans defines composition as the way the principles of design are used to organize the elements of art.

This article could get really complicated. So much to discuss. But, that is not my goal. So, what do I want to accomplish? First, I want to give you some examples of photographs. Then, I want to give you some ideas that might be used in changing the arrangement of the subject matter in the picture to create a more pleasing composition.

Here goes:

Photograph One: You can change the design of your work just by getting a little closer to the subject. In this photograph of fall leaves I give you two examples. One is further away with a lot of empty space at the bottom of the picture. You can crop the empty space to create a different look. Using photo editing software can make creating your composition much easier.

Fall Leaves from a Distance

Fall Leaves a Little Closer

Photograph Two: In the following photographs you can a beautiful Oregon stream I photographed in the fall. When you compose your art work think about why you want to paint the scene. Ask yourself what drew you to the subject. For me, I was drawn to the fall colors and the movement of the stream. The first photo captures everything. It is a nice shot but the area in the left foreground is not of interest to me at all. I want to eliminate that area and also play up the curve in the stream. I don’t like the way the water ends almost at the left corner of the picture.

Oregon Stream

So, I cropped the photo a little.  I like this better, but I still want to play up the fall color a little more.

A Little Closer

I cropped some more. I placed the colorful trees in one of the golden areas. Don’t know what a golden area is? Click here. This time the fall color really comes into play. I have completely lost my sky in this photo. So, if you wanted sky you would need to do something else. As I cropped this photo I realized there is a trash can lid or something in the water. So, that would be left out. Something else I might do is play up the boulders in the foreground of the stream. I think when I draw this on my watercolor paper I will draw the ones from the picture above.

Even Closer

Photograph Three: In this photograph the composition is confused by all the extras. We don’t need to have so much of the tractor in the scene. The subject or focus is my grandson, Isaac. Isaac is dead center too. I want to move him over a little one way or the other. Remember, golden areas. I also want to leave enough of the tractor to let the viewer know what he is doing or where he is. There is a metal bar behind Isaac’s head. I would eliminate that in the painting. I probably would eliminate the trees and fence line behind him also. Could make the background out of focus.

Isaac on a Tractor

Better Composition

Well, I hope this article helps. There are so many factors involved in creating a pleasing composition. I will continue to write articles about composition on this blog. I would appreciate it if you would leave me a comment. Have a great week!

Plein Air is derived from the French phrase “en plein air” which means in the open air.  So plein air painting would mean painting outside.  Many artists paint strictly in their studio, other artists like to experience the essence of the area they are painting.

When I first started painting years ago, I remember taking a stool, my paints, and other supplies to Tomball, Texas.  I sat out in the heat and did a painting of an old train depot. I found that painting on location was quite a challenge but it was also rewarding. Plein air artists have to deal with weather conditions, insects, dirt, and changing light conditions.

Last year while I still lived on the Big Island, I decided I wanted to try plein painting again.  I bought a nice easel, gathered everything I needed and hiked to Honamolino Beach.  I couldn’t have asked for a better day. I was the only one on the beach.  I found a shady spot under a coconut tree and set up my supplies. I sketched the beach and trees in the distance. I tried to not get bogged down by detail. It was a wonderful day.

I ate my lunch and went for a swim in the warm water when I needed a break.  I really enjoyed myself.  I had to learn to not expect the control I have in the studio. I had to loosen up a bit. My painting did not end up being anything to write home about, but I finished my painting in a matter of a few hours.  That was good for me because sometimes I spend days on one painting in the studio.

If you want more information about plein air painting, there are art organizations dedicated to painting outdoors.  There are also sites on the internet where you can get ideas for the painting equipment you might need, how to best carry your supplies, and how to set up.

If you want to give plein air painting a try, I know of a workshop you might want to attend. Russell Cushman is having a plein air workshop this month on a ranch near Bay City, Texas. Russell is a plein air painter and a friend of mine.  I interviewed Russell in two articles for My Creativity Blog last May. Click here to read that interview.

Russell sent me an email the other day announcing the workshop. It will be held on the 1500 acre Tommy LeTulle Ranch.   The LeTulle Ranch is a wildlife preserve and is on the Colorado River in Matagorda County. Russell will be down in that area judging the Spring Open Art Show at the Matagorda County Museum.

Classes will be held outdoors on the scenic ranch where there are ancient live oaks, wildlife, and cattle.  Students will be able to enjoy coastal breezes, seafood, opportunity for photography, painting and shop talk.

Artists are offered food and lodging, two different painting classes, a photography worksop, lectures on survival, loads of encouragement and networking for $80.00.  Sounds like a great value!  There will be picnics, field trips, and an optional class in Palacios on seascapes (add $58.00)

Here is the schedule:
Saturday March 27:
9:30 – 1:00  – Intro to Outdoor Painting, DU Texas waterfowl landscape. $25
1:00 – 2:00 -  Picnic lunch provided + 30 minutes free time. $8
2:30 – 5:15 – Outdoor Painting workshop with emphasis on Texas Trees. $25
5:15 – 6:15 – Free time to photograph ranch.
6:30 – Seafood in Palacios
8:00 Technology Show and Tell.
Lodging at the ranch bunkhouses is offered to those attending next day for free!  Can’t beat that.

Sunday March 28:
8:00 – 9:30 Bunkhouse breakfast. $8
Free time
10:00 – 12:00 – Photography Seminar: Tricks with your digital camera, Photoshop. $15
(Students may opt to paint without instruction at this time.)
The workshop ends after the Photography Seminar. Russell judges the Spring Open Art Show Sunday afternoon.

