President's Message
President's Message, September, 2010
Well, this year is certainly moving along rapidly.
We have a wonderful Signature show going on right now in Anacortes. So far, five paintings have sold since hanging in July. I can't wait to see our International show this fall. We have such talented members and it will be great to see where other entries will come from to add to the mix.
I am pleased to announce that our membership chairperson, Debbie Hughbanks, has really gotten things together and we're back on track. When everyone renews their dues in January, we would like you to make sure we have your correct information so no one gets left out. That will bring our roster up to date and current. It has been brought up that a few people would like to have a roster phone book. You can always print the roster off of the website. If this is not an option, Jane Wallis has volunteered to sent out a copy of the roster to those few. Please contact her and she will get one to you.
At the meeting we had a great presentation form Past Presidents Trish Harding, Donna Trent, Paulette Johnson and Peggy Braetigan. Steve Hilll was unable to attend and sent along a statement for the membership. Each Past President brought a few of their wonderful paintings and gave inspiring talks about them. We had an ice cream sunday feast to celebrate them!
There were several discussions from members that lead to conversation and exchanging of ideas. At future meetings we would like to adhere to our agenda. If you have something you wish to discuss at a meeting, please notify the President either by e-mail or phone call so you can get on the agenda. There will be an open discussion time after the agenda is complete for any new things that may come up. This way we will be able to manage our time better so people that travel can get on their way.
We are working on putting together an expense and income report so that you can see how our budget has improved with our new streamlined on-line handling of show entries and website communication. These things are only worthwhile if they are being used. The report from members on registering for the International show was that it "was a breeze". We are very pleased with the way this has turned out but not without a lot of hours and work that Penny Chadwell has put into this. We all thank her for her research and setting up of Constant Contact.
As for our website, it is there for you to reference. We attempt to get the minutes to you in a timely manner. There are constant updates during the time between meetings. It does not stay static. Please make it part of your routine to see what's going on by tuning in.
We have a great organization but it is only as good as its volunteers! I am so please, when asking for someone to take on the membership chair, that Debbie Hughbanks stepped up. Just for you to know, she does not live in the greater Puget Sound area but in Eastern Washington, north of Spokane. These things can work out. Our First Vice President, Bonnie Griffith, lives in Walla Walla. Another member not in the greated Puget Sound area. If your location is keeping you from participating in activities of the group or becoming a participating member on a committee, please reconsider. We will all work with you. We need you.
I hope to see more of you attend and participate at our meetings and events. We do need you to be involved so we can accomplish the things that we want and be proud of them
Jo Ann Sullivan
NPS PresidentPresident’s Message Spring 2010
I challenge each and every NPS member to enter the Members Show coming up in April 2010 at Blue Horse Gallery in Bellingham, WA. All NPS members are encouraged to enter the 2010 Members Exhibit, go through a jury process, show your work in an upscale gallery, and attend your artist's reception where innovative expression is particularly embraced and acknowledged with huge prize monies.
For the past two years, your NPS board has implemented changes across the board and are proud of those changes that have helped our society, (unlike some others), stay vital and thriving in a downward economic market. Our number one mission is to promote our members and we think that the Members Show is the best way to do that. Check out the entry protocol on the website. Penny has worked really hard to make it as painless as possible. You can do it all online with just the click of the mouse. We are soooo lucky to have her on it.
The entry deadline for the Members Show is February 26th, 2010, so get started on your piece right away. I am anticipating an even stronger showing this coming year than last year which, by the way, was one of the best pastel shows around. As your Members Show co-chairs, Penny Chadwell and myself join our curator Linda Hughes and our gallerist Wade Marlow to extend a warm invitation to enter the Members Show. We cannot do it without YOU!
Changes are in the air. Our next general meeting will be our election meeting and we are still looking toward you for nominations for several positions and yes, you can nominate yourself. We have one nomination for the president position, Laurie Potter.
Click here to go to the NPS "Meet Laurie" page, and
Click here to go to Laurie's website.
Laurie would like your vote and is very excited to get to know everyone better.
I hope to see you at our next meeting - sadly for me the last one that I will preside over, February 21, 2010 where the board meeting begins at 10am and the General Meeting and Elections at noon at Kingsgate Library in Kirkland, www.kcls.org.
Please RSVP via email to "Penny Chadwell" webmaster@nwps.org so that our wonderful refreshment chairperson, Sue Dawson can make sure that everyone gets some tasty food for showing up to the meeting. Just click on the link and let us know that you are coming.
