Missouri Watercolor Society Online News

February 3, 2012

2012-02-03T01:30:00.001-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
February 3, 2012 -- "Ducks and geese migrate north through mid-April. Muskrats breed through September. Great blue herons begin arriving at heronries. Begin setting up bluebird nest boxes. Harbinger of spring blooms in moist woods."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:17 a.m. CST - Yesterday was Phil's day, or Groundhog Day.
Birthstone: Amethyst
Flower: Violet

"Jurors' tastes are not always as narrow as might be supposed, so all you can do is submit what you know to be your best recent work and not try to predict what the jury will go for. Being represented at your best should be your main concern, not guessing games."
--Edward Betts, N.A., A.W.S., from his book, Master Class in Watercolor

1. Congratulations to MOWS member, Grace Swanson. Grace has a very fine article in the winter issuer of Watercolor. Her article is titled "Enjoying the Journey," and can be found on pages 70 to 77.
Other MOWS artists in the Magazine:
Ali Cavanaugh - page 13
Z. L, Feng - page 16
Bill James - page 19

2. Aw come on! Help us celebrate the coming of spring! The Spring Members’ Online Show. This is your chance to have your paintings seen on our website by a worldwide audience. No judging here, no worrying whether you’ll get in – if you are a MOWS member, you are welcome to show as many paintings as you like. This is the exhibition that makes up the slide show on our home page, and can also be found in our gallery section. Just send .jpg files to Laura King at laura@laurakingstudio.com. The fee is $7 per digital image, paid to Laura and mailed to 1513 Thoroughbred Circle, Columbia, MO 65202. Laura will also accept slides and photos, at $10 each. Digital images should be sized at roughly 4” x 6” (horizontal) or 6” x 4” (vertical). If that exact size doesn’t work for your painting, the rule is that the smallest dimension should be 4”; the largest can be longer than 6”. This show was originally slated to be posted on the MOWS site February, but due to the entry period for the National coming at the same time, we have backed it up a month. The deadline for entries is February 26, and the show will be posted March 1st.

3. A Need to Know! This time of year we are all looking forward to having spring appear just like magic. Well, that magic does not apply to the Online News. Unless you send me information about your publications, awards, etc. I can't give you recognition your accomplishment deserves. With that said, some items generally go in the "Art Ya'll" section of Watercolor Studio Online. Here are the things I use:
* A national award for one of your paintings
* A new art book you have authored.
* A feature about you in a magazine or book.
* Other national art activity.

If you're not sure, email it to me, I'll look it over and I'll let you know if I can use it in the News. Please do not send information on Facebook nor Twitter-twitter. I do not have the time to answer either. Also, please do not send information on workshops. You may take an ad out in Watercolor Studio to advertise your workshop. We now have 1o3 artists who give workshops. or do some type of teaching.

4. DUES! The invoices for dues will be mailed this week. If you have pained your dues and still receive an invoice, don't go bananas, just disregard. If you are a signature member, you must pay dues to maintain the privilege of using our letters: MOWS.

5. Here are Papa's recommendations for NATIONAL exhibitions for February: MOWS is an organization of artists involved in the profession of watermedia painting. We have a large membership that covers all of Missouri, plus goes from Alaska to Hawaii to Florida to California. Therefore, we only recommend national and international exhibitions -- or our own! -- dealing with watermedia as part or all of the exhibition. We do not promote crafts nor craft organizations. To earn the MOWS recommendation, shows must be judged by professional artists with national standing, belonging to the American Watercolor Society or National Watercolor Society as signature members.

The 28th National Exhibition. Illinois Watercolor Society, Dixon, Illinois. Dates: May 4 to June 1, 2012. Entry deadline: March 5, 2012. Juror: Donna Jill Witty. Awards: Cash/merchandise. For Prospectus: www.illinoiswatercolorsociety.org

Southern Watercolor Society 35th annual Juried Exhibition. Sautee Nacoochee Center, Sautee Nacoochee, GA. Dates: June 9 to July 7. 2012. Entry deadline: March 20 2012. Juror: Frederick C. Graff. Prizes: Awards: Cash/merchandise. Eligibility: Must live in one of the states in SWS. For prospectus: www.southernwatercolorsociety.org

Texas Watercolor Society 63rd Annual Exhibition. San Antonio Art Museum. Dates: June 1- June 30. Entry deadline: April 1, 2012. Awards: Cash. Juror:Steve Doherty. For prospectus: txwatercolorsociety.org

Red River Watercolor Society 19th National Juried Watermedia Exhibition. Dates: June 17 - September 16, 2012. Juror: Donna Zagotta. Entry deadline: April 1, 2012. Prizes: Cash/merchandise. For prospectus: #10 SASE to RRWS, P.O. Box 1656, Fargo, ND 58107-1656, or redriverws.org

31st Annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors. Old Forge, NY. Dates: August 11- October 8 2012. Entry deadline: April 9, 2012. Juror of Selection: Pat San Soucie. Juror of Awards: Paul Jackson. Awards: Cash. For prospectus: 315-369-6411, or Info@ViewArts.org

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T01:33:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
January 27, 2012 -- "Peak numbers of bald eagles gather this month near open water. Bobcats breed through June.
Squirrels bear spring litters through March. Snowy owls are seen in northern Missouri when food is scarce in the Arctic. Watch for chickadees feeding on insects in bark crevices. New Moon: the moon is between the Earth and the sun; the side away from us is lit by the sun."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:17 a.m. CST - Chinese New Year was January 23.
Birthstone: Garnet
Flower: Carnation

"One other reliable device for seeing a painting in a fresh way is simply to look at it in a mirror. With everything reversed, it will look like a different painting. You may then notice factors, especially in structure, that weren't apparent to you previously. You had been so close to it that you overlooked them. Now they protrude."
-- Lawrence C. Goldsmith, from his book, Watercolor Bold & Free.

1. Congratulations to MOWS member, Sue St. John. Sue has a new book coming out soon titled “Journeys to Abstraction: 100 Paintings and Their Secrets Revealed”, published by North Light Books. Look for it at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com in late May.

2. Watercolor Missouri National entries are closed with one of our strongest field of entries.
Our schedule will be a little tight this year. The National Churchill Museum has a very important Smithsonian exhibition titled, “How We Work”, in the gallery until March 11. Last year, a few members were upset when they had to pick up their paintings early because of another Smithsonian exhibit which arrived early in huge crates. These other exhibits are the reason so many visitors make the National Churchill Museum a very busy place. Each exhibit is given just so many up days and so many down/out days. The includes Watercolor Missouri National. As artists, showing in this gallery, we must remember that the rules are different, this is the NATIONAL CHURCHILL MUSEUM, not a place to show like the local bank.
Fantastic! Seventy-five percent of the total number of entries came from the members of the Missouri Watercolor Society. You are making it happen!

3. Next up: the Spring Members’ Online Show. This is your chance to have your paintings seen on our website by a worldwide audience. No judging here, no worrying whether you’ll get in – if you are a MOWS member, you are welcome to show as many paintings as you like. This is the exhibition that makes up the slide show on our home page, and can also be found in our gallery section. Just send .jpg files to Laura King at laura@laurakingstudio.com. The fee is $7 per digital image, paid to Laura and mailed to 1513 Thoroughbred Circle, Columbia, MO 65202. Laura will also accept slides and photos, at $10 each. Digital images should be sized at roughly 4” x 6” (horizontal) or 6” x 4” (vertical). If that exact size doesn’t work for your painting, the rule is that the smallest dimension should be 4”; the largest can be longer than 6”. This show was originally slated to be posted on the MOWS site February, but due to the entry period for the National coming at the same time, we have backed it up a month. The deadline for entries is February 26, and the show will be posted March 1st.

5. Attention: I will be changing my email address soon because I have an over abundance of Chico's, Coldwater Creek, every store announcing a BIG sale, AND some interesting gals from Russia wanting to send my some pics that would mean the loss of my sorry head if Mom caught me with them. I'll post my new address in the News as soon as the National is settled.

6. If I seem a little slow lately in my response to your emails, it's because --for the second time!-- I fell on the ice and injured my ribs. The pain is a little like a hot poker stuck in your side. It is another reason "going south" makes a great deal of sense.

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

January 20, 2012

2012-01-20T01:34:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
January 20, 2012 -- "Snow fleas are visible on snow in sunny wooded areas. Ozark witch hazel begins to bloom after a few days of warm weather. Raccoons breed through March. Watch for mourning cloak and comma butterflies on warm days. Horned larks flock in open fields. Adult winter stoneflies may be seen along streams. Last quarter: sunlight falls on the moon's left side."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:17 a.m. CST
Birthstone: Garnet
Flower: Carnation

"In truth, it is the very act of painting, the moment of creating that provides the greatest happiness, adventure and true reward. If your work is honest and sincere, you will know its worth. That is what matters. Have faith in yourself. You are your best teacher. Learn all you can…and then some. Work hard. We, as artists, are tapped into a universal spirit that is not available to everyone.
"Aren't we lucky?
"Enjoy the ride."
-- Mel Stabin, from his book, The Figure in Watercolor: Simple, Fast, and Focused.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Ken Call. Ken won the Bronze Award in the Montana National and a Peoples Choice in Pennsylvania.

2. A "BIG" THANK YOU! to all the artists who entered this year's Watercolor Missouri National. You are Making It Happen!

3. A number of our members entered the National for the first time. They have never entered a national exhibition before. (I'm very proud of these artists!) In the above quote, Mel Stabin puts it very well, "...Have faith in yourself." YOU ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN!

4. DUES! The invoices for dues will be mailed February 1, 2012. If you have paid your dues and still receive an invoice, please disregard… just do what you do with most of the important stuff we send you… line your parakeet's cage. Unfortunately, artists who have not paid their dues will be dropped March 1. If you are a MOWS Signature member, you must pay dues to maintain the privilege of using our well-known letters: MOWS.

5. Every year at this time, we have a number of new members who have seen me referring to "Honor Members" in the Online News. So they have asked: How does one earn Honorary Status? These are artists with national credentials and credibility whom the Missouri Watercolor Society Board of Directors has selected to judge Watercolor Missouri National. Generally, the selected artists belong to the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, or both. They are at the top of our profession. Here is the MOWS Honor Roll:
Phillip Hampton, Jonathan Knight, Paul Jackson, Hugh Greer, Kent Addison, Dean Mitchell, H. C. Dodd, Jerry Ellis, Bill James, Edwin Johnson, John Salminen, Marlin Rotach, Chris Krupinski, Mary Lou Corn, Jerry Stitt, Stephen Bates, Cheng-Khee Chee and Robert Lee Mejer.

