I am just thrilled to be one of the newest "Signature Members" of the WV Watercolor Society!! 

To earn this designation, here is what one must do:  "Signature Members: Juried Members who have been granted the  privilege of using the West Virginia Watercolor Society initials (WVWS) in  conjunction with their signatures by the Membership Jury. To earn Signature  status, a candidate must have work accepted in two juried WVWS shows in a  six-year period, and submit four additional paintings images (other than slides  of paintings that have been juried into past WVWS exhibits), for review by the  Membership Status Jury.  Signature Status may also be granted to any watercolor  artist who is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the  National Watercolor Society, or whose work has been accepted in any AWS, NWS, or  Watercolor USA exhibit."

I have 3 main teachers to thank for this.  Anna Hogbin, who I studied with the longest and she went to great measures to help me grow, always giving me encouragement.  Lynn Ferris, with her degrees in art, former commercial artist, and member of National Watercolor Society taught me about using light and shadows to make a strong composition.  And Laurie Goldstein-Warren who finally got the concept of values thru my head and get me to the next level.  Thank you, Ladies, from the bottom of my heart!!

Here are the 4 paintings that I submitted.  The jurors liked "Caboose Camping - Durbin, WV VI the best.

I've decided to bite the bullet and see if I can be juried in as "Signature Member" of the WV Watercolor Society.  Rules are you have to be in 2 juried WVWS shows within 6 year period - check; must be juried member - check; and now I just have to turn in 4 more images with proper paperwork.  With our upcoming move, I know I'm not going to have time to paint anymore between now and October, so best do it while I can!!!  Crossing all appendages.  Feedback from juried submission from the Judges was most helpful, and I'm looking forward to getting even deeper, stricter feedback this time.  Here are the photos of paintings I'm submitting:

I'm so excited!  This painting was juried in for the upcoming Aqueous 2013 Show in Morgantown, WV!  The juror is Jennifer Yerdon LeJeune,  Assistant Professor of Art at Fairmont State University where she teaches Art Education and Senior Capstone Experience in the School of Fine Arts.  She received her B.F.A. from the College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY and her M.F.A. in Painting from West Virginia University.

The show runs July 12 - July 30th at the Monongalia Art Center in downtown Morgantown!

I'm very excited!!!

I'm SO excited!!!  I received letter yesterday from WVWS with the awesome news that I am now a Juried Member!!!  The crtiques of the 6 paintings from the 6 judges were right on, and very helpful.  Definitely good advice for approaching my paintings - basically getting more depth and dimension.  And, they don't like my browns and blacks - best to mix colors on the paper vs the palette to get more variety.  I can do that!! 

Well, I did it!!!  I've submitted 6 paintings to WVWS to be considered for process of becoming a "Juried Member".  Won't get results until December - yikes!!!  If I can get this and be juried into another WVWS Show, I can begin process to becoming a Signature Member and have the privledge of signing my name with WVWS after it!  Here are the paintings I submitted: 

Click here to see the winning paintings of this awesome show.  Interesting - some I totally understand, others I just don't get, but that's Art!!  :-)

I'm so excited!!!  This painting won "Honorable Mention" at the WVWS Aqueous 2012 show!  I'm just honored and tickled permanent rose!!!  I give so much credit to teacher and friend, Anna Hogbin.  I wouldn't be where I am today without her patient teaching and guidance.  Thank you, Anna!  I thank my husband, too - who encourages me to paint as often as I want!!!

Heading to Morgantown, WV today to deliver artwork to this awesome show!  I'm SO tickled to be part of it and can't wait to see all the other artwork.  Exhibit is open 6/11-7/6.  Reception/Awards Ceremony is June 22nd.  All at the Arts Monongahela!  Hope to see you there!!!

I received word from Linda Elmer, President of WVWS, that my two paintings have
been accepted for the Aqueous 2012 Artshow at Monongahela Gallery in Morgantown
6/11- 7/6.  I'm so excited and I attribute most of my success to Anna Hogbin! 
Thank you, Anna!!!