West Bend Art Museum

West Bend, WI

(414) 334-9638

1999 Wisconsin Watercolor Society Exhibition

The West Bend Art Museum is pleased to host the Wisconsin Watercolor Society exhibition from May 12 - June 13, 1999.

Watercolor can be defined as a pigment pulverized with a water-soluble binder such as gum Arabic, and dissolved in a water vehicle; a transparent technique, in which the paper furnishes the highlights. In the 18th century, English painters held a reputation of excellence in the media, so much so that watercolor became known as "the English Art." In America, in the late 19th and early 20th century, due to the efforts of artists such as Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins and Edward Hopper, a strong tradition of watercolor took root.

From left to right: Sonya Lyster-Baime, Cheri Belle Cattleya, watercolor; Barbara Sorenson Rambadt, Cottage Window, watercolor; Barbara Sorenson Rambadt, Gathering Daisies-Rural Hungary, watercolor.

The Wisconsin Watercolor Society perpetuates this love for the watercolor media. This exhibition features juried members of the Wisconsin Watercolor Society and represents the vitality and excellence of this state organization. Founded in 1952, Wisconsin Watercolor Society is committed to the purpose of encouraging talent in the medium of watercolor This organization of 80 members has developed a highly respected reputation nationwide. Membership is by invitation after a recommendation by a jury and a final vote by members.

From left to right: Richard H. Smith, Nostalgia, transparent watercolor; Claire Wiest, Through the Ice I, watercolor; Jean Thielen, Pear Series #3, transparent watercolor

Although many of the state's most prominent watercolorists are members, new younger artists are considered, following the stated purpose, "to encourage talent in the field of watercolor." Many members are also signature members of the American Watercolor Society and the Midwest Watercolor Society. While there has been no attempt to restrict or prescribe a style, there is considerable adherence to the traditional transparent watercolor medium by most of the members. Both traditional representation and abstract approach to subject can be seen in this exhibition.

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