THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF PAINTERS IN WATER COLOUR / LA SOCIETE CANADIENNE DE PEINTURES EN AQUARELLE
Have you RSVP’d to attend the CSPWC – AGM?
Saturday May 7th at 1pm EST our AGM will be held online through Zoom. Members are encouraged to attend and associates are invited too.
Our presenter is Pat Fairhead M.A., M.Ed., R.C.A., O.S.A., C.S.P.W.C. Pat will be showing a selection of her paintings from her lifetime career as a Canadian artist and give us a guided tour through her 40ft studio. Find out more about Pat on her website HERE.
Members and associates can RSVP for this event by sending an email with the subject: ‘Will attend AGM’, to info@cspwc.ca
Save the date – BC Paint Out Plus at Harrison Hot Springs, BC – Aug 22-27, 2022
After a long hiatus from live events the CSPWC/SCP offers this event to promote the use of watercolour and for you to enjoy a hands-on experience.
In the works are four days of workshops and demonstrations presented by Leslie Lambert and Tom Young, a seminar by David McEown and a plein air painting contest.
More info will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Have time on your hands? Volunteer with CSPWC.
New roles will soon be available as we close out the 2021 year. The AGM will offer opportunities to get involved with the executive board and information is shared about our committees. The Society couldn’t function without involvement from members like you. Please consider volunteering some of your time to support your society. There are many rewards to be had and many incredible people to meet.
Highlighted below are a few of the people who contribute to the Education Committee, Chaired by Poppy Balser. The work this committee is doing has resulted in workshops and demonstrations run efficiently and effectively for hundreds of attendees and instructors. And we are truly grateful for all the members of this committee for their contribution.
Below volunteers share their stories about their experience.
Volunteering – Meghan Dwyre – CSPWC Associate
Meghan is in Calgary, Alberta and joined CSPWC as an associate in 2020.
“Hi, I’m Meghan Dwyre! I’m a volunteer with the Education Committee. I’ve been painting in water colour for 2.5 years now and I wanted to find a way to be more involved in our community.
My primary contributions include taking meeting minutes, creating the website write ups and making the tickets for our events.
At first, I wasn’t entirely sure that I would have many skills to offer the committee, but there are a lot of moving parts to get the workshops and demos together and delivered. It’s always wonderful to meet with our team because we have a great working relationship and we’re all so supportive of each other’s contributions. It’s a very rewarding experience!–“
This piece is titled ‘Pull up a Chair’.
Volunteering – Ellen Kruse – CSPWC Associate
Ellen is in Thunder Bay, Ontario and joined CSPWC as an associate in 2021.
“I’ve been painting with water colour for just over 4 years now with no previous painting experience). There are not a lot of learning opportunities in NW Ontario especially since Covid started. The CSPWC has been amazing with filling the void for learning online through the Education Committee events.
I was delighted when they put out a call for some technical help and I was able to volunteer my time. My involvement so far has me working along with an amazing team of dedicated, talented artists planning upcoming events and timing
I am moderating some of our demos and workshops and write the follow-up survey’s. I am currently learning some of the promotional tasks to help or back up Poppy Balser (Committee Chairperson) when needed. All of us on the committee are learning and willing to do other tasks when and if the need arises. I am really loving my involvement on this committee and also all the CSPWC has to offer.”
This piece is titled ‘Myrtle Beach Sun’.
Volunteering – Linda Kemp – CSPWC Life member, elected 1989
“I’m not going to volunteer for anything else” was the last thing I promised myself before logging on to the CSPWC committee Zoom meeting.
If you are like me, you’ve probably done plenty of volunteer work for one group or another and have given yourself a similar warning. Life is busy, we want to paint. Protecting creative and personal time is high on the list of priorities. Even with streamlining our obligations, there is little room for taking on more jobs.
So when a volunteer was needed to edit 400 plus slides from the Diploma Collection, why did the words “I’ll take a crack at that” escape from my mouth?
I quickly checked to see if my microphone was on, hoping that no one had heard me but too late, the job was now mine. Although this is an extensive project, I’m not looking to give any of it up. You see, cropping and reducing the slides gives me a little time with the exquisite work of each member of the society. As your beautiful brushstrokes and glowing colours radiate from my computer screen, I am in awe of your skills and creativity. This joy is the reward for raising my hand this time.
When our administrator, Janet Tovey, asked me to write about my experiences as a volunteer with the society, I thought about the many enjoyable activities and opportunities that came about because I stepped forward. I won’t go into the work part of the jobs but I will tell you about a few of the highlights I experienced.
Tony Batten and I had a private tour of the Queen’s apartment at Windsor Castle. I stood in the Prints and Drawing Room, next to a small Da Vinci sketch as it was being examined. This is the room where the CSPWC collection is stored and I saw where our work is archived. Tony and I also visited the Royal Library, where glorious ancient books and gifts to the royal family were displayed, all because I volunteered to help with the Royal Collection.