6. With the National on the way, many of the selected artists will be shipping their painting to the National Churchill Museum. We strongly recommend the Air Float systems "Strong Box." Now is the time to look into ordering a great shipping box.
Here is the Airfloat address again:
Air Float Systems
110 Second Street
Verona, MS 38879
Phone: 1-800-445-2580; Fax: 1-800-562-4323
Web site: www.airfloatsys.com

If you order a strongbox, be sure to tell the person taking your order that you're a member of the Missouri Watercolor Society and you should receive a discount.

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

January 13, 2012

2012-01-13T01:32:00.001-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
January 13, 2012 -- "Look for Missouri wildlife feeding on saplings: deer a ragged cut, rabbits a neat 45-degree slice. Foxes breed through March. Observe red-tailed hawks perched along highways. Full moon: the side facing us is lit by the sun."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:42 a.m. CST -
Birthstone: Garnet
Flower: Carnation

"The first rule is to simplify. 'The great artists are simplifiers,' said Henri Amiel. Ask yourself, What is the essence of this scene? Leave out any detail that is not essential to capturing the part of the subject that interests you the most. Remember, your point of interest is what you--like the director in a movie--want the public to be aware of. That's the soloist in an opera--the star of the show. The rest is made up of spear carriers or background choir. Think of this every time you look at a scene. Where is the soloist? What is the background choir?"
-- Richard K. Kaiser, from his book, Painting Outdoor Scenes in Watercolor.

ONLY FIVE DAYS TO GET YOUR ENTRY IN FOR WATERCOLOR MISSOURI NATIONAL 2012. POSTMARK MUST READ JANUARY 18, 2012 AND EMAILED IMAGES MUST BE SENT TO nationalshow@mowsart.com BY MIDNIGHT JANUARY 18. MOWS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS IMPORTANT NATIONAL EXHIBITION.

1. OPPS! I goofed! I had John Salminen winning the wrong awards. I believe this is right.
Congratulations to MOWS Honor member, John Salminen. John won the Henry Fukuhara Memorial in the Watercolor West 2011 exhibition. He also won the People's Choice.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Honor and Board of Directors member, Paul Jackson. Paul won Second Place and Fifth Place in the International Watercolor Society Competition for Transparent Watercolor in Izmir, Turkey. A panel of judges selected the exhibition.

3. Congratulations to MOWS member, Betty Braig. One of her paintings was selected to be shown in the state capitol in Phoenix, Arizona as part of the celebration of Arizona's Centennial Year. She also received accolades for an 18-foot mural in the Mountain View Lutheran Church Narthex in Gold Canyon, AZ.

4.. Congratulations to MOWS Board Member, Jean Kalin. Jean has three painting in Best of American Watercolor published by Kennedy publishers. It will be available in the spring of 2012.

5. A SECOND REMINDER: Five days left to get your entry in. Fifteen cash awards. We have outstanding awards from businesses and six very special MOWS awards: Best Entry From a Missouri Artist; Best Entry From a MOWS Member; and five (5) Missouri Merit Awards. But you can't win unless your entry is postmarked by January 18, 2012. This is the exhibition that the national magazine, Watercolor Artist, selected as one of 25 national exhibitions which produced the "Best Paintings of 2011." By entering, you are supporting the organization and you will be growing as an artist. You will not grow as a professional if you only enter local shows. If all you do is try to win local shows, your resume will reflect your standing. Getting into a national exhibition means that you have competed with the best. And in this case, your work will be judged by two of the top national artists in this field. You still have five days, then … You Will Be Making It Happen!

6. Laura King is composing the layout of the upcoming MOWS online magazine. Miles Batt is hard at work on what will be a great cover, and an informative article. If you have a short article, art tip, or accomplishments you would like included in this issue, don’t delay - send them to Laura this weekend: laura@laurakingstudio.com

7. We did the blonde thing, so … Here is something for the gals. Has nothing to do with art, just fun. Sculptor Bob Robertson found these on the Internet. Mom loves them. They remind her of me.
MEN!!!!
1. One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweatshirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," I replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
He yelled back, "DALLAS COWBOYS!"
And they say blondes are dumb....
      ----------------------------------------------------------------
2. A couple is lying in bed. The man says,"I am going to make you the happiest woman in the world."
The woman replies, "I'll miss you........"
      --------------------------------------------------------------
3. Q: What do you call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man?
A: A rumor.
      -------------------------------------------
4. Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man; Love to forgive him; and Patience for his moods. Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength, I'll beat him to death.
AMEN
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Q: Why do little boys whine?
A: They are practicing to be men.
      --------------------------------------------------
6. Q: What do you call a handcuffed man?
A: Trustworthy.
      ---------------------------------------------
7. Q: What does it mean when a man is in your bed gasping for breath and calling your name?
A: You did not hold the pillow down long enough.
      ------------------------------------------
8. Q: How do you keep your husband from reading your email?
A: Rename the email folder "Instruction Manuals."

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

January 6, 2012

2012-01-06T01:45:00.001-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
January 6, 2012 -- "First quarter: sunlight falls on the moon's right side. White-tail deer bucks lose their antlers. Long-tail weasels turn white in north Missouri. Beavers begin breeding this month. Put Christmas trees on the ice for fish cover or beside bird feeders for wildlife cover. Quadrantid meteor shower peaks. Earth closest to the sun (perihelion)."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:42 a.m. CST - EPIPHANY TODAY.
Birthstone: Garnet
Flower: Carnation

"When I visit museums, galleries or art shows, some paintings hold my attention as I view them in awe and admiration. Representational art by highly skilled artists has always captured my interest. I sense the artists' deep emotion and feel the passion in their paintings. The result of their devotion, time and attention do not happen by accident or because they can mimic similar work by others. They consider what they want to say about a subject, then find the best way to communicate it by making appropriate choices and applying good technique."
-- Soon Y. Warren, from her book, Painting Vibrant Watercolors.

TWELVE (12) DAYS TO GET YOUR ENTRY IN FOR WATERCOLOR MISSOURI NATIONAL 2012. If we are to continue with this major exhibition, we need your support. Please enter.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Fealing Lin. Fealing won Second Place in the Watercolor West 2011. In addition, Fealing received a Second Place in the People's Choice.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Honor member, John Salminen. John received a First Place in the Watercolor West 2011 exhibition.

3. A Point of Clarification! Some of our members and other artists have asked about a requirement in the National prospectus under the section titled "Digital Images. And why we ask for 72dpi and not 300dpi."
It states the following:
* MOWS will only accept files in JPEG format, sized at 4"X6" (H) or 6"X4" (V). Resolution should be 72dpi.
We use 72dpi because we do not print a catalog. 72dpi is"smaller" and easier to post in terms of space and shorter download time for our website viewers. …If your painting is an odd size and will not fit the dimensions given in the prospectus, use the short side horizontal (H) or vertical (V) and work the dimension for the length so all your painting is shown: e.g. 4"X12" or 12"X4". The short side should be no smaller than 4”.

4. Dues are due this month. We hope you will continue to support MOWS. You will receive a notice in the mail toward the end of the month. However, you can help by saving us a stamp. Send $25 to MOWS:
Missouri Watercolor Society
George "Papa" Tutt
1406 Kenwood Drive
Fulton, MO 65251-1317

5. Each year at this time I remind members what we will include in the Online News and the MOWS magazine, Watercolor Studio Online. The National Watercolor Society has a similar list. Here are the general guidelines:
What we can use:
* Articles where you and your work are mentioned.
* Publications about you or your work.
* Special exhibitions which bring honor to you: e.g., a special showing at the White House.
* Publications which you authored.
* Winning a major award in a national or international exhibition.

What we cannot use:
* No workshops unless there is a special benefit for the members.
MOWS does provide a free listing on our website of members who teach. Your name and contact only. Contact Laura King: laura@lauraking studio.com
* Neither websites nor links to blogs written by members will be posted in the Online News. We have too many well-known professionals who write blogs, maintain a "Facebook Page," and/or "Twitter."
* All awards in local shows or being judged into any show goes in the Art Y'all section of Watercolor Studio Online. Because of the large number of members receiving awards, we cannot use this information in the Online News.

6. Thought for the day from The American Legion magazine with a little of my thinking.
Don't you think it is interesting how so many folks who hate the rich, run out each week and buy
lottery tickets.

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

December 30, 2011

2011-12-30T01:45:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
December 30, 2011 -- "Missouri bobcats stay in shelters during deep snow. Squirrels gather in nests to conserve energy."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST - The seven days of Kwanzaa began on December 26.
Birthstone: Turquoise
Flower: Narcissus

"Scrape and wipe your palette clean each time you finish working. A palette containing heaps of dried paint doesn't tell the world you're an artist. It simply says you're lazy."
-- John C. Pellew, N.A., A.W.S., from his book, Painting Maritime Landscapes.

1. Congratulations to a number of MOWS members. They deserve our applause. Managing Editor
Jessica Canterbury, Watercolor Artist, sent me notice that once again our exhibition, "Watercolor Missouri National," shown at the world famous National Churchill Museum, was selected for inclusion in the February issue in her article, "The Year's Best Paintings." Mark E. Schuler's painting is shown on page 22.
Amazingly, MOWS has ten (10) artists with work in this issue:
Dean Mitchel - page 8
Carol Z. Brody - page 12
Kent Addison - page 20
Mark E. Schüler - page 22
Bill James - page 24
Diane Schmidt - page 27
Z. L. Feng - page 26, 31
John Salminen - page 28, 35
Marlin Rotach - 32

Mini-sidebar: This was the eleventh (11) time Watercolor Artist selected MOWS' Watercolor Missouri National for this honor.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Fealing Lin. Fealing won an Honorable Mention in the 3rd Annual Watercolor Showcase sponsored by Watercolor Artist magazine and can be seen on page 76 of the February issue.

3. Nineteen (19) days to get your entry in for Watercolor Missouri National. Remember: There is only one way to achieve Signature Status in the Missouri Watercolor Society. You must have a painting accepted into two (2) Watercolor Missouri National exhibitions held at the world famous National Churchill Museum.

4. THANK YOU! for the wonderful holiday wishes many of you have sent to Laura King, Mom and the old fellow. We do treasure your fine comments. Many of you have been with us since we have grown from a small local state organization to a major player on the national and international scene. Thank you for your support. YOU ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN!

5. A Helping Hand Needed: Douglas Kelly is still trying to find his painting from the National Members' Invitational. Folks at the Boone County Historical Society shipped all the paintings back the first week of November and say there are no paintings left at the complex. If you accidentally received Douglas' painting, or you have information he can use, please contact him. dgls.kelly@gmail.com

6. Sidebar: This has nothing to do with art. I got this from the The American Legion magazine.
A taxi driver and a minister arrived in heaven at the same time. The taxi driver was led to a palatial suite, and the minister was given a small room.
"I don't get it," the minister said. "All he did was drive a cab. I was in the ministry for decades."
"Up here, we go by results," St. Peter said. "While you preached, people slept. While he drove, people prayed."

