Thank you John!

A special thank you to John for  sharing  information so generously on Tuesday evening. You had so many great tips, especially the money saving idea of making your own masking fluid!!!!!!

It was gratifying to see someone who paints so losely but plans so thoughtfully and throroughly. So many artists get part way through and get stuck because they haven't planned properly.

Your work is exquisite and you give an excellent demo. Look forward to calling on you again in the future.

Shirley Scoble.

Enter our Luminosity 2012 Exhibition!

 There are many wonderful prizes to be won. A big thank you to The Framing Depot, Studio Six, Emotive Expressions, Lynrich Arts, and the Art Supplies discount store, our award sponsors for this years show.  

Bayview Watercolour Society

Call to Artists

Luminosity 2012 Exhibition

May 2-6 2012

McKay Art Centre, Main Street Unionville, Markham

Awards Juror: Birgit O’Connor

Reception and Award presentation Thursday May 3rd from 7-9pm

Eligibility of artists: The exhibition of original, water based media on paper, board or canvas is open to all members of the Bayview Watercolour Society.

Paintings must be executed within the last three years without instructor supervision. Work using photographs other than the artist’s own is not considered original.

Works previously shown in BWS exhibitions are ineligible. All paintings must be ready to hang and meet the display standards set by the society. (see separate attachment on show rules) All paintings will be required to hang for the duration of the show.

Sales: A 20% commission will be retained by BWS from all sales. Please price your paintings accordingly.

Delivery and collection of paintings: Paintings should be hand delivered to the McKay Art Centre between 12-1pm on Tuesday May 1^st. You will also be required to pay the appropriate entry fee at this time.

Paintings need to be collected between 10-11am on Tuesday May 8^th.  Any painting not collected will be subject to a $25 per day storage fee made payable to BWS.

Awards: The juror for awards, Birgit O’Connor, will present the awards on May 3rd.

The Framing Depot Award for Best in show… $250 cash

The Framing Depot Award for 2nd place… $150 cash

The Framing Depot Award for 3rd Place… $100 cash

The Emotive Expressions Award for 4^th place… $100 Art photography and printing voucher

Art Supplies Landscape Award... $50 voucher

The Phyllis Forrest Memorial, Floral Award …$25 voucher

The Ken MacFarlane Watercolour Award …$25 voucher

The Studio Six Mixed Media Award …$25 voucher

The Studio Six Acrylic Award… $25 voucher

The Lynrich Arts Award for best presentation …$25 voucher

The President’s Encouragement Award ...$30

3 Honourable Mentions… Award Certificates

People’s Choice Award

Entries: Entries must be received by April 3 2012, Fee $10 for the first painting and $5 each for any additional painting.

Because there is no formal jurying in of paintings other than meeting our display/ hanging  guidelines there will be a maximum of 50 paintings accepted into the exhibition (If the maximum number is reached before the deadline date the entries will be closed early)

 Please make sure that your 2012-13 membership is renewed to be eligible for entry. (Deadline: March 31, 2012)

Read the options below, choose either option 1 or option 2 and then E mail the appropriate information to Marion ♫ macsart@yahoo.com

Entry Option 1: You can submit up to 3 paintings no bigger than 24 x 30 inches outside dimensions of frame

Entry Option 2: You can submit one painting with framing dimensions no

larger than 36 by 44 inches and one other no larger than 24 x 30 inches (if you want this option you need to submit your entry early as there will only be 3 large paintings accepted into the whole show)

For each painting please provide Marion with the:

Title

Image size (in inches)

Frame size (outside dimensions)

Medium used watercolour, acrylic or mixed media (if mixed media please specify which variety of media used

Price

Choice of sitting time (see below)

Can you also please write a sentence about each painting outlining location or idea e.g’s  “Plein Aire, Main street Unionville in winter.” Or “ An exploration of light on petals”

On receipt of the above information Marion will provide you with labels to attach to the backs of your paintings. Please confirm the accuracy of the information on your labels when received. If there are any errors, new labels will be issued. Do not wait until the day of hanging to have information changed.

