American Women Artists juried a show hosted by the Haggin Museum in Stockton, CA in August 2018. All entries were to be inspired by one of 13 pieces selected by the Haggin from their collection. Mine is inspired by Watrous’ “Sophistication”, 1908. Before my model came, I carefully set up my “scene” to paint from life using my mother’s very old chair in my dining room. With wild cranberries on the saucer, I thought about putting in a black bird but thought it too kitsche. Two weeks later I was researching Mr. Watrous when I discovered he put black birds in at least three of his paintings of beautifully profiled women. So I put the bird in. Like “Sophistication” the model is profiled, her chair is at an angle, she is all dressed up having tea, she has a black feather in her hat, and her feet are cut out of the composition. Mr. Watrous painted rather tight and detailed, as I am inclined to do. Otherwise mine is quite different. Judging is subjective, and like many other worthy pieces, this one was not juried into the show. I attended the event anyway as they offered a “Best Painting Practices” workshop, as well as paint-outs, symposium, and other events for members. Meantime, I am sending the painting to New York.
*AWA “Making Their Mark: American Women Artists”, Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, GA, May 27 – August 23, 2020
*1st Place for Oil and Acrylic, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Members Online Exhibition, June 2019 – August 2019
*7th Annual Booth Artists’ Guild Exhibition, Booth Museum of Western Art, Cartersville, GA, May 14 – August 25, 2019
*Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club 122nd Annual Open Exhibition, National Arts Club, New York City, January 8-25, 2019.