Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society

Submission Period, Spring 2021 Members Transparent Watercolor Show
2021-01-11 08:00 - 2021-03-14 23:55 UTC
The submission period has been extended to Sunday, March 14th at midnight. Go to the Call for Work Page to view the Prospectus and enter online.

January 21st Zoom Demonstration by Chris Leeper
2021-01-21 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
After a short Zoom meeting chaired by our president Ann Sessions, Mike Killelea introduced our featured artist, Chris Leeper. Chris demonstrated virtually in our NFWS Zoom Meeting on January 21st. We provided an invitation to the Zoom event by email to all NFWS Members. We also record the demonstration, and have posted it on our Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society YouTube Channel. You can check out the demonstration videos on the channel now by clicking here.
Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society YouTube Channel.
Christopher Leeper is a realist painter working in all mediums. His award-winning work has been shown in solo and juried exhibitions throughout the country.
He has illustrated four children’s books and has written and illustrated the book Realism in Watermedia, (North Light). His work has also been featured in The Artist’s Magazine,Plein Air Magazine, Watercolor Magic and Ohio Magazine and in the book Splash 14 (North Light).
He participates in a number of juried and invitational plein air events each year. He is a frequent award winner.A popular instructor, he teaches numerous workshops each year as well as being a member of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. He serves on the board of trustees of the Ohio Plein Air Society and is past president of the Ohio Watercolor Society. He graduated from Youngstown State University in 1988 with a BFA degree in graphic design. Since 2000, he has painted full-time from his studio in Canfield, Ohio. You can see Chris’s Paintings and find out about his classes at:
www.christopherleeper.com
Here is his finished demonstration!

February 18th Zoom Members Meeting and Demonstration by Roger DeMuth
2021-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
Roger DeMuth will demonstrate virtually in a NFWS Zoom Meeting on February 18, 2021. We will provide an invitation to the Zoom event by email to all NFWS Members. We will also record the demonstration and post it on our Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society YouTube Channel. You can check out the eight demonstration videos on the channel now by clicking here.
Niagara Frontier Watercolor YouTube Channel
ROGER DeMUTH comes to us from Cazenovia, New York. He is an award winning designer, illustrator, photographer and gardener who lives in Cazenovia. Among his awards are The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Publisher’s Weekly, and an Oppenheim Toy Book Award. Professor of Illustration at Syracuse University from 1979-2014, he has been the Creative Director of De Muth Design since 1970. Roger was head of the Syracuse University Illustration Program 1998-2000, Co-coordinator of the ISDP-MFA, Master’s Degree in Illustration 1993-1996 and organized the NYC Lubin House Senior Class Portfolio Open House annually for 20+ years. He co-chaired the Syracuse Poster Project for 14 years and has lectured extensively to colleges, universities, and community groups.
For over 45 years, Roger has been honored to work with major corporations throughout the U.S. and Europe, including the Cartoon Network, Crackerjack, Masterpieces Puzzles, Smokey the Bear, Xerox, Silver Burnett and Ginn, Consolidated Edison, WGBH Boston, Kodak, Xerox, Big Blue Dot, Disney, C.R. Gibson, American Greetings, Schultz & Friends Advertising, Niagara Mohawk , Walter Bernard-Milton Glaser Inc., Warner Brothers, The Advertising Council of America, The Syracuse International Film Festival, and many more.
In 2015 DeMuth was awarded the Gold Medal from the Museum of Comic & Cartoon Art at the Society of Illustrators in NYC.. His work has appeared in numerous exhibitions, including the Society of Illustrators in NYC and Los Angeles. His watercolors were featured in the Sept. 2017 issue of The Artist’s Magazine. All 3 of his published children’s books have won awards. His most recent book is the captivating 134 page watercolor collection Have Watercolors, Will Travel. For more information, please visit this web site: https://www.rogerdemuthdesign.com
“I always wanted to be an artist, and I found out along the way that the making of the art was the best part. It still doesn’t matter to me which direction I choose. I can be just as happy working with watercolors as I am painting with oil paints or working in clay or digging in the gardens. I get up early in the morning & go right to work in the studio. I always start out with a sketch, revise it, do more idea sketches and think about the object from every angle before I begin making anything. This method has served me well.” “If I am not making something, I am miserable.” Roger DeMuth

March's Brief Meeting and Artist Demonstration by Lena Thynell
2021-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
March 18th’s Meeting and Demonstration will be a Zoom Event! Links to the Zoom event will be sent to all NFWS Members on Monday, March 15th. The demonstration will be recorded and will also be posted for everyone to see on our Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society YouTube Channel.
Here is a painting by our talented demonstrating artist, Lena Thynell.