Monday March 29:
10:00 – 1:00 – Optional Outdoor Painting workshop in Palacios, Texas – Texas Coast. $25
1:30 – 2:30 Picnic Lunch in Palacios. $8
2:30 – 5:30 Outdoor Painting – The Waterfront. $25

If you are interested, give Russell a call to reserve a spot.  Russell’s numbers are (936)825-8223 or (936)825-8923.  Or you can email Russell at rcush403@aol.com.   You may attend all or part of these workshops.

To learn more about Russell, go to his website: http://www.russellcushman.com.

I wish I could go, but that would be a really long trip for me since I am in Oregon. I  would love to hear from those of you that go. Have fun!

Above Triple Falls

My husband and I went for a hike the other day on a trail that starts at Horsetail Falls. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and temperatures in the sixties. I think the day could be ranked as “perfect” by some.

It was wonderful to be alive and see new things. It was wonderful to experience the beauty of nature, to see the power of God’s creation. It was wonderful to feel my muscles aching as I climbed the steep switchbacks. Well, maybe I could have done without the aching part, but it was nice getting some much needed exercise.

Can you tell I enjoyed the day?  I kept telling myself throughout the hike, “This is why people live in Oregon.”

When we reached our destination we had traveled 2.5 miles and climbed 800 feet. We saw four waterfalls, each with their own unique beauty.  Each waterfall roared with incredible power. I felt a certain amount of respect and fear as I viewed the water rushing over the rocks and cascading down the gorge.  We stopped above Triple Falls for lunch.  I sat on a huge moss covered boulder, enjoyed a sandwich and took numerous photographs. Then we hiked back out.

Today I want to share my photographs of the hike with you. Remember, I am not a professional photographer. But, I do love photography. I have wanted to take a photography class for a long time. I know I have a lot to learn. So, I change the camera settings up and take a ton of pictures. That way I occasionally get one or two that turn out nice.

View during lunch

Oneonta Gorge

Clover on the trail

Looking Up

Triple Falls

#1 - Pomegranates

My husband came home the other day with a sack full of persimmons and pomegranates. They were a gift.  I am not very familiar with this type of fruit, but the shape, color and texture of the fruit was appealing.  I didn’t want to eat the fruit. I wanted to photograph it.

Note: I am not a professional photographer. I am sure that any professional photographer would probably shake their head at my process.  But it works for me when I want reference material for painting.

#2 - Persimmons

So, I will continue. I decided to set up a simple still life.  My husband has a beautiful antique radio that I chose as the surface the still life would sit on.  I gathered up an old white dishtowel, the fruit, my camera and tripod.  At first I thought I would use natural light. I placed the dishtowel on the wood surface and lined up three pomegranates. I took several shots changing the light settings and playing around with how much of the radio I wanted to show.

As I viewed the pictures I had taken I realized I needed some light to make cast shadows to create interest and to make the fruit look three dimensional.  So, I grabbed a light out of my art room and set it off to the side. As I took photographs things started to evolve. Each time I found a shot I liked I took at least three pictures using different light settings. I had the ISO set to 200 and then later changed it to 400 as I continued.

#3 - More Pomegranates

I replaced the pomegranates with the persimmons.  I kept taking pictures but could tell that I wasn’t getting what I wanted. For one thing I was including too much of the radio in the pictures. So, I started focusing closer in on the fruit.  As I looked closer I noticed a reflection of the fruit on the wooden surface of the radio.

I wanted to take advantage of that, so I moved the dishtowel further back to show off the reflection. I placed some of the fruit on the wood instead of on the dishtowel.  But the still life needed something else. So I combined the two types of fruit.  That was more interesting, but something was still missing.

I decided I needed to open up one of the pomegranates. So, I did.  The fleshy seeds looked incredibly appealing in the light.  I knew I was on the right track.  I started focusing on the inside of the fruit.  I got so in to the moment that I lost all track of time. I took shot after shot with hopes that something good would come out of the process.

#4 - Combination

I guess you could say I was involved in the evolution of a still life.  When I started playing with the subject and really perceiving the fruit the composition of the still life got better. My photographs went from contrived and stiff to up close and yummy. (I know that is a great photography term!)

Anyway, I thought that some of you might like to see my creative process when it comes to photographing a subject for reference material. I am including an assortment of my photographs so you can see exactly what I am talking about.  I hope this has been informative. I am numbering the pictures so you can let me know which ones you like. Just write me a comment with the number.

#5 - Close Up

Remember: If you get a sack of fruit and don’t know what to do with it, you can always use it for a still life. Have a great day!

The Golden Areas

When I first started out drawing and painting, I was so interested in getting to the painting part that I didn’t really give much thought as to why I was painting a particular subject or what I was trying to portray. I didn’t think about having a focal point or how the eye would move throughout the composition.

Many of my paintings were nice but I new they could use some improvement.  I found that if I wanted to have a composition that worked; I needed to plan a little in advance.  I needed to really perceive the subject matter and figure out how to make it the focal point of the work.

I began searching for information. I wanted to know the rules for creating a perfect composition.  I read books, went to workshops,  and asked artists how they came up with their compositions.  I won’t get into all that I learned. But I will share with you one trick I found that improved my painting and photography.

The trick is very simple. Place your subject in one of the four “golden areas”.

