There are as many entries in this year’s Watermedia Exhibition as there are hues to chose from when creating a painting.
Barbara Jernigan, exhibition coordinator, was enthusiastic about featuring artists from places like Knoxville and Chattanooga at Sycamore Shoals State Park.
“In partnership with Tennessee Watercolor Society, Watauga Valley Art League and Kingsport Art Guild, the Newell Hendershot Watermedia Exhibtion gives the people of our region the opportunity to see the diverse and captivating paintings produced by artists who excel in watercolor and acrylic,” Jernigan said. “Those interested in local art exhibition opportunities will meet representatives of all three organizations.”
There are also many artists from the Tri-Cities region and more specifically there are four Carter County artists involved this year.
David Kramer, Norma Forbes and Linda Loffmin are three of the Elizabethton artists featured at the event. Also exhibiting in the show is Elizabethton native Jim Stagner.
Wes Waugh, from Blowing Rock, NC, was selected as the exhibition’s juror.
“The demonstration by Wes Waugh on Saturday morning gives anyone interested in how watercolors are done the opportunity to see an accomplished professional at work,” Jernigan said. “Mr. Waugh is a frequent workshop teacher at Cheap Joe’s in Boone.”
Waugh will demonstrate his watercolor techniques from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.
“Following the demonstration, we will break for lunch with most people bringing a brown bag to picnic in the park,” Jernigan said. “At the 1:30 p.m reception, we will present the awards and guests will have a chance to meet the artists over punch and cookies.”
The Tennessee Watercolor Society is a statewide organization that holds biennial exhibitions, Jernigan said.
“Associate membership is open to anyone interested in watermedia, signature membership is achieved by having three paintings accepted into the biennial exhibition,” Jernigan said.
Jernigan hopes the artists involved in this year’s exhibition inspire a new generation of watercolor fanatics.
“We hope to inspire young people interested in painting to experiment with all the magical techniques these painting represent,” Jernigan said. “Additionally, we are very proud to offer the quality of the works presented by these East Tennessee painters, most of whom are professional artists.”
Information about the organization as well as past exhibitions of artist members’ paintings can be viewed online at tnws.org.