Virginia Watercolor Society

Rowing on the Potomac
by Jane McElvany Coonce

Once a year, Virginia Watercolor Society has their annual show.  This year is the 40th anniversary of the organization. I enter the show every year, but it's a juried show, so the judge has to pick 80 painting out of hundreds of paintings.  There have been many years that I don't get in. This year I entered and got in. I was happy that my painting was accepted.  I was even more thrilled when I heard I won a a prize.  I was unable to attend the awards ceremony, but it was still exciting just the same. I have often said that entering juried shows is like playing the lottery. Some times you win, some times you don't.  One judge might reject a painting and then you enter the same painting into another juried show, and the judge picks it and gives it a prize. So I never get a swelled head if I get into a show or if I win a prize, nor do I get discouraged if I don't get into a show at all. It's just one person's opinion.  As my dad used to say, "If first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Mother's Day #2

Hydrangeas in a Blue and White Vase
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

Here is another painting of flowers that I have in my studio at Gallery Clarendon this month. I love hydrangeas, and I wished they lasted longer when they bloom. With this painting, they will be blooming all year long!  There is a reception at Gallery Clarendon this Friday night, May 10 from 5 - 7 pm. I'll be there. I will also be there on Saturday, May 11 from 3 - 5.  So stop by and say hi.

Mother's Day is Approaching

Sunflowers

For the month of May, my studio space at Gallery Clarendon will feature flowers.  Mother's Day is approaching and instead of giving your mom flowers that will die in a week, how about giving her flowers that will last a lifetime.  Of course, I'm talking about paintings of flowers. What a special gift to give to the woman who has done so much for you.

This Saturday, from 3 to 5, I will be over there and can answer any questions you might have.

But the gallery is open 7 days a week. So stop by and see all the florals on the 2nd floor.