Where are the “golden areas”?  You can find the golden areas on your canvas or paper by dividing the height and width of the surface into thirds horizontally and vertically.  If you draw lines dividing the surface into thirds; the four “golden areas” would be where the lines intersect.

Let me give you an example:  Let’s say we have a piece of drawing paper 12 inches in width and 9 inches in height.  If you divided the width into thirds; you would draw vertical lines at 4 inches and 8 inches.  If you divided the height of the paper into thirds; you would draw horizontal lines across the paper at 3 inches and 6 inches.

The golden areas of that paper would be where the lines intersected.   The four golden areas would be at a point at:

4″ across and 3″ down,
8″ across and 3″ down,
4″ across and 6″ down, and
8″ across and 6″ down.

Refer to the image above if you are need a visual.

With four golden areas you have four places to put the main subject of your work.  You don’t need to actually draw the vertical and horizontal lines on your paper. You don’t need to measure. You can approximate.

I take thousands of photographs for reference materials for my paintings. I have found that thinking about the golden areas when I am taking pictures really improves my photographs also. I can compose with the camera. Having better photographs to work with helps when creating a design.

When you begin your next painting or drawing start off by thinking about the placement of your subject in your painting or drawing. Would your composition be improved by placing the subject in one of the four golden areas?

Last week I started making a list of watercolor societies in the United States. I thought a list would be helpful to watercolorists looking for art exhibitions, workshops, or information. I had no idea that there were so many. My list got longer and longer. Many states had more than one society. Some states had none or I just haven’t run across them yet.  Some societies are regionally based, some nationally based.

The main purpose of most societies was to promote interest in watermedia, to educate the public and to give watercolorists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. The oldest watercolor society was founded in 1885.  Most societies have their own website where you can see lovely works by the membership. I am posting links on my list to their web sites.

Some societies have different types of membership such as associate or signature membership. Signature membership usually means that you have had work accepted in a certain number of shows and you can add the society initials to your signature. Signature membership is prestigious and most watercolorists that enter shows are working towards that goal.

This list of watercolor societies is a work in progress. If you know of a watercolor society that I have missed please add them to the comment section of this post. I will add to the list as I continue looking for more societies. I happen to be a member of the Watercolor Art Society -Houston and the Hawaii Watercolor Society. Belonging to a society is a great way to get involved and learn more about watermedia.

For those of you that are not watercolorists, please be patient. I will be making lists of other types of societies as well.

• Alabama:

Watercolor Society of Alabama – http://wsalabama.org/ -
The Watercolor Society of Alabama was organized in 1939 by a group of artists. The Society was organized for the purpose of advancing the art of watermedia painting in order to contribute to the enrichment of the cultural environment of the State of Alabama by providing an opportunity to the art viewing public to observe excellent artwork from all regions of the United States. The Society supports and encourages members in their creative endeavors and offers incentives to artists working in watermedia through competitions, exhibitions, and workshops.

• Alaska:

Alaska Watercolor Society – http://www.akws.org/ -
The Alaska Watercolor Society was formed in 1974 as a not-for-profit organization to help promote the knowledge and understanding of professional watercolor painting in Alaska.

Fairbanks Watercolor Society – http://www.fairbankswatercolor.org/
Fairbanks Watercolor Society is a not for profit affiliate of the Fairbanks Arts Association, and actively works to promote the role of watercolor and visual arts in Interior Alaska.

• Arizona:

Arizona Watercolor Association - http://www.watercolor.org/ -
The Arizona Watercolor Association (the AWA) was founded in 1960 by  professional watercolor artists and  instructors. The AWA is growing in stature and membership. It hosts a National Watercolor Exhibition, and two Membership Exhibitions, all juried by nationally acclaimed artists.

• Arkansas: Regional societies available.

• California:

National Watercolor Society – http://www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org/
The goals of the National Watercolor Society are to encourage interest and excellence in watermedia paintings by providing quality exhibitions and to act as an educational channel to pertinent information, exhibition opportunities, and beneficial programs to artists and their public. In addition, NWS sponsors programs to encourage and assist education in the arts.

San Diego Watercolor Society - http://www.sdws.org/ -
The San Diego Watercolor Society is an important supporter of arts education for all ages. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SDWS performs a variety of services for educational institutions in the San Diego area.

Watercolor Artists of Sonoma County – http://www.wascoart.org/ -
The principal purpose of WASCO is to educate the public as to the many values of watercolor and to escalate the acceptance of watercolor as being an art form which should be sought and treasured along with other contemporary art forms.

• Colorado:

Colorado Watercolor Society – http://www.coloradowatercolor.org/aboutcws/aboutcws.htm – The Colorado Watercolor Society is an organization dedicated to uphold the highest standards and principles of art and to promote, encourage, educate and foster an interest in fine art in all media, especially watermedia.

Pikes Peak Watercolor Society – http://home.pcisys.net/~ppwsart/ -
The PPWS was founded to promote excellence in the watercolor painting medium and to encourage artistic achievement in the community. Their first exhibit was held at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs in March of 1988, with a 2nd exhibit during Christmas of that same year.  Today the P.P.W.S. continues to promote and encourage watercolor through its sponsorship of exhibitions, scholarships, workshops, and through its support of other local arts organizations and educational institutions.

Western Colorado Watercolor Society - http://www.wcwatercolorsociety.com/ -

• Connecticut:

Connecticut Watercolor Society – http://www.connecticutwatercolorsociety.org/ -
The Connecticut Watercolor Society was founded in 1938. The society holds two annual juried exhibitions to which all resident Connecticut artists may submit. Membership is automatic once an artist has been accepted into two annual juried exhibitions and membership is maintained through an annual dues payment.

