watercolor

I’m relatively new to black scratchboard, having done my first one just 2 years ago. The lesson which follows does not adher to the purist’s guideline for scratchboard, as reflected in this definition by the International Society of Scratchboard Artists: “…Sharp tools are used to remove, or “scratch”, through the black ink, revealing the white clay underneath.” In this border I have not used any abrasive tools to remove the black layer (although I went on to do the artwork … Read More

Japanese Honeysuckle is an introduced, somewhat invasive, climbing vine which grows on my land. The frilly white blossoms are highly fragrant and last from April to July, and I don’t mind their intrusion. The red young stems are strong and used in traditional basket weaving. As it grows, the larger woody vine will grow in a spiral around a tree branch. When the vine is removed, the branch is left with a twisted appearance, which some woodcarvers prize for creating … Read More

My bearded irises have flowered beautifully this spring, inspiring me to paint them. The delicate petals are ruffled and nearly transparent, with one group growing upward and the other down. Their feathery ‘beards’ and tightly folded buds provide additional interesting shapes and values. As usual, I took far too many reference photos, being especially drawn to those with backlighting. I wanted to give a different twist to painting an iris, and I was inspired by the paintings of an artist … Read More

My newest and largest in a series of paintings with blown bubbles has just been accepted into the 2020 Tennessee Watercolor Society Biennial Exhibition. International watercolor artist and juror Soon Warren selected “What A Wonderful World” as one of 72 paintings for the show. My painting “Eat Chicken” was the Best in Show winner at the Society’s 2018 biennial exhibit. Perhaps now I’ll become known as the bubble lady instead of the cow lady…?!?! This painting features my great-nephew Liam, … Read More

Colorful cows, delicate flowers, cute pets, interesting faces, tranquil rural scenes – my online galleries are filled with pretty pictures. “Distress” is a departure for me, intentionally, and I’ve attempted a change in my style on this watercolor as well. What story does this painting tell you? How do you think the man feels and why? I designed and composed the image to be thought-provoking, moving and ambiguous. My goal was to prompt an emotional response. When I finished this … Read More

I was delighted to be accepted into my first national watercolor exhibition with “Sorghum Maker,” then disappointed when the show was not opened to the public as scheduled. The 41st National Exhibition of the Georgia Watercolor Society (GWS) was slated to take place at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art in Atlanta GA from mid March through April 26, 2020, but the museum is closed indefinitely, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The show was hung but never opened, and the juror … Read More

Painting flowers is well within my comfort zone, and I wanted to do a blossom in an unusual way, since I had it pegged as a show entry. My huge red garden poppies provide endless interest and I’ve taken oodles of photos. The delicate petals are beautiful and frilly. They catch the bright sunlight in a dramatic fashion, reaching out and up like dancing ballerinas. I had done another big poppy painting a couple of years ago, painting with acrylics … Read More

One of my newest watercolors has been accepted into the 2020 Southern Watercolor Society (SWS) Exhibition, after my first try last year yielded rejection. “Like A Rainbow” is one of a series I’ve been working on, combining blown bubbles with a portrait. This year’s competition saw 340 entries from 18 states plus Washington DC, with 80 paintings chosen by juror Mark Mehaffey for the exhibition. In his judging of another recent competition, Mr. Mehaffey commented on his jurying, which he … Read More

At the encouragement of fellow watercolor artists, I decided to broaden my horizons and entered my artwork into a national exhibition – and I got accepted! My watercolor “Sorghum Maker” has been selected by juror Linda Baker as one of 77 from among 302 entries for the 41st National Exhibition of the Georgia Watercolor Society (GWS). Entry was open to all watercolor artists across the United States using watermedia to create original artwork. The exhibition will take place in Atlanta, … Read More

Two of my paintings are currently featured in the Oak Ridge (TN) OPEN SHOW 2019, and I am delighted to also receive my first award for a black scratchboard. Juror Victoria Boone gave critiques to every entry, and here are her comments about my art:  Heart To Heart “Magnificent detail in cat and dog – especially in the eyes with reflections. This makes this an extremely poignant pet portrait. Just amazing…” She awarded this painting Honorable Mention. Sorghum Maker “Beautiful … Read More