(Early Registration Form - Due by September 11 --
Early Registartion Reminders)
2010 Fall Convention in Salem
“Come Along for the Ride”
October 1, 2, 3
By Sandy Manning and Kathy Haney
Salem area watercolor artists invite you to join them at the 2010 Fall Convention and Exhibition of the Watercolor Society of Oregon for three days of sharing, learning and fun in the state’s capitol city. If you have never been to a convention or if it has been a while since you last attended one, seriously consider not missing this one!
We are very excited to be hosting this WSO Convention and have been planning for some time. You will find a wide variety of activities available on-site and plenty of space and options for participation. There are three paint-outs featuring some of downtown Salem’s best scenes, three hands-on activities and seven lectures and discussions where we can share and learn. Two critique sessions by our internationally recognized juror, Karen Vernon, will provide opportunities for growing in our own artwork.
The Salem Convention Center near Riverfront Park will be the site of most convention activities, providing a convenient venue for the weekend. Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is the venue for Friday’s Meet and Greet the juror, Karen Vernon. The Exhibition and show reception will be held at the Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery, a mere half block from the convention site.
Friday, October 1
Registration on Friday will be in the lobby of the Grand Hotel between noon and 6:30 pm. If you have pre-registered you can pick up your packet and nametag. If you need to register you can do it at this time. You will find information about activities to do in the Salem area, a dining and shopping guide, maps and a raffle ticket for prizes during Sunday’s business meeting. Please be sure to register for the banquet on Friday to ensure a place at the table.
Salem DIY - Arrive early so you can explore some of Salem’s unique offerings.
Meet and Greet the Juror
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
Meet our wonderful juror, Karen Vernon, revisit your childhood with free rides on the carousel and enjoy sweets and local wine during this dessert reception. You will have the opportunity to visit with our juror, meet friends, and make some new ones while you experience this creation of the Salem art community. Each horse, wagon, shield and flower that celebrates Oregon was hand-carved and painted by local artists. A no-host wine bar will be available, provided by Willamette Valley Vineyards.
For those not attending the whole convention, tickets are available for this event only for $10. You can pre-register or purchase tickets at the door.
Saturday, October 2
WSO Board Meeting will be an early morning breakfast meeting at 7 am at Marco Polo Restaurant, one block from the Salem Conference Center, at 300 Liberty Street.
Breakfast is complimentary if you are staying at the Grand Hotel. Otherwise, check out the dining guide in your packet for other options.
Box Lunches: Only for those doing paint-outs (please!), box lunches can be ordered on the early registration form. A popular local restaurant known for their homemade breads, Sassy Onion, will prepare the lunches which will include a sandwich, fresh fruit, chips, a cookie and bottled water. The cost is $9.
Vendor Fair: Jim and Katy Viegland of Art Dept, Inc will host the vendor fair in the hallway outside the breakout rooms. Check out the latest art supplies and equipment.
Deepwood Paint-out with Rebecca Shiver Singleterry
9 – 12 noon
Meet at 8:30 am in Grand Hotel Lobby
Rebecca Shiver Singleterry (2000) will lead a paint-out at the Historic Deepwood Estate, a multi-gabled 1894 Queen Anne style home, surrounded by formal English Gardens and surrounded by 5 acres of walking trails. In 2002, Sunset Magazine named Deepwood as one of the four “Best Historic Homes.” Experiencing Salem’s history and learning of Deepwood’s unique architectural features such as its Povey Brothers stained glass and the beautiful gardens are at the heart of this paint-out.
Rebecca has taught as a high school art teacher, college and adjunct faculty instructor in watercolor, colored pencil, collage, drawing, design and mixed media. Rebecca is past treasurer of WSO and co-chair of the 2004 Convention held in Keizer.
Riverfront Carousel Paint-out with Robin Humelbaugh
9 am – 12 noon
Meet at 8:30 am in Grand Hotel Lobby
Robin Humelbaugh (1986) will lead 15 painters as they capture the magic of the carousel and surrounding Riverfront Park. The vision of Salem's Riverfront Carousel is to touch the hearts, spark the imaginations and ignite the creative spirits of a broad spectrum of volunteers by creating a work of art that will stand as a historical landmark and an enduring symbol of community pride and cooperation. What could better inspire you to create your next masterpiece?
Robin has taught watercolor for Salem Art Association since 1999 and enjoys experimenting with unconventional materials. Photos:RobinHumelbaugh.jpg; Bucky.jpg
Corrine Loomis Dietz:Fluid Acrylics & “Surfaces that Inspire”
9 – 10:15 am
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek A
This is a fast-paced, informative lecture covering fluid acrylics and their unique properties for wash, stain, splatter, salt, lift and plastic wrap techniques. Corrine will define the pigment characteristics to cleanly mix color and develop intense washes that won’t muddy when dry. Your creative spirit will soar when you discover the seductive surfaces that render stunning paintings from the “ground” up! Learn how to get more out of your painting and master your materials! This is basic information and technical application, which will help any painter. Free literature and samples for those who are pre-registered.
