Garden State Watercolor Society
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We've moved!

The Garden State Watercolor Society website is now located at gswcs.org.
Visit Site

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GSWS is proud to present the 2021 Annual Member’s Exhibition which will be held virtually on our YouTube Channel. The exhibition will highlight traditional water media pieces as well as non-water media work. Open to all current GSWS members, artists may submit up to two works.  All artwork must be for sale. Because this is a virtual show, artwork pricing is expected to be for unmatted, unframed work. Ten percent of the purchase price is a tax-deductible donation to Middletown Arts Center, whose mission is to promote the arts while enriching the community

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Prospectus

 Become a new member or renew your 2021 membership for tthe price of $30.00
​​Click here to join or renew your membership now!

​​Welcome to the Garden State Watercolor Society’s 50th Annual Juried Online Exhibition 
We celebrate nature as sustenance, peril and inspiration. Enjoy!
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See GSWS Juried Exhibit

Beautiful Creatures! Please view this exciting, fun virtual exhibit.
43 artists created 90 Beautiful Creatures  after being challenged to paint one of earth’s creatures, past or present using secondary colors only: orange, green &/or purple.
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See Beautiful Creatures on YouTube

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Best in Show
On the Way to Batsto
by Richard Hoffman
 
Our show originally planned at Farmstead Arts Center in Basking Ridge is online due to ​state restrictions.

Online Small But Mighty Exhibit

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Second Annual Small But Mighty Exhibit
July 1- August 30, 2020

We are excited to present Garden State Watercolor Society’s first online exhibition featuring small paintings from our members.
Click the link above to view our YouTube Small but Mighty Exhibit.
All works are for sale, please contact Farmstead Arts Center for further information.
You are welcome to visit us on Instagram and Facebook.
Join us next year for our in-person Small but Mighty 2021 exhibit.




#GSWSPaintingChallenge -- Continuing
Our GSWS Painting Challenge on Facebook and Instagram will encourage members to paint and share their work We hope this will be another fun way to be creative and stay connected!
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​Please join our Facebook group to see what other members are painting.
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GSWS Painting Challenge on Facebook
The challenge will be posted on Instagram and Facebook weekly. Remember to use the hashtag #gswspaintingchallenge when you share your paintings. Please follow GSWS on Instagram!
GSWS Instagram
Instructions for Instagram can be found here.

Past Events 2018 - 2019


“On the Road to 50” Open Juried Exhibit,  AOY Art Center, Yardley PA

Garden State Watercolor Society: Open Juried Art Exhibition 2019

Garden State Watercolor Society: Open Juried Art Exhibition 2019



October 27, 2019
Artist Round Robin
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
​
Artists: Angela Barbalace, Aida Birriteri, Dians Kosco and Tess Fields
Four lucky attendees will go home with the paintings created!
Round Robin Information

October 19, 2019
Princeton Brush Company
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
​

Learn about, try out and take home free paint brushes!
​
​Gallery Walk
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
 
With Tess Fields and Joanne Amantea

October 5, 2019
Plein Air Workshop with Aida Birritteri
Artist of Yardley, Yardley, PA
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

 
Open to beginners and advanced level artists…
Paint with plein air artist, Aida Birritteri at the historic Janney House on Patterson Farm in Yardley, PA.  Located in the heart of Bucks County, the panoramic views of the surrounding farmland are sure to offer inspiration and excitement.
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Bring your easel, folding chair, sunscreen, watercolor gear & lunch. Be inspired by Aida’s watercolor demonstration, then proceed to create a watercolor of your own - Aida will be there to help you along the way.
 
This workshop is for painters of all levels who want to expand upon their ability to compose and develop their palette while working outdoors. 

Aida is an award-winning artist. She is a watercolor instructor at AOY.  She has exhibited in gallery shows and juried shows throughout the Delaware Valley. 

Aida is a signature member of the GSWS and is also a member of the PWCS, New Hope Art League, AOY and Artsbridge.  
http://www.aidawatercolors.com 

Limited to 10 Participants
$20.00 – GSWS Members
$40.00 – Non–Members*
*includes a 2020 1st year membership to GSWS
Plein Air Workshop with Aida Birritteri
Rain Date: Sunday Oct. 6, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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NEW
Small Works Exhibition

Farmstead Arts Center,                           
​450 King George Rd,
​Basking, Ridge, NJ



GSWS is proud to present a NEW small works exhibition in Basking Ridge, NJ.  This will be the first time we have exhibited at this venue. Framed works are not to exceed 11x14 inches. Traditional watermedia based paintings will be accepted Each artist may submit up to two works. All artwork must be for sale.

