AQUAVENTURE 2021
Virtual exhibit march 15 - April 30, 2021
Celebrating 43 years of awarding the talents of national artists
The Kentucky Watercolor Society is proud to sponsor AquaVenture 2021, a virtual exhibition of paintings featuring water-based media primarily by regional artists who reside in Kentucky and surrounding states. This year’s show features 43 paintings selected from 100 submissions by the juror, Lexington artist Marianna McDonald. Because of the limitations on social distancing due to the COVID 19 pandemic, this year’s exhibition will be displayed here, on our webpage from March 15-April 30, 2021. Organizing the exhibition this year are co-chairs, Trudi Bellou and Sherrie Graham-Greene. We also would like to recognize Preston Arts Center for its faithful commitment to sponsoring exhibition awards for many years.
JUROR’S STATEMENT
It was a pleasure to judge the watercolor pieces for the Kentucky Watercolor Society virtual exhibit.
First, I like to say, as we all believe, what a shame we can’t view these exceptional works of art in person but we are all grateful for the digital world which has helped us connect during these trying pandemic times.
Second, I was very impressed by the works of art. I started in my own art career with oils in high school and college but switched to watercolor when I was pregnant and the smell of oils was very unpleasant. I struggled with watercolor for four years especially trying to obtain brilliant color. So I very much admire everyone who works in this difficult medium.
Third, a quick thought about my focus for judging.
The Wow factor. Does the piece really catch my attention?
Color, composition, and content. With content - does the piece tell a story or move the viewer in some way? I’m looking for something more than what I could get with a camera.
Does the artist respect the medium and let it do it’s watercolor thing. Each medium has unique qualities and those qualities lend itself to the unique expression that is that medium.
Fourth, although I had to choose winners, I think everyone was a winner in that each of you are willing to chance “winning” or “losing” in an effort to share your love of painting, especially of watercolor.
When I enter contests I always remind myself of a quote I heard years ago and I’ve forgotten who first said it. “I am no greater for one man’s praise, nor less for his criticism” and of course it’s universal - man or woman. We are who we are. Artists. Willing to risk but happy to share.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful interpretations of the world and of your feelings.
Marianna McDonald
For information about purchasing, please contact the Kentucky Watercolor Society at kentuckywatercolor@gmail.com.
FIRST PLACE
$300 CASH
Steve Kuhlman, Louisville, KY
“Orange U Open”
13x13
NFS
SECOND PLACE
$200 CASH
Michelle Tabor Kimbrough, Marianna, FL
“Queen Agnes - Crucian Carnival Series”
21x14
$800
THIRD PLACE
$100 CASH
Benjamin Nay III, Shelbyville, KY
“Ancient Dwellings”
8x10
$325
HONORABLE MENTION
$25 CASH
Gretchen Treitz, Prospect, KY
“Study For More Than Sparrows”
10.75x8.75
$500
honorable mention
Marian O’Shaughnessy, Lexington, KY
“Warm Welcome”
21x20
NFS
PRESTON ART CENTER AWARD $75
Jane Stoddard, East Amhearest, NY
“Piccioni One”
17.75x20.5
$1,800
PRESTON ART CENTER AWARD $50
Jo Belmont, Indianapolis, IN
“Guacamole”
24x20.5
NFS
PRESTON ART CENTER AWARD $25
Nancy Davis Metz, Bloomington, IN
“Social Distancing”
14.5x10.375
NFS
New Bonnet
by Dennis Albetski
Lexington, KY
18x15.5
$1500
Linton Barn
by Robin Edmundson
Solsberry, IN
18x24
NFS
Doorway Of Whiskey Museum
by Jo Friel
Bardstown, KY
8x10
$100
Thoughts Churning
by Johnny Guthrie
Nashville, TN
17x10.75
$3295
Backstreet Of Portofino
by Shirley Kleppe
Scottsburg, AZ
22x30
NFS
Juror’s Comments: Composition and color
Lotus Mandala
by Sara McQueen
Bloomington, IN
32x40
$500
Juror’s Comments: Interesting content and good composition
KY State Capitol
by Manish Rajguru
Frankfort, KY
12x16
$800
Sisterhood Of The Hats
by Katheryn Sholly
Cadiz, KY
12x19
$300
Juror’s Comments: Interesting content and composition
Wild Cherry and Catbird
by Pat Banks
Richmond, KY
15x11
NFS
Pow Wow Pause
by Judy Fertig
Louisville, KY
15x11
NFS
Juror’s Comments: Well done portrait, difficult medium for portraits
Missing Morrow
by Laury Guardiner
Versailles, KY
14x11
$675
Juror’s Comments: Strong composition and content
Tuscan Home On The Arno
by Sue Hinkebein
Louisville KY
14x10
NFS
Holy Night Christmas
by Mary Sue Klusman
Louisville, KY
12x18.5
NFS
Hydrangea
by Betty Morgan
New Albany, IN
10.25x10.25
NFS
Market Day
by Meri Reinhold
Bloomington, IN
8x10
NFS
North Oldham Sunday Morning
by Anil Vinayakan
Louisville, KY
11x15
$500
Globalization Echte Welt 2020
by Ivan Villalba
Lexington, KY
5’x18’
NFS
Light And Dark
by Jennifer Sowders
Fostoria, OH
16x32
$575
Out For A Ride
by Peggy Charmoli
Louisville, KY
10x13.5
NFS
Grand Old Flag
by Karen Frattali
Unionville, PA
27x19
$2000
Juror’s Comments: Respect for fluidity of watercolor and luminosity
Divisionism Revisited, Brushy Fork Park, Berea
by George Gow
Richmond, KY
10x8
NFS
Juror’s Comments: Interesting technique and strong interpretive color
Overgrowth (Weirton Steel, WV)
by Gina Judy
Richmond, OH
30x22
NFS
Saigon: Open For Business
by Marjorie Leinbach
Lexington, KY
15x17
NFS
Long Time Travelin’
by Sandra Oppegard
Lexington, KY
12.5x15
$2000
Kentucky Yellow
by Patricia Ritter
Louisville, KY
11x15
$395
Morning Hustle
by Annie Strack
Kennett Square, PA
9x12
NFS
Juror’s Comments: Good combination of watercolor washes and specifics
Splashed Olivia
by Caffy Whitney
Prospect, KY
18x18
NFS
Juror’s Comments: Beautiful portrait, nice combination of soft edges and details
Sunny Saltzburg
by Susan Christensen
Bardstown, KY
20x26
$800
Juror’s Comments: Strong color
It’s A Dog’s Life
by Terri Friel
Louisville, KY
12x9
$60
Juror’s Comments: Fresh focus and fun
Serene Terrene
by Sherrie Graham-Greene
Lexington, KY
20x30
$800
Juror’s Comments: Creative content and technique
Whitehall Garden
by Jane Kinser
Louisville, KY
8x10
$120
Waiting For The S-Bohn
by Penny Lulich
Bloomington, IN
12x16
$350
Whiskey Picking
by Vicky Parrish
Owensboro, Ky
15x11
$500
Windsor
by Susan Semenick
Lebanon, KY
8x10
$300
Mother’s Day
by Connie Tucker
Lexington, KY
31x26
$850
Juror’s Comments: Strong color contrast and composition