Happy New Year! If you see two instead of one, get a ride home.
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

December 23, 2011

2011-12-23T02:58:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
December 23, 2011 -- "Red Foxes begin mating this month; listen for their barks and squalls. Look door goldfinches, cardinals, titmice, chickadees and nuthatches.Canada Goose population in Missouri is at its peak. Beavers feed on saplings reserves. Look for woodpeckers at the suet feeders: downy, hairy, pileated and rebelled. Ursid meteor shower peaks."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST -- HANUKKAH began the evening of December 20.
FIRST DAY OF WINTER SOLSTICE ( Dec. 21) which means it was the shortest day of the year.
Birthstone: Turquoise
Flower: Narcissus

"George, a camel, stepped on the foot of a Rockette: six sheep came off the elevator as three king bearing gifts got on. … Human Christmas trees bumped into eight maids-a-malking at the watercolor and an elf came down with the flu."
-- William E. Geist, reporting on "pandemonium backstage" at Radio City's Christmas show, NY Times 29 Nov 86.
Taken from James Simpson's Contempory Quotations.

The Board of Directors, Laura King, Mama Jo, and this old Santa wish to take this opportunity to express our most sincere appreciation to each member of the Missouri Watercolor Society for making this past year so outstanding. A special "thank you!" for your support of The Missouri Watercolor Society. We are so proud of your accomplishments, great or small, in this frustrating field we all love called art. You have made it happen! We wish to thank each of you for the wonderful gift of friendship we have cherished this past year. We send to each of you our love, blessings, and very best in the coming new year.

Have a great holiday!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

December 16, 2011

2011-12-16T01:46:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
December 16, 2011 -- "Bald eagles arrive at Table Rock Lake. Skunks sleep during weather 15 F or colder. Eastern cottontail rabbits use abandoned dens during heavy snow. Gray squirrels begin breeding now through February. The leaves of Christmas ferns are green on wooded slopes.
Geminid meteor shower peaks."
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST
Birthstone: Turquoise
Flower: Narcissus

"What makes you go, 'WoW!' Paint that. What nearly makes you weep because of its intense beauty or sadness? Paint that. What would show up in your fantasy if you walked right through a mysterious doorway? Paint that, then paint it again. Painting is more than just making pleasant pictures. It is participating in the wish to share visually all our most intense feelings. Strong feelings or passion toward a subject cannot and should not be hidden as we paint."
-- Jane R. Hofstetter, NWS, from her book, 7 Keys to Great Painting.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Carol Z. Brody, NWS, MOWS. Carol won Third Place in the Louisiana Watercolor Society's 41st Annual International Exhibition. Her article, "Mix and Match," along with four paintings will appear in Watercolor Artist Magazine's Creativity Workshop column in the February 2012 issue. In addition, Carol's paintings will also be published in two books, Best of America-Watercolor, Kennedy Publishers, and Journeys to Abstraction by Sue St. John, published by North Light Books. Both are due out in the spring.

2. Counting down to January 18, 2012. Thirty-three days to get your entry into one of America's top 25 national exhibitions as shown by Watercolor Artist Magazine. Follow the directions in the prospectus. If you've lost it, you can download it from the MOWS website: www.mowsart.com

3. IMPORTANT: At the root of this request are two problems. If you're not sure about uploading your paintings via email (nationalshow@mowsart.com) for entry into Watercolor Missouri National 2012, and you feel sending a disk is safer, PLEASE use a CD not a DVD. My computer is a Mac and a DVD, for some reason, causes interesting things to happen and my head to explode. When I send an entry to a show, I use a CD-R. Send your CD to:
Missouri Watercolor Society
George"Papa" Tutt
1406 kenwood Dr.
Fulton, MO 65251-1317

4. With 2012 just around the corner, many of you will be looking for workshop instructors or judges for your local art group. As a member of MOWS you have access to the listing of our members on the MOWS website. You'll be very surprised to find out how many award winning national artists we have who teach and/or act as judges. To view the list, click the paint-stroke button marked "Workshops" on the left side of the home page. www.mowsart.com

5. ONCE AGAIN: With everyone's money going for Christmas, it's important to remember the following: MOWS is one of the few nationally-recognized organizations to hold dues at a most reasonable rate and continue to offer its members two national exhibitions: Watercolor Missouri National, and the new National Members' Invitational! PLUS, four Online Members' Shows, Watercolor Studio Online, the Online News each Friday, a national award winning website, and you'll be working with two exquisitely pleasant individuals, Laura King and Mama Jo . . . or dealing with old pain-in-the-tail, Papa. All for $25! No matter how you cut it, that's a great value! Dues of $25 are due in January.

6. Unfortunately: As many of you know, there are some sick folks out there. These individuals find great pleasure creating "computer problems" for others. Most of these problems are designed for PC and can do different things to a PC--all bad. Very few are designed for Macs. However, sometime before Thanksgiving, I started receiving a nuisance type of thing which is blocked by my security system.
This type of activity is against federal law. I have turned this annoyance over to the proper authorities. They are "tracing the Web trail," and they will prosecute.

7. This has nothing to do with art. Just something silly from my cousin in California, and of course, she is a blond, … she is older than I am, but she's still an will always be blond. ...
It was found that a California blond was using the following password:
"MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento"
When asked why she had such a long password, she rolled her eyes and said:
"Hello! It has to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one capital."

Happy Holidays!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

December 9, 2011

2011-12-09T01:44:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
December 9, 2011 -- Bald eagles arriving in Northern Missouri and can be viewed at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Snow goose populations are at their peak in the wetlands areas. Pine siskins and purple finches are at bird feeders. Raccoons den up during snow and ice storms.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST
Birthstone: Turquoise
Flower: Narcissus

"Another bit of essential advice: No matter how costly the trip was, no matter how much visual pleasure you derived from the experience, you don't have to paint a subject unless you really want to paint it. It is permissible to visit the Grand Canyon without painting it."
-- Barbara Nechis, AWS, from her book, Watercolor From the Heart.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Honor member, Dean Mitchell. Dean won the National Watercolor Society Award for Excellence in Watermedia at the PWCS One Hundred and Eleventh Anniverary International Exhibition of Works on Paper.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Sy Ellens. In the same PWCS exhibition, Sy won the Carolyn Howard Memorial Award.

3. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, George M. Schoonover. George won the Mel Fetterolf Award in the PWCS exhibition.

4. Congratulations to other MOWS members in the PWCS exhibition:
Marilynne Bradley, Elizabeth Concannon, and Charlotte Huntley.

5. Dues! After telling everyone about dues, I forgot to include an address where to send them, …DUH!
Missouri Watercolor Society
George "Papa" Tutt
1406 Kenwood Drive
Fulton, MO 65251-1317

6. Forty days to go until all entries have to be in for Watercolor Missouri National 2012 to be shown at the National Churchill Museum. Cheng-Khee Chee, AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR, is the Juror of Selection. Robert Lee Mejer, NWS, MOWS-HR, will serve as the Juror of Awards. To serve as a judge for Watercolor Missouri National, the artist must have national recognition by the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, or both.

7. Don't forget to send your accomplishments to Laura King for this next issue of Watercolor Studio. We need a couple of good articles, and some tips, too.
Do YOU remember this? ... You wrote an article after you got into your first national show. You were sure you had the answer to ART, so you wrote an article. ... But then, you left it in some dark corner of your studio under a stack of books for the next 10 years. ...Well, dig it out, blow the dust off and let us takes a look at it. Send that paragon to: laura@laurakingstudio.com

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

December 2, 2011

2011-12-02T01:47:00.001-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
December 2, 2011 -- Milkweed pods open. Under the snow, voles and mice feed on grass. River otters begin breeding through April. Great horned owls are courting; listen for "Hoo, hoo-oo, hoo-oo." Barred owls are also courting; listen for "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for your all?"
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST
Birthstone: Turquoise
Flower: Narcissus

"I have a saying: When you don't know what to do, don't do it--because it will just look that way. A painting is finished when your realize that you have nothing further to do on it. … Personally, I consider one of my own paintings a success when I begin to enjoy it. But this rarely happens right away."
-- Mario Cooper, AWS, from his book, Watercolor by Design.

1. Congratulations to MOWS member, Dave Eckhard. Dave is having a one-man show at the St. Peters Cultural Art Centre in the Emerald Gallery on Dec 9, 2011 thru Jan 30, 2012. Opening reception is Friday, December 9, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

2. A reminder that the deadline for entering Watercolor Missouri National 2012 is January 18, 2011. This nationally noted exhibition will be held at the world famous National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Mo. If you are successful and selected for the exhibition, your painting will be shown where famous individuals delivered the Green Lecture: Secretary of State James Baker; Presidents Reagan, Ford and Bush; British Prime Minsters Margaret Thatcher and John Major; and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Last year, the British Ambassador to the United States Sir Nigel Sheinwald was a special guest for the Kemper Lecture. The reception was held in the gallery so all the attendees to the Kemper Lecture enjoyed Watercolor Missouri National 2011. Mr. Kemper likes for the National to be in the gallery so the guests can enjoy the paintings. The National Churchill Museum is an amazing place to show paintings. You'd be very surprised by the number of bus loads of tourists who will see this year's Watercolor Missouri National.
So mark your calendar for January 18, 2011 and make sure your entry is in before that date. When you send your digital entry be sure to use the correct address: nationalshow@mowsart.com

3. A Second Reminder: Dues ($25) are due in January. However, you may pay your dues and enter the National exhibition: members pay $25 entry if dues are paid, or $50 for both entry and dues. Having the dues due in January allows the Board of Directors the leeway to decide the money available for Watercolor Studio Online, Watercolor Missouri National, the MOWS website, and, most important, the National Members' Invitational.

4. We know you're very busy with Christmas just around the corner, BUT … it would help if you would please send Laura King your accomplishments for the winter issue of Watercolor Studio Online. Send to: laura@laurakingstudio.com

5. Repeat: IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE: our membership is interested in "tips" that artists use in the creative process. MOWS members are also interested in "how to" articles. A number of members have expressed interest in articles explaining how artists create their paintings. Others have expressed interest in an explanation concerning the business side of art, e.g., how do you price a painting, and articles that deal with design.

6. Reminder: Don't forget to send me any type of exhibition honors you receive or publication of an article or book for the Online News. georgetutt@socket.net
* MOWS is a not-for-profit organization; therefore, I cannot promote workshops in the Online News.
* I will not list local shows nor festivals in the Online News.
* I will not give recognition to the activities of certain organizations making claims they can't back up.