All members who have work in the show must be available to sit for 1 session. Please also provide Marion with 1^st and 2^nd choice for sitting time.

Wednesday 10 am- 2pm

Wednesday 1pm-5pm

Thursday 10 am- 2pm

Thursday 1pm-5pm

Thursday evening… Reception and Award ceremony

Friday 10 am- 2pm

Friday 1pm-5pm

Saturday 10 am- 2pm

Saturday 1pm-5pm

Saturday 4pm-8pm

Sunday 10 am- 2pm

Sunday 1pm-5pm

We will let you know your exact sitting time by email after April 3 once the sitting schedule has been compiled.

Any person with paintings in the exhibition is entitled to submit cards, giclee prints or matted original paintings FREE OF CHARGE. All items need to be presented in crystal clear bags or equivalent for a professional finish. Prices need to be clearly labelled on each item.  20% of all sales during the exhibition will be taken by BWS.

News News News!

It is so lovely to see our members both past and current having success in the world of art.

Past member Bianka Guna, has a special message for all her friends at Bayview.

Dear Friends,
I would like to invite you and your family, friends  to my solo show "KALEIDOSCOPIC  DAYS" , in The Distillery District , the up gallery of Balzac Café  (building 60in The Distillery) from the 1st to the 29th  of February 2012. The gallery is open  daily   from 9:30 am to 7:30  pm.
I will be on the site on Tuesday , the 7th  of February 2012 from 2-4pm .
You can also  find me in my studio, at the Artscape  Case Goods Warehouse ,Building #74 ( behind Balzac Café) ,Studio #211 most of the days . Come , chat  and  explore a full collection on my latest  "Kaleidoscopic Days "  Series.

 Lizbeth, Sharon, Dorothy, Rebecca and I went to see the exhibition this afternoon. 

Thank you Bianka for a lovely afternoon.

Tony has also e mailed me to let me know that

'Artists against the Mega Quarry' show has been picked by NOW magazine!

'

Thats fabulous news Tony!

Don't forget to let me know of any other good news, Interesting articles or upcoming shows.

Ona

Message from our new President

I was so impressed when I visited the show at Boynton house last fall. Greeted by stunning work from both old friends and new members, I was welcomed into a professionally displayed show by a warm and friendly group of sitters. Bayview Watercolour Society has certainly matured, and the quality and polish that has developed since it all began can rival that of any other arts organization!

Lizbeth, as it's President, has been an intrinsic part of this metamorphosis.

Her wise council and thoughtful guidance have made her an exemplary

leader. The willing help and support that she speaks of, and the well oiled machine (executive) that I inherit today, is a compliment to her abilities. Thank you Lizbeth for all the time and gifts you have shared with us.

The executive has laid the groundwork for so many incredible new projects

and I look forward to the opportunity of helping to bring them to fruition.

I can't wait to see you all on February 7, to renew old acquaintances and meet new members.

SHIRLEY SCOBLE.

February Artist of the Month Debi Watson NWS, PWS

Hi everyone,

Its the beginning of a new Month today and it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you all our February Artist of the Month Debi Watson. Debi is the President and a signature member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. Last year she also was elected as a signature member of the National Watercolor Society. She paints in both watercolour and oils in a traditonal realistic style.

                                                                          'Blowing Snow' Watercolour

Debi has kindly written a message to you all below. She is willing to answer any of your questions this month. I hope you will again take this fabulous opportunity to learn from such an amazing artist. If you would like to ask Debi a question please click on the word comment at the bottom of the post. a new window will then open up with a white box for you to type your questions or observations into.

Hello Bayview watercolour Society,

I was born a love for art and spent a lot of my childhood drawing, much to the chagrin of my parents, who tried to encourage 'more practical' uses of my time.  I continued art as a hobby and started painting watercolors in 1983, with a how to paint craft store book as a guide.  My work was lauded by judges from the beginning, which was kind of unnerving for me.  At one of the first shows I entered, my painting won two awards and  I was asked to exhibit in the professional catagory.  I was so intimidated that I didn't show for years!

