rom Dutch master Vincent Van Gogh to American
painters Georgia O'Keefe, James McNeill Whistler,
Andrew Wyeth, and Charlie Russell, watercolor artists
share a special skill for capturing the ephemeral presence
of light through the absence of color.
This delicate medium requires discipline, forethought, a
steady hand, and a light touch. Less is more. There is little
room for error; mistakes cannot easily be corrected. True
mastery strikes that difficult balance between the artistic
genius and the science of knowing what happens when
paint, water, and canvas meet.
The Montana Watercolor Society (MTWS) Art Show
features the work of 15 artists who understand that
intersection. According to MTWS Event Coordinator Ron
Paulick, this year's show includes seasoned exhibitors as
well as three new members, with artists hailing primarily
from Western and Central Montana. New exhibiting artists
include Shimi McKenzie of Hamilton and Tammy Phillips
of Kalispell. Their art is as varied as the artists themselves.
McKenzie paints portraits and Western influenced themes,
while Phillips depicts wildlife as well as city scapes.
Paulick notes, "The majority of the work will be of
Montana—horses and cows, a lot of landscapes, Western
themes, and some portraiture work," adding that you
may also see some abstract and contemporary art as
well as some of his own work in pen and ink.
"Watermedia," the focus of this show, includes
traditional, transparent watercolor, along with opaque
and water-based acrylic paint, Paulick explains. "Most
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Montana Watercolor Society Art Show
Explore the Wonders
F
By Denise Czuprynski
Karen Leigh
Joe Bohler
