Welcome to 3 New Members!

Jen Dembinski, Woodstock • Wilma Kelley, Montpelier • Joan T. Smith, Montpelier
We have 128 members on our roster, but only 47 paid. Please send our treasurer your 2005 dues of $35.

SPRING LUNCHEON Sunday, April 10, 2005!

At our Spring Meeting we welcome nationally known workshop artist, Sean Dye from Burlington, Vermont to show slides of his work and do a brief demonstration. Sean is a long time friend of Tim Hopper from Holbein and has a wonderful following of students in several media including oil, acrylic and of course, watercolor. His latest book is, The Mixed Media Sourcebook published by Watson Guptill.

On the back of this newsletter, you’ll be able to sign up for the luncheon. Hope to see lots of you there!

Mark your Calendar!

April 10, 2004:

Spring Meeting at the Cortina  Inn with well known artist/instructor Sean Dye.

What’s next this year is up to you, the Exhibition Committee and the Program Committee...come to the luncheon to find out more.

Intriguing and informative- PAPER DAY at Langdell Paper

Richard Langdell, owner of Langdell Paper welcomed a group of 12 VWS members and friends to his studio in East Topsham, Vermont where he makes and manufactures a wide range of specialty papers. It was a bright snowy day in this corner of our state, but what a treat for those of us who went. After a brief tour of his barn, where he makes paper he took each visitor through the process of dipping into the bleached fibers, shaking out the excess water and pressing out excess water to make their own sheet of watercolor paper. After drying the sheets individually for us, he mailed all the paper to Annette to distribute to the participants. He also demonstrated the ancient art of paper sculpture with molds, much like butter presses.

Back in the new showroom full of 1000’s of sheets of paper the group bought a wide range of colored and textured papers. First quality papers are also in stock including organically grown Vermont made cotton watercolor paper!

You can visit Langdell on your own, but it's a good idea to call ahead (802) 4396921.Plan to drive north on Route 91 (or South) and take the Bradford Exit (#16, I think). Go west (left if you’re coming from the south) onto Route 25. Travel 7 miles to the East Corinth General Store. Turn right at the General Store, also a Citgo station, and travel approximately 3.5 miles looking for Langdell Paper on your right at 235 Topsham Corinth Road.

MINUTES from the Annual Meeting

by Sheryl Trainor, Secretary 

After opening remarks by the president of the VWS, a slide show of member’s work was shown. After lunch, a presentation to the 24 signature members was made including a small gift from Artists’ Mediums.

Chelsea Linder of Artists’ Mediums in Williston was our featured speaker. She introduced the membership to some of the products that might be new to members of the VWS. These included:

• honeybased watercolor paints from M.Grahamthat has a “gemlike quality”
• Frederix Watercolor Canvas, a cotton surface treated with a light gesso that takes watercolor easily and can be wiped back to white to correct.
• Parallel Pens from Pilot that can be filled with awatercolor paint or ink to use in drawing.
• Winsor & Newton watercolor mediums includingthe Lifting Medium to add more sizing to the surface when you know you’ll be correcting, Iridescent Medium which adds a metallic quality to pigments, Granulation Medium which adds a gritty, sand effect offering more texture and Blending Medium which assists in flow and retards drying. All the products were for sale throughout the luncheon.

Minutes of the spring meeting were read by Sheryl Trainor. The Treasurer’s report was given by Annette as Treasurer, Louise Franco had moved to Florida. Annette noted the Society needed a new treasurer while stressing the need for more participation from members. In the absence of other volunteers, Judy Laliberte came forward and was unanimously elected to be our new treasurer. Please submit your $35 dues to her as our Society relies on the income to produce newsletters, put on shows and offer programs to the group. The other officers were reelected unanimously: Annette Compton for a fourth term as president, Peter Cooper and Sheryl Trainor as VicePresident and

Old Business:

Once again the business of outofstate membership was discussed. At least three of our members have moved outofstate, 1 of them signature members. One of these members has moved only a few miles from Vermont to Grantham, NH. Discussion ensued-a motion was made that if you have lived in Vermont and have been a member in good standing, you may retain your membership if you wish to continue paying annual dues when you move out of state. This was unanimously passed. However, the majority of members present believed that opening up the membership to artists from out of state-even those a few miles away in New Hampshire or New York State would dilute the value of membership. An analogy to Vermont maple syrup was made. Annette indicated that she would ask Aquanet members about what other societies do regarding out of state memberships, how prevalent they are, whether they can achieve full membership or simply associate membership etc.