On another occasion, when I volunteered to teach at a symposium in Ottawa, I shared a hotel room with Doris McCarthy. One night, Doris presented a marionette show, just for me. There are more stories that include a bit of “hooch” but sometimes what happens at symposiums stays at symposiums.
These are just two examples but there have been a great many, magic moments as a volunteer with the CSPWC. I worked, painted and laughed with the society giants and “art gods” (that is an official CSPWC term): Ray Cattell, E. Conyers Barker, A. J. Casson, Julius Griffith, John Bennett, Jack Reid, John Inglis, Rudolf Stussi, Gery Puley, Peggy Squires and Brian Ateyo, just to name a very few. Some are no longer with us, but the chance to have had a few moments in their presence are treasured memories in my heart.
Although I can’t promise you a private puppet show or that you will visit Windsor Castle there will be delightful experiences ahead. As part of your reward for time given, volunteering provides a chance to serve as mentors and to be mentored. Along with time spent with seasoned sages of the society, you will gain knowledge from the fresh newer members who bring enthusiasm, ambition, and technological expertise to the society. Sharing and learning are both excellent reasons for giving your time.
Whether you are a computer expert or still using a dial phone, you can help. Older or younger, an experience painter or early along the pathway of learning, you have something to offer. If you are a social butterfly or prefer to work alone, there is something you can do to help.
Choose a big job or small task.
More of Linda’s art can be found on her website: HERE
Article – Happy April, Fools Unite!
Though I hope you are not taken in by pranksters this April Fools Day it is a good time to venture out, take some risks and be foolish. Stuck to my fridge are these lines from a movie called ‘The Last Word’: “Have a nice day? No! Have a day that matters, that means something, fall on your face, fail spectacularly and become your best self by letting mistakes make and shape you.”
And if you are ready for more, read on.
Robert Sinclair B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A., CSPWC, resides in Edmonton, Alberta and is a practicing professional artist who has exhibited in Canada regularly since 1972. He taught for over 30 years in the Department of Art and design at the University of Alberta.
I can’t imagine him being foolish but for some reason he has graciously shared with me a number of articles that he has written and I hope to include many in future CSPWC newsletters. Elected to membership in 1977 and thanks to his contributions over the years he’s now a life member.
How is he working through these past Covid months and years? Below is his reply.
Thank you, Robert, for your time and effort on these submissions and for sharing your articles. It’s greatly appreciated. (CSPWC – Admin)
Beginner’s Mind – By Robert Sinclair
“I’ve been doing what’s called my ‘Geolomatry’ series with the subheading ‘Art Pills’ which are becoming quite complex now. I’m treating them like a medicine to keep me well.
I paint an art pill a day for health giving purposes. Every evening I also send out 12 Emails and 36 texts of that art pill that I just painted to those who want to be in the loop!!!”
Below is his article and some of his Art Pills, for whatever ails you. More of his work can be found at: https://www.sinclairart.com/
Beginners Mind Article:
The aspect of the creative process that gives our art that special ‘edge’ or ‘spark’ comes from that moment of un-knowing-ness during the process of art making. It’s that moment when we decide to go ahead and do anyway…no matter the consequences. It’s that moment when we just let go and just start painting (or whatever) not knowing the outcome. Just doing…
This state generally occurs when we start something brand new, like a new idea, a new direction or an unfamiliar media, for our expression. Rather I would say that this state comes into fruition because we are doing one of those things.
In art mythic terms this state was often referred to or described as being on the edge (and stepping off) moving into the void or being no-where, a kind of no-thing-ness. A number of these descriptions came from the evolving vocabulary of the abstract expressionists during the 1940’s and 1950’s and from the beat and jazz world of that era.
The cliff edge image is most intriguing in that it reflects one of the major keys (Major Arcana) of the tarot deck. This is the number 0 card, The Fool. In this card (which is referring to the archetype of our being) The Fool (representing eternal youth) is about to step off a precipice quite joyously and most notably with great trust. In the Tarot, The Fool is the inner-self about to engage in another adventure and quite unafraid of the consequences. We are being led to the direction of the intuition and firsthand experience of extraordinary things.
This state that artists refer to has a correspondence in the Tai Chi and meditative disciplines. These disciplines refer to this state over and over again and it is called beginner’s mind. It is that state that the body and mind are in when one encounters a brand-new situation that no previous experiences can account for. You are on your own and you are in a state of full awareness and very, very alert (awakened).
This is the state that is present whenever we try to do something new. It is only through effort, focus and discipline that this state can be cultivated and developed and accessed. It is a process of letting go of Self or ego. It is a wind of fresh air in the psyche which goes a long way and which makes us feel better.
It is from this spirit of adventure, this nothing-ness that the best of art comes from. This is when the spark manifests and it doesn’t have to be an accidental thing that just happens mysteriously, magically, out of the blue. It is a state of mind (and body) that can be cultivated and nurtured. No automatic pilot here!