I am particularly proud to announce that Steve Hill will be doing a demo for us at this meeting. He will be using reference photos (boats and water, no doubt) taken in Croatia, and include using the new pan pastels, as he has been experimenting with those while working plein air. He can get underpaintings started at light speed and actually use darks over lights (on white or light tinted papers) and not end-up with the muddy colors that regular sticks give, when working darks over lights.
YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS FREE DEMONSTRATION BY STEVE HILL, our past president. You can see his work and learn more about his Croatia Art Workshop travels at www.windsweptstudios.com.
Trish Harding NPS President
President’s Message Winter 2009
Here comes Old Man Winter! And along with it all of the things that we hearty souls of the Northwest find wonder in: from the chill in the open air to the cozy spot in front of the fireplace. It also often means going back into the studio to work after a sensory explosive spring-to-fall plein air painting period.
For me the differences between plein air and studio painting are immense. Outdoors I feel the most alive while painting. For me it is a complete reaction to my senses and I am comfortable setting up my easel and painting whatever is in front of me. I notice the air that I am breathing, both the natural sounds and manmade sounds, the moving sky, warm or cool air, the constant movement of bodies of water, the relentless changing light and I am always aware that I am never quite alone, but sharing the particular space with many others. There is no other experience for me that feels more authentic.
On the other hand, going back into the studio is a whole new ball game! With four walls, a ceiling and a floor to enclose me into my space tending to separate me from other living energy, I am bound physically and sensory to something completely different and very solitary. Studio work gives me an opportunity to react slower to my surroundings, which are more stagnant and less interactive. I go inside myself in a more conceptual and intellectual mode. I play with streams of consciousness and memories- I realize things that I “know” but do not have any reason for “knowing”. There is a sense of more planning, designing, and selection in studio and I have something altogether different to say in my work, which manifests there. I simply find wonder in it all!
Strengthen your society and your friendships in art by attending our next general meeting-Potluck/Gift Exchange, November 1st in Edmonds! Plan now for the 2010 Members’ Show, April 23 through May 28, 2010 at Bluehorse Gallery in Bellingham. This show will have a miniature section as well this year. 8 inches or smaller (image size) on any side. Sales for miniatures are strong all over the country in these economically challenged times. Big prize money and more importantly we want you to enter! The International Show in December 2010 promises to be world class again. Be sure to put it on your calendar now. This is a fabulous opportunity for all of our members!
And of course, don’t miss this year’s paint out. Even if you are not a plein air painter, you will have great fun, connect with other members, learn a lot and find that there are many artists who will be happy to help you in any way, not to mention how much it will change and advance your studio painting! Our workshops for 2010 are still in the planning stages so stay tuned to your website for more information on those.
Life long learning changes our brain and keeps us young!
Peace, Trish Harding, President
Board & General Winter Meeting-Potluck/Gift Exchange, Nov 1, 2009
Members Show 2010 April 23-May 28 at Bluehorse Gallery, Bellingham
International Show 2010 December, Everett
Paint Out TBA Workshop TBA
Spring 2009
The Members' Show was a huge success! Congratulations to all!
Now, on to the International Show in July at the American Art Company in Tacoma opening Thursday July 16, 2009. The American Art Company is truly a high- end gallery and will no doubt be very beautiful and inspiring. Be there or Be Square!
Our next meeting will be at the Anacortes Library on a date yet to be announced in September. Please watch the website for that date.
Also coming in September is our yearly Paint-Out in the fabulous Hood River, Oregon area. You will enjoy lots of great painting and an opportunity to make friends with some of our Oregon NPS members. The NPS will be dividing a $1,500 stipend among attendees to help defray the cost of participating at the Paint-Out.
Our society is bursting with energy and ideas. We are trying to get more members involved in the workings of the organization so if there is any job that you are interested in, please let Gary Gumble, our treasurer, put you on the volunteer list. We need you and look forward to working with you!
New on the website is a “fresh sheet” that gives you quick access to all current events and breaking news. Look for it in the right-hand column of the NPS website home page.
We are now opening up the nominations for next year’s change of administration as my two year term will end with the elections at the Winter 2010 General Meeting. Please send me your nominations for president, 1st vice president, and 2nd vice president.
Happy painting everyone! If you are involved, stay involved - if you are not involved, get involved! This organization exists to promote you and your art!
Peace,
Trish, el presidente