Lena shares: When I paint, I aim to express a feeling or a mood of the object rather than to create an exact picture. Being outdoors, painting is very inspiring and I love it. It’s a challenge to paint outdoors exposed to wind, sun, rain and even snow. My paintings come alive in a way that is quite different from those paintings created in my studio. What started as a hobby has been an important part of my life.
Impressions from two continents.
Lena Thynell lives with her husband nearby State College, PA. She got her education in watercolor painting at the Gerlesborg Art School in Sweden, taking week long classes over several years. This school is located north of Gothenburg on the beautiful Swedish west coast.
She is an art instructor at the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania. After a long career as a Registered Nurse, Certified Nurse Midwife and Department Head in Sweden, watercolor has now become an important part of her life. She often paints “en plein – air” which gives her much joy and new inspiration. “It’s a challenge to paint on location and that’s what I like” Lena states.
Lena has participated in Juried Art Shows as well as solo art shows in Sweden and Juried Art Shows in the United States. She has also participated in several Juried Plein Air Events.
Since the move to the United States, Lena has attended workshops with Skip Lawrence, Alvaro Castagnet, Andy Evansen, Vladislav Yeliseyev and Mick McAndrews.
Lena is a Signature Member of the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Pittsburgh Watercolor Societies, a Member of the Nordic Watercolor Society NAS, Social Media Administrator at Philadelphia Watercolor Society and was the Juried Artist representing Sweden at Fabriano In Acquarello 2019, the Watercolor community of: NORDIC COUNTRIES.
http://www.LenaThynellWatercolor.com
We look forward to seeing a large group of watercolor enthusiasts on Zoom!

March 25th Board of Directors and Committee Members Meeting
2021-03-25 19:00 - 20:30 | On Zoom
We will meet at 7 pm on Thursday, March 25, 2021 by way of Zoom! Please provide committee reports and agenda items before the meeting to our secretary, Sherryl Perez at sperez515@roadrunner.com or our president, Ann Sessions at amsessions45@gmail.com before Sunday, May 21.

April 15th NFWS Zoom Meeting and Demonstration by Glenn Blue
2021-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
April 15th’s Meeting and Demonstration by Glenn Blue will be a Zoom Event! Here is the link to the Zoom Event!
Carol Siracuse is inviting you to the April 15th NFWS Zoom Meeting and Demonstration.
Topic: NFWS Zoom Meeting and Demonstration by Glenn Blue
Time: Apr 15, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88671150590?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 886 7115 0590
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,88671150590# US (New York)
+13017158592,,88671150590# US (Washington DC)
The demonstration will also be recorded and will also be posted for everyone to see on our Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society YouTube Channel.
Here is a link to a preview from Glenn of his April 15th Demonstration, posted on our NFWS YouTube Channel.
Here are some paintings by this amazing watermedia artist, Glenn Blue.

Artist Glenn Blue has been painting for more than 40 years. He grew up in a family of artists in the suburbs of Philadelphia. His parents were art teachers for numerous schools districts and adult classes, so he learned art at a very early age. By his teenage years Glenn was selling paintings professionally. Over the following thirty plus years, Glenn has trained in fine arts and shown in countless local, regional, and international shows. Glenn has travelled to numerous places in Europe painting and collecting art. He has taken classes from Joseph Zbukvic, Alvaro Castagnet, Nita Engle, David Taylor, Gregg Allen, Tony Couch and others.
Glenn has given lectures to artist groups and other college classes. He has been a judge of some local art exhibitions and is always happy to talk art with others.His paintings have been in top watercolor exhibitions, such as the American Watercolor Society International Juried Exhibition, the National Art for the Parks Top 100, Paint The Parks, Paint America, the Pennsylvania (PWS) and Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s Annual Juried Exhibitions. Glenn was awarded the PWS Sylvan Grouse Guild Award, available to PWS signature members that earn a high number of points by winning awards at the annual juried exhibitions. Glenn had a painting featured in the nationally known Watercolor Artist magazine, December 2014 edition, listed as one of the “Top Art of 2014”.
He is considered one of the best snow scene watercolorists around and is represented by the Chadds Ford gallery in the Brandywine area of Pennsylvania.
Glenn paints loose glowing impressionistic yet representational watercolors on his many plein air painting trips as well in his studio. He attempts to artistically represent his subjects atmosphere without adding every detail.
We look forward to seeing a large group of watercolor enthusiasts on Zoom!