7. I'm not sure if this program is still going, but they will pass the cards out. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS! As a former GI who spent six years in the U.S. Army, I can tell you, receiving mail means a lot. A card at Christmas will show these young men and women that someone cares. Please, when making out your Christmas cards--if you send any-- send one card to the address below. Just one card! If everyone would send one card, our wonderful men and women who have sacrificed so much for us will receive a special gift from you. Why? Because we should care. There is no way for you to know what they have been through unless you've been there. Here is the address;
A Recovering America Soldier/Sailor/ Marine
℅ Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

Have a very happy holiday season!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

November 18, 2011

2011-11-18T01:46:00.001-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
November 18, 2011 -- Most leaves have fallen blanketing the Missouri forest floor. Birds gather at feeders. Scan the leafless trees for the gray nests of bald-face hornets. Hellbender eggs begin to hatch. Collect pecans as they drop from the pecan trees. Leonid meteor shower peaks.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST
Birthstone: Topaz
Flower: Chrysanthemum

"… most painters, including myself, are always in danger of getting too involved in the details of the subject. Ed Whitney -- well-known artist, teacher, and author -- always said that when you bought a coat, you look for a fit -- not for the buttonholes. So don't worry about the buttonholes; instead, paint what you feel about nature."
-- Betty L. Schlemm, AWS, from her book, Painting with Light.

1. The Board of Directors, Laura King, Mama Jo and I wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving. Once again: There will be no Online News next week.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Doris Davis-Glackin. Doris has a feature article "Apply Like Weak Tea" in the December/January 2012 issue of International Artist magazine. The article describes Doris' creative process and includes images of her work.

3. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member Joseph Smith. Joseph received the "Award of Excellence" for a portrait in the 5th Annual Prairie Village State Of The Arts 2011 exhibition. The juror for this year's exhibition was gallery owner, Paul Dorrell. The exhibition date was October 1 to November 1, 2011.

4. January: A number of you have asked about dues and when they are due. As other organization go sky-high with their dues in this bad economy, MOWS is holding on to our original 1998 dues of $25. The office prefers to receive the money by check near the start of each new year. This gives the board some idea of what we can offer our membership during the year. However, the official date is January 31.

5. Christmas is just around the corner and the winter issue of Watercolor Studio Online will be around the next corner after that. Please let Laura King know that the accomplishments, tips, articles you email are for the magazine. MOWS cover artist for this issue is Miles Batt. Years ago, when I taught watercolor at William Woods University, I used paintings by Miles to show the students the meaning of the word "creativity."
Laura King email address: laura@laurakingstudio.com

6. A member asked, "A number of artists I know consider the Missouri Watercolor Society to be one of the very best. Is there something I can do to help the organization?"
Yes! Every member of MOWS can help. It's very simple. Just get one other artist to join. That alone would bring in an additional $8,750.

7. Watercolor Missouri National 2012. It's hard to believe, but we have received our first entries. We will certainly need your support. Most of our older members understand that everything we do as an organization, e.g. the National Members' Invitational, is dependent on the number of entries in our shows that have cash awards and MOWS dues.
IMPORTANT: MOWS understands that some of our artists are not interested in a competitive show, and feel it is a waste of their money because they would never get in an exhibition so highly rated on the national scene. … But how do you know for sure unless you try?

What would you do? Feel? Whom would your tell?… IF your painting was selected for Watercolor Missouri National 2012 at the National Churchill Museum. Again this year, the exhibition will be listed as one of the top 25 in the USA by Watercolor Artist Magazine in the February issue. Your painting could also be selected for one of the many cash prizes. THINK ABOUT THIS: Besides the major cash awards, there are two special $500 awards! The Best Entry from a Missouri Artist, $500; the Best Entry from a MOWS Member, $500. And there are five special $100 Merit Awards for Missouri Artists. Cheng-Khee Chee, AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR will serve as the Juror of Selection. Robert Lee Mejer, NWS, MOWS-HR, will serve as Juror of Awards. You can download the prospectus from the MOWS website: http://www.mowsart.com

8. Sidebar: MOWS Signature member, Jan Ross, sent this to me for "a chuckle." It worked! This is called: How Men Think
As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears,
"You know what?
"You have been with me all through the bad times.
"When I got fired, you were there to support me.
"When my business failed, you were there.
"When I got shot, you were by my side.
"When we lost the house, you stayed right here.
"When my health started failing, you were still by my side...
"You know what Martha?"
"What dear?" she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth.
"I'm beginning to think you're bad luck." ...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
A Papa thought: Always have a smile for others; it's remembered after you leave.

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

November 11, 2011

2011-11-11T01:45:00.000-08:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
November 11, 2011 -- Enjoy a walk in the woods and look for old bird nests. Look for mallards in the Missouri wetlands.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST VETERANS DAY
Birthstone: Topaz
Flower: Chrysanthemum

"No one will know or even care what the subject 'really' looked like. Your painting must speak for itself. Art is separate from reality and actually has little to do with it. Matisse once told an outraged patron who complained that her portrait was not a good likeness, 'Madame, this is not a person, this is a painting.' "
--Inessa Derkatsch, from her book, Transparent Watercolor: Painting Methods and Materials.

1. Congratulations to Honor member John Salminen AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR. John won the National Watercolor Society Purchase Award, with Silver Star in the NWS 91st Annual Exhibition 2011. His painting was also used on the cover, front and back, of the catalog.

2. Congratulations to the following winners in the NWS 91st Annual Exhibition: Dean Mitchell, the Alice Leonard Memorial Award; Michael P. Rocco, Watercolor West Award; Judi Betts, Henry & Fukuhara Memorial Award. Other MOWS members selected for the exhibition: Chris Beck, Cheng-Khee Chee, Bev Jozwiak, Fealing Lin, and Marlin Rotach.

3. Congratulations to Signature member, Laurin McCracken, AWS, NWS. Laurin has been busy writing excellent articles. In the October - November issue (#81) of International Artist, Laurin has another fine article titled, "Seeing, Drawing and Mastery of the Craft."

4. Congratulations to MOWS Honor member, Kent Addison. Kent's painting was used on the mailer announcing the opening reception for the Kansas Watercolor Society National 2011. Noted artist Frank Webb served as juror and selected 91 paintings for this exhibition.

5. Congratulations to the following MOWS members for being finalists in the The Artist's Magazine 28th annual Art Competition. The exhibition attracted 7000 entries:
Still/floral: Chris Beck, Chris Krupinski
Portrait/ figure: None
Abstract/experimental: Christine Alfery, Paul Jackson, Diane Schmidt, Denise Athanas
Animal/wildlife: None
Landscape/interior: Dean Mitchell, John Salminen

6. Attention: There will be NO Online News Thanksgiving week. Laura King, Mom and I are going to spend that time with our families. My job is to keep the grandkids entertained while the gals cook a big turkey. I'm sure many of you have such assignments, too.

7. Here are Papa's recommendations for NATIONAL exhibitions for August: MOWS is an organization of artists involved in the profession of watermedia painting. We have a large membership that covers all of Missouri, plus goes from Alaska to Hawaii to Florida to California. Therefore, we only recommend national and international exhibitions -- or our own! -- dealing with watermedia as part or all of the exhibition. We do not promote crafts nor craft organizations. To earn the MOWS recommendation, shows must be judged by professional artists with national standing, belonging to the American Watercolor Society or National Watercolor Society as signature members.

Missouri Watercolor Society's 12th Annual Watercolor Missouri National Exhibition. National Churchill Museum, Fulton, Mo. Dates: April 1 -May 18, 2012. Juror of Selection: Cheng-Khee Chee AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR. Juror of Awards: Robert Lee Mejer, NWS, MOWS-HR. Top cash award: $1000; 16 cash awards; 5 Missouri Merit Awards. Digital entry deadline: Jan. 18, 2012. For prospectus, send #10 SASE to: Missouri Watercolor Society, 1406 Kenwood Drive, Fulton, MO 65251-1317; phone: 573-642-6410; e-mail:georgetutt@socket.net or download: www.mowsart.com

The 36th Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibition. Kenosha, Wisconsin: Kenosha Public Museum. May 5, 2012 - July 29, 2012. Digital entries deadline: January 13, 2012. Jurors: Donna Jill Witty and Joe Garcia. For prospectus: Send #10 SASE to TWSA, 249 East Rte. 6, Box 209, Morris, IL 60450; download at www.TWSAwatercolors.org
Watercolor Art Society-Houston 35th International Exhibition. WAS-H Gallery, Houston, Texas. Dates: March 13 - April 12, 2012. Juror: Judi Betts. Cash awards: $6000. Watermedia on paper, 80 percent. For prospectus: send SASE to 35th International Exhibition ℅ Watercolor Art Society - Houston, 1601 W Alabama, and Houston, Texas 77006-9966. Enter online or printable prospectus: www.watercolorhouston.org

20th Annual 2012 Rockies West National Exhibition. Grand Junction, Colorado. Dates: March 1 - 31. Juror: Frank Francese. Awards: Cash. Deadline: December 1, 2011. For prospectus: Send SASE to WCWS, PO Box 3584, Grand Junction, CO 81502-3584 or download: www.westerncoloradowcsociety.org

Texas Watercolor Society 63rd Annual Exhibition. San Antonio Art Museum. Dates: June 1- June 30. Entry deadline: April 1, 2012. Awards: Cash. Juror:Steve Doherty. For prospectus: txwatercolorsociety.org

RRWS 19th National Juried Watermedia Exhibition. Dates: June 17 - September 16, 2012. Juror: Donna Zagotta. Entry deadline: April 1, 2012. Prizes: Cash/merchandise. For prospectus: #10 SASE to RRWS, P.O. Box 1656, Fargo, ND 58107-1656, or redriverws.org

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

November 4, 2011

2011-11-04T01:44:00.001-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
November 4, 2011 -- Pecans begin to ripen. Bullfrogs begin hibernation. Woodchucks (groundhogs) are asleep in underground nests. Scaup and ringneck duck populations peak. Put up bird-feeding stations. The last of the Missouri crickets sing a goodbye. Southern Taurid meteor Shower peaks
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a.m. CST Tuesday 1st-All Saint's Day, Wednesday 2nd- Day of the Dead
Birthstone: Topaz
Flower: Chrysanthemum

Daylight-saving time ends on Sunday. Fall back.

"The obvious is what the average tourist photographs. It is subject matter that's been painted so often it has become boring. It is the subject that makes jurors exclaim, 'Oh no, not again!' It's Rockport harbors, Motif Number One. It's San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. It's Irish thatched-roofed Cottages, Dutch windmills, and New England covered bridges. Look for new subjects or, better yet, a new way of presenting the old so they become your subjects. Be creative, not a copycat."
--John C. Pellew, A.W.S., from his book, John Pellew Paints Watercolors.

