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February 2000
NEW DIRECTIONS IN WATERCOLOR
Newman Gallery will be featuring seven artists in a new
exhibition entitled "New Directions in Watercolor", which will run from
February 15 through March 25, with an artist reception on Sunday, February 27,
from 3 - 5 p.m.
The earliest associations of the seven artists represented grew
out of classes taught by Joe Mayer at his Gallery/Studio in Shepherdstown, West
Virginia, as well as in workshops from Maine to Mexico.
In April 1998, Mayer and Don Black, of Winchester, Virginia,
began meeting regularly every Friday to do "on-location" painting. Gradually, by
the summer of 1999 when plans were made for this show, five other artists had
joined in: Connie L. Dodd and Joan Keith of Shepherdstown, Sue Hamilton of
Reston, John Moran from Kent Island, Maryland, and Willie Jervis who lives in
Annandale, Virginia. Every Friday the group met at 8 a.m. at the Lost Dog Cafe
in Shepherdstown for coffee and some conversation before going out to paint for
three hours or longer. They painted at the Antietam Battlefield, along the
Potomac River, on a nearby farm or roadside, or indoors in poor
weather.
Although their normal painting sites may be familiar ones, the
artistic directions of the group have become more diversified, with the
traditional transparent look of representational watercolor painting being
stretched toward more abstract design and more experimental use of the
watercolor medium. These "new directions" are the basis for the particular focus
of this show.
Subsequently, since this show at Newman Gallery was
arranged, other artists, painters in oil as well as watercolor, have joined the
group, so that now on Fridays anywhere from three to thirteen artists may
assemble in Shepherdstown for coffee, painting and lunch. Lunch, usually a
lengthy time for lively conversation and long discussions about artistic
matters, was made even more exciting on January 7th when the five who were
lunching together at the Pharmacy Restaurant met President Clinton when he came
in to have coffee with the wife of Israel's Prime Minister.
During the past year some of the original members have relocated
to the Easton, Maryland, area. However, they frequently return to paint in
Shepherdstown, and some of the group from Virginia and West Virginia now find
time to travel across the Bay Bridge to paint with a new group that has formed
in Easton.
Did you know...
Well framed artwork is as important to the look and comfort of your home as
that carefully chosen couch and end table? While artwork is generally thought of
as a finishing touch, it is what sets the tone and mood of a room. It is also an
important home furnishing creating a home that reflects the style and
personality of its inhabitants. While a lot of people think it important to buy
art for investment purposes, that should be little more than an extra added
bonus. The art you place in your home should speak to you on an emotional level,
whether it reminds you of certain people or places, or simply pleases you. When
framed with well designed components, even the simplest item becomes a
showpiece.
Another use for fine framing is to create the perfect mirror - custom sized
and designed to compliment the mood and furnishings of any room. Any picture
frame moulding can be made to house a mirror that fits the space and style
needed for that odd shape in the entranceway, over the fireplace, or in the
powder room, to mention only a few possibilities.
Groupings of family photographs, when thoughtfully designed, create
a wonderfully personal mood. They can be made to fit a formal living area, or
more casually presented for the family room and bedroom. The possibilities are
endless. Thinking of wall decor as part of the major furnishings of your house
is what creates a home
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