Drop Off Date for Hand Delivered Paintings, Spring 2021 Non-Juried Members Transparent Watercolor Show
2021-04-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Artists Group Gallery, One Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14209, United States
Participating Member-Artists will receive a scheduled time for drop off at the Artists Group Gallery, One Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209, beginning at 11 am.

Spring 2021 Non-Juried Members Transparent Watercolor Show
2021-04-23 11:00 - 2021-05-28 17:00 | Artists Group Gallery, One Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14209, United States
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11 am – 5 pm; Saturday: 11 am – 3 pm.
This Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society’s Spring 2021 Non-Juried Members Transparent Watercolor Exhibition will be judged by Nancy Lane from Canandaigua, New York. Her paintings have been included in the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, the Richeson International Figure/Portrait Competition, and the American Women Artists “Making Their Mark” National Exhibition.
The Submissions Period opens Monday, January 11, 2021, and will close at midnight on Sunday, March 14, 2021. All paintings that meet the Conditions and Rules of the Prospectus will be included in this Members Exhibition. Go to the Call for Work page to submit your painting.
The Reception and Awards Ceremony:
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, at this time we regret we will not be having an Awards Reception. Awards will be announced and given to recipients at a time to be determined.If things drastically improve and we are able to hold a reception NFWS members will be notified.
The Prospectus can be viewed and downloaded here.
Prospectus – Spring 2021 Exhibition

Spring Virtual Workshop with Keiko Tanabe
2021-05-17 10:00 - 2021-05-19 17:00 | On Zoom
Our Spring Workshop will be a Zoom Workshop, May 17 – 19, 2021. Click on this link for more information and for the Registration Form:
Keiko Tanabe Workshop Registration Form

May 2021 NFWS Members Meeting and Virtual Demonstration by Spring Workshop Artist Keiko Tanabe
2021-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
Our Spring Workshop Artist, the exciting watercolor painter, Keiko Tanabe, will demonstrate for us on Zoom after a brief Members Meeting.
Keiko Tanabe, AWS, NWS, often works en plein air. Her atmospheric watercolors perfectly capture a sense of time and place. Keiko’s definitive color, textures, and signature brushwork beautifully convey both the exotic and simple scenes of the many places she travels. Keiko grew up in an art loving family in Kyoto, Japan and won many art awards as a child. Although Keiko never attended art school, in her heart she desired to be an artist. After taking only one drawing class to learn basic technical skills, she fervently began painting in 2005.
One year later while attending a local community school in San Diego to learn basic drawing and watercolor painting skills, Keiko decided to paint full-time. From then on, she intensely taught herself to be fluent in watercolor painting, just as one would do to master a foreign language. Her subjects include landscape, cityscape, waterscape and interior scenes, which will be demonstrated in the workshop using representational and impressionistic compositions. Keiko has successfully completed more than 300 workshops and numerous live demonstrations around the world. Four DVDs and several books of her art have been featured in many art magazines.

Join us on Zoom! Invitations to the meeting will be sent to all NFWS Members by email on the Monday before the May 20th Event.

A Special Thursday Night! June 17th! Andrew Pitt will demonstrate on Zoom for NFWS!
2021-06-17 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
As a special treat we will have British artist Andrew Pitt on Zoom for NFWS Members from London! We will email Zoom invitations on the Monday before the Event!
Andrew Pitt was born in Maldon, Essex in the UK. He started painting at the age of eleven, inspired by watching visiting artist who came to Maldon to paint the Thames Sailing Barges.
Although he is primarily a watercolour artist he also paints and teaches oil painting.
He has been teaching workshops and residential courses for over 40 years and has held over 20 one-man exhibitions. He has contributed many articles to the English art magazine, “The Leisure Painter’’ and his first book, ‘’Seasons and Reflections: Notes on Painting in Watercolour” was published in 2019. In 2008 Town House Films Ltd produced an instructional DVD called, ‘’Watercolour: Pure and Simple with Andrew Pitt’’.
Andrew lives in Suffolk, England with his wife Rachel and her small flock of chickens.
Here is his Artist’s Statement
Painting, particularly in watercolour, is endlessly fascinating because we are not painting what we know but what we have just found out. My aim is to paint a picture which represents the subject as I see it without compromising the fluid, transparency of the watercolour medium.
To achieve a lively, fresh painting is a high risk activity, but when a watercolour is successful it is difficult to beat using any other medium. I try to keep my technique and materials as simple as possible. I paint using a direct – all a prima – method, which dispenses with the traditional ‘’light to dark’’ approach. I go for the end straight away, the way I want my picture to look when it is finished, using the minimum of planned over-painting; a method which emphasises the freshness, and essential beauty of watercolour. I also want the viewer to feel my paintings celebrate the subject and convey the enthusiasm and pleasure of the artist.

