Deb Ward, GWS, OWS, PWS, WSI - WATERCOLOR/WATER MEDIA - My passion is teaching adult “beginners”. Weekly classes in my home; workshops; classes for Cincinnati Recreation Commission. My work is nationally recognized and published - see “Featured” on my sidebar. I’m a Signature Member of Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana state Watercolor Societies, Cincinnati Art Club, past-President of Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society. Contact info below under “Class Information”

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

GEORGIA WATERCOLOR SOCIETY

Now I can sign it . . . .

. . . since I just earned my Signature (status) from Georgia Watercolor Society! Yippee!!

I’m very excited, and honored (especially since the other person just earning his signature in the Society is none other than Laurin McCracken.  I’m in no way comparing my abilities to his, far from it; but, wow, it’s exciting to me to think that I’ve got something in common with him!

GWS has a point system: ½ pt. for a members’ show and 1 point for a National Exhibition. And, all of their shows are juried, so it doesn’t matter whether you are a member, you still might not get into the shows. Well, over the past couple of years I have entered 4 paintings which have been accepted into 2 national and 2 members’ shows! Since there are always different judges, and I never bribed any of them (ha, ha) I have concluded that maybe I can paint.

I’m aware that some artists do not want to participate in pursuing signature status in any of the watercolor societies, believing that it is elitist and/or political. But, it’s only human nature to want to know “where we stand”. Having your painting hanging on the wall next to other artists’ work is one of the best ways to figure that out. As far as I’m concerned, achieving signature status is a validation of an artist’s skills and hard work.

In any event, I’m very happy about this and just wanted to share with you.

This was one of those paintings that I loved from the start. In other words, very rare!

I “painted” it in my head first, and it was beautiful! Then came the hard part – actually painting it!

Once I had decided on this subject – a photo taken a few years ago at the local farm show – I cropped and enlarged the photo. Then I decided to use watercolor, full sheet.

I have found that the paintings that I work out in my head and take my time with usually turn out the best. Gee, planning and execution – who woulda thunk it!

Industrial Revolution, watercolor, 22x30.

14 comments:

Vicki Greene said...

Congratulations! I am very happy for you!

William Cook said...

Hi Deb--What a very cool milestone! Big Congratulations! Great news! I've also been poking around on your website. What a lot of wonderful work there. No wonder you've been recognized. You deserve it.

This painting is so neat. 'The machine looks intimidating. I wonder what it did? It's reminding me to tuck in my tie--and I don't even wear a tie.

Christiane Kingsley said...

Congratulations, Deb! This is a great and well-deserved honor!

Ruth Armitage said...

Congratulations on your signature status! I look at it as just a way to keep track of your own progress as an artist... not a way to compare yourself with others... Way to go!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Good for you! Well done and well earned recognition. I'm delighted for you.

Carol Blackburn said...

Congratulations Deb.....well deserved, and this is a fabulous piece.

Ann Buckner said...

Congratulations, Deb, receiving your signature status. Wonderful work in your "industrial Revolution" painting.

Gaylynn said...

CONGRATULATIONS! WOW!! getting into the GWS at the same time as Laurin McCracken. I new you were destined for greatness :-) Missed you @ the WACC opening, but enjoyed your painting.

RH Carpenter said...

Doing the happy dance for you, Deb!!! Um....I mean, Ms. Ward, GWS :) I bet the Mr. loved this one!

debwardart said...

Wow, thanks to you all!
Bill - poke around all you want - but my website is in sore need of updating (no time right now). I can't imagine anyone wearing a tie around this thing - probably an old threshing machine.

Kim Vanlandingham said...

Congratulations!!!!

Mary Sonya conti said...

Wonderful Deb; so happy for you!

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Full imperial sheet Debs - how brave and how successful. Well done with the 'special' membership of the Watercolour Society. Over here, its either an associate or a full member.

debwardart said...

Thanks Kimberly, Sonya and Joan!
Joan - I like that "imperial sheet" description - makes the painting sound "bigger and better"!