David Smith online at VWS in November 2020

David Smith - Nostalgia

David Smith will be be giving an online demonstration to VWS members via Zoom on November 13, 14 & 15, 2020 from 9:00am to 12:00 pm. Members on our email list will receive a link via email.

David Smith

David enjoys the challenge of working in harmony with a fluid medium.  By providing the proper environment, surrendering some control, and working with the medium, the most beautiful results oftentimes occur naturally.  To keep the paintings from getting too precise, and instead, to convey a feeling of aliveness, David utilizes a number of techniques such as working wet into wet, glazing, pouring, spattering, and spraying.  These techniques not only keep the painting fresh, but produce exciting interminglings and textures effortlessly.

David’s favorite subjects tend to be found in nature and he loves to travel abroad as well as explore state and national parks for inspiration.  Depicting a subject in great light, capitalizing on the contrast developed by light and shadow, while showcasing the assortment of jewels that happen naturally through the fluid medium keeps David eager to paint his next creation.

David has studied under numerous instructors in the states and in China.  He has displayed his work in galleries and museums across the United States and his work has been awarded at the state and national level.  David has received Signature Membership with the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and others.

Visit David on his website.

We hope you and your family members are safe during this pandemic.

Lian Quan Zhen’s Demo on March 11, 2021

Dear Friends,

Due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, Lian Quan Zhen’s visit to VWS in March 2021. He will be demonstrating in our monthly member meeting, Thursday, March 11, 2021. There will be a meet & greet from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, followed by meeting and demonstration at 7:00.

Members free. Non-members $5.

He will also teach a 3-day workshop via zoom, March 20, 21, and 22, 2020, (Saturday through Monday) from 9-4.

 

February 2020 Paint-Out

There is 1 paint-out scheduled in February 2020:

Rancho Simi Community Park– Sunday, February 9, 2020, 10am

Simi Rancho Community Park

Meet in the parking lot for 1000 Kanan and walk down hill. There are rest rooms available in this area. The park was damaged by fire, but has been restored. Lanscape scenes and pond.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time. If you are beginning plein air David can suggest what to bring with you.

Click here to visit Oak Canyon Community Park’s Website

From their website: This was the first community park built in Simi Valley, also known as the “Duck Pond Park”. This park has so much to offer. Here you’ll find a reservable amphitheater, barbecues, lighted basketball courts, horseshoe pits, uncovered picnic tables throughout the park, pre-teen play area, a tot lot, handicap accessible play area, restrooms, shuffleboard courts, soccer field, and tennis courts.

From the organizer David: Take 118 freeway to Erringer  and go south. Park is at the corner of Erringer and Royal Avenue. Walk downhill at restrooms and meet at the lake near waterfall.

Let David know if you are going and he will look for you. watercolorists @ netzero (dot) net

Visit their website.

 

Andy Evansen visits VWS in February

Andy Evansen will be demonstrating in our monthly member meeting, Thursday, February 13, 2020. There will be a meet & greet from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, followed by meeting and demonstration at 7:00 at:

San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center
18312 Oxnard Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
Click here for directions from your location.

Members free. Non-members $5.

Andy will also teach a 3-day workshop, Friday-Sunday, February 14-16, from 9-4.

About the Artist:

Signature Member of AWS, PAPA, RRWS, TWSA

Andy Evansen’s interest in art started in childhood, as he can’t recall a time when he wasn’t drawing. He began painting watercolors in the mid 1990s as a change of pace from his career as a medical illustrator. Choosing a ‘style’ was not difficult, as Andy was always inspired by the watercolor paintings of British artists Trevor Chamberlain, David Curtis, Ed Seago and Edward Wesson, among others.

He found himself attempting to capture the landscape with the same economy of brushstroke, taking advantage of the luminosity of watercolors done in just a few washes. In addition, he was impressed with the way those artists seemed to capture everyday scenes in such a way that revealed a hidden beauty, subjects that many would simply pass by.

His work gained recognition after winning an international watercolor competition through American Artist magazine, appearing on their cover in 2005. He’s been featured in numerous other publications since, and has become a sought-after workshop instructor who paints and teaches internationally. He became a signature member of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA) in 2012 and served as their President from 2015-2017.  His paintings have won numerous awards, including the Bronze and High Winds Medals from the American Watercolor Society, and he was their demonstration artist for the 2018 Exhibition.  His love of painting on location also led to him being a featured presenter at the 2014 and 2016 Plein Air Conventions and inclusion in the 2017 Qingdao International Masters Watercolor Plein Air Event.