• Delaware:

Delaware Watercolor Society – http://www.delawarewatercolorsociety.org/ -
The Delaware Watercolor Society (DWS) aims to promote and encourage mutually shared interests in watercolor media among its members and the public. The Society works toward fostering high-quality, professional art and creative contributions to the Delaware community through education events, exhibits, and other activities.

• Florida:

Brevard Watercolor Society – http://www.brevardwatercolors.org/ -
A nonprofit organization founded in Melbourne, Florida.

Central Florida Watercolor Society – http://www.centralfloridawatercolor.com/ -
There are four categories of membership in the Central Florida Watercolor Society, Full, Corporate, Life and Honorary.

Florida Watercolor Society – http://www.floridawatercolor.org/ -
In 1972, Guy Beattie, Director of the Maitland Art Center, invited Florida watercolorists to contribute their work to an exhibition.  Miles Batt, AWS, juried and judged the show selecting eighty-four paintings from those submitted. Because of interest in the show, the Florida Watercolor Society was founded, with twenty-six artists becoming charter members. Membership has now grown to over 1,150 members.

• Georgia:

Georgia Watercolor Society – http://www.georgiawatercolorsociety.com/ -
The Georgia Watercolor Society was formed in March 1975. It was organized to advance the art of watercolor painting while contributing to the cultural atmosphere and standards of the State of Georgia.

• Hawaii:

Hawaii Watercolor Society – http://www.hawaiiwatercolorsociety.org/ -
A state-wide organization open to all residents of Hawaii, our approximately 300 members meet to paint, to share experiences, and to explore new ways to create our art, as well as to gain knowledge from each other and acknowledged experts in the field.

• Idaho:

Idaho Watercolor Society – http://www.id-ws.org/ -
The Idaho Watercolor Society was founded in the fall of 1979 to support and promote aqua media, and to educate the public as to the significance of the media. Active membership is open to those residing in the State of Idaho and is comprised of a range of painters from beginner to professional.

• Illinois:

Illinois Watercolor Society – http://www.illinoiswatercolorsociety.org/ -
The mission of The Illinois Watercolor Society is to advance the education and caliber of watercolor painting throughout Illinois.

Transparent Watercolor Society of America - http://www.watercolors.org/ -
From its inception, the purpose of TWSA has been to advance the stature and foster appreciation of transparent watercolor as a major medium. The membership includes artists from the United States and Canada who are dedicated to transparent watercolor and seek an avenue for its expression.

• Indiana:

Watercolor Society of Indiana – http://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/ -
The organization welcomes 25 years of service and growth to the state of Indiana. We encourage anyone who is a water media artist to join our organization and take part in a variety of functions and services we have to offer.

• Iowa:

Iowa Watercolor Society
822 E Williams
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Contact: Bruce Moore
515-684-6997
The purpose of the Iowa Watercolor Society, a nonprofit organization, shall be to support and encourage the advancement of the watercolor medium, and to foster the appreciation and interest of both the artist and the viewing public. 200 members, meets annually in September, newsletter published four times a year.None found.

• Kansas:

Kansas Watercolor Society -  http://www.kansaswatercolor.com/ -
The Kansas Watercolor Society was founded in 1970 for the purpose of encouraging the advancement, appreciation, and creation of watermedia through exhibitions, juried competitions, painting workshops, scholarships, and memorials.

• Kentucky:

Kentucky Watercolor Society
3209 Broeck Pointe Cir, Louisville, KY 40241-2569
Contact Phone:     (502) 326-9256

• Louisiana:

Louisiana Watercolor Society - http://www.lwsart.org/ -
The Louisiana Watercolor Society, which was founded in 1968, exists to advance the art of painting with water media, defined as painting in transparent and/or opaque watercolor on paper, and in unvarnished water-soluble casein, acrylic, and gouache on paper.

• Maine: Regional societies in area.

• Maryland:

Baltimore Watercolor Society – http://www.baltimorewatercolorsociety.org/ -
In 1885, a small group of women founded the Baltimore Water Color Club “to encourage cultural interests in the development of Professional quality, original works of art, executed in aqueous media.”

Western Maryland Watercolor Society – http://www.westernmarylandwatercolorsociety.org/ -
This society was formed to allow watercolor enthusiasts in the Western Maryland region to share common interests and explore new directions in watercolor painting.  We strive to provide educational programs, give members opportunities to show and sell, and raise public awareness of watercolor painting.

• Massachusetts:

New England Watercolor Society - http://www.newenglandwatercolorsociety.org/index.html -
The New England Watercolor Society (NEWS) was founded in 1885 as the Boston Society of Watercolor Painters, becoming the Boston Watercolor Society in 1896 and subsequently the New England Watercolor Society in 1980.

• Michigan:

Michigan Watercolor Society – http://www.mwcsart.com/ -
Founded in 1946, the Michigan Water Color Society is a non-profit organization. The mission of the Michigan Water Color Society is to promote education in the contemporary arts. These goals are accomplished through sponsoring juried exhibitions and awards along with lectures, demonstrations and presentations for the mutual exchange of ideas.

• Minnesota:

Minnesota Watercolor Society - http://www.minnesotawatercolors.com/ -
The mission of the society is to further the development of the watercolor artist by providing a supportive environment with education and exhibition opportunities and to promote public appreciation and greater visibility of the arts.