Corrine Loomis Dietz is a recognized painter, dividing her energies between studio work, lecturing and teaching. Since 1999, Corrine has been a member of the Working Artist team with Golden® Artist Colors, receiving intensive training in Acrylics. A new publication, “Rethinking Acrylics” by Patti Brady, (North Light Books) includes Corrine as a featured artist. corrineloomisdietz.blogspot.com.
Jan Koot: What Is Art?
9 – 10:15 am
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek B
Have you wondered, “What is art?” The answer has changed throughout the course of time. Works of art, like other products of man’s work and imagination, are bound to reflect the time, place and society in which they were produced. However, an artist is not primarily interested in producing a historical document. Instead, artists are intent on expressing that which they feel can best be said through the medium of their art. The work of art, in itself, has importance but the biographical data and the writings and statements of artists can provide valuable insights into the creative process.
Jan is an active artist, with shows in Portland and the valley, and teaches Art History, Design and Drawing for Chemeketa Community College. In the 70s and 80s Jan was the Art and Antiques Editor of Architectural Digest Magazine.
Linda Rothchild Ollis: Basic PhotoShop for Artists
9 – 10:15 am
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek C
Learn the basic PhotoShop tools and how to use them. Whether you are participating with your laptop or auditing this class, you will enjoy Linda’s (1988) step-by-step approach to learning how to use PhotoShop Elements to improve your creativity and enhance your painting process, from beginning to end. The first 12 WSO members to sign up for this session will bring a laptop loaded with PhotoShop Elements 6 (or higher) and follow the projected lesson on the screen. You will also be able to audit this session with no computer necessary. Linda’s instruction in using PhotoShop at recent conventions has been warmly received as artists learn how technology can help catapult their creativity.
Visit Linda's blog: www.lrothchildollis.blogspot.com to see past WSO Convention Photoshop Lessons (See Archives September and October 2009.)
Corrine Loomis Dietz: “Wet and Wild Washes”
10:30 – 11:45 am
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek A
Expand your painting in this "wet & wild" workshop with Golden's® Working Artist – Corrine Loomis Dietz! This is an opportunity to work with a range of beautiful Historical Hues on incredible surfaces that inspire brilliant washes! Each participant will experience personal techniques on two unique grounds. Choose from Fiber Paste, Crackle Paste, Absorbent Ground or a tinted Acrylic Ground for Pastel. This intense investigation will enrich the traditional or contemporary painter, offering new archival options! (All fluid acrylics, grounds and pastes are provided by Golden Artist Colors).
LaVonne Tarbox Crone: Fix and Finish
10:30 – 11:45 am
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek B
Eugene’s prolific LaVonne Tarbox-Crone (1992) has a large inventory with good reason; she is noted for never throwing out a painting. She will present a follow-up to last fall’s Fix & Finish demonstrationof solutions for improving paintings with problems. During her demo, LaVonne will interact with Liz Walker, WSO member (and painting donor), and observers as she demonstrates possible solutions to the painting’s “trouble spots.” LaVonne’s fix-it remedies include everything from dousing a painting with water in the sink to adding gouache, acrylic or collage; and, of course, taking the scissors (or a mat) and cropping - sometimes resulting in the creation of two paintings from one larger piece. As part of the “finishing” process, LaVonne will also demonstrate how to intensify values and soften edges to unify a painting. In order to demonstrate the “fix,” Liz has agreed to let LaVonne paint/lift/collage, etc. directly onto her painting, so you’ll get to watch the new painting evolve. Lest you think that LaVonne doesn’t have problem paintings of her own, she will include a power-point presentation to show how she successfully fixed one of her recent paintings. It was subsequently accepted into the AWS show in New York City. LaVonne is prepared to furnish you with “rescue” tips you may want to use later in your own work – so come prepared to take notes!
Karen Vernon, Juror: Critique Session #1
10:30 – 11:45 am
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek C
Our juror, Karen Vernon, will critique members’ paintings in this session. This is an informative time for us to learn from a master artist and teacher. Only digital images will be accepted for the critiques. If you plan to have your painting critiqued, be sure to mark your intent on the pre-registration form. The first 20 artists (for each critique session) who indicate that they are going to send in an image will be sent instructions and specifications confirming their image acceptance for the critique. Others may audit the session.
Riverfront Paint-out Basics with Molly Reeves
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Meet at 12:30 pm at Hospitality Table
Robert Burridge said, “We are on this planet to see each other through not see through each other.”