Submission Period for Fall 2021 Members' Transparent Watercolor Exhibition
2021-07-07 - 2021-08-22
The Submission Period has been extended by one week until Midnight on Sunday, August 22nd!

September Virtual Members Meeting and Demonstration by Michael Broshar
2021-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
After a brief Members Meeting, and welcome back from summer vacation, Michael Broshar will demonstrate his amazing watercolor technique. A retired architect from Waterloo , Iowa, Michael has been a full-time watercolor artist and teacher since 2013.
Artist’s Statement – I have always been intrigued by watercolor as an art form, and how it captures light unlike any other medium. For several years, my focus was on digital art, but in 2013, I focused my painting using watercolor as a medium.
My subjects are based on the places I have visited in Iowa and throughout the United States and world. My architectural background leads me towards painting architectural subjects, but I find interesting subjects in the landscape around me. I frequently travel the countryside of the Midwest, and find the rural landscapes, small town and city structures, and the industrial areas of the rivers to be compelling.
My intention is not to create a photo realistic image of a scene, but to capture the feeling of the scene.

Fall 2021 Members' Transparent Watercolor Exhibition
2021-10-17 12:00 - 2021-11-14 16:00 | Kenan Center House Gallery, 433 Locust Street, Lockport, NY, 14094, United States
Postcard Image: Forest Gold by Manning McCandlish

This is NFWS’ Annual Fall 2021 Members Exhibition of Transparent Watercolor juried by Pam Wenger and judged for awards by Eileen Sudzina. It will include over 60 pieces. All of the paintings are posted here on our website:
Fall 2021 Members Transparent Watercolor Exhibition.
There will also be a video of the gallery on www.kenancenter.org for your viewing pleasure.
Kenan House Gallery Hours
Monday-Friday, Noon–4 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 2-4pm Appointment required for all visits. Please call 716-433-2617 to schedule your visit or tour. Masks are required in the gallery. No admission; $5 donation is greatly appreciated.

Fall Workshop, Quick Sketch Watercolor Portraits with Pam Wenger
2021-10-18 09:30 - 2021-10-20 15:30 | On Zoom
We had a great three days! Here is a photo of the group showing their quick sketch portraits. Such a good time, and so inspiring!
This was the Registration Form!
REGISTRATION FORM, Pam Wenger WORKSHOP
October 18 – 20, 2021, 9:30 am – 3:30pm.
Painting portraits in watercolor can seem like a daunting task, but many of us can’t resist the urge to try it. We may have a loved one who we’d like to paint or we may simply be drawn to the challenge of capturing an interesting character on paper. It’s so easy to “tighten up” our portrait paintings because of our focus on “getting it right”. Painting the “quick sketch” portraits focuses on loosening up that process and working to achieve a more relaxed look that highlights the beauty and freshness of the watercolor medium.
About Pam Wenger
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love art. Many of my best childhood memories revolve around art projects – either school projects…my own…or assignments my dad was always coming up with for me to do. When I became an elementary teacher there were plenty of outlets for creativity, but it wasn’t until I retired in 2012 that I began to explore painting. I figured I’d try watercolor first because it would be easier and cheaper than oils (both incorrect assumptions!).
I’m having a fantastic time exploring all types of subject matter, but I’m drawn to portraits and figurative work. I’d taken some art classes in college and some classes at our local art association. I’ve also had the privilege of working with portrait artist, Ted Nuttall, and of attending sessions with Charles Reid. Both of these artists have had a huge influence on me. I’m also fortunate to count many amazing local artists among my friends. They keep me constantly inspired and challenged to grow as an artist.
My portrait paintings are my real love – it’s hard to explain the excitement of trying to connect with the essence of a person through their expression…their pose…their placement in the composition. When I feel my relationship to my subject matter begin to click in the early stages of a painting, it’s like the beginning of a friendship – it begins to evolve and take on a life of its own. (Of course – there are times when it just doesn’t work out, either!) Pam’s Website