• Mississippi:

Mississippi Watercolor Society – http://www.mississippiwatercolor.org/ -
The stated purpose of the Mississippi Watercolor Society (MSWS) since its founding is to achieve the objectives of: 1) promoting the artists of the State of Mississippi through the holding of art exhibits; 2) advancing the standards of the arts in general by the holding of art exhibits which include major artists from other states in the nation; 3) raising the interest of the general public in the arts by offering quality exhibitions; 4) and recognizing achievements of artists both within and from without the state by the bestowing of awards, and recognizing those whose dedication to the arts in general has benefited the state of the arts by the bestowing of various other honors.

• Missouri:

Missouri Watercolor Society - http://www.mowsart.com/mainNN.htm -
This nonprofit corporation was formed to increase public awareness and appreciation of water based media; to educate the public and provide support to artists through publications and exhibitions; and to maintain the highest aesthetic standards through competitive exhibitions for artists working in water based media.

• Montana:

Montana Watercolor Society - http://www.montanawatercolorsociety.org/ -
Its purpose is to encourage the advancement, study, appreciation, and creation of watercolor painting in Montana and elsewhere.

• Nebraska: None found.

• Nevada:

Nevada Watercolor Society – http://www.watercolorsociety.com/ -
The Nevada Watercolor Society was founded in 1969 to encourage, promote and advance watercolor painting through the education of the artist and general public.

• New Hampshire: Regional societies in area.

• New Jersey:

The New Jersey Watercolor Society - http://www.njwcs.org/index.htm -
The aims of the NJWCS as put down in its constitution are to exhibit watercolor paintings of professional quality; to increase and expand opportunities for New Jersey watercolor artists, and to promote public interest in watercolor paintings.

• New Mexico:

New Mexico Watercolor Society - http://www.nmwatercolorsociety.org/ -
NMWS was founded May 2, 1969, as a statewide chapter of the Southwestern Watercolor Society of Dallas, Texas. In January 1975, the NMWS became an independent entity. The  Southern Chapter of the Society (NMWS-SC), located in Las Cruces and serving all of the state’s southern counties, was formed in the fall of 2001.The purpose of the Society is the elevation of the stature of watercolor as an art medium and the education of the public as to the significance of watercolor as an important creative permanent painting medium. The ultimate goal is to make New Mexico known nationally for its watercolorists.

• New York:

American Watercolor Society – http://www.americanwatercolorsociety.com/ -
The American Watercolor Society is a nonprofit membership organization that began in 1866 to promote the art of watercolor painting in America.

Central New York Watercolor Society – http://www.centralnewyorkwatercolorsociety.org/ -
The Central New York Watercolor Society was formed in February 1982 with fourteen charter members from the central New York region. Today the Society boasts a membership of over one hundred eighty artists from throughout the United States.

Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society – http://www.nfws.org/ -
The Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society is an organization for persons interested in transparent watercolor.The primary purpose is to advance the stature of watercolor as a major medium through education and to foster the appreciation of both the artist and the viewing public.

North East Watercolor Society -  http://www.northeastws.com/ -
The mission of the society is to promote and preserve the art of watercolor painting.

• North Carolina:

Watercolor Society of North Carolina – http://www.ncwatercolor.net/ -
The Watercolor Society or North Carolina, Inc. (WSNC) is a non-profit art organization; its purpose is to promote watercolor throughout the state and to elevate the standards of excellence in this medium.

• North Dakota:

Red River Watercolor Society – http://www.rrws.20m.com/ -
The RRWS is a non-profit, international organization of volunteer art lovers who strive to advance the appreciation and education of the community and artists at all levels about watercolor.

• Ohio:

Ohio Watercolor Society – http://www.ohiowatercolorsociety.com/ -
The purpose of O.W.S. is to advance the stature of watercolor as a major painting medium, to assist in the education of Ohio residents in the area of aqueous painting, and to foster a greater appreciation and interest of both the individual artist and the general public. To acomplish this, the society sponsors an annual juried exhibition, watercolor workshops, critiques, demonstrations and lectures, and publishes a newsletter which contacts, informs, and shares interests and efforts in the field of aqueous painting.

• Oklahoma:

Oklahoma Watermedia Association – http://www.watercolorok.com/ -
The associations purpose is to encourage the recognition of the State of Oklahoma as a center of artistic endeavor and to educate its artists in water media. This is facilitated through programs, seminars, demonstrations, workshops, critiques, exhibitions, sketching opportunities and other work pertaining to water media.

• Oregon:

Watercolor Society of Oregon – http://www.watercolorsocietyoforegon.com/ -
Founded in 1966 with 85 artists, the Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO) is a statewide organization of more than 800 members. The primary activities of WSO are holding exhibitions of members work and providing education opportunities, both for the members and others interested in the creation and appreciation of the visual arts.

• Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania Watercolor Society -  http://www.pwswc.com/ -
The mission of the society is to encourage, promote and advance water media painting on paper through the education of artists and the general public.

• Rhode Island:

Rhode Island Watercolor Society – http://www.riws.org/ -
Founded in 1896, Rhode island Watercolor Society (RIWS) is one of the oldest watercolor organizations in America. With over 300 members, RIWS provides artists and the general public the opportunity to view, purchase, exhibit and learn about watermedia art.

