December 4, 2025 10:09 pm

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Watermedia Artwork transcends technique to evoke memories

EDMONDSโ€”Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) held its annual Waterworksย Onlineย Membership Exhibition awards reception. Using the criteria of texture, color and technique, juror Laurie Goldstein-Warren awarded 16 prizes in the 75 watermedia artworks chosen. The top 3 had the expertise plus their art did more than that. An emotion or story transcended technique. Everyone is invited to view these fine art paintings at their leisure and on any electronic device atย www.nwws.orgย now throughย June 30, 2024. Plus, itโ€™s FREE!

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Elaine Daily-Birnbaum’sย “What Goes Around Comes Around.” SOURCE: Northwest Watercolor Society.

It was an emotionally trying time for Elaine Daily-Birnbaum when she paintedย What Goes Around Comes Around. โ€œElaine uses texture and other elements with great expertise. The artistโ€™s marks here and there, the beautiful muted color mixture and the touches of turquoise throughout make you want to take a closer look,โ€ Goldstein-Warren said awardingย 1stย prizeย of $1,000.

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R. Mike Nicholsโ€™ย “Connection.” SOURCE: Northwest Watercolor Society.

โ€œI knew at first glance this painting would be in the top 5,โ€ Goldstein-Warren spoke of R. Mike Nicholsโ€™ย Connection. โ€œThis painting intrigues me on many levels. How nature cares for us and the ingenuous integration of animals. Techniquely so beautiful.โ€ Nichols receivedย 2ndย placeย of $750.

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Gayle McDaniel’s โ€œOn the Road Again-Happy Highway.” SOURCE: Northwest Watercolor Society.

โ€œThis painting brings up great memories of trips with my family. It always seemed to rain,โ€ a nostaglic Goldstein-Warren stated. โ€œOn the Road Again-Happy Highway by Gayle McDaniel is skillfully rendered โ€“ the automobiles and especially the AirStream trailer – and the sky colors. Everything is done so well as though youโ€™re traveling down this road.โ€ McDaniel was awarded 3rd place of $500.

This was the first exibition NWWSโ€™s updated media criteria guidelines allowed artists to incorporate formerly ineligible media up to 10% while maintaining the watermedia focus. โ€œSome artists brilliantly explored the endless boundaries of traditional watercolor while others saw where mixed media would lead,โ€ commented Deborah Roskopf, Acting NWWS President.

โ€œWatermedia is now so widely known, recognized, practiced and championed that our focus can turn to recognizing artists and artworks that transcend the media. Enjoy the show,โ€ encourages Chair David Orrin Smith.

Viewers who see a painting that takes them somewhere, ignites a memory or transcends the ordinary, can buy the artwork by contacting NWWS Treasurer Shirley Jordan at shirleylee@hotmail.com. Artists receive 75% of the sales price. 

For more information on NWWS, its exhibitions, workshops, membership and all the society offers, visitย www.nwws.org.


SOURCE: Northwest Watercolor Society

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