Happy 50th Anniversary to the Watercolor Society of Oregon
This past weekend I spent three heavenly days at the Watercolor Society of Oregon’s 50th Anniversary. The exhibition and convention were held at the Oregon Garden Resort in beautiful Silverton, Oregon. Set in the rolling green hills of the mid-Willamette Valley, this gem continues to grow and change. Each time I visit, I notice new plants, artwork, water features and more.
But our main focus was on art. We listened to lectures, watched demonstrations, tried new products, made new art friends and strengthened old. We looked back at the history and the people that built our organization. Founders, board members, participants and jurors were all honored. The show was spectacular, juried by notable Michigan artist Kathleen Conover.
Kathleen Conover and Ruth Armitage
My Work Won an Award!
Thanks to Kathleen for the nice award! I was in the top ten at number 6!
My Award Winning Painting – “Camassia”
Oh Boy…. Another Rejection
I presented a lecture titled “Oh Boy, Another Rejection” and received so many heartwarming comments. A couple of folks asked me to post my slides. Keep in mind, the lecture is much more than a sum of the slides, but if you attended and missed a few things in your notes, click here!
Other Weekend Events
I really enjoyed the critiques by our juror, Kathleen Conover, as well as a demonstration by Judy Morris and a lecture by Michael Schlicting. But the best times of the convention were those down times, just visiting with artist friends from all over the state. We spent a lot of time remembering those who gave tirelessly to our organization, those who have passed or can no longer attend, and where we’ve been as a group. We also spent some time planning for the future and welcoming new members and taking in the beauty around us.
Judy Morris Demo
Michael Schlicting – on Sports and Art
I hope if you are close, you’ll take time to visit the Oregon Garden Resort Hotel. The paintings are on view throughout the month in the hallways of the hotel and the exhibit is free to attend. The 20 award winning paintings will travel the state for the following 6 months. I’ll keep the schedule updated on my Events page!
And if you’re a painter in Water Media, I’d encourage you to join us for our next convention, which will be held in October in Oregon City. There is more information on becoming a member at our website: WatercolorSocietyofOregon.com
Hi Ruth,
I checked out your “Oh Boy…Another Rejection” slide show; most excellent! I particularly like how you take a subject that is familiar to your reader (me for instance) and present it in a different way.
Even without hearing you speak, I felt I learned something.
PS. Might make a good video!
What a great idea Peggy! I may just do that! I really feed off having participants in the room, but it might just work as a video.
Warm congratulations on your award. I so miss these conventions which were great fun. Wish WSO would permit ex-Oregonians to participate in the show. Maybe someday.
We miss seeing you there! I think the board’s reasoning on that is that the conventions are a huge job. We really want the people who are working to produce the conventions to be the ones to benefit. It is also where we look to find new volunteers… so looking for volunteers out of state is more difficult.