January 2020 Paint-Out

There is 1 paint-out scheduled in January 2020:

Oak Canyon Community Park– Wed, January 22, 2020, 10am

Meet in the parking lot for 1000 Kanan and walk down hill. There are rest rooms available in this area. The park was damaged by fire, but has been restored. Lanscape scenes and pond.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time. If you are beginning plein air David can suggest what to bring with you.

Click here to visit Oak Canyon Community Park’s Website

Julie Crouch visits VWS in January

Julie Crouch
Julie Crouch

Julie Crouch will be demonstrating in our monthly member meeting, Thursday, January 9, 2020. There will be a meet & greet from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, followed by meeting and demonstration at 7:00 at:

San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center
18312 Oxnard Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
Click here for directions from your location.

Members free. Non-members $5.

Julie will also teach a 1-day workshop, Sunday, January 19, from 9-4.

 

December 2019 Paint-Out

There is 1 paint-out scheduled in December:

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa – Wed, December 4, 2019, 10am

Rancho Sierra Vista Satwiwa
Rancho Sierra Vista Satwiwa

From their website: “Two threads of local history intertwine to establish the identity of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Ranch structures and introduced grasses represent over a century of ranching, while native plants reflect an environment that Chumash Indians lived in for thousands of years. The gentle slopes yield trails that picnickers, hikers, bikers, and equestrians enjoy during every season. Big Sycamore Canyon Trail descends from Satwiwa to the Pacific Ocean along a historic Chumash trade route.”

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time.

Click here to visit the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa website.

November 2019 Paint-Out

There is 1 paint-out scheduled in November:

Agoura Hills Recreation & Events Center– Wed, November 20, 2019, 10am

Agoura Hills Rec Center
Agoura Hills Rec Center

The grounds of this location offer stunning views of Agoura Hills and the surrounding area as well as the adjacent Santa Monica Mountains.

Visit their website.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists (at) netzero (dot) net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time.

October 2019 Paint-Outs

There are 2 paint-outs scheduled in October:

San Buenaventura Mission – Wed, October 2, 2019, 9am

San Buenaventura Mission
San Buenaventura Mission

Founded on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782, San Buenaventura Mission is known for its beautiful gardens and faithfully restored artifacts.

Visit their website.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time.

Paramount Ranch – Wed, October 16, 2019, 9am

Paramount Ranch post fire
Paramount Ranch post fire

From the website:

“When Paramount Pictures leased the ranch in 1923, they began an era of film production that continues today. You can experience the area where Bob Hope starred in Caught in the Draft (1941) and Sandra Bullock had a leading role in The Lake House (2006). In the 1950s, Western Town was created for television shows, such as The Cisco Kid. More recent television productions at Paramount include The Mentalist, Weeds, and Hulu’s Quickdraw (2013-2014).

“Paramount Ranch offers several miles of easy to moderate scenic hikes through chaparral, riparian, and valley oak savannah plant communities. Equestrians and mountain bikers may access these multi-use trails. Wildlife sightings might include red-tailed hawks, acorn woodpeckers, blue heron and deer.”

Click here to visit their website.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists (at) netzero (dot) net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time.

We’ll be meeting/painting near the railroad station.

September 2019 Paint-Outs

There are 2 paint-outs scheduled in September, both at:

Reyes Adobe Museum– Wed, September 4, 2019, 9am
Reyes Adobe Museum– Wed, September 18, 2019, 9am

Reyes Adobe Museum
Reyes Adobe Museum

“Built in approximately 1850, Agoura Hills’ first home represents 150 years of exciting California history. This history includes the acquisition of the documented stories and artifacts from the families that have called the Reyes Adobe home over the years. The Reyes Adobe Historical Site has preserved their unique legacies to help visitors understand the political, social and economic changes that have shaped present day culture.”

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time.

Click here to visit the Reyes Adobe Museum’s website.