1. Congratulations to Signature member, Laurin McCracken. Laurin has a fine article on page 66, November issue of The Artist's Magazine titled "'Build' a Better Building." On page 58, is an article by Cherie Haas, associate editor, titled "Tools That Are Tried-And-True." Laurin has a tip on page 58.

2. In the same article of The Artist Magazine, Honor member, John Salminen, has tip about the use of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original to scrub/lift out unwanted areas in a painting. See page 63 for John's tip.

3. Congratulations to Signature member, Fealing Lin. Fealing won Second Place in Watercolor West International Exhibition 2011.

4 The Watercolor Missouri National, held at the world famous National Churchill Museum, is our next major show. Now is the time to plan ahead. MOWS would like to recommend artists use the Strongbox made by Air Float Systems (Airfloat) to ship paintings. We prefer the lined box. Many of the national exhibitions are now charging artists an extra fee if they have to deal with homemade crates. MOWS charges $10 extra if we have to deal with homemade boxes. The Air Float Strongbox is somewhat expensive, but so easy to use: for the artist and the museum/gallery. Most of mine--I have seven Strongboxes -- are five years old and do a lot of traveling. If you place an order, tell them you're a member of MOWS and ask for the discount.
Here is the address:
Air Float Systems, INC.
110 Second Street
P.O. Box 1476
Verona, MS 38879
Phone: 800-445-2580
Fax: 800-562-4323
Web: http://www.airfloatsys.com

5. It's that time of the year! Just like the tick of the old clock, artists and organizations around the country are requesting a mention of their workshop/event in the MOWS Online News. Every workshop has value, but there is no way we can list them in the Online News. We suggest artists take out an ad in Watercolor Studio Online. The price of various size ads are posted in each magazine, generally on the second or third page.
http://www.mowsart.com

6. Sidebar: I really love this! This has nothing to do with art, but it speaks loads on the age bracket a few of us are in. I used it before in 2009 ! I found it again in a pile of my notes on fun stuff. It's off the Internet so the author is unknown.
Dr. Albert Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase, but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him.. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, "Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it."
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continue down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, "Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one."
Einstein looked at him and said, "Young man, I too know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going."

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

November 4, 2011

2011-11-04T01:44:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2011

2011-10-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
October 28, 2011 -- Green-winged teal, American wigeon, pintail and gadwall ducks are at their peak. Juncos arrive from Canada. Striped skunks are fattening up for winter while lady beetles congregate on the sunny side of houses. Average day of first frost in southern Missouri.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a..m. BOO! MONDAY IS HALLOWEEN! BOO AGAIN!
Birthstone: Opal
Flower: Calendula

"Color, says the dictionary, is 'the quality of an object or substance with respect to light reflected by the object.'
Reflected is the word to remember"
-- Tom Hill, AWS, from his book, The Watercolorist's Complete Guide to Color.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Doris Davis-Glackin. Doris received the Frank Webb Award for Aquamedia at The Audubon Artists 69th annual/international exhibition at The Salmagundi Club in NYC.

2. ATTENTION! If you are picking up a painting from Boone County Historical Society, and you have a problem please call Jenifer Flink (cell phone) at 573-239-7353, or BCHS at 573-443-8936. If you cannot pick up your painting you MUST CALL BCHS. BCHS is going on winter hours after this week so the hours published in the prospectus may not work next week (November).

3. REMINDER! Don't forget, this year MOWS will only accept digital entries in Watercolor Missouri National held each spring at the National Churchill Museum. Be sure to follow the prospectus for size and email your entries (paintings) to this link: nationalshow@mowsart.com
Laura King has a very fine article in the summer issue of Watercolor Studio which you can find on the MOWS website, which may help you in this endeavor.
PLEASE : Read the prospectus carefully. Follow those instructions. You must also send your entry form, entry fee, notification card, #10 SASE, and a photo copy (hard copy) of each entry. You may also enclose a CD with your entries. These come to the MOWS office.
Missouri Watercolor Society
George "Papa" Tutt
1406 Kenwood Drive
Fulton, MO 64251-1317
If you have a problem: Call me at 573-642-6410, or email me at georgetutt@socket.net

4. A thought from MOWS member Douglas Kelly. (Doug used to write the newsletter for the Springfield Symphony.) Doug emailed me about an article by Jerry N Weiss on the last page of The Artist’s Magazine (December issue). And that Weiss' article is something that can be a lesson to all MOWS members. Here is the important part of our emails:
"Poor old Tom Eakins did a wonderful painting (even in oil) of “The Gross Clinic” in 1875. It never got the attention it deserved, and was purchased for $200 by Thomas Jefferson University. But later, when the university decided to sell it in 2006, darned if the Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art wanted it and paid $68 million for it. Amazing, eh? Such encouragement is so inspiring, and it should be paramount to offer to all artists entering shows and suffering the heartbreak of rejection."

5. The BEST reason why you should have shown your work on the MOWS website in the "Members' Holiday Online Invitational": Here are the stats (visits) the day I published "it was up" in the Online News. The News goes out early Friday morning. I checked these stats Friday afternoon. Gives you a good idea of how many foreigners check out the MOWS website for the new online shows. Remember that these represent different time zones and different days around the world:
COUNTRY
Asian Cities
China -- 79 Shanghai, Guangzhou
India -- 24 Calcutta
Turkey -- 22 Istanbul, Antalya
Russia Federation -- 2 Moscow
Georgia -- 2 Tbilisi
Korea -- 1 N/A
Uzbekistan -- 1 Tashkent
Europen Cities
Spain -- 30 Barcelona
United Kingdom -- 119 Alloa
Italy -- 193 Caglian
France -- 123 Paris, Roubaix
Sweden -- 38 Stockholm
Ukraine -- 30 N/A
Greece -- 146 Athens
United States and Canada
United States -- 7,099 Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, others to numerous to mention
Canada -- 187 Oshawa, Montreal
Worldwide Total -- 8,096

Sunday and Friday are the biggest worldwide viewing days for the MOWS website.

6. Question: Do any of the members from Mississippi, or elsewhere, know anyone living in Olive Branch, Mississippi? MOWS and Papa are getting very unusual traffic from that locale.

7. Sidebar: I goin' to do it again! Folks, this is the sixth time I've had this in the Online News. It was in the News last year, ... and the year before! I wrote this in 2005. But a number of our members are my age and asked -- AGAIN! -- if I would run it because they remember those painted hose seams, too. So here it is again, ENJOY! And Happy Halloween!
. . . The first class in school for me was in 1942. My teacher had just graduated from MU. Because of the war, she -- like all the gals -- couldn't get nylon hose to wear, so she used a marker and painted a line down the back of her legs to look like a hose seam. That fantastic bending line certainly made a lasting impression on a little boy. I had never seen real art work before. Even today, as I approach the twilight of my life, I'm still not sure that that beautiful line making its way down that curved leg wasn't the driving impetus that turned me into an artist. Here is what else I learned from my first-grade teacher:
H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N! H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N!
Oh what funny things are seen.
Witches' hats!
Coal-black cats!
Broomstick riders!
Mice and rats!

Have a SPOOKY Halloween!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

October 21,2011

2011-10-21T01:44:00.001-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
October 21, 2011 -- Peak fall color begins in maples, oaks and hickories. Look for spiders blooming on windy days while blue jays gather acorns and fly to other trees to hide them. Early wintering sparrows arrive in Missouri. Beavers are active during the day gathering winter food. In the Bootheel swamps cypress and tupelo gum trees are full of fall color. Orionid meter shower peaks tonight.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a..m.
Birthstone: Opal
Flower: Calendula

"In my painting now, as well as then, what I aim to capture is the spirit of the subject as I see it. It is an interpretive statement in which I create--through drawing, composition, value structure, and color qualities--
the personality of the subject as I react to it. I once had a painting teacher who repeatedly instructed, 'Study
the pig, but paint the squeal.'"
-- Irving Shapiro, AWS, from his book, How to Make a Painting.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Kay Coop. Kay won the Canson Paper Award and a Purchase Award in the Kentucky Watercolor Society 2011 Aqueous USA exhibition.

2. Congratulations to MOWS member, Gretchen Foster. She received received the Airfloat Award at the Michigan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition. The painting is currently part of the traveling show that is shown in four different cities in Michigan during the balance of the year.

3. Here is a very nice note from MOWS member Betty Braig.
"I grew up in Missouri and just returned to Arizona after spending the first three weeks of October viewing autumn in the St. Louis area. While there, I did visit the MOWS exhibition in Columbia. It really is a good show! I complimented the man who hung the show on the space and lighting in the gallery. The people I spoke to were very happy to have the show there and hoped that MOWS would return next year. Thanks for your time and effort working for the arts." --Betty Braig

Sidebar: During the last event held in the Montminy Gallery by BCHS, they sold three painting from the MOWS National Members' Invitational exhibition.

4. ATTENTION! The fall issue of Watercolor Studio is up. Thanks go to all who have made this such a fine issue. Laura King put this issue together between visits to the hospital. Now that's dedication! Check out Fred Schollmeyer's cover and his fine article on the use of an air brush. Shirley Nachtrieb and Jan Ross also have interesting articles in this issue. A great section of members' accomplishments in Art Y'all. And we have the photos of the Montminy Gallery and National Members' Invitational winners. (Unfortunately, the list of names with the photos was lost, so if you want to scream because your name isn't under your photo, blame me.)
To view, go to the MOWS website. Click the link at the very bottom of the homepage:
www.mowsart.com

5. A recurring question about the Watercolor Missouri National at the National Churchill Museum. "Is there a time limit on the art work that is entered?"
Answer: When Watercolor Missouri National became a possibility, I met with the executive director of the Churchill Memorial -- now the National Churchill Museum -- about what he expected from the exhibition. His first concern was that the exhibition MUST exhibit the very best quality possible because of the important events and the esteemed individuals visiting the Churchill complex. To make sure we met this concern, it was decided by the MOWS Board of Directors not to put a time limit on when the paintings were finished, allowing artists to submit their best work. Since that first exhibition, the quality of the Watercolor Missouri National exhibitions has been so outstanding, we have never changed it. The National Churchill Museum and MOWS still prefer an exhibition of paintings of exceptional professional quality over an exhibition based on having to answer the paradoxical question: When did you finished that?

