I entered this year's Virginia Watercolor Society (VWS) Annual Competition with one goal in mind...to get rejected...let me explain...
I love watercolor...painting with it, watching others paint, reading about it, viewing other's work, talking about it, etc. So I paint, teach, read the books, the magazines, attend shows, everything short of dreaming about watercolor. Though viewing other's work in watercolor and seeing what other artists are doing with the media is important for creative exploration and growth, I have been reluctant to join a regional or national society. My disillusionment came when I discovered the groups exclude watercolor done on any other surface other than paper (i.e. watercolor on canvas, yupo, and MY favorite surface, claybord), but yet will accept acrylic painted on paper as a watercolor medium...dashing my hopes of ever earning "signature" status. After all, they call themselves "Watercolor" societies not "Works on Paper" societies (doesn't quite roll off the tongue).
I digressed...
This year for those applicants who are rejected (ouch...that word comes with such feelings of despair and discouragement) into the "VWS" exhibit, there is the option to exhibit with other rogue works in the "Salon de Refuse." My hope...the works rejected from the juried show will feature contemporary (and hopefully exciting) paintings in watercolor and other various surfaces...and viewers will have the opportunity to see watercolor presented in new ways. It's a gamble...
...but I am proudly exhibiting Secret Places
Watercolor on 22x30 Aquabord
The Virginia Watercolor Society's "Salon de Refuse"
Richmond, Virginia
May 14th-July 6th
7 comments:
i saw this glorious piece on Friday last at LT!! It is stunning and wonderful!! Who would have thought that a pile of chairs could be so wonderful?? Only by your talented hand Ariel!!!! Why don't YOU start your own Group - Watercolor on Clayboard- someone has to start these groups Should be you!!!!!!!
i love this piece!!
I am going to try really hard to get down to Richmond to see this show- I am sure taht it will be a wonderful exhibit and that your piece will star!!!!
Paint on!!
Hugs!
Elizabeth
Go ahead, Girl! Rock those boats. It is an excellent work with which to try to open closed watercolor minds!
Ariel,
You know that I and others are impressed with your creative expression though art. I must further add, having had a minor in English (REALLY), that you have an equally impressive "way with words"
DAF
Ariel,
Your watercolor is stunning and I applaud you for using what*ever* surface works for your creative self!
Beautiful work! Just stumbled across your blog and I am very impressed! Lovely!
Thank you for all your comments and encouragement. Sometimes, I feel the need for both courage and creativity.
Yeah! So much fun bein a loser! Congrats-
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