October 21st Virtual Members Meeting and Demonstration by our Workshop Artist, Pam Wenger
2021-10-21 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
After a brief Members Meeting updating us on what’s happening at NFWS and in our arts community, our Fall Workshop Artist, Pam Wenger will demonstrate her considerable transparent watercolor skills.
This will be a virtual ZOOM Meeting. All NFWS Members will receive a link to the meeting by email at the beginning of the week of the meeting.
About Pam Wenger
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love art. Many of my best childhood memories revolve around art projects – either school projects…my own…or assignments my dad was always coming up with for me to do. When I became an elementary teacher there were plenty of outlets for creativity, but it wasn’t until I retired in 2012 that I began to explore painting. I figured I’d try watercolor first because it would be easier and cheaper than oils (both incorrect assumptions!).
I’m having a fantastic time exploring all types of subject matter, but I’m drawn to portraits and figurative work. I’d taken some art classes in college and some classes at our local art association. I’ve also had the privilege of working with portrait artist, Ted Nuttall, and of attending sessions with Charles Reid. Both of these artists have had a huge influence on me. I’m also fortunate to count many amazing local artists among my friends. They keep me constantly inspired and challenged to grow as an artist.
My portrait paintings are my real love – it’s hard to explain the excitement of trying to connect with the essence of a person through their expression…their pose…their placement in the composition. When I feel my relationship to my subject matter begin to click in the early stages of a painting, it’s like the beginning of a friendship – it begins to evolve and take on a life of its own. (Of course – there are times when it just doesn’t work out, either!) Pam’s Website

November Members' Meeting and Demonstration by Eric Michaels
2021-11-18 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
After a brief Members Meeting, and welcome back from summer vacation, Eric Michaels will demonstrate his amazing watercolor technique.

Eric Michaels is a signature member of the Oil Painters of America, the National Watercolor Society, The Pastel Society of America, Plein Air New Mexico and The Outdoor Painters Society. His paintings hang in private, corporate, museum and state collections; including the Albuquerque Museum of Fine Art, the Americana Museum, the Booth Museum, the Haggin Museum, the A.R. Mitchell Museum, the Institute of American Indian Arts, Phillips Petroleum, IBM, Honeywell-Sperry Inc., Puma International and the New Mexico State Governor’s Collection.
Michaels has exhibited at the Royal Watercolour Society in London and has been a regular exhibitor in the Artists of America, the Great American Artists and the “Quest for the West” exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum.Michaels was born and raised in Illinois. His formal schooling concluded with a B.F.A in art. After a short stint as a commercial illustrator, he turned to a career in fine art and now resides in Whitehall, Michigan. Extensive worldwide travel provides him with constant inspiration
The most distinctive feature of Eric Michaels’s work is its international flavor. The subject matter spans four continents and both hemispheres. Painting in these various locations enables him to achieve an understanding of local light conditions and to participate in the native experience. He is also renown for his epic paintings in both the Historical and Western genres.

January 20, 2022 Members Meeting and Demonstration by Tim Saternow on Zoom!
2022-01-20 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
After a brief Members Meeting, and welcome back from holiday break, Tim Saternow will demonstrate his incredible skill at capturing light and shadow in the city.
Tim shares “I paint with light and shadow. I make the city quiet.”

He is an American painter whose watercolor paintings explore the lost and forgotten areas on the edges of the urban scene. His work encompasses the old High Line train trestle above the gritty industrial streets of New York City, the empty homesteads of Joshua Tree, California, and the dignified and genial old houses of Provincetown, on Cape Cod.
Saternow, trained as a set and lighting designer in theater, and as an art director in film, has always used his design sensibilities to make paintings that tell stories of the people who live in these places.
He paints large architectural landscape watercolors with a thick use of watercolor paint, playing with the tension between the illusions of depth, carefully drawn linear perspective, and an obvious play on the surface of the paper through watermarks, paint runs, blooms and spatters. Saternow is particularly sensitive to the emotive power of light, especially the distinct light of fall and winter creating deep shadows while playing across the faces of the old brick townhouses in New York and the weathered clapboard of Cape Cod.
Tim Saternow was awarded the 2019 Fellowship with The Clark Hulings Fund, and is currently a Executive Fellow in the Clark Hulings Fund’s Art-Business Accelerator Program.

NFWS Board and Volunteers Meeting
2022-02-10 17:00 - 19:00 | On Zoom
On Zoom!