                                                                                             'Madness'   watercolor

  Being self-taught, learning took a lot of time, but gave my work it's own unique look.  In 1999, I retired from nursing to paint full time.  I have enjoyed entering the juried shows as a way to push myself toward excellence.  My work has been accepted and won awards across the nation, being featured in over a dozen magazines and books. 

                                                                                                    'Serenity' Watercolour

I just like to paint, and always will.  I enjoy teaching and giving other people the encouragement to create art that I didn't get in my early years.  I have many free how to paint videos on youtube including this one

For a whole range of free videos please follow the following link  http://www.youtube.com/debiwatsonwatercolor

I am also currently working on putting lessons on my website www.debiwatson.com

I'm looking forward to  being your Artist of the Month and answering any questions you might have.

                                                                                                 Debi Watson

Two Reminders!

Hi everyone, Just a quick reminder of our next meeting: which will be on Tuesday Feb 7, at Langstaff Community Centre. John Nussbaum will be demonstrating semi-abstract watercolour floral. On his web site he says:

 "One of my greatest enjoyments is to experience the ebb & flow of creativity arising from an inner compulsion to paint. It infuses me with an upbeat mood which is reflected in my paintings. The randomness of nature is my prime inspirational force. This releases me from constraints of realism, allowing imagination to flow freely over my canvas. It parallels the random experiences we encounter & our attempts to pull our lives together in harmonious form.  If I can share this enjoyment with others & bring them some pleasure I am well rewarded."

Visit his website to see some more of his brilliant works!www.johnnussbaumpaintings.com

Membership Renewal for 2012-13

I would also like to remind you that your 2012-2013 membership is up for renewal latest by March 31.  May I suggest that you bring your cheque of $65 payable to Bayview Watercolour Society together with your form to our meeting next week. (If you wish, you can post date your cheque to April 1, 2012).

It is important to renew your membership in order to be eligible for our Spring Luminosity Show in May. Deadline for registering for the show is April 3.

See you all next week! 

Welcome Shirley Scoble, our new President

Hi everyone,

Today is my last day as President of BWS. I finish on a note of much fondness for all of you and your marvellous support during my term.  It has been heartwarming to be on the receiving end of willing help whenever I asked for it, and you have wholeheartedly embraced the changes that were made over the past few years.  One thing that has not changed is the happy mood that we enjoy together each month at our meetings..........though last minute changes to the program brought some unexpected excitement at times!!!  Everyone at BWS is well able to "go with the flow".The best is yet to come.

As Shirley once again steps into the President position she does so at a time where several big changes are about to take place, starting with our Spring show.  More details on that and other plans afoot at our next meeting Tues. Feb. 7.

I know that Shirley will enjoy all the benefits and support that being President of BWS will bring, as you continue to benefit from her enthusiasm and expertise in all things artistic.

Shirley, welcome back from myself and all of the BWS membership.  We wish you much fulfillment and pleasure as you resume the role of President.

Lizbeth

A message from Barry Coombs

Last fall, Barry demonstrated his cubist style watercolours.  The subject was a Newfoundland fishing village.

 The following day on his own blog he showed the unfinished watercolour and promised to post again when the painting was finished. He recently completed it and here are photos of the painting at the end of the demo and the final result. Thank you Barry.

    

Thank you Jane!

Jane Freeman sent me this photo today of herself with her card from us all and a print I sent her as a thank you.

Thank you again Jane for being our January Artist of the month and sharing so much with us. I hope you will continue to pop in to the Waterfront and say hi to us all from time to time.

Ona

Beauty of the Hills at Risk Exhibition!

Joan McGivney (President, North York Visual Artists) and  our very own Tony Cook  were among 30 or so artists who trekked north last July for a paint-out in Melancthon Township in protest against the proposed MegaQuarry.