Tina Bielenberg of the VWS Program Committee offered a questionnaire to help determined future programming for the Society. To date about 15 questionnaires have been returned.

New Business: The last show of 2004 was announced at the meeting. It would run from December 3, 2004 through the New Year to January 31, 2004 at the Governor’s Office in Montpelier. A handout with details was offered to anyone and interest seemed to be strong.

A papermaking day at Langdell Paper in East Corinth was announced for Sunday, December 5, 2004. Langdell specializes in handmade artist’s papers including an organic cotton watercolor paper. Interest seemed to be good for such an event.

A trip to the Andrew Wyeth show at the Currier Gallery of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire was proposed by the president as well. She had booked a bus and gotten a group rate for up to 30 people to attend, members and guests. This developed into a discussion as to whether people would take the bus, drive themselves. In the end, the group trip was cancelled though there was some random interest. January 2 proved to be fine weatherwise. The few members who did go agree that if you missed this exhibit, you missed something very special.

Members were reminded that the deadline for the Open Studios Weekend put on by the Vermont Craft Council in May was December 15.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM

BUDGET How are we spending your money in 2005?
INCOME: $2,975.00 BUDGETED from 85 members paying $35 each.

Thanks to Judy Laliberte for stepping up to the podium to become our new treasurer. The figures above are generalized and do not include the monies brought in for workshops or luncheons which are priced to pay for themselves. We rely on your dues to meet our budget. We will require a $40 fee for your extended member page on the website if you have not already posted one to offset our web expenses. Remember, we take no commission and don’t charge hanging fees right now. Please support the VWS with your membership and encourage other painters to join. More members bring us to a higher level of work as well as make our Society more solvent.

MEMBER NEWS

• Sean Callahan, VWS has a show on March 4th through April at the Brandon Artists Guild entitled, ”Gone to the Dogs“. The reception is March 4th from 5-7 PM and the work is combined with photographer Jeffrey Braxton.
• Jean Cannon has a solo show at the Jericho Public Library in Jericho, New York through April 2005. The Opening reception will be held April 9 from 2-4 pm for those travelling through the New York area. For more information, contact Doris at droberts.art@verizon.net
• Annette Compton, VWS has regular eight week classes in drawing and watercolor beginning the week of March 23 and June 22. Also an Artist’s Retreat to Kirkcudbright, Scotland September 14-21, 2005. Check out www.comptonart.net
• Nancy Dean has a watercolor study group held at her Penny Land studio on Tuesdays from noon to 4:00 PM in Norwich, VT. It is limited to 8 painters and is $50 for 5 sessions and goes year ‘round. Call her at 649-1324 for more information.
• Joan Drew and Mary Fran Lloyd will be co-featured at the Brandon Artist Guild in Brandon, VT with an opening. On Friday, July 1, 2005 from 5-7 PM. These two sisters have painted together for many years and the show will run through August 30, 2005. They are also painting a rocking chair for the Brandon Artist’s Guild “Brandon Rocks”.
• Mary Fran Lloyd VWS was selected for a feature show with eight other artists at the Chaffee Center. Opening night is July 8 and the show will run through August 24, 2005.
• Jo MacKenzie has a show at the T. W. Wood Gallery and Arts Center in the South Gallery from March 1 - March 20. Reception is open to all and is March 3 from 5-7 PM.
• Barbara J. Pafume, VWS will be doing Moonlight in Vermont workshops again this year beginning April 22-24 and May 20-22, to teach artists to paint nocturnes. Check her website for details and how to register.
  June 11 July 10 Barbara’s work will celebrate her 25th year teaching at the Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester, Vermont with a solo show in Gallery 1. All are welcome at the opening reception on June 11.
• Sandra Peeler was made a signature member of the North East Watercolor Society. She was also juried into the Vault Gallery in Springfield, VT. She had paintings accepted into the National Watercolor Society and the Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s Works on Paper show in PA. Other work was accepted into the International Show of the North East Watercolor Society in Kent, CT. She is currently showing at the Vermont State Craft Center in Windsor, VT.
• Doris Roberts, VWS has a solo show at the Jericho Public Library in Jericho, New York through April 2005. The Opening reception will be held April 9 from 24 pm for those traveling through the New York area. For more information, contact Doris at droberts.art@verizon.net

L’Envoi

When Earth’s last picture is painted, And the tubes are twisted and dried, When the oldest colors have faded, And the youngest critic has died, We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it- Lie down for an aeon or two, Till the Master of All Good Workmen Shall put us to work anew.