Summer 2019 Paint-Outs

Although we don’t hold monthly meetings, paint-outs continue through the summer at VWS. Here are our upcoming dates:

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa – Wed, July 9, 2019, 9am

Two threads of local history intertwine to establish the identity of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Ranch structures and introduced grasses represent over a century of ranching, while native plants reflect an environment that Chumash Indians lived in for thousands of years. The gentle slopes yield trails that picnickers, hikers, bikers, and equestrians enjoy during every season. Big Sycamore Canyon Trail descends from Satwiwa to the Pacific Ocean along a historic Chumash trade route.”

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time.

Click here to visit the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa website.

Stagecoach Inn Museum – Wed, August 21, 9 am

“The Conejo Valley Historical Society was formed in 1965 to save the original Grand Union Hotel from demolition. With that success behind them, the Society developed a docent program and began leading tours of the Hotel (rebuilt in 1976 as the Stagecoach Inn). Fast forward to 2017, and the Stagecoach Inn Museum is a beloved member of the community, offering family-oriented special events, lectures, school programs, and a fun and friendly group of docents. Come visit the Stagecoach Inn Museum Complex and see what’s happening today!”

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you. Everybody is invited. We will help beginners. Artists are welcome to come out and see what they might need to bring next time.

Visit the Stagecoach Inn Museum’s website

Our next monthly meeting in the fall is Thursday, September 12, 2019, 7pm

Joseph Stoddard visits VWS in May

Joseph Stoddard will be demonstrating in our monthly member meeting, Thursday, May 9, 2019. There will be a meet & greet from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, followed by meeting and demonstration at 7:00 at:

San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center
18312 Oxnard Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
Click here for directions from your location.

Members free. Non-members $5.

Joseph will also teach a 2-day workshop, Saturday-Sunday,May 11-12, from 9-4.

About the Artist:

Joseph Stoddard is a partner at SKA Design (an environmental graphics design office) located in South Pasadena. He paints in the evenings and on weekends and lives in Pasadena.

He has produced paintings for a number of Pasadena events, including the Bungalow Heaven Annual Tour, the Colorado Street Bridge Party, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, the California Art Club Artists for Architecture Painting Project, the Pasadena Symphony and the Pasadena Pops Orchestra. His work was recently featured in the latest issue of The Art of Watercolor, a French art magazine as well as Studios magazine, and Watercolor Artist magazine. His studio was featured in The Man Cave Book.

His books include Expressive Painting, Pasadena Sketchbook, Expressive Color, and Watercolor Postcards Kit.

Visit Joseph on his website.

April 2019 Paint-Out

Our April plein air paint-out will be held at Westlake Village Inn. Everybody is welcome, member and non-member alike.

Westlake Village Inn – Wed, April 17, 10 am

THIS PAINT-OUT IS STILL TENTATIVE. STAND BY FOR UPDATES.

From the website: The Westlake Village Inn’s lovely wrought iron fence is your gateway to a magical place. The view of lush, green landscapes that seem to be never-ending, the enchanting lake, cobblestone paths, vineyards and beautiful gardens with lovely gazebos and charming arbors are enough to leave you captivated.

From the paint-out leader: We expect to meet at 9 am at Westlake Village Inn. Meet near pond near inn office and have lunch at stonehouse.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists (at) netzero (dot) net, he will look for you.

Visit their website.

Cathy Quiel visits VWS in April

Cathy Quiel will be demonstrating in our monthly member meeting, Thursday, April 11, 2019. There will be a meet & greet from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, followed by meeting and demonstration at 7:00 at:

San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center
18312 Oxnard Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
Click here for directions from your location.

Members free. Non-members $5.

Cathy will also teach a 1-day workshop, Friday, April 12, 2019, from 9-4.

About the Artist:

Cathy Quiel, internationally renowned watercolorist, captures her images through a vivid application of pigment. Her paintings are represented internationally in corporate and private collections.

She has been a guest lecturer at the Riverside Art Museum and the Muckenthaler Museum in conjunction with the National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West.

Her work has been published and featured in numerous art books and publications including The Best of Watercolor III, The Artistic Touch Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4 and North Light Publications Confident Color and The New Creative Artist. In addition her work has been featured in The American Artist, Artist and Montecito Magazines and selected for the catalog cover image for the Antioch University, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Although California based, Cathy Quiel’s talents are not restricted to the West Coast where she teaches through Santa Barbara City College, Schott Center. She has taught workshops in France, Italy, Malta, Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Greece and Alaska.