February Members Meeting and Demonstration by Carl Purcell
2022-02-17 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
After a short Members’ Meeting, we will introduce Carl Purcell, a popular teacher and inspiring artist from Utah.
Artist’s Statement:
The two greatest forces that have motivated my art are those that came from my parents.
From my father I inherited a love of geology and the study of rocks. He loved geology and I
grew up loving to tramp the rock canyons near my home in Arizona. He and my mother
both came from farming families, and though I never had a desire to farm I do love to paint
the old farm buildings. Somewhere in my soul geology and farms merged with a musical
river whose headwaters are a mystery to me. I always loved to sing and music has remained
a deep love of mine. Music merged with the other influences to inform most of what I do. I
even married a musician and she has inspired me more than anyone.
I view the old barns and sheds as the detritus of past dreams, the song that is left after those
whose lives etched their cadence in the earth are gone. The old oft- repaired fences leaning
in undulating dances present a rhythm I feel and hear. I respond to the rhythm in the waving
grasses, the sunbaked boards and discarded buckets and barrels, the rusting bones of old
machinery and tractors. To me, an old farm is a veritable orchestral arrangement of shapes
and lines.
The interest in geology bequeathed to me by my father is the other theme I find myself
returning to periodically. I am drawn to rocks, rock canyons and road cuts that reveal the
layers of geologic strata. I see in the pattern of cracks and the layering arrangement of
shapes a rhythmic notation, like a conductor’s score. I just transcribe it into a painted
variation. Many of the paintings so inspired bear musical names like “Stone Cadence”,
“Rocky Rhapsody” or “Appassionata”. Thus, the twin themes of my life are borne along by
a musical tide that for me is the core of my art.
Biography:
Carl did his undergraduate work at Utah State University and Arizona State University. Following military service, he completed his Master of Fine Arts degree at Brigham Young University in Provo Utah. From the outset his emphasis was drawing and painting, especially watercolor.
Mr. Purcell is the author of the watercolor painting book, “Painting With Your Artist’s Brain”, published in 2004 by Northlight Books. His second book, “Drawing With Your Artist’s Brain”, was published by Northlight Books in 2007. These two books have since been published in one volume titled “Your Artist’s Brain”, and has recently been published in a Dutch language edition. In addition his work has appeared in The Artist’s Magazine, and “Splash I”. He has authored numerous articles for The Artist’s Magazine, and has had his work highlighted in publications in the United Kingdom and in China.
Carl taught painting and drawing at Snow College in central Utah for thirty years. It was this experience that led to him writing two books and teaching workshops.
Mr. Purcell’s driving passion in teaching has been to help students learn how to truly observe the aspects of the visual world that make drawing and painting so enjoyable. He is an enthusiastic teacher who enjoys sharing everything he learns. He has taught numerous drawing and watercolor painting workshops throughout the United States and in Canada, England and Scotland.
Carl is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and was given honor member status in the Utah Watercolor Society for his contributions to watercolor in that state. His work hangs in numerous private collections, corporate collections, and museums. He is often asked to jury watercolor exhibits and was one of the jurors for the National Watercolor Society’s annual exhibit in 2009.
“I am drawn to patterns. Much like a mathematician who studies the underlying patterns in what appears to be chaos, I am intrigued by the way we see and respond to patterns more than things. I want to make those patterns more visible, to bring them out of hiding and celebrate them. I love patterns of shape, and color, patterns of line and lights and darks.”

March 17th Members Meeting and Demonstration by Kris Parins!
2022-03-17 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
After a brief Members Meeting, Kris Parins will be our artist demonstrator, joining us from Sarasota, Florida.

Delight in nature was instilled in Kris in her childhood, spent at the edge of a lake in northern Wisconsin. That same small lake now provides the view and inspiration from the windows of her summer studio. She spends winters painting in Sarasota, Florida.
A Signature Member of several watercolor societies including AWS, NWS and TWSA, Kris Parins’ award-winning paintings and articles have been featured in Watercolor Artist, International Artist, and American Artist Watercolor magazines, as well as several editions of Splash, the Best of Watercolor. Her work is regularly included in international competitions including Birds in Art at the Woodson Art Museum.
After earning an art degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison she studied graphic design. As an art director and account executive, she enjoyed the occasional opportunity to create watercolor illustrations for her clients’ product graphics. Since 1999, Kris has devoted her creative energy toward fine art. Watercolor’s transparency and vibrancy, combined with an element of surprise, continue to keep her interested in this challenging medium. Frequent travels provide fresh input and continue to inform her way of interpreting the world around her.

