National Watercolor Society All-Member Exhibit Acceptance of "Whale Watchin'"

I received the following letter this afternoon: Congratulations! Juror, Mary Addison Hackett, has selected your painting for the 2010 NWS All Member Exhibit.  I am beyond grateful to be included in this exhibition.

JUDI BETTS WORKSHOP

SWS held a five-day workshop with the incredible watercolor artist, Judi Betts.  Judi's dynamic paintings compel the viewer to ponder how she did it!  They are full of color and shapes and movement...just unbelievable. 

Judi's workshops are NOT "Workshop-Light"!  Each day was brimming with deep insight into watercolor handling and design of the paper. The week really stretched me with new ways of doing things.  Her wealth of knowledge was generously shared with us, and I'm sure it will impact all of our paintings immensely. 

Beyond her masterful painting, I thoroughly enjoyed her ability to tell stories, her respect for her own teachers and ability to relate their contribution to her work, her enjoyment and presentation of meaningful quotes and writings, and her overall zeal as a person. You can tell she has a long list of friends! She's a talented designer of her own books and unparalleled card designs, and a savvy marketer.  Her products are amazing - each seem birthed out of years of experience knowing what artists actually need! 

I knew the workshop would be fantastic, but truly was not expecting the depth of information we received in such a short time frame.  It's like a semester in a week!  Whew!  AWESOME! 

Throughout the week, she frequently referred back to important teachers that had impacted her painting. I can tell that I'll be referring to Judi Betts and her workshop as one of those important steps in my painting progress.

Dallas Morning News and Art After 5

I walked into a class this morning and another artist said, "Do you know your painting is in the Dallas Morning News?"  I about fainted!  It was shown in an article about the Dallas Arboretum Garden Gallery Exhibition currently displayed in the DeGolyer House.  Art After 5 hosted a reception this evening and "Inkoiry" was featured on the event program.   This has been a surreal day!   In the ups and downs of everday life, this was so uplifting.  God is so gracious. I talked to my husband on the way home about the way opportunities happen through friends and teachers and experiences the Lord gives us. An SWS member, Carol Vystrcil-Scott worked with the show.  We especially enjoyed her paintings and the breathtaking photos of Larry Waisanen who was also featured in the DMN.