On February 3 and 4, 2012, Artists against the MegaQuarry will mount their debut Toronto City show and sale, with all proceeds going to support the fight against the quarry.

Tony hopes you can come and support the cause against destroying this beautiful landscape so beloved by Ontario artists. Click on the image below to see a larger version.

Ona

Art Workshops in Richmond Hill

I received an e mail from Michelle today with some details on Art workshops available in Richmond Hill over the coming months.

All workshops take place at the McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge Street. Richmond Hill.   Call 905-787-1441 ext 222 or email mzikovitz@richmondhill.ca if you need more information.

To register for this program, please go to www.richmondhill.ca , call their registration hotline at 905-771-7545 or complete and return the registration form with payment to any Town of Richmond Hill Community Centre.

Richmond Hill  Winter 2012 Art workshops for Adults

  Join a renowned artist for a day of art, instruction and fun. Each workshop will be led by a different professional artist and/or instructor specializing in their field. They will share their expertise with you and provide instruction on a specific art discipline. Please bring a lunch. Sign up individually or enjoy the 1^st  three programs at a discounted price.

Art Workshop #1 – Watercolour or Acrylic on Terraskin with  Didi Gadjanski

Talented artist Didi Gadjanski will lead this fun filled workshop. Working with your choice of watercolour or acrylic takes on a brand new look when painting on Terraskin paper. See the brilliance of these paints like never before. Terraskin has a plastic like surface that does not absorb water so it stays white and the full colour of the paint is concentrated on the surface allowing the paint to be brushed around and lifted creating unique effects. Material fee of $15 will be collected at the workshop. Instructor will also provide other essential supplies with a materials fee. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.

Saturday Jan 28                       10:00 am -4:00 pm                                               Course Code: 330188

Art Workshop #2 – Watercolour Florals with Marianne Broome

With spring just around the corner explore being more creative with your approach to florals.  Working from both your own and the instructors references you will learn how to create an eye-popping floral composition. Marianne   will provide demonstrations, and guide you through exercises on a variety of techniques such as wet on wet, that will show you how to add that special glow and radiance to your flowers.  This course is for participants with some previous watercolour experience. A material list will be provided prior to the class.

Saturday Feb 25                       10:00 am -4:00 pm                                                Course Code: 330189

Art Workshop #3 – Watercolour Monotype Printing with Herbert Pryke

 Join Herbert Pryke a Professional and inspirational artist for this exciting one day workshop back by popular demand. A monotype is a single print created by transferring to paper an image that has been painted on another surface. Adaptable to almost any medium imaginable, this versatile printmaking process results in painterly textures and surface effects you can’t obtain in any other way. Learn how to prepare your own printmaking plates, and finish two watercolour monotypes. Bring your own watercolour supplies and reference materials. No experience necessary. A material fee of $15 for two print plates will be collected by the instructor at the beginning of the workshop

Saturday March 24            10:00 am -4:00 pm                                                Course Code: 330190

Discount Package: Course Code: 330186

 Sign up for above three Art Workshops and receive a discounted price.  Prices are $53.80 per individual workshops or $145.28 for above 3 wksps (please note additional wksp below not part of discount package).

Additional Workshop  – Abstracting the Landscape with Marianne Broome

Marianne will demonstrate how to simplify and extract the essential information from a reference photo to create an abstracted version of the scene. While working with the elements of design, and choice of colour palette, the emphasis will be on composition and value relationships. Texture may be incorporated to provide an interesting foundation and different techniques will be explored for layering, glazing and enhancing the texture. Reference pictures will be provided or feel free to bring your own.

Saturday Feb 11                10:00 am -4:00 pm                                                Course Code: 355217

Congratulations Tony!

    It was announced at the TWS meeting yesterday evening that Tony Cook's painting 'Pretty in Pink' tied with Donnah Cameron for 3rd place in the People's Choice Award at the Aquavision Show.

Congratulations Tony from all of us at BWS!


Ona

Demo night photos and a video to share!

What a fun and informative evening we had yesterday. Thank you Valentine for sharing your tips, experience and knowledge with us.