6. Lest you forget! In last week's News, I asked that when you change your email address -- or make any other change of address or phone number -- please remember to notify us. On many occasions we receive questions asking why members are not getting the Online News. Of course, if we don't have your changes, we can't sent you MOWS information. However, interesting things do happen. Here is a fun one from a few years ago and, of course, one of my favorite MOWS stories:
One of our members kept sending me a request for the News. She was not getting the Online News on Friday while all her friends received the News. SHE WANTED THE NEWS! I kept emailing her that it went out to her each Friday at the same time I sent it to her friends. Finally, she emailed an apology. She had found the problem: Her husband! He felt the Online News was spam and each Friday morning deleted it before she got to use the computer. (Poor man! .. . . He no longer has a head and his hat keeps sliding off his shoulders.)

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

October 14, 2011

2011-10-14T01:45:00.001-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
October 14, 2011 -- New England asters bloom providing nectar for late-migrating monarchs. On the prairies downy gentians bloom. Hellbender breeding is at its peak. Watch for flocks of blues jays flying low. Average day of first frost in northern Missouri.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:32 a..m.
Birthstone: Opal
Flower: Calendula

"Many students ask me how to price their paintings. My answer is always the same. It seems to me there is only one practical and ethical way to fix the price of a picture. What is it worth to you, plus a small profit. Ask your self, 'Would I rather have fifty dollars or this picture? Seventy-five or the picture? One hundred?' When you are not sure of the answer, add five or ten dollars. Make that the price of the picture. … The trick is to be honest with yourself in answering the question, 'What is it worth to me?'"
-- Edgar A. Whitney ANA., AWS., from his book, Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Tony Armendariz. Tony won the Honorable Mention award in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 32nd Annual International exhibition at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester, PA.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Jan Ross. Her painting received Second Place in the Watercolor Society of Alaska's 37th Annual National Juried Competition.

3. Congratulations to MOWS Honor Roll member, Paul Jackson, AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR. Paul was on an early flight out of St. Louis headed for Raleigh, NC for a week of judging and workshop for WSNC. He will then catch another flight to Calcutta, India for two weeks of showing his paintings and teaching at the International Art Meet Kolkata.

4. Important: Here is the information about pick up dates for the paintings in the National Members' Invitational.
Show closes - October 21
Pick up - October 22 - 30 (BCHS is closed Monday and Tuesday) Please try to pick up your hand-delivered painting Saturday, October 22 or Sunday, October 23.
BCHS open hours - 12:30p.m. - 4:30p.m.
Warning: Mizzou plays Oklahoma State on Saturday, October 22. The highways into Columbia will be packed with traffic. If possible, come on Sunday, or later in the week.

5. Update on Laura. Many of you have been concerned about Laura, and she greatly appreciates all your kind notes and well wishes. She has just found out that she has acute mononucleosis. Apparently all the stress and trauma her body went through with the surgery and post-operative infection triggered the long-dormant mono virus that had been in her body since college. Kind of like older folks can get shingles from the chicken pox virus. Unfortunately there’s no cure for mono except more time and rest, and it’s impossible to say how much longer it’ll be before it goes away. In the meantime, she’s trying to work on the magazine a little every day.

6. A number of events have occurred at Boone County Historical Society since the NMI opened. The Heritage Festival was held on the grounds with mucho things happening. Festival visitors also made visits to our show. In addition, BCHS and the Commerce Bank held the The Boone County Hall of Fame in the gallery. This event recognized individuals or organizations that have contributed to the development, growth, and preservation of Boone County. So all those important folks had a chance to spend some time with the paintings, too.

7. Reminder: Folks, I sure don't want to make anyone unhappy. However, I do not have the time to answer all the request I receive on the social networks. Example: forty-three (43) artists have asked me to connect on the somewhat new social/art network (I don't even know the name, but it starts with an "L"). Twitter just sent me a notice that I have three messages; and a bunch of folks have posted stuff on Facebook. It's becoming ridiculous. I'm sorry folks, but I'm just not into that kind of social networking. However, I will always try my best to answer your questions about MOWS or problems you are having with your art. If you need to communicate with me, please use the EMAIL, or my phone (573-642-6410).

8. I couldn't see the pics!! A number of MOWS members could not see the pictures of the Montminy Gallery that I sent in last Friday's Online News. So I asked our computer guru, Laura King, "How come?" This is kind of what our feeling-a-little-better swami replied: "Unfortunately, it is hard to know 'How come?' Some folks have old computers, or some use a different browser, or maybe it's the Internet gremlins."
Laura will include photos in the next online issue of Watercolor Studio.

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

October 7, 2011

2011-10-07T01:47:00.001-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
October 7, 2011 -- Most ruby-throated hummingbirds have left Missouri. Peak fall color begins as timber rattlesnakes enter hibernation. Muskies become active in the big lakes. Listen for the trill of field crickets and watch for goldfinches eating sunflower seeds. Cardinal flowers bloom along Ozark streams.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:34 a..m. YOM KIPPUR BEGINS TONIGHT.
Birthstone: Opal
Flower: Calendula

"Learning to handle light and shadow in a painting is crucial. You have to look at shadows as abstract shapes that are integral with your subject, not merely adjuncts that you put in to create the illusion of depth. Shadows are pieces of the puzzle -- they can be as important as the objects themselves. … What's most important is that you become able to 'read' the shadows in the subject before you and translate them into design components that suit the needs of your painting."
-- Charles Reid, from his book, Painting by Design.

1. Congratulations to MOWS member, Muriel Eulich. Her painting of the Red Onion in Aspen, Colorado was used on the cover of the Aspen Times over Labor Day weekend. The Red Onion is a special year-round eating/drinking hangout in Aspen for skiers and tourist alike.

2. Congratulations to MOWS member Diane Schmidt. Diane won the top award and medal in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 32nd Annual International exhibition at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester, PA. She also had a painting featured on the "Competition Spotlight" page of the September issue of the Artist's Magazine.

3. Attention: For some unknown reason, this is the time of year when many of our members decide to change something: where you live; your email, or your old man who spends the fall on the couch, drinking beer and watching football. Not letting us know of your changes presents a BIG problem for MOWS in that we have to try and track you down. Most of the members keep us informed, but we still have a number who just forget, then they wonder why they are not getting the Online News. Please, when you make a change, keep us informed.

4. Great News! Laura King is out of the hospital and back home, but still a little shaky. And she has posted the new Online Holiday Show. Go to MOWS website: www.mowsart.com

5. I would like to thank the members of the MOWS Board of Directors for their help with the opening of the first National Members' Invitational. They mixed with the large crowd and made everyone feel at home in the new gallery. According to the door records, approximately 150- 160 MOWS members attended. Here are some photos of the gallery with a few early viewers.

The Montminy Gallery is very large and even with 150 plus members and their families there was no problem seeing the paintings. The gallery is shaped like a huge "U." Note of interest: Years ago, someone decided the gallery needed a chair rail. No one knows why. Jenifer Flink and her crew will be taking the rail down this coming year. These photos should give you a very good idea of how the show looked to all. As one member told me, "Gosh, Papa, we've got room to wiggle."

6. A Thought: Before everyone arrived for the opening of the first National Members' Invitational, Mom and I slowly walked through the gallery comparing the work in this exhibition to the paintings in the first show held in Jefferson City way back in 1999. What a difference! Then we were excited at the attempts by members to make a convincing image. Today, we have artists making strong statements. Many of you have arrived, while others are very close. For me, it's like watching your child walk across the stage at graduation. I'm so proud of what you have accomplished. Thank You.

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

September 30, 2011

2011-09-30T01:48:00.001-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
September 30, 2011 -- Fawns have lost their spots; squirrels bury acorns and nuts for winter food. Katydids sing in the trees as snakes begin winter dormancy. Persimmons and bittersweet start to ripen. Black gum, bittersweet and dogwood show fall color. White pelicans congregate at Squaw Creek and Swan Lake National Wildlife refuges through mid-October. Pawpaw fruits ripen in Missouri woods.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:36 a..m.
Birthstone: Sapphire
Flower: Aster

"Author Umberto Eco, musing upon the meaning of penmanship, said:
First you have the writing style your teacher drill into you. Then you try to imitate the prevailing style of the times. And finally, you settle into a style that is your own and no one else's.
I cannot think of a more apt description of the painting process."
-- Barbara Nechis, AWS, from her book, Watercolor From the Heart.

1. Congratulations to Signature member, Laurin McCracken, AWS, NWS, MOWS who won Second Prize in the Keystone National Exhibition. Laurin has a major article in the October/November issue of International Artist magazine, starting on page 82, “Seeing, Drawing and Mastery of the Craft.” In the November issue of the Artist’s Magazine, he wrote the Drawing Board column on page 66, “’Build’ a Better Building.” This is the second of two articles Laurin has written for the magazine about using perspective and painting buildings. He is also included in the article “tools that are tried-and-true” on page 58.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Honor member, Kent Addison. Kent received the First prize award for his watercolor in the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia 2011. The exhibition was on display at The Foothills Art Center, Golden, Colorado.

3.Unfortunately, Laura is continuing to have complications from surgery and has been readmitted to the hospital for further diagnostic tests and IV antibiotics. She is anxious to get back to normal, but at this point we cannot promise the show or magazine will be on time. We will keep you updated.

4. Repeat: Members' Online Holiday Exhibition 2011! This next show is scheduled for October 5, 2011 through January 4, 2012. The deadline is October 1, and the show will be posted on the MOWS site on Oct. 5th. (barring further complications with Laura's health -we will keep you posted). This is strictly a digital show. The rotating slide show on the MOWS homepage is made up of paintings from this show, and there's also a gallery page which links to individual pages of each painting. There will be many viewers looking because of Christmas. If you wish to be in the Members' Online Holiday Exhibition 2011, there is a fee. Please mail $7 per .jpeg image, or $10 per slide or photo to Laura King. Send checks and slides/photos by poky mail; email images in .jpeg format to Laura's email address below (include title, size, and medium - plus price if desired - for each painting).
Laura King
1513 Thoroughbred Circle
Columbia, MO 65202
Laura's email address: laura@laurakingstudio.com
See this link on the MOWS web site for full instructions on how to send in your work: http://www.mowsart.com/howtoshow.htm

5. The fall edition of our online magazine, Watercolor Studio, will also be put together by Editor Laura King. So, if you are interested in having artists all over the USA and overseas read about your accomplishments, then you need to get them to Laura this week. We'll also list the winners in the National Members' Invitational, all the participating artists, plus our corporate sponsors. Use Laura's email in #3.

6. Here are Papa's recommendations for NATIONAL exhibitions for August: MOWS is an organization of artists involved in the profession of watermedia painting. We have a large membership that covers all of Missouri, plus goes from Alaska to Hawaii to Florida to California. Therefore, we only recommend national and international exhibitions -- or our own! -- dealing with watermedia as part or all of the exhibition. We do not promote crafts nor craft organizations. To earn the MOWS recommendation, shows must be judged by professional artists with national standing, belonging to the American Watercolor Society or National Watercolor Society as signature members.