Cathy is known to her students as an enthusiastic instructor with a true love of sharing her subject matter. Her relaxing warmth and good humor, combined with informative and organized teaching skills, have won Cathy her student’s respect and friendship.

Visit Cathy on her website.

March 2019 Paint-Out

Our March plein air paint-out will be held at Paramount Ranch. Everybody is welcome, member and non-member alike.

Paramount Ranch – Wed, Mar 20, 10 am

From the website:

“When Paramount Pictures leased the ranch in 1923, they began an era of film production that continues today. You can experience the area where Bob Hope starred in Caught in the Draft (1941) and Sandra Bullock had a leading role in The Lake House (2006). In the 1950s, Western Town was created for television shows, such as The Cisco Kid. More recent television productions at Paramount include The Mentalist, Weeds, and Hulu’s Quickdraw (2013-2014).

“Paramount Ranch offers several miles of easy to moderate scenic hikes through chaparral, riparian, and valley oak savannah plant communities. Equestrians and mountain bikers may access these multi-use trails. Wildlife sightings might include red-tailed hawks, acorn woodpeckers, blue heron and deer.”

Note: much of the ranch was destroyed by the Woolsey fire. It’s a very different vista now.

Click here to visit their website.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists (at) netzero (dot) net, he will look for you.

February 2019 Paint-Out

Our February plein air paint-out will be held at Rancho Simi Community Park. Everybody is welcome, member and non-member alike.

Simi Rancho Community Park

Rancho Simi Community Park – Wed, Feb 20, 10 amFrom their website: This was the first community park built in Simi Valley, also known as the “Duck Pond Park”. This park has so much to offer. Here you’ll find a reservable amphitheater, barbecues, lighted basketball courts, horseshoe pits, uncovered picnic tables throughout the park, pre-teen play area, a tot lot, handicap accessible play area, restrooms, shuffleboard courts, soccer field, and tennis courts.

From the organizer David: Take 118 freeway to Erringer  and go south. Park is at the corner of Erringer and Royal Avenue. Walk downhill at restrooms and meet at the lake near waterfall.

Visit their website.

Let David know if you can attend: watercolorists (at) netzero (dot) net. He will look for you. If you are beginning plein air David can suggest what to bring with you.

January 2019 Paint-Out

Here’s a VWS plein air paint-out coming up in January. Everybody is welcome, member and non-member alike.

Oak Canyon Community Park – Wed, Jan 16, 10 am
From their website: “This is one of the best parks in the area. The dog park in the back area is one of the best. Its spacious and your dogs will appreciate you with a yap and a smile. The amount of trails in the area will give you a great work out with some great scenery which your eyes will appreciate.”

From David, paint-out leader: There was  fire damage in this area but there are still vistas to inspire paintings. I recommend you park in the lot for 1000 Kanan and meet at the back of the lot. There are rest rooms available in this area. Let David know if you can attend: watercolorists (at) netzero (dot) net. He will look for you. If you are beginning plein air David can suggest what to bring with you.

December 2018 Paint-Outs

We have two plein air paint-outs coming up in December:

Peter Strauss Ranch – Wed, Dec 5, 10am

For nearly a century, people have enjoyed leisure and recreation at this site. Named for Emmy Award-winning actor Peter Strauss, this park delights nature lovers and intrigues history buffs. Oak woodlands, a seasonal creek, easy trails, a lawn area, and an amphitheater provide a wonderful location or visitors of all ages to have fun outdoors.

Near the main house, you will discover an Italian terrazzo tile concert area (1939) where country legends Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson performed in the 1950s. Also, you will see the relic of an enormous outdoor swimming pool with a small stage in the center.

Click here to visit their website.

Look for David. If you email David in advance at watercolorists @ netzero.net, he will look for you.

Los Angeles Zoo – Sunday, Dec 9, 10am

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened on November 28, 1966. The Zoo is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, of which more than 58 are endangered. In addition, the Zoo’s botanical collection comprises several planted gardens and over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants. Admission $21. 62 and older $18.

Visit the LA Zoo website.

Contact lizblum (at) mac (dot) com if you have any questions.