Jean has sent me some of the photos she took of us all enjoying the evening together. Thank you Jean :)

It was so good to meet and share our love of art. As I watched the following link that a friend sent me today I thought of us all yesterday just enjoying the process of making art... it truly is theraputic isn't it. 

As Jane Freeman suggested this morning. It doesn't need to be a long art/painting session... those few moments for yourself to do just a wash or two really can help your sense of wellbeing as can our monthly meetings.

Thank you everyone
 Ona

Introducing January's Artist of the month!!!

As a special celebration of our 10th Anniversary this is an exciting new feature for our blog for this year. It's a chance for you to be able to get to know some world class professional watermedia artists, be able to chat to them personally right here on our blog and ask them questions by posting right here as a comment!!!

This Month's Artist is the very well known North American Watercolour artist Jane Freeman TWSA!

I hope you will all welcome Jane to our blog :)

Isn't her above painting just gorgeous. Its called  'At Attention!'

Jane has very kindly taken the time to write you all a personal message. Thank you Jane!

"I guess I am your first "artist of the month"! What an honor to be asked to begin this new adverture of yours! Since blogs are more informal this will be alot of fun for all of you as you get to visit and ask questions of different artists.

I have been painting in watercolors exclusively since the mid 1980's. I found it challenging as a medium at first but also less toxic than my oils so was the perfect choice to use while raising a family. Little did I know that I would be hooked for a lifetime and no turning back!
I paint mostly still life and floral as that is what I know and have access to. I raise alot of flowers and paint the things in my house given to me by family members from the present and past. I do not believe in painting unfamiliar things as there is little personal connection to them and I believe that shows.

I have been published internationally in books and magazines and wrote my own book " A Celebration of Light" for North Light books. I still am amazed when people know me and my work. I think that is the most enjoyable part of what has happened to me. I have met such wonderful people and artists and it still continues to be an important part of my life. We tend to be very isolated to do our work but now through the internet, I have a circle of artists whom I can call friends and that has been wonderful to find at this stage of my life!

This is another of my paintings. Its called 'Pears on Movil' 

I hope you will visit my website at www.janefreeman.com. It needs to be updated but I have to learn a few new things in order to do that so it is on hold. I do alot of step by step demos on my blog at http://watercolorist.blogspot.com/ and I am active on Facebook and Artcolony which is a blog I developed for some of my artist friends at http://artcolony.blogspot.com

I will be happy to talk with you through the month and answer any questions that I can. It will be fun to get to know you. Thank you so much for this opportunity. "-

Jane Freeman

Jane is going to take a peak into our blog each day this month so post any questions you would like to ask her by clicking on 'comment' at the end of this post. Type your comment or question in the white box. If you haven't got a blog account, choose anonymous in the drop down menu and then post your comment but make sure you write your name at the end of your post so Jane knows who she is talking to :)

So... to start us of. I have thought of a couple questions to ask Jane for you :)

1. Do you have a favourite colour palette that you use for your paintings or do you select your colours according to each painting?

2.  If you could give just one  piece of advice to someone who enjoys painting in  watercolour what would it be?

This is a unique chance for you all so please don't miss the opportunity to chat to these artists each month by being shy:)

Ona

Change of Artist for our demo on Tuesday 10th

We are in for a very different but fun evening next Tuesday as Russian born artist Valentine Ioppe will be replacing our scheduled artist Donnah Cameron who unfortunatley cannot make it due to illness.

Valentine plans to use two easels, one for him and one for one of us working progressively along with him!!!!! What an amazing experience for all you acrylic artists!

He says: "Art is a unique activity where you don't need assistants, bosses or colleagues, you can do everything from the beginning to the end from the idea to the product by yourself and you are your own boss responsible for the quality. It is difficult to compare art with architecture or movie production with the croud of people involved. "

If you would like to look at some of valentine's work before our demo next Tuesday please visit his website at www.artvalentine.com

Hope to see you all on Tuesday

Ona