NEWS – Have you heard about Artist Resale Rights being implemented in Canada?
Artist’s Resale Right in Canada
The Artist’s Resale Right (AAR) has been in the works for many years, but until now has not been implemented in Canada. There are many implications for artists and their heirs, but fundamentally it means that when paintings are sold in the secondary market (at auction or through a commercial gallery) the artist or their heirs will receive a percentage (5% is proposed) for that sale. Prime Minister Trudeau included the AAR in his mandate letter to the Minister of Culture and Heritage in December of 2021, and CARFAC has recently confirmed the following:
“CARFAC expects that this year (perhaps within months) the Artist Resale Right will become a reality in Canada. The federal government has placed ARR as a priority item for this session of parliament. Watch the news, but expect some good news this year.”
Please refer to the following links for more information.
Member News
Audrey and Alan Bain were recently invited by the St. Lawrence College to assemble a retroactive look back at their years of published artwork, and the show received a rewarding and delightful number viewings.
“Under Gentle Winds” contains 50 paintings combined. They date back to Audrey’s first venture into Algonquin Park and Alan’s go back almost 30 years. Many of the paintings are sold, the rest are fondly kept by the artists. The show was virtual and ran up till March 25th. Their paintings can be found on their WEBSITE.
The show was online with Marianne van Silfhout Gallery/St. Lawrence College
Alan Stein, of Parry Sound, ON(RCA CSPWC OSA) is close to finishing a 3-year book project.
His latest collaboration is hand-printed selection of 18 poems by Des Walsh of Newfoundland. “We Are The Songs Of Weather” brings together Alan’s designs and illustrations of these poems which are then hand-engraved on maple blocks, printed with ink and hand painted with watercolour.
A limited edition of 60 copies will be created at his Church Street Press. Images from the book will be on his website sometime in April: https://www.alanstein.art/
On July 3-Aug 1, paintings and engravings from the book will be on exhibit at the English Harbour Arts Centre and Woody Point Authors Festival in Newfoundland.
Jennifer Annesley’s latest solo exhibition “Tree Lines” opens at Canada House Gallery in Banff on April 23, 2022.
The new body of work examines in detail the visual lines that trees create as well as the broader effects of the natural treeline in a new collection of work spanning the prairies to the west coast. See more of Jennifer’s work on her website: Jennifer Annesly
Michael Zarowsky has been garnering interest with his collection of work in the Kingsway- Lambton Show and Sale. It closes soon (running till April 3rd) but you can check out his work here: Michael Zarowsky
Associate News
Carol Hughes is taking part in “Everything Connected”, a show at the Elora Centre for the Arts in Elora, Ontario from April 21 to May 15, 2022.
This thought-provoking exhibition by artists from the Octarine Women Artists’ Collective explores different aspects of climate change. For more info: Elora Center for the Hearts
Opportunities
The National Watercolor Society (USA) 2022 102nd International Exhibition call is now open from Friday, April 1- Thursday, May 12. Entries are accepted at café.
Estimated $40,000+ in awards including $5000 Purchase Award.
Australian Competition for Members of the Commonwealth – Call open now.
In Brief
We are calling for entries from artists who are:
1) A resident of a country that is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations; or;
2) A citizen of a member country (or member jurisdiction) of the Commonwealth of Nations.
One artist from each member country will be accepted as a finalist. Any medium may be used. Non-Acquisitive prize. Prize money. Modest $A5 entry fee. Click here to find out more and to enter: HERE
Contact : CommArtComp@gmail.com Or James MILLER E-mail: melbris@gmail.com
Post: Aldridge Street, MARYBOROUGH, QLD, 4650
CSPWC Remembers Elizabeth (Liz) Roberts
It is with sadness that we share the news of the recent passing of Elizabeth Roberts at the age of 94.
Liz was a prolific and accomplished water colourist. Even up to her last week from her bed she made art with her brush. Painting was a huge part of her life and defined how her family knew and loved her.
She was born in Surrey, England. At the age of 21 she moved to Canada, with her family and future husband Glyn, to eventually raise four boys. Over the years they resided in Montreal, Milton, Calgary and back to Ontario in 2013.
An accomplished water colourist, she became a member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC) in 1993. Liz served with her usual competence and energy as registrar for the Society’s 2006 bi-annual symposium in Calgary. She was an active participant at Leighton Art Center outside Calgary, a place she especially loved, spending many happy hours in pleine air outings. Liz took part in numerous juried shows in Alberta and Ontario, her work often receiving awards. She shared freely her skill as a teacher, and her love of painting with fellow Art Club members at the Active Lifestyle Centre.
Right up to her last week, Liz painted, making gifts of her art to friends and caregivers at Riverview Gardens.
She will be missed by all of us at CSPWC who had the privilege of knowing her.
Below is an image of her painting ‘Early September 1993’. It is her Diploma Collection piece we have for her submitted that year.