Dates at a Glance:
Online Entry: May 1, 2019 - May 31, 2019
Receiving: Saturday, June 15th | 10am – 12pm
Opening Reception/Awards: Sunday, June 23rd | 1pm –  4 pm
Plein Air Workshop: Saturday, July 13th | 10 am –  2 pm
Raindate for Plein Air Workshop: Sunday, July 14th | 10 am –  2 pm
Pickup of Unsold Works: Sunday, August 4th | 4pm – 6pm
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Farmstead Arts Center         
450 King George Road          Basking Ridge, NJ 07920      908.636.7576                         
www.farmsteadartscenter.org
Gallery Hours:
Mon– Wed | 11am– 1pm
& Sun | 1– 4 pm

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2019 Exhibition Events

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​Participate in our first watercolor installation!
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Use creative artist skills to paint your favorite person. Whether its realistic or abstract expressive, any style is welcome. Just pick up free samples of Winsor Newton’s 5x7 inch watercolor paper at any Members Exhibition event at the Middletown Arts Center.  All submissions will be shown in a wall installation during the Small but Mighty small works exhibition. 

Open to all GSWS Members

PICK UP PAPER SAMPLES
Middletown Arts Center
Wed. May 15th  1-4pm
Sat. June 8th   2-6pm

DELIVERY DATES 
Middletown Arts Center
Sat. June 8th  2 - 6pm
or
Farmstead Arts Center
Sat. June 15th 10am – 12pm

For further details download Guidelines
Head and Shoulders Guidelines
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Saturday, July 13th

Plein Air Workshop  
​
with 
Aida Birritteri

​
Farmstead Arts Center
450 King George Rd. Basking Ridge, NJ

CLASS FULL
Please contact Joan Capaldo to be placed on wait list
​at 917-796-0740 or joancc1225@icloud.com


Open to all levels beginners and advanced artists
Paint under our shady trees with awarding winning Plein Air Artist, Aida Birritteri.Bring your easel, folding chair, sunscreen, watercolor gear & lunch. Be inspired by Aida’s watercolor demonstration, then proceed to create a watercolor of your own.Aida will be there to help you along the way.
 
This workshop is for painters of all levels who want to develop or expand upon their ability to use color to create a uniquely personal presence in their work.
​
Aida is an award-winning artist. She is a Signature Member of the Garden State Watercolor Society and a member of The Philadelphia Watercolor Society, and The New Hope Art League . See more of Aida’s art at www.aidawatercolors.com
 
Limit to 12 attendees
$20.00 – GSWS Members
$40.00 – Non–Members
(includes a 1st year membership to GSWS)
 
Rain Date: Sunday July 14th 10am -2pm.
 
Pay online with Paypal
Plein Air Workshop with Aida Birritteri
or
Pay by Check (Payable to GSWS)
To register and mail check contact Joan Capaldo
917-796-0740 or joancc1225@icloud.com
 
For those who registered, download your attendee supply list!
Attendee Supply List

May 1, 2019 – June 8, 2019
2019 Annual Members Exhibition
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown, NJ

 
GSWS is proud to present its Annual Members’ Exhibition.  This year’s show will present be $3000 in cash and prizes.  We will have our traditional water-based media pieces for both Signature and Associate Members as well as non-water media based work. 

Best in Show awarded Watermedia Category - $600

Dates at a Glance:
Online entry |  March 1, 2019 - April 15, 2019

Receiving: Monday, April 29, 2019 | 10am - 2pm
Opening Reception/Awards: Sunday, May 5, 2019 | 2pm - 4:30pm
Round Robin Event: Sunday, May 5, 2019 | 2pm - 4pm
Artist Demonstration: Saturday, June 8, 2019 | 2pm - 4pm
Pickup of Unsold Works: Saturday, June 8, 2019 | 4pm - 6pm
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"Winter Sky" by Lois Westerfield
Please click the button below to see the list of Award Winners!
Award Winners
2019 GSWS Member Exhibition Events
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Round Robin Followed by Members Exhibition Award Presentation
Sunday, May 5 | 2pm - 4pm

Please click here for details
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Improve Your Skills A Three-Part Presentation
How to Photograph Your Art with Mike Scherfen
Take Confusion out of EntryThingy with Tess Fields

Art Critique by Charles McVicker

Wednesday, May 15 | 1pm - 4pm

Please click here for details
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Portrait Workshop with Randy Mayer
Tuesday, May 21 | 1pm - 4pm

Please click here for details
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Artist Demonstration with Donna Read
Saturday, June 8 | 2pm - 4pm

Please click here for details

49th Annual Juried Exhibition Going on Now

Make sure to flip to page 6 of the catalog to see our upcoming events!