Kris Parins – Artist Statement:
Through my art I strive to communicate my joy of experience, both of observation and of creation. When I succeed, the person who views one of my paintings will see a small part of the world in a new light.
By exaggerating essentials and eliminating detail in my reference photos and sketches, I call attention to the ideas that interest me, resulting in paintings that are more powerful, abstract, and personal.
I continue to love transparent watercolor because I am energized by the randomness and spontaneity it provides. The swirl of color mixing on the paper creates its own nuanced atmosphere and inspires a conversation with the medium, often suggesting new directions.

Board of Directors and Committee Volunteers Meeting
2022-04-21 17:00 - 18:30 | Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, Buffalo, 14226, United States
In Person for the first time in two years! We will meet at 5 pm on Thursday night, April 21st in the Meeting Room on the third floor of the Amherst Community Center.

April 21, 2022 In Person Members Meeting and Demonstration! Larry Lombardo will be our artist demonstrator!
2022-04-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, Buffalo, 14226, United States
After a brief Members Meeting, we will have our first in person demonstration in two years! Our visiting artist will be the awesome Larry Lombardo from Central Pennsylvania.

Artist’s Statement:
Art gives hope and it is my intention to give hope and to help others. Teaching watercolor allows
me to come alongside artists and help them see life in a new light. I want to give everyone the
gift of experiencing beauty not just with their eyes, but using all of their senses to fully
appreciate all that is happening around them. Through studying at the Pennsylvania College of
Art and Design to teaching classes and workshops, I have developed an eye for detail and
capturing the American culture through realism watercolor. For over 20 years I have invested
myself into each student.
Larry Lombardo is a watercolor artist who resides in Central
Pennsylvania. He is a signature member of the American Watercolor
Society, National Watercolor Society and a member of the
International Guild of Realism. His art has won numerous
International awards including several best of show awards. Larry
Lombardo’s watercolor paintings have been published in magazines,
books and seen on TV programs. Lombardo has been on the board
of many art organizations. He enjoys teaching his unique watercolor
style throughout the United States and has Judged many art
exhibits nationally and internationally. Lombardo is best known for
painting human culture in a unique realism style which miraculously
brings his figures to life.
We will be together again, and what a treat to host Larry Lombardo!
Come and enjoy!

Spring 2022 Members Exhibition of Transparent Watercolor
2022-04-29 11:00 - 2022-06-03 17:00 | Artists Group Gallery, One Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14209, United States
Our juror Skip Lawrence, the Spring Workshop Artist selected 42 paintings from 34 artists from the 98 paintings submitted! It’s a beautiful show. We will post an online version of the show on April 22, 2022. The in-person version will be on view from April 29 –
June 3, 2022 at the Artists Group Gallery. We are planning an Awards Reception for Saturday, May 21 from 12 noon til 2 pm. This will be our first time together for celebration and awards in two years! Hope to see you there!

Spring 2022 Watermedia Workshop with Skip Lawrence
2022-05-16 09:30 - 2022-05-20 16:00 | Marienthal Country Inn, 5107 Langford Road, Eden, NY, 14057, United States
Our Spring Workshop with Skip Lawrence has been cancelled because of the Covid outbreak that is rampant in our area. We apologize to everyone who was looking forward to this inspiring week.

Take Note!! Our May Members' Meeting and Demonstration by Skip Lawrence will be virtual, on ZOOM!
2022-05-19 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
The May Meeting and Demonstration was switched to virtual. We welcomed this inspiring teacher and Artist, Skip Lawrence after a brief Member’s Meeting. Here is a link to our recording of Skip’s demo on our YouTube Channel.
Skip Lawrence’s Zoom Demonstration

William Skip Lawrence: Expressive Artist
“I love everything about painting. I love feeling the paint, seeing a rich color spread under my brush onto a surface and the play between colors coming together. I love watching my idea take form until a painting finally says “it” and I am surprised and delighted every time. I love sharing my art and knowing that someone is moved by it.
I see no hierarchy among realism, abstraction, non-objective painting styles. I see only the relationship of colors, shapes, surface and line that either thrills or bores me. When these elements come together to communicate an artist’s intention to the viewer, to connect with someone, it is nothing short of wonderful.
Join us for an evening of sharing and inspiration!

