Mark McDermott Workshop, June 6

What fun we had in this unique and challenging workshop! We used a process that many of us had never tried before.  Mark explained, "This workshop demonstrates a workflow that uses a 'value study' approach to watercolor. Working from light to dark, each of the 5 to 7 'gray values' in the painting are masked off, and the rest of the painting surface is covered with a rich, wet layer of paint. The painting is dried thoroughly between steps."

Mark helps Eva

Caren uses the light box

Jan, Mary Bee, and Marilyn in "the zone"

Applying lots of masking

Donna, Melinda & Gwen hard at work

Lynda shows off her painting of Mark's design

The Little Watercolor Society that Could

By Donna Martin, President

"Paula" by Donna Martin

 Kachemak Bay Watercolor Society earned this nickname early on when a few determined artists started the watercolor society with no money, no grants, and lots of determination and enthusiasm.  Our self-funded, not-for-profit group has continued through some terrible setbacks, such as the loss of our dear founder and mentor, Paula Dickey.  I’d like to thank all the people who have stepped up to help continue the Society after this devastating loss.

"Embers" by Char Jump

Several years ago, Colorado suffered terrible fires that depleted fire-fighting resources, and the “Ashes to Art Project” was founded to benefit the volunteer firefighters and buy new equipment. At least six of our members created beautiful works of art using charcoal or wood pieces from the High Park Fire of 2012. Who would have thought that jewelry
could be made from such an ugly thing, but Char Jump did just that with her stunning necklace, “Embers.”

"Fireweed" by Murray

 Michael Murray did a colorful piece called “Fireweed” using charcoal for the darks.

"Pears" by Andy Sonneborn

Andy Sonneborn submitted a lovely charcoal drawing of pears on a gold-toned background.

"Out of Ashes" by Eva Stovall

Eva Stovall did a powerful piece, “Out of Ashes,”depicting fireweed and green growth springing up from the destruction.

"Balanced Rock" by Donna Martin

"Garden Memories" by Donna Martin

Donna Martin, did two watercolors from her childhood recollection of growing up near the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, “Balanced Rock” and “Garden Memories.” She used charcoal for the burned trees as well as pieces of burned wood glued onto the paper.

"Transformative Balance"
by Mary Bee Kaufman

Mary Bee Kaufman submitted a beautiful wall hanging called “Transformative Balance.”  She states, “Fire challenges the balance of nature, a balance that hangs tenuously on relationships between the earth and man, the sway of seasons and the weight of time. As a transformative force, from fire destruction begets regeneration and adaptation.  As fire scorches the earth, it forces a new sense of equilibrium. It is in the struggle for balance that this piece finds its base.”

Thanks to everyone who participated. We are looking forward to a creative future.  Happy painting!

May Paint In-Out & Potluck

Jan Peyton gave us some great ideas on how to pack a bag for painting outdoors. She then showed us how to do a wet-on-wet painting. Next we went to Tony's and painted outside followed by a fabulous and fun potluck.

 All of Jan's supplies fit in this sturdy bag with handles. She rolls the watercolor paper around the paper towel roll, uses a small palette with only her favorite colors, small plastic water container, and a tiny sponge. A 1/4 sheet size backing board will also fit. She can pack this whole bag in her suitcase with her clothes around it for travel.

Wet-On-wet demo of flowers

Cindy and friend enjoy the spectacular view

Tony made a pie!!!

2015 "Spring into Watercolors" Annual Spring Show

"Lost Dreams" was our collaborative painting this year.  Thanks to Mary Bee Kaufman for coordinating the show and to Nina Burkholder for heading up the intrepid hanging team.

Marybee, Maria, Lynda enjoy the show

"Lost Dreams" sold right away

April Paint Together by Mary Bee Kaufman

To sit in the presence of thousands of birds and sketch.....an artist's dream. As on the great coastal areas of Alaska,so too the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula challenge an artist in the midst of millions of birds on land and in the air. 

Mid-December 2014 through January 2015, Mary Bee traveled to the Southern Ocean and Antarctic Peninsula as an art instructor and visitor. During the April Paint Together she introduced us to the southern-most landscape and wildlife, along with an appreciation for geology and climate, and how artists have played a part in the history of Antarctic exploration....and, of course, an exercise in painting penguins.

1. Marybee sketching penguins on South Georgia Island. What an extraordinary Christmas present!

2. Steve Kaufman captured the quality of light and Frederic Edwin Church-feel of the Antarctic Peninsula coast landscape.

3. Sketch by Marybee of King Penguins on South Georgia.

4. Sketch by Marybee of King Penguins on South Georgia.

Marybee sketching penguins on South Georgia Island.
 What an extraordinary Christmas present!

Steve Kaufman captured the quality of light and 
Frederic Edwin Church-feel of the Antarctic Peninsula coast landscape.

 Sketch by Marybee of King Penguins on South Georgia.

 Sketch by Marybee of King Penguins on South Georgia.

Paint In 3-21-2015

Another fun day with Sharlene Packer Cline, who continued her Sumi-e painting techniques showing us how to use color.

Renee's flowers

Claudia's Iris

Kathy does fish!

Sharlene helps Jan.

Eva is happy with her blue poppies

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 21--SPECIAL DAY--Back by popular demand, Sharlene Packer Cline will again teach Sumi-e painting incorporating color.

April 4--Mary Bee Kaufman will give a talk and short slide show about the process of "Art in Antarctica" followed by drawing and painting penguins and a fun penguin-painting project.

May 2--Jan Peyton will give us outdoor painting tips.

June 6--SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST, Mark McDermott, from Anchorage will teach a one-day workshop. Check out his fabulous Web Site at markmcdermottart.com

The SPRING SHOW is quickly approaching.  Paintings will be due at noon on Tuesday, April 28; Nina will inspect them on Wednesday,and we will hang on Thursday, April 30, for the May 1 opening.  NEW THIS YEAR:  Light neutral mats are required (white, cream, or pale gray) and simple neutral frames (no bright colors, please).