• South Carolina:

South Carolina Watercolor Society – http://www.fineartsemporium.com/scws/SCWS.htm -
Since 1977, the South Carolina Watermedia Society has been promoting the artistic and professional interests of its members as well as providing visual arts programs to the public. The Society works towards achieving its goals by making the accomplishments of its members available to a broad base of South Carolinians.

• South Dakota:

Northern Plains Watercolor Society – http://npwatercolors.com/ -
The society is located in Rapid City, South Dakota.

• Tennessee:

Tennessee Watercolor Society - http://www.tnws.org/
The Tennessee Watercolor Society became an organization in 1971. The first annual exhibition was held in 1972 at the Hunter Museum in Chattanooga. Today we are a Biennial Exhibition organization with a statewide membership of more than 230 members.

• Texas:

Society of Watercolor Artists :  http://www.swa-watercolor.com/ -
The Society of Watercolor Artists shall further the interests of painters in watercolor by its educational programs and competitive exhibits, and shall encourage art students and others engaged in watercolor painting. No bias shall be sanctioned among varying schools of art.

Southwestern Watercolor Society :  http://swswatercolor.org -
Granted a charter by the State of Texas in May of 1964, Southwestern Watercolor Society began as the North Texas Watercolor Society, founded by Reese Kennedy, its first president. As membership expanded rapidly, the organization’s name was changed to encompass a wider spectrum of potential members. SWS has grown to be an international organization and is one of the largest watercolor societies in the nation.

Texas Watercolor Society – http://texaswatercolorsociety.net/ -
In 1949, TWS was founded by Margaret Pace Willson and Amy Freeman Lee with the mission to advance the art of painting in watercolors, and hold annual exhibitions of watercolor paintings.

Watercolor Art Society of Houston – http://www.watercolorhouston.org/ -
Founded in 1975, the Watercolor Art Society – Houston (WAS-H) is a non-profit organization with over 500 members. For over 30 years, WAS-H has brought the excitement of water-media to the greater Houston area with outstanding exhibitions, world-class instruction and dedicated community outreach. Year-round opportunities are provided to every level of painter, from novice to the seasoned expert. Art lovers can also enjoy year-round exhibitions in our gallery in the Museum District.

• Utah:

Utah Watercolor Society – http://www.utwatercolor.net/ -
The Utah Watercolor Society was founded Dec 30, 1974, and continues to operate as a Utah Nonprofit Corporation and Cooperative Association, exempt from taxes under IRC 501(c)(3). The mission is to promote the advancement of the art of painting in watercolors*, and to hold annual exhibitions of watercolors.

• Vermont:

Vermont Watercolor Society – http://www.vermontwatercolorsociety.com/index.php
The Vermont Watercolor Society was founded by a small group of painters in 1995. With over 100 members today, VWS aims to extend the appreciation of transparent watercolor in all its diverse applications.

• Virginia:

Virginia Watercolor Society – http://www.virginiawatercolorsociety.org/ -
The purpose of the Virginia Watercolor Society shall be to foster the advancement and study of aquamedia painting and to provide information about aquamedia painting to the public.

• Washington:

Northwest Watercolor Society – http://www.nwws.org/dnn/
The Northwest Watercolor Society was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1939 to promote an interest in and an appreciation for watercolor as an artistic medium.

• West Virginia:

West Virginia Watercolor Society – http://www.wvwatercolorsociety.org/ -
The mission of the West Virginia Watercolor Society is to promote and insure the high standards of the art of watercolor painting in the state of West Virginia.

• Wisconsin:

Wisconsin Watercolor Society – http://www.wisconsinwatercolorsociety.com/ -
The society was founded in 1952 and was the first art organization to be devoted to watercolor painting.

• Wyoming:

Wyoming Watercolor Society
160 W 6th St, Sheridan, WY 82801-3003
Contact Phone:     (307) 672-8379

Regional Societies:

Southern Watercolor Society – http://www.southernwatercolorsociety.org/ -
The Southern Watercolor Society was founded in 1975, the Southern Watercolor Society is a non-profit corporation (non profit corporation. # EIN 65-0967157 ) formed to elevate the stature of watercolor and educate the public to the significance of watercolor as an important creative permanent painting medium. The corporation is dedicated to the highest aesthetic standards.It is the aim of the organization to further the interests of painters in watercolor/watermedia by its programs and competitive exhibits, and to encourage the study of watercolor by art students and others engaged in watercolor painting.

Membership in the Southern Watercolor Society is $30.00 per calendar year and is open to persons living in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

Here is a simple activity to do when you get stuck and don’t know what to do with your creativity. Go for a walk with your camera or camcorder.  Before you head out, pick one of the Elements of Art as a theme for your photo shoot.

The Elements of Art are:

• value,
• space,
• shape,
• form,
• color,
• texture,
  and
• line

Focus on one element and take photographs that are related in some way with that element.

Furry Moss

Today I did this activity. Lately, I have been very preoccupied with texture. So, that is what I focused on. I also decided to limit my subject a little more by focusing on “texture in nature”.  With that in mind, I went on a one hour nature walk through the woods.

Bark, moss and soft leaves

I had never walked through these woods and had no idea what I would see or find. I was amazed at how dense the undergrowth was. In just a few steps I was hidden from the rest of the world.  I was not far from the road but could not see it. It felt like I was in the middle of no where.

Being a Texan, at first I was concerned about snakes, but then I remembered that my sister-in-law said that there were no poisonous snakes in this area. So, I stopped doing the “head down looking at every shadow walk”.

