Show Preview | San Diego Watercolor Society

San Diego, CA
SDWS Gallery, October 1-31

John Salminen, Night Deli, watercolor, 21 x 29.

John Salminen, Night Deli, watercolor, 21 x 29.

This story was featured in the October 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art  October 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

The artists featured in this year’s San Diego Watercolor Society International Exhibition are challenging boundaries. While some of the 95 participating painters stick to representational work, others spill over into the abstract to combine color and shape in unique ways.

Exhibition director Roberta Dyer says the exhibition is in its 36th year, and entries came from 16 countries. In order for a painting to be considered, the work had to be 80 percent water media and be available for sale. Renowned water-media artist Mark Mehaffey juried the show. Artists selected include Dean Mitchell, John Salminen, Thomas Schaller, and Keiko Tanabe.

This is Angus McEwan’s first year participating in the event, although he has shown in galleries across the nation. He says he is excited to display a piece titled TEA BREAK, a realistic image that deals with the passage of time. Artist Robin Erickson has been involved with the organization for many years and said she always submits work. Her vibrant portrait of a eucalyptus tree entitled TWIST AND SHOUT is in this year’s show. “Watercolor is gaining in popularity all over the world, and it deserves to be respected and considered as much as oils or acrylics,” Erickson says.

Mehaffey chose not only the artworks for the exhibition but also the winners of Best in Show as well as second and third place. The organization has also added a new Creative Edge Award, which it hopes will “encourage people that are painting outside the bounds … something a little bit edgy,” Dyer says.

A gala awards reception is held for members, artists, and the public on October 1. The exhibition officially opens to the public October 7 and continues to the end of the month. —Mackenzie McCreary

contact information
619.876.4550
www.sdws.org

This story was featured in the October 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art  October 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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