And those that were good shall be happy: They shall sit in a golden chair; They shall splash at a tenleague canvas With brushes of comet’s hair; They shall find real saints to draw from- Magdalene, Peter and Paul; They shall work for an age at a sitting, And never be tired at all!

And only the Master shall praise us, And only the Master shall blame; And no one shall work for money, And no one shall work for fame; But each for the joy of the working, And each, in his separate star, Shall draw the Thing as he see It For the God of the Things as They Are!

- Unknown

This was read last spring at the luncheon to remember the passing of member, Dorothy Mitchell. Several of you asked for copies of it.

MEMBER RECOMMENDATION:
You can still be in touch with Louise Franco
Visit www.aquanetart.com

CONGRATULATIONS to our NEW Signature Members!

At the Spring Luncheon in 2004, we recognized our first eight signature members who have been accepted into the three juried shows of 2003. In November of last year, 16 more watercolorists became eligible to write the initials “VWS” after their name on watercolors. Over time, the initials will be associated with a level of skill in the technique of transparent watercolor as well as an innovative style in the expression of their brushstroke. May this honor support you in your confidence as an artist. At the 2005 Spring Luncheon, we will recognize this new “crop” of Signature Members who became signature members after the Governor’s Show bringing our total to 32 Signature Members.

News Flash fron Winsor & Newton & Daniel Smith
The latest in new pigments for spring...

Paint manufacturers are always coming up with new colors to tempt us. This spring is no different for artists than designers watching the runways of Paris couture. A whole new crop of spring colors will be on the shelves and it makes sense to know what the major companies are distributing.

Ray Doty, Southeast Sales Manager for ColArt sent me an email to announce the new line of Winsor & Newton’s spring colors. Sixteen new colors are added to the line and yes, a few of your old favorites have been eliminated. The new colors all have excellent lightfast ratings (AA usually) with a few exceptions. It appears that Winsor & Newton has responded to popular colors offered by Holbein. For instance, new colors include: “Opera Rose” with a lightfast rating of B because of the fragility of the violet hue but it certainly has all the punch of Holbein’s Opera. Other colors include, Phthalo Turquoise, not dissimilar to Holbein’s Peacock Blue. There’s Potter’s Pink which looks a lot like a Daniel Smith color. Winsor Orange Winsor Red Deep and Turners Yellow are just a few of the new warm colors you might want to check out on page 12 of the Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff 2005 catalog. Some are already backordered and they were only issued March 1, 2005!

Daniel Smith continues to come out with creative triads of color which are attractively priced. The Tibetan Dream Sampler includes Cobalt Turquoise, Quinacridone Coral and Ultramarine Blue. What about the Little Red Hen Sampler with Perylene Maroon (one of my personal favorites), Mars Yellow and the exotic Terre Ercolano (not to be missed if you’re travelling to a place with terre cotta roofs!). The Rain Forest Sampler has Cascade Green (a new color), Sepia and Indigo for rich fir trees. Each of these three tube sets are priced at $14.95 for three 15 ml tubes-an excellent bargain. I was sent a sample of their new Undersea Green which has interesting granulation possibilities which might be just what you need for capturing the carpet of spring moss we may see over the next few weeks in the forest.

For those of you who are passionate about Quinacridone Gold, the word is that Daniel Smith is the only manufacturer who still has the purest form of the pigment in their paints. Other companies have a mixture which is similar in hue but not as clear and gold as the Quinacridone you’ve come to love in the 1990’s-and the pigment is rare at this point.

Many of you may already check the pigment number in very fine print on the side of your tubes to compare colors between brands. If you’re trying to replace a beloved color, don’t go by the name, but rather compare the pigment numbers. For instance, Indigo from Winsor & Newton has three pigments in it: Pbk6, PV19 and PB15 while Holbein’s Indigo is made up of PB27 and PBk7. While the names are the same, the pigments differ in texture and color slightly. The Wilcox Guide is one of the definitive sources for general opinions on all the pigments, if you’re interested in the details of the chemistry of the various brands.

For those of you who have tried any of the M. Graham pigments which use honey as a natural binder, let us know what you think. Sennelier still uses honey and distilled water as well and provides a beautiful range of colors related to the work of the French Impressionist and PostImpressionist painters.