Missouri Watercolor Society's 12th Annual Watercolor Missouri National Exhibition. National Churchill Museum, Fulton, Mo. Dates: April 1 -May 18, 2012. Juror of Selection: Cheng-Khee Chee AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR. Juror of Awards: Robert Lee Mejer, NWS, MOWS-HR. Top cash award: $1000; 16 cash awards; 5 Missouri Merit Awards; $6000 anticipated. Slide/.jpg deadline: Jan. 18, 2012. For prospectus, send #10 SASE to: Missouri Watercolor Society, 1406 Kenwood Drive, Fulton, MO 65251-1317; phone: 573-642-6410; e-mail:georgetutt@socket.net or download: www.mowsart.com

The 36th Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibition. Kenosha, Wisconsin: Kenosha Public Museum. May 5, 2012 - July 29, 2012. Digital entries deadline: January 13, 2012. Jurors: Donna Jill Witty and Joe Garcia. For prospectus: Send #10 SASE to TWSA, 249 East Rte. 6, Box 209, Morris, IL 60450; download at www.TWSAwatercolors.org

The 8th Biennial National Juried Art Exhibition. The Visual Arts Center, Punta Gorda, Florida. Two-dimensional painting and drawing. Digital entry. Deadline: November 1, 2011. Show dates: February 4-March 28, 2012.. Judge: Dean Mitchell. Download entry form at www.visualartcenter.org

Watercolor Art Society-Houston 35th International Exhibition. WAS-H Gallery, Houston, Texas. Dates: March 13 - April 12, 2012. Juror: Judi Betts. Cash awards: $6000. Watermedia on paper, 80 percent. For prospectus: send SASE to 35th International Exhibition ℅ Watercolor Art Society - Houston, 1601 W Alabama, and Houston, Texas 77006-9966. Enter online or printable prospectus: www.watercolorhouston.org

20th Annual 2012 Rockies West National Exhibition. Grand Junction, Colorado. Dates: March 1 - 31. Juror: Frank Francese. Awards: Cash. Deadline: December 1, 2011. For prospectus: Send SASE to WCWS, PO Box 3584, Grand Junction, CO 81502-3584 or download: www.westerncoloradowcsociety.org

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

September 21, 2011

2011-09-23T01:48:00.001-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
September 23, 2011 -- Tree, rough-winged and barn swallows stage in large flocks. Chimney swifts begin migration. Listen for migrating birds during evening hours. After a cold front, watch for migrating broadwinged hawks. Tiger salamanders move to ponds in the rain, while marbled salamander breeding is at its peak. Hickory nuts ripen and begin to fall in Missouri woods.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:36 a.m. First Day of Fall/Autumnal Equinox: day and night are equal in length.
Birthstone: Sapphire
Flower: Aster

"One day, many years ago, I went to a nearby town with Richard Schmidt, an artist whose work I admire tremendously. I naively thought that if I could figure out what he saw, I could find the 'right' subject matter. I watched him carefully (out of the corner of my eye) to see what scene he was shooting with his camera. Nonchalantly, I'd stroll to the magic spot he had stood on, then take the same picture. Unfortunately, the references didn't work because they meant nothing to me. It taught me a lesson: One's art should come from personal experience. You will make the journey unaccompanied, but it is richly rewarding."
-- Eric Wiegardt, NWS, from his book, Watercolor Free & Easy.

1. Congratulations to Honor Roll member, Paul Jackson, AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR. Paul's painting
Liquid Light won First Place at the Keystone National Exhibition.

2. Congratulations to MOWS Signature member, Terry Martin. He is a faculty member of the Department of Art at William Woods University. Terry will have a book signing in the Cox Art Gallery for his new book, Children, Dogs, and Sunflowers. The event will be September 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. which is also the opening of the Faculty Exhibition.

3. Correction! In the Online News last Friday, I listed the award winners. Unfortunately, I misspelled the name of the Royal Brush Award winner. It should have read:
Royal Brush Award - Bess Duston, Kansas City, MO.

4. Attention! We need your support for this special show. A whole lot of folks from around the world look at this one. It's time to send in your images for the Members' Online Holiday Exhibition 2011! This next show is scheduled for October 5, 2011 through January 4, 2012. The deadline is October 1, and the show will be posted on the MOWS site on Oct. 5th. This is strictly a digital show. The rotating slide show on the MOWS homepage is made up of paintings from this show, and there's also a gallery page which links to individual pages of each painting. There will be many viewers looking because of Christmas. If you wish to be in the Members' Online Holiday Exhibition 2011, there is a fee. Please mail $7 per .jpeg image, or $10 per slide or photo to Laura King. Send checks and slides/photos by poky mail; email images in .jpeg format to Laura's email address below (include title, size, and medium - plus price if desired - for each painting).
Laura King
1513 Thoroughbred Circle
Columbia, MO 65202
Laura's email address: laura@laurakingstudio.com

5. By now or very soon, you should have received the prospectus for Watercolor Missouri National 2012 in the poky mail. Laura has also posted the prospectus for WATERCOLOR MISSOURI NATIONAL 2012 on the MOWS website. It is in PDF format. Most important: Please read the page on how to submit a .jpeg. Follow the rules exactly. You may also elect to submit a CD with your entry fee. MOWS will accept either. NO SLIDES! You may download it from here: www.mowsart.com

5. PLEASE TAKE NOTE: The Downside: As with every new exhibition where there is a need to ship, there are always a few artists who skim the directions sent with the prospectus and decide to do what is the easiest for them. Unfortunately, this can and often does create problems. For the most part, the first National Members' Invitational at the BCHS went very well. However, there are few items we'll need to correct for the next NMI show.
1. A few artists sent their painting to the show without including the $25 handling fee we requested. Most just forgot.
Two new members wanted to know: Why did they have to pay an extra $25 , and what is the handling fee for?
That handling fee pays for shipped paintings: unpacking your painting, hanging your painting, and the repacking of your painting -- all done by employees of the BCHS. It takes a tremendous amount of time and cost to do all this. The folks at BCHS are not volunteers, but get paid for their work. And they also hang the paintings professionally; they are not amateurs: e.g. they used a carpenter's level on each painting to make sure it is square with the wall, etc. (I find that amazing!) And that should give everyone an brief idea what the $25 handling fee is for.
2. A few artists did not include return shipping labels. Those paintings can not and will not be returned until a prepaid return shipping label is sent to BCHS.
3. A couple of artists had their painting shipped from a Kinkos or a UPS store because the boxes were full of peanuts. Unless you have unpacked a painting buried in peanuts, you wouldn't have any idea the mess it creates. Every museum MOWS deals with refuses to accept shipped painting packed in peanuts.
For ALL future Missouri Watercolor Society exhibitions: If a painting is shipped packed in peanuts, the painting will remain in the box and will be returned to the artist at the end of the exhibition. It will not be shown.
Here is Jenifer Flink's address:
Executive Director Jenifer Flink
Boone County Historical Society
3801 Ponderosa Street
Columbia, MO 65201

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

September 16, 2011

2011-09-16T01:52:00.000-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
September 16, 2011 -- Sassafras, sumac and Virginia creeper show fall color. Out on the big lakes white bass school through mid-October. White-tailed deer breed now through November while common nighthawks begin migration. Deer mice store seeds and nuts underground and in nests. Begin watching for puffballs and other fall mushrooms. Fall is near.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:40 a.m.
Birthstone: Sapphire
Flower: Aster

"As we've seen, nature's color is full of variety--but how can we get that feeling in our paintings? Not, I think, by working as I did in art school: I can remember classroom exercises in which I had to fill square after square with color, in an effort to get a perfectly graded wash. The more I see of nature, the more I dislike such 'beautifully painted' washes. They look too much like paint to me: and when I see them in a show, I feel like wetting my finger and messing them up! Anything to vary the wash and give it a rough look that I think more accurately suggests color, atmosphere, and light. Better the expressive wash, than a mechanically perfect one."
-- Betty Schlemm, AWS, from her book, Painting with Light.

1. Congratulations to MOWS member, Barbara Martin Smith. Barbara will be showing her painting in a one-woman exhibition at The Messing Gallery at the Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School. Dates are from September 18 to November 18, 2011. Gallery hours are from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Monday through Friday.

2. A BIG THANK YOU! to all the folks who attended the opening of the first National Members' Invitational. MOWS members came from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, California, and all over Missouri. A special "Thank You" goes to Jenifer Flink, executive director of the Boone County Historical Society complex, and her staff. Great food and drink. The membership voted to have the show there next year.
Photos of the show will be in the next issue of Watercolor Studio Online.
I am very proud of all our members' work in this show. Paul Jackson and I agreed that we could have given ten more awards. Unfortunately, there has to be a cut off, giving Paul a very hard job judging. This is a very strong exhibition. Probably our best members' show.

3. Congratulations to all the winners in the first National Members' Invitational as selected by judge Paul Jackson, AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR.
First Place - George M. Schoonover - Yachats, OR
Second Place - Marlin Rotach - Kansas City, MO
Third Place - Diane E. Halley - Arvada, CO
Honorable Mention - Deborah Wilson - Springfield, MO
Merit Award - Richard Dutton - Hallsville, MO
Merit Award - Debbie Reed - Joplin, MO
Merit Award - Dave Eckhard - St. Charles, MO
Merit Award - Steve J. Morris - Chesterfield, MO
Merit Award - Vicky R. Strong - Maryville, MO
M. Graham Award - Stephen Bates - Wentzville, MO
Jack Richeson Award - Sy Ellens - Kalamazoo, MI
Winsor & Newton Award - Brenda Beck Fisher - Hannibal, MO
HK Holbein Award - Kate Gray - Columbia, MO
Jack Richeson Award - Janet Doll - New Douglas, IL
Golden Artist Colors Award - Douglas Kelly - Fair Grove, MO
Ampersand Award - Shirley Nachtrieb - St. Charles, MO
Salis International Award - Penny Brown - Fayette, MO
Salis International Award - Jerry Berneche, Columbia, MO
Salis International Award - Barbara Lindsey - Jefferson City, MO
Strathmore Award - Betty Jameson - Austin, TX
Strathmore Award - Charlotte Huntley - Lafayette, CA
Strathmore Award - Virginia Blackstock - Hotchkiss, CO
Strathmore Award - Jerry Thompson - Harrisburg, MO
Royal Brush Award - Jo Rezny McCredie - Arnold, MO
Royal Brush Award - Bess Dustin - Kansas City, MO

4. Important: Here we go again! Get one show finished and we're promoting a new one the next day. You have a little more than two weeks left to get your entry into Laura King for the annual Members' Online Holiday Exhibition 2011. The deadline is October 1st. I have already received emails from the same watercolor groups in Italy and England wanting to know when our Christmas show goes up. So don’t wait until the last minute - give up that Big Mac with fries and send Laura King your entry or entries for this special invitational show.
The Members' Online Holiday Exhibition 2011 goes up October 5th and will be up through the Christmas season. It's a great time to have your work and your name seen well beyond the local art show. It's an invitational so be sure to include this show in your resume. There is no judging! Paintings do NOT need to be holiday-themed. You may post as many paintings as you like and don't forget to include dimensions and prices for your painting(s). There is a small posting fee which goes to Laura King: $10 for each slide; or $7 for each .jpg. The show will be up and open October 5, 2011 and will stay up until Jan. 5, 2012. See this link on the MOWS web site for full instructions on how to send in your work: http://www.mowsart.com/howtoshow.htm

5. This is one of my favorite MOWS stories. Some of you will remember this from the 2009 Members' Invitational? Ya gotta love it!
My job, before the awards were given out, was to man the door of the CAL gallery and greet folks as they arrived. A little old lady came in with a nod, and went straight back to the room where the food was located. About 15 minutes later she reappeared eating a big cookie. "Are you a MOWS member?" I asked.
"Nope," she replied with a twinkle. "Just came by to get something to eat. I just love these openings."

