This weekend I attended the always excellent Watercolor Society of Oregon Convention and Exhibition in The Dalles, Oregon. I attended with Catherine Hingson. She was new to the club, so I did my best to introduce her around and give her a few tips and tricks (make sure to pick up the freebies…) Catherine drove us out to The Dalles, leaving me free to hang out the window and take photos.
Once we arrived and checked in at the hotel, we scurried down to The Dalles Art Center to view the exhibition. It was lovely… even if my painting wasn’t in it.
Saturday, we trundled down to The Dalles Civic Auditorium for a full day of classes. In general, Catherine and I took different ones, so I can’t tell you if she enjoyed hers (I think yes), but I had a good time in mine.
Line-Shape-Color-Paint! with Liz Walker
Liz always puts on a good workshop. I had a good time following along with her suggestions about adding random shapes and then pulling something from it.
Creating Clean Underdrawings for Your Paintings with Tess Myers
I believe I took a breakout a year ago with Tess. The little painting below is not a good representative of what she was teaching. She remains an inspiring instructor.
Not So Boring Ways to Change Your Paintings with Boring Grange Painters
I brought four paintings to play with in this class. Below you can see before and after (except for the last one where I can’t find a before).
Preparing for a National Competition
This was a panel discussion with Robin Becic, Chris Stubbs, and Rene Eisenbart. Good listening with lots to think about.
Party animals that we are, Catherine and I had a burger at a local grill, then went back to the hotel to watch TV (me) and paint (Catherine). We are wild women. The show winners were announced and feted at the awards banquet, which we did not attend.
Sunday, Catherine and I loaded up, then headed back to the convention center for the business meeting and juror lecture. Catherine, with first-timers luck that I am jealous of, got lots of prizes.
The juror’s lecture was interesting, but I am glad I chose not to take his workshop.
We hit the road immediately after the talk, made a stop in Hood River for apples, and arrived home just after 5:00.
The pet sitter did a great job, but the crew was glad to see me.
There’s no place like home.