WE MUST CANCEL!! Our First Awards Reception for a Members Exhibition in over two years!
2022-05-21 12:00 - 14:00 | Artists Group Gallery, One Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14209, United States
Because of considerations for the continued good health of our NFWS Community, we must cancel our Awards Ceremony scheduled for 12 noon – 2 pm on Saturday, May 21s at the Artists Group Gallery, one Linwood Avenue, Buffalo.

June Show Your Art event is cancelled, but we have an awesome Zoom Demonstration by Eric Shute!
2022-06-16 19:00 - 21:00 | On Zoom
We are disappointed that we have had to cancel, yet again, our annual in person June 16th Show Your Art Show to keep us all safe.
However, we have our incredible program volunteer Mike Killelea to thank for finding the awesome artist Eric Shute who will demonstrate his considerable skill for us on Zoom on Thursday evening, June 16th at 7 pm! We will send out a link to the Zoom event to all NFWS Members on Monday, June 13th.
Eric shares: “My only goal in watercolor is to “capture” the light of the scene and convey the unpredictable and spontaneous nature of the medium.”
He was born and raised in upstate New York and at an early age began his artistic training at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York. Eric holds a degree in Education from S.U.N.Y @ New Paltz, a degree in Advertising and Illustration from Mohawk Community College and a BFA from Syracuse University.
In addition to his academic training, Mr. Shute studied painting technique with nationally recognized artists: Hong Nian Zhang, (oil painting), advanced watercolor with Richard Segalman, advanced abstract painting with Jenny Nelson and water-based Monotype with Lisa Mackie all at the Woodstock School of Art.
Awards/ Residencies:
Castle Hill Art Center, Edgewood Farm Residency, Truro, Massachusetts, May 2019; Loring Coleman Award: New England Watercolor Society juried show, September 2018; Merit Grant and Residency: Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT. February 2018; Agora Gallery International Art Competition, Cash award of $1000 2018; Recipient of the Syman Art Painters Award: Cooperstown Art Association 2009; Recipient of the Margaret Review Wright Memorial Prize Cooperstown Nationals 2015.
Gallery Affiliations: Broad street Gallery, Hamilton, New York; Smithy Gallery, Cooperstown, New York

September 15, 2022 In Person Members Meeting and Demonstration! Sheila Reigh will be our artist demonstrator!
2022-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, Buffalo, 14226, United States
After a brief Members Meeting, we will have our in person demonstration by local artist and beloved teacher, Sheila Reigh.

Sheila Reigh, a WNY native residing in Tonawanda, first joined NFWS in 2007, and is a signature member and former NFWS Secretary. She has BAs in Elem Ed and Psych, graduating 1st in her class from Mercyhurst University in 1981. After 12 years of formal school teaching in grades K-8 and H.S. English; and then part-time medical transcriptionist, proofreader, calligraphy teacher, and summer camp art director; she made the switch to full-time self-employment as a professional face painter, artist, and art teacher. She currently teaches watercolor and drawing at the Tonawanda Senior Center, accepts several commissioned projects in various art media each year, and is a premiere face painter at many private and public events in WNY.

“After studying artistic concepts such as composition, perspective, color theory, and realism for several years at Partners in Art in North Tonawanda and elsewhere, I wanted to try a more challenging and surprising medium. So I dove into watercolor! Under mentors Gail Bille, Jody Ziehm, Margaret Martin, Kathleen Giles, and many others, I have found joy in the fact that I can never duplicate the same result twice. I love that watercolor can take ME for a ride!”

“I love the surprising blends of colors, the dramatic whites and darks, creating color harmony and balance, and even the challenges of ‘timing’ and ‘how-much-water-how-much-paint’. In my ‘teacher brain’, I am always striving to better break down into steps and explain, this wonderful world of watercolor to others. I continually improve my curriculum so it works best for my students. I love painting from nature best, but I paint many subjects so as to give myself and my students experience with a wide range of forms, color palettes, and textures. It’s so rewarding to find that all those art concepts finally DO merge together to create a whole, no matter what medium I am working in. No telling what I will paint next!
We will be together again after a summer break, and what a treat to host Sheila Reigh!
Come and enjoy!

Awards Ceremony, NFWS Fall 2022 Members Watermedia Exhibition
2022-10-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Kenan Center House Gallery, 433 Locust Street, Lockport, NY, 14094, United States
Join us on Sunday afternoon, October 9, 2022 from 2 – 4 pm to celebrate our talented members!