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

September 9, 2011

2011-09-09T01:47:00.000-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
September 9, 2011 -- Monarch butterflies begin migrating in large number, sometimes traveling 2,000 miles. Blue-wing teal and caspin terns migrate across Missouri and feed in the wetlands. Watch for lighting bug larvae, know as glowworms, in low water.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:36 a.m. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
Birthstone: Sapphire
Flower: Aster

"Please remember that you're never going to be happy with your paintings. No professional ever is. The reason? Your knowledge will always be greater than your ability; you'll always know how to do it better than you're able. … Do you want to to increase your ability? Increase your knowledge. You'll do that by studying books, watching videos, and attending workshops, but most of all, you'll teach yourself by painting and thinking, thinking and painting.."
-- Tony Couch from his book, Keys to Successful Painting.

1. Congratulations to MOWS Honor Roll member, John Salminen, AWS, NWS, MOWS-HR. In the October issue of The Artist's Magazine, John has a very fine article titled, "Simplify the Design." John stresses using "value--not color or detail-- as the framework for your painting." The article is found on pages 24-26.

2. IMPORTANT: Sunday is the opening of the first National Members' Invitational. We encourage everyone to come with friends and family and enjoy the day. However, ten years ago, the United States lost many citizens in the various 9-11 attacks. MOWS and the Boone County Historical Society will honor those folks who lost their lives with a moment of silence at the beginning of our awards program. We feel it is the proper thing to do.

3. You may bring cameras if you would like a record of your painting on the gallery wall. This is the only show we do not post on our website. Reason is simple: It is a State Fair type show. This show is not a juried show for entry (to get into) like Watercolor Missouri National held at the National Churchill Museum. … Therefore, we have no record of what is selected for show. We never see the paintings until they are on the wall ready to be judged for awards. There is another reason: This is the only show we give merchandise awards. To get those award MOWS has to ask some 32 corporations for gifts. That takes days of back-and-forth communication if the request to a corporation is done professionally. And we do it professionally.
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Awards: 2 p.m.
Directions to BCHS: see #6 below.

4. Here is a question I've received each year before this show. Here it is again. A couple of new members asked something like this: Are the cash prizes for the Members' Invitational typical of other organizations' cash prizes?
No! The reason is that we feel our members are professional artists working in the field of fine art (painting). They deserve an award befitting their effort. However, the NMI show is a State Fair type show. Here are our cash awards for the Members' Invitational: First Place $500; Second Place $400; Third Place $300; HM $200, $100, $50, plus merchandise awards (gifts from sponsoring corporations).
For Watercolor Missouri National, held at the National Churchill Museum, the cash prizes are higher. We also use different terminology, e.g. Best of Show. Here is the range of awards: $1000; $750; $500, $350, $300, $200, and $100. MOWS only gives cash awards for this exhibition. Last year we gave 17 cash awards to artists selected by the Juror of Awards.

5. This has nothing to do with painting, It has nothing to do with MOWS. However, it's fun food for thought. Bob Robertson sent this to me. Someone sent it to him. I do love the Internet! Bob is ranked as one of America's top western sculptors. Author of this piece of American literature is unknown.
The English language has some wonderfully anthropomorphic collective nouns for the various groups of animals.
We are all familiar with a Herd of cows, a Flock of chickens, a School of fish and a Gaggle of geese.
However, less widely known is a Pride of lions, a Murder of crows (as well as their cousins the rooks and ravens), an Exaltation of doves and, presumably because they look so wise, a Parliament of owls.
Now consider a group of Baboons. They are the loudest, most dangerous, most obnoxious, most viciously aggressive and least intelligent of all primates. And what is the proper collective noun for a group of baboons? Believe it or not ....... a Congress!
I guess that pretty much explains the things that are coming out of Washington!

6. Here again are the directions to the Boone County Historical Society complex. BCHS, 3801 Ponderosa Street, Columbia, MO 65201. Information: Jenifer Flink, 573-443-8936; e-mail: boonecountymuseum@yahoo.com

From the east or St. Louis: I-70 to 63. Up the ramp, take a left turn. You'll be going south. Stay on 63. you are about 3 miles from Grindstone Parkway. Up the Grindstone ramp, take a right turn. Move to the left lane. You will see a sign on your right: Boone County Historical Society Welcome Center. You will hit a light. Ponderosa Street is on your left less than 100 feet after the light. Go down Ponderosa, past a trailer park, next stop, BCHS on your right.

From the west or Kansas City: Stay on I-70 through Columbia to 63. Up the 63 ramp, turn right. You'll have a couple of lights. Stay on 63. you are about 3 miles from Grindstone Parkway. Up the Grindstone ramp, take a right turn. Move to the left lane. You will see a sign on your right: Boone County Historical Society Welcome Center. You will hit a light. Ponderosa Street is on your left less than 100 feet from the light. Go down Ponderosa, past a trailer park, next stop, BCHS on your right.

From the south or Jefferson City: Cross the Jeff City bridge on 54. About a mile take 63 to Columbia. As you get close look for Grindstone Parkway. Up the Grindstone ramp. Take a left at the top. Move to the left lane. You will see a sign on your right: Boone County Historical Society Welcome Center. You will hit a light. Ponderosa Street is on your left less than 100 feet from the light. Go down Ponderosa, past a trailer park, next stop, BCHS on your right.

From the north or Moberly/Macon: Stay on 63 through Columbia. You will actually go over I-70. Stay on 63. you are about 3 miles from Grindstone Parkway. Up the Grindstone ramp, take a right turn. Move to the left lane. You will see a sign on your right: Boone County Historical Society Welcome Center. You will hit a light. Ponderosa Street is on your left less than 100 feet from the light. Go down Ponderosa, past a trailer park, next stop, BCHS on your right.

Have a great week! See you Sunday!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa

September 2, 2011

2011-09-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

MISSOURI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY ONLINE NEWS
http://www.mowsart.com
September 2, 2011 -- Harmless black and yellow garden spiders are around Missouri houses. Ospreys begin fall migration. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels begin to gorge for winter. Male white-tailed deer rub the velvet off antlers. Watch for their "rubs" on small trees in Missouri woods.
Missouri Department of Conservation supplies this bit for the News.
3:40 a.m. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
Birthstone: Sapphire
Flower: Aster

"Computer-generated images are flooding our world. Some argue a piece of computer-generated work is not really art. Others say the computer is just another tool. Artists liken their computer and its software to a traditional artist's brushes, and an ink-jet printer to a mouth atomizer or airbrush. If the work created using an airbrush is art, why not work created using a computer?"
-- Mary Ann Beckwith with Lorie M. Liebrock from their book, Creative Watercolor: step-by-step guide and showcase..

1. Jenifer Flink, executive director of the Boone County Historical Society, and her staff are working very hard for the MOWS upcoming National Members' Invitational. The paintings are up and look great! Jenifer has scheduled promotional appearances for radio, TV and various area newspapers. A BCHS committee hung the exhibition while another will be dealing with the food and drink for the reception. Don't forget, We have 12 great door prizes plus an American Journey French-styled field easel some lucky person will win. But you can't win if you're not there. So get your family and friends together, dress casual, split the cost of gas, and join us for a great MOWS event on September 11. Come early and take a walk on the beautiful grounds. You might even get a small en plein air painting done before the reception.

2. ATTENTION: The Members' Online Holiday Exhibition 2011 goes up this October and will be up through the Christmas season. The deadline is September 31 - start sending your entries to Laura King now. MOWS has a worldwide viewership, so it's a great time to have your work seen well beyond the little local art show. There is no judging, and you may post as many paintings as you like. Don't forget to price your painting(s). There is a small posting fee which goes to Laura King: $7 for each .jpg, or $10 for each slide. The show will be posted October 1, 2011 and will stay up until Jan. 1, 2012. See this link on the MOWS website for full instructions on how to send in your work: http://www.mowsart.com/howtoshow.htm

3. The prospectus for Watercolor Missouri National 2012 will be mailed by poky mail the third week of September. For those who can't wait, the prospectus is also posted on the Missouri Watercolor Society website as a PDF. If you belong to a local organization, please announce that Watercolor Missouri National is considered to be one of the top society exhibitions in the USA by the national magazine, Watercolor Artist. The National is open to all artists working in watermedia. This year we are accepting digital entries only by email. You may send a CD if you prefer. NO SLIDES. See the prospectus for details.
http://www.mowsart.com

4. Watercolor Missouri National will have two outstanding jurors with national standing for the 2012 exhibition. Juror of Selection: Cheng-Khee Chee, AWS-Dolphin Fellow, NWS, MOWS-HR. Juror of Awards: Robert Lee Mejer, NWS, MOWS-HR.

5. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Each year we are asked about MOWS officers winning prizes in the MI show. The Missouri Watercolor Society does have established rules regarding the officers of the organization showing in MOWS exhibitions and receiving awards in those exhibitions. The Board of Directors may enter, be judged into, and receive an award from the acting judge. The Executive Director may have a painting in the show. However, a painting by the executive director may not be considered for an award. Since the executive director is responsible for securing the judge, it is felt that this relationship could possibly create an unfair advantage and place undue pressure on the judge. Because George "Papa" Tutt serves as executive director of the organization, his work is never considered in the judging for any type of award in any MOWS exhibition.

6. A couple of artists have stated that they do not want to receive the Online News. If you are not interested in receiving the News, send an email to me and I will see that your name is removed from all MOWS communication lists. georgetutt@socket.net

Have a great week!
May God always keep you on His palette.
Papa