Has anyone used the new line of watercolors Prismacolor has developed? Richeson has also come out with a line of Stephen Quiller watercolors which are exceptionally finely ground. Most all of these lines can be purchased through Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff at www.cheapjoes.com, Jerry’s Artarama at www.jerrysartarama.com or Daniel Smith at www.danielsmith.com.

SHOW INSTRUCTIONS

How to submit your work-what to do and when. Please do your best to follow the instructions carefully Fill out the Intention Form

• At the Spring Luncheon, forms for each show in 2004will be handed out with information. If you have email, this is the easiest way to be in touch with the Show Coordinator. No email? Get connected to a friend who can pass on updates to you in a timely manner. We ar on a limited budget and have to include information in four newsletters or in costeffective email.

Keep a record of your work

• Before you take it to the framer, scan your work or have a slide made. These days, slides can run around $3.00 a piece depending on how many you have done at once. A roll of 36 exposures costs about $45 at Slide Specialists in Lebanon, NH. Consider taking a bunch of paintings your paintings with a friend’s work over at one time to save money. Or scan your work with the best quality scanner you can afford. Scan at least at 300 dpi and convert to CMYK format so that if we need an image for publicity, it will be the best possible resolution for print.

Frame your work professionally

• Framing is an art and only a few of us have beentrained to do it well. If you frame yourself, make sure you use rag mat, ph neutral materials, cut cleanly, with no burrs and overcuts. Buy the best frames you can afford and keep the framing very simple for VWS shows. In a group show, the gallery will give us guidelines to follow. Make sure the wire is secure and evenly mounted. Do not use metal sawtooth hangers.

Price your work to sell but...

• The galleries which show our Society need theincome our commissions can generate. In many national galleries commissions of 5060% are not uncommon. We are lucky to have many locations whic will only take 2040%. Average watercolors are going for between $150 and $500 for small to midsize and $1000$6000 for large full sheet pieces. Visit galleries often to price work. Consider your time, framing costs and experience and then mark it up by the commission percentage.

Deliver your work on time

• Let’s make it easy for the galleries who host us and our Show Coordinators who do all the detail work. Follow the instructions for each show carefully and avoid being a “special needs case.”

Publicize to your friends and patrons

• Request postcards from the Show Coordinator. Start your own mailing lists of buyers. One of our selling points when we ask a gallery to host us is that we attract a wide range of people statewide.

Attend the Gallery Opening

• Your dues are what pay for the opening party or our hosting gallery has gone to great expense to put on a lovely party just for us! A lot of us shy away from social events, but part of the art community is connecting to others. Bring friends who might be interested buyers or potential members of the VWS. Bring family: don’t be shy. Take the opportunity to chat with other artists and break out of the isolation of your own studios.

Pick up your work promptly on the day assigned

• Under no circumstances can we break up a showbefore its ending date. We contract with each venue s if one piece leaves, the quality of the show diminishes. In certain cases, should work sell, you may be asked to provide another piece so be aware that could happen.

We always accept new Members...

Our $35 annual membership runs from January - January. We encourage members to send in dues by January 31 so we can budget the shows, luncheons and programs we offer to efficiently run the business of the Society.
In ADDITION to your check, please send THREE SLIDES of your work.
Slides are NOT a requisite for membership but help the Society get recognition in galleries.
Many galleries will not even consider our group without a good representation of our work, and most still want SLIDES.
2005 DUES were due by JANUARY 31, 2005. Annual Dues are $35.00.
Send your dues and slides to:
Judy Laliberte, Treasurer, P. O. Box 1368, Quechee, VT, 05059,
Check us out on the web at www.vermontwatercolorsociety.com

WEB listing!

There are currently 36 artists who have pages on the Vermont Watercolor Website, created for us by Melissa Snyder, although all of us are listed. (If you don't want your name on the site, you should notify Melissa). There could be much more participation here -
1. choose 3-4 of your favorite images. Have them scanned as JPEG files and saved to a disk or email them to Melissa. keep the resolution at 72 dpi to keep the file size small.
2. write a bio of yourself, describing your work.
3. Contact Melissa and let her put you on the Web!
4. If you have your own website, she can link your bio page to your site...this is great publicity!
phone (802) 263-9556
email: webmaster@barleywinegraphics.com.
You may even sell some work!

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