As I walked through the woods I could feel myself getting lost in the moment. It felt very good. I was looking for interesting texture to photograph, to touch, to enjoy. There were moss-covered trees of all sizes, giant ferns and smaller more delicate ferns, flowers, berries, stumps, snails and more.  I had no concept of time.

I started looking closer and closer, taking shots and changing the settings, going macro in some shots. It was a refreshing walk that revitalized my urge to create. I have new subject matter now and a better understanding of the environment where I am living.

Curled Leaf

Slug hidden under leaves

Patterns

I just recently flew home to Hawaii from the mainland. I was lucky to get a window seat.  When I wasn’t sleeping or writing,  I watched the cloud formations in the sky. The sun was setting slowly in the west, but as we moved westward we were catching up with daylight.

The cloud formations over the Pacific kept me entertained. I believe we were flying between 30,000 and 35,000 feet.  The clouds were about half that altitude. I watched the arrangement of clouds change as we moved along.

At one point the patterns fascinated me enough to cause me to get out a pad of paper and pencil.  I wanted to get out my camera, but the camera was stowed in the overhead bin and my neighbor was sound asleep.

The sky below looked like a large white fluffy quilt. The clouds were defined by curving lines which divided the white softness with repetitive patterns. The patterns were soothing.  I was intrigued and waited to see how the clouds would change.

As time passed, the clouds took on a slightly pinkish cast.  I tried to memorize the scene below me. I closed my eyes and visualized the clouds.  I made a mental note to do a painting of this scene.

As I watched the clouds I thought of a cloudscape Georgia O’Keeffe painted in 1965 titled Sky Above the Clouds IV.  What a giant undertaking that painting must have been since it was 96″ x 288″.  You can see the painting I am referring to at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Website. O’Keeffe was drawn to changing patterns and colors. She felt the clouds seen from above were “breathtaking”.  I agree.

So, here is an assignment,  Look at your surroundings with a purpose. Look for patterns.  You will find that after a while you won’t have to consciously look for patterns. You’ll start seeing them every where. Take time and jot down what you see in a quick sketch. Use whatever materials are available at the time.  That simple act will help you remember the image for later.  Imagine how patterns could be incorporated into your artwork.

Happy pattern hunting!

A Different Perspective

According to dictionary.com, an artist is defined as:

1. a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria,
2. a person who practices one of the fine arts, esp. a painter or sculptor,
3. a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, or painting,
4. a person who works in one of the performing arts, etc………

In this article I will be referring to the word “artist” quite often. As I write, I am referring to “artists” that fit the criteria of 1 – 3 in the definition above.

So, here goes:

Whenever I feel like I need a lift or some inspiration, I like to call or visit one of my “artist” friends.  If I really want to be raised up, I try to get together with several “artist” friends at the same time.

There is something special about the way my “artist” friends and I relate. I can’t presume to think that I am the only one in the world that experiences this, so let me restate the previous sentence. Something special, something magical occurs when a group of  “artist” friends get together.

The friend part of that statement is crucial. I am talking about a group of people that truly love each other, respect each other, admire each other. That kind of relationship can take years to develop or it can happen in a matter of minutes. I have had both experiences.

It helps to have a core group of “artist” friends that you can rely on to be there when you need them. Getting together with these friends is always a whirlwind of incredible excitement for me. When my core group gets together we may not do anything but go to someone’s house and look through art magazines.  The get-togethers are always fun, with incredible discussions. We share about our latest works, workshops we have been to, art shows coming up, awards won, disappointments, family, our creative blocks, travel, and a general excitement about art.  We laugh a lot and sometimes cry.

Since I moved to Hawaii these meetings have become few and far-between.  I miss my “artist” friends and the energy we used to give to each other. Strange how things happen at the same time. I moved to Hawaii, one “artist” friend moved to Mexico, one to Singapore, and a few “artist” friends stayed put in Texas.  Coming back to Texas gives me a chance to reconnect with the ones that stayed. Email helps me stay connected with the travelers. On my last trip to Texas, I was fortunate to get to spend time with a couple of my “artist” friends.

I want to share with you how a simple afternoon with one of these friends affected me.  So, a little background:  I have been feeling a little discouraged with the amount of artwork I am producing. I am not living up to my expectations.  Plus, I expect to produce a masterpiece each time I paint. That is a lot of pressure. Did I mention that I am a perfectionist. (That is another story, which could turn into a book!)

So, I met one of my “artist” friends in Brenham and we made the drive over to Round Top. Round Top is in central Texas and is known for antiques, quaint shops, art galleries, cozy little restaurants, an opera house and more.  The scenery on the way to Round Top is beautiful this time of year especially, with the bluebonnets and other wildflowers bursting with brilliant color along the country roadside.

I threw my camera in the back seat just in case we had time to stop along the way.  We visited several galleries and shops, had a great lunch and went to an herb garden and nursery.  We had no intentions of buying anything. We were there to look, to get enthused, to get a little creative shot in the arm.

I have a weakness for gardens anyway. I have always dreamed of having a beautiful yard filled with colorful flowers, wandering pathways, quiet places for meditation and prayer.

As soon as we parked the car, I grabbed my camera and starting taking photographs. My friend did not bring her camera and was upset with herself. But, all was not lost. We turned the next hour into a very productive time of sharing our visual perception of the garden. Because my friend did not have a camera, she spoke about the shots she would take, compositions and paintings she saw in the garden.