Molly Reeves (2002) will share her love for the outdoors and painting Saturday afternoon at Riverfront Park. Bring your “Plein Air” equipment and be prepared to explore the outdoors visually. This paint-out is designed to provide “tools” for success for everyone. For the novice “plein air” painter Molly will provide step-by-step instructions (with lots of options) and a list of helpful equipment. Much of this equipment can be found around the home and repurposed. Additionally, a list of equipment resources will be provided. For the seasoned “plein air” artist Molly will be presenting options for painting surfaces and additional insights. Her goal is to share the joy and the mystery of painting nature. She will discuss the principles of art and simplifying techniques she employs while creating. If you haven’t tried plein air painting or would like to try it, this is the session for you!
Molly has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (Painting) and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. In the 90’s, she was able to concentrate exclusively on painting. She has studied a variety of painting methods well-known artists, including Ted Nuttall, Arnie Westerman, George James, and Alex Powers. Her work has been displayed locally and nationally. Recent awards include: Chamber of Commerce Prize at Emerald Arts Centers National Show 2008, First Place Watercolor Award Beaverton Showcase 2008, National First Place AMI Award 2007, Mayor’s Choice Award Beaverton Showcase 2007. Cover painting for American Mothers Summer magazine 2007. “As a native Oregonian and a world traveler, I am inspired by my surroundings; seeking to explore the extraordinary within the ordinary.”
For more information about Molly and to view her work, visit her website at www.mollyreeves.com.
Michael Schlicting: Art as a Career
1:00 – 2:15 pm
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek B
Michael Schlicting is a prominent Oregon watercolor artist and teacher whose work hangs in over 2,500 public, private and corporate collections around the world. Michael has been a WSO member and has served as vice-president of American Watercolor Society. Michael grew up in a family of artists and has made his living as an artist since graduation from college. When he is not traveling, he can be found at his Hawk Creek Gallery in Neskowin, Oregon.
Michael will talk about his journey as a professional artist; the people who influenced him and his work; and the impact his world travels have had on his work. Michael will share some of the twists and turns of his journey as an artist. He will also share his work, so come prepared to enjoy the show and ask your questions, such as “Michael, when is your next local workshop?”
Ruth Armitage: Mock Jury
1:00 – 2:15 pm
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek C
Have you ever walked through a juried show and wondered “What was the juror thinking?” Here is your chance to find out! We’ll view over 50 paintings and each participant will choose their own show of 20 paintings. The highlight is sharing our perceptions of the process, why each of us chooses what we choose, what influenced our choices, and discussing art with those who agree and disagree with us!
You’ll have a much clearer idea of just how unique each person’s perception of artwork can be. There will be plenty of surprises in store, even for those who have participated in this seminar before. We’ll also talk a little bit about design, techniques and the different systems juried shows use: anonymous entries vs. named entries, single vs. panel juries and much more. Perhaps this session will help you choose what to enter in the next exhibition, or help you on your way to painting your first award-winning painting. At the very least, it will help explain why every artist who enters juried shows has faced rejection at one point or another.
Ruth is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, NWWS and past WSO President. She enjoys teaching watercolor almost as much as painting alone, and brings a warm sense of humor to the classroom.
Beth Verheyden: Splatter and Splash Paint-in
1:00 – 3:45 pm
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek A
Splash and splatter complementary colors together to create incredible textures and exciting colors without getting mud! Inspirational artist, teacher and Watercolor Society Instructor Beth Verheyden (2000) will demonstrate her popular technique in session 1, and then in session 2, you’ll paint a beautiful painting of Fall foliage and birch trees yourself. And Beth promises no mud! You’ll find that this technique can be used in most every painting where textures in foliage, old buildings, landscapes, and even portraits are the goal. Participants will be provided with a list of supplies prior to the workshop.
Choosing a Venue for Your Art, with Gallery Representatives
2:30 – 3:45 pm
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek B
You’ve made some great paintings… Now what? Choosing the right venue for your work involves asking yourself some tough questions, doing some research and putting yourself “out there.” This panel discussion will explore some of the options available, from the traditional commercial gallery to art fairs to non-profit settings. Each panelist will give an overview of their experiences and suggestions, and then we’ll open up the discussion with questions from the group. Now is your chance to get the inside scoop! Come with your questions prepared on note-cards for our experts! What kind of audience will be most appreciative of your work? How do you know you are ready for a commercial gallery? What can you do to help market your work? What kinds of things will make you and your work look more professional?
Moderator Ruth Armitage has experience with exhibiting in varied settings, including artist-run galleries, commercial galleries, art fairs, and non-profit exhibit spaces. Members of the panel include: Eileen Cotter Howell, artist and co-owner of Waterstone Gallery in Portland; Hester Coucke, Curator and Assistant Director of the Arts Center in Corvallis; and Mary Lou Zeek, artist and owner of the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery in Salem.
