EDMONDS—Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) held its annual Waterworks Online 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 at www.nwws.org now through June 30, 2024. Plus, it’s FREE!
It was an emotionally trying time for Elaine Daily-Birnbaum when she painted What Goes Around Comes Around. “Elaine uses texture and other elements with great expertise. The artist’s marks here and there, the beautiful muted color mixture and the touches of turquoise throughout make you want to take a closer look,” Goldstein-Warren said awarding 1st prize of $1,000.
“I knew at first glance this painting would be in the top 5,” Goldstein-Warren spoke of R. Mike Nichols’ Connection. “This painting intrigues me on many levels. How nature cares for us and the ingenuous integration of animals. Techniquely so beautiful.” Nichols received 2nd place of $750.
“This painting brings up great memories of trips with my family. It always seemed to rain,” a nostaglic Goldstein-Warren stated. “On the Road Again-Happy Highway by Gayle McDaniel is skillfully rendered – the automobiles and especially the AirStream trailer – and the sky colors. Everything is done so well as though you’re traveling down this road.” McDaniel was awarded 3rd place of $500.
This was the first exibition NWWS’s updated media criteria guidelines allowed artists to incorporate formerly ineligible media up to 10% while maintaining the watermedia focus. “Some artists brilliantly explored the endless boundaries of traditional watercolor while others saw where mixed media would lead,” commented Deborah Roskopf, Acting NWWS President.
“Watermedia 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,” 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, visit www.nwws.org.
SOURCE: Northwest Watercolor Society