Now, I have to admit that my family has tried to help me when I was taking photographs, telling me what to take pictures of; and I have become agitated about being interrupted or distracted. But this moment was different. I stopped and listened. I looked and studied. I told her my thoughts behind the photographs I was taking. We discussed lighting, cast shadows, point of view, perspective, color, architecture elements, focal point, etc. The more we talked, the more we saw.

I am tall and my friend is not tall. She could see things I could not. So, I got down on her level and saw another whole group of shots. It was great fun. I am including a photo in this post to show you what I’m talking about. I got down on my knees and looked up through the leaves of a Swiss chard plant. The light shining through the leaves gave the plant an luminous quality. It was similar to looking through stained glass.

We both became energized by the experience. I offered my camera to my friend, but she declined. I imagine that she stored her photos mentally. Maybe some day she will return to take photographs herself. Or she might draw and paint the scenes from memory, drawing upon the emotions of the afternoon.

I ended up with a memory card full of beautiful photographs and a memory of creative connectedness with a special person in my life. A simple afternoon of connecting with an “artist” friend lifted my spirits and got me ready to create again. “Artist” friends are treasures. They energize me. They support me. They help me see the world in a different way. I believe we all need to cultivate a support group of “artist” friends. They certainly are a blessing to me.

I became the official family photographer for my daughter, Lara, and her family when I was asked to paint a portrait of her three small children.  Lara wanted me to do a watercolor of all three of her children together in a natural setting. Since I use my own photographs as reference material when I paint, I set up a time to take the kids on a photo shoot.

I am not a professional photographer but I have learned a few things over the years through experience. I have taken hundreds of photographs of my children and my favorite photos happened when the kids were oblivious to the camera.  I used a telephoto lens quite often to catch my children in very candid shots. So I knew I better be prepared with several lenses for the photo shoot with my grandchildren.

Lara and I decided to take the kids to the Rose Emporium.  The Rose Emporium is a nursery for antique roses on the outskirts of Brenham, Texas.  The nursery is known for its beautiful gardens and photo opportunities. The settings include rustic wooden fences, windmills, old stone pathways, a bottle tree, porch swings, gazebos and even Beatrix Potter’s children garden.

Keeping the three children focused and together was an interesting and sometimes daunting task.  I took several rolls of film using a SLR 35 mm Nikon camera. I wasn’t sure if I was getting any really good shots. (Now with my digital camera I know immediately!)  I was hopeful that I might get one or two good photos, since even an amateur lucks out sometimes.   But, I feared none would come out, when the kids grew tired of our little game of “Look at the pretty flowers!”  Being a model isn’t all that it is cracked up to be!

At that time my grandchildren were 18 months, 3 years and 6 years old.  During the photography session we had tears, temper tantrums and sullen looks. The youngest child tripped over a rock and fell down. The older two became hungry and thirsty. They all became very tired of Grandma and her camera.

So, as everyone became exasperated we called it a day. Lara took the film to be developed and we were pleasantly surprised. We got some good ones and the absolutely best photographs were the first pictures I took. The children were fresh and happy.

I did the painting and it turned out great. The only problem is that Lara’s family grew by two more children. So, I will need to do an additional painting in a few years.

Since that first photo shoot, Lara has asked me to take family photographs each year. I take a group photograph and individual photos. Each year Lara replaces the old ones with the new and hands them on the wall in some nice frames. I have to admit that I am often sad to see the change out. I get attached to the photographs like I get attached to many of my paintings.

Let me say again that I am not a professional photographer. Here is a list of things I think about when I take photographic portraits:

1. Take pictures in the early morning or late evening light.
2. Have an outdoor setting.
3. Take lots and lots of pictures changing the light settings and shutter speed on your camera.
4. Try taking picture while the children are doing some sort of activity. Best individual shots I have gotten were of the kids jumping on the trampoline.
5. Change up the background. Each year my daughter and I brainstorm places we can take pictures. We have gone to Washington on the Brazos, downtown Anderson, the piney woods behind my daughter’s house, my back porch, etc.
6. Throw in an unusual background. One year I took a photograph of my grandchildren standing in the middle of a country highway in Washington, Texas. It was perfectly safe. I had other adults watching for traffic. You can see the road disappearing in the distance over a hill. It is quite unusual and a stunning photograph of the children.
7. Don’t insist the children look at the camera. I got a great photo one year when I lined up Lara, her husband and children on a stairway. The adults were focused on the camera, but the children were on their own wavelength. One child was shy and looking down, one child was giggling and the other completely turned and looking out away from everyone. The picture was perfect because it showed the personality of each of the children.
8. Take some really close up shots, just the face.
9. Include pets in the pictures.
10. Include hobbies or musical interests in the photograph. My grandchildren each play an instrument. A close up of them playing their instrument makes for some fun photographs.
11. Use photo editing software to crop photographs.
12. Don’t say cheese. Some of the best photographs are not smiling.
13. With infants, do close up interaction of mother and father with baby. One really great photograph I got was of mother and baby cooing at each other. Another nice photo was of baby holding one of daddy’s finger with his little hand.
14. Take photographs from a distance when kids don’t know you are there.
15. Change up the point of view, take pictures from various angles.
16. Don’t follow the rules. Brainstorm. Come up with your own ideas.
17. Try to be quick. Stop before people get tired.

This week take out your camera.  Blow the dust off of it.  Take some shots of your pet, child, neighbor, and/or your landscaping.  Most of all have fun!  Then send me your best photos.  I would love to see them.