Eileen Cotter Howell has extensive experience as an artist, teacher, and juror. She is co-owner, member and former director of Waterstone Gallery, one of the longest-running cooperative galleries in the Portland area. Her work is represented by Waterstone Gallery and the Portland Art Museum Rental-Sales Gallery. She is a founding board member of Art in the Pearl, one of the highest ranking art fairs since its inception in 1997; and, is currently Coordinator of the Professional Division of the All-Oregon Art Annual.
Hester Coucke is the curator and Assistant Director of The Arts Center in Corvallis. Born in the Netherlands, Hester Coucke earned a teaching degree in Art and Fiber Art and received an MA in Art History and Classical Archeology from the Unversiteit of Amsterdam in 1988. In 1992, Coucke joined the staff of the Corvallis Arts Center, where she has held a number of positions. As the Curator of The Arts Center, she coordinates two galleries: Main Gallery, with national, regional and local artists; and Corrine Woodman Gallery. In 1999, the City of Corvallis contracted with The Arts Center for the services of Coucke to staff the Public Art Selection Commission. She still holds this position.
Owner of Mary Lou Zeek Gallery, Mary Lou is the Art Ambassador of Salem. Her outside-the-box thinking and inclusion of neighboring retailers have revitalized downtown life in Salem. Her gallery has spearheaded a variety of shows and promotions that involved the community, including the Mayor’s Invitational, which is in its third year and on exhibit at Salem Conference Center. Every other year, Mary Lou Zeek Gallery has its Door show. They ask 20 artists to paint on actual doors and place them in locations throughout the downtown area. The gallery produces a map with a walking tour that shows all the locations for the public to enjoy. She was also instrumental in the creation of the ceramic work at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. (When you go to Meet and Greet, be sure to check out the restrooms!)
Karen Vernon, Juror: Critique Session #2
2:30 – 3:45 pm
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek C
Critique sessions are one of the most popular activities at WSO conventions. Our juror, Karen Vernon, will critique members’ paintings in this session. This is an informative time for us to learn from a master artist and teacher. Only digital images will be accepted for the critiques. If you plan to have your painting critiqued, be sure to mark your intent on the pre-registration form. The first 20 requests received for each session will be sent instructions and specifications confirming their image acceptance for the critique.
WSO Fall Exhibition & Reception
4:00 – 5:30 pm
Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St. SE
A short, half-block walk will take you to the site of the fall show and reception. The eighty selected paintings will be displayed and the top twenty award winners will be selected by our juror, Karen Vernon. Join us for hors d’oeuvres and wine before heading back to the Grand Hotel to get ready for the Awards Banquet. Brent Allen, Gallery Manager at Elsinore, frequently holds the WSO traveling show and has featured shows of many WSO members. Be sure to thank Brent for his many years of support of WSO!
No-Host Social Hour
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Salem Conference Center, Santiam 1, 2 & 3
Share the day’s experiences with fellow painters at the no-host social hour in the Santiam Room at Salem Conference Center. The all female drumming ensemble, Emaa Da, led by Leslie Van Meter, will provide lively and moving Cuban-African music during the social hour. The performers are students from Roberts High School, Salem’s alternative high school. We know you will appreciate these talented young women and their music.
Awards Banquet
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Salem Conference Center, Santiam 1, 2 & 3
Choose from swordfish, prime rib or vegetarian lasagna as you dine at a premier venue, the Salem Conference Center. The award winning paintings selected by juror Karen Vernon will be featured in a slide show and artists will be presented awards. Merit awards will also be presented at this time. Come help us celebrate our members’ achievements.
Sunday, October 3
WSO Business Meeting
9:00 – 10:30 am
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek
Please think about attending this informative and friendly Business Meeting where committed members make WSO a viable and working organization. You will have the opportunity to vote on important issues regarding the function of WSO. Here is your chance to have a say in how WSO works and what the organization has to offer. Snacks will be provided and you may even win one of many door prizes!
Demo/ Lecture by Karen Vernon
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Salem Conference Center, Croisan Creek
This is a great opportunity to learn first hand how to create beautiful, vibrant watercolors. Karen will be demonstrating transparent watercolor on Aquabord while discussing color, design, the quality of surface application, and the tools and techniques she uses. “I am a traditional painter using traditional watercolor techniques on a non-traditional surface, the watercolor surface for the 21st Century rather than that of the 19th Century.” She will discuss her passion for color and her design process for paintings. As a professional artist with a worldwide market, she has achieved notable recognition internationally. Check out Karen’s video from the WSO collection.
As a reminder, clay-coated surfaces have been approved by WSO for entrance in the Spring Aquamedia Show so here’s your chance to learn how you might incorporate this surface into your own work.
For those not attending the whole convention, tickets are available for this event only for $10. You can pre-register or purchase tickets at the door. |