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​In our quest to highlight the artistic talents of our members and to build awareness in the community, we are hosting our 2018 Annual Arts Sale.  GSWS Members and artists who wish to join GSWS to participate, are invited to sign up.  We need your help so volunteering is mandatory.  Artists new to GSWS can sign up for our $20.00 “TRY US” membership and receive membership for all of 2019!
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October 4-8 & 11-14, 2018

Location - 11 Hulfish St. at Palmer Square, Princeton NJ 
Eligibility - Open to GSWS Members and new member artists. 
Entry Fee - $25.00 and 10% commission on sold art
​100% of the commission proceeds will be donated to
D&R Greenway Land Trust 
​

​Deadline for Registration, Volunteer Signup and Entry Fee is September 24th 

Download
ART SALE 2018 GUIDELINES

May 31, 2018 – June 30, 2018
2018 Members Exhibition
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown, NJ

 
GSWS is proud to present its Annual Members’ Exhibition.  This year’s show is going to be ex-citing as there will be $3000 in cash and prizes.  We will have our traditional water based media pieces for both Signature and Associate Members as well as non-water media based work. 

Dates at a Glance:
Online entry |  March 16, 2018 - April 30, 2018

Receiving | May 30, 2018 | 2:00 - 6:00pm  
Opening Reception/Awards | June 3, 2018 | 2:00 - 4:00pm
Gallery Walk | June 14, 2018 | 1:00 - 1:30pm
Paper Collage Workshop | June 14, 2018 | 2:00 - 4:00pm
Artist demonstration | June 30, 2018 | 12:30 - 2:00pm
Pickup of unsold works | June 30, 2018 | 2:00 - 4:00pm

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“Overflow” by Joanne Amantea
See the Award Winners at the opening reception!

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June 14, 2018
Intuitive Paper Collage Workshop with Joanne Amantea and Judy Hummer

Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St., Middletown, NJ 07748
2:00 - 4:00 PM

Let go of expectations that inhibit you and connect with your intuition to express yourself with collage. In this two hour workshop, a brief demonstration will be given and then participants will use discarded and worn papers to create works of artistic beauty. Beginners and experienced painters will find this a refreshing way to re-energize their art process.  If you have never collaged before, this is a great way to start! 

This workshop is limited to 15 participants so reserve your place now
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sunday, June 3rd

Members - $20.00
Non-members - $40.00 (includes first year “Try Us Out” Membership)
Material Fee - $5.00
Pay Online via PayPal
Workshop Payment Options
OR
Pay by Check (Payable to GSWS)
​Contact Judy Hummer at jhummermom@aol.com  to register and mail to Judy at 535 Gregory Ave Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Download Attendee Supply List. Instructors will provide some materials.
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Joanne Amantea
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Judy Hummer
Attendee Supply List
View the Joanne and Judy’s art at their websites
Judy Hummer
Joanne Amantea

Any questions? Contact – Judy Hummer at 908-872-9348 or Joanne Amantea at 609-672-6215

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April 8, 2018
Getting a Head Start on Color with Aida Birritteri

The High Bridge Fire Dept. Fire Hall, 7 Maryland Ave, High Bridge, NJ 08829
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Hone your skills in color mixing, glazing and developing your palette further.

Learn how to identify colors, their properties and their visual relationship to one another. In this exciting workshop, we will develop a visual library which can help you push your paintings toward a better understanding of color values and the results and effects they have on your watercolors. Working from your own reference you will begin a painting applying colors based upon your new color library.

This workshop is for painters of all levels who want to develop or expand upon their ability to use color to create a uniquely personal presence in their work.

Aida is an award-winning artist. She is a Signature Member of the Garden State Watercolor Society and a member of The Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Artsbridge and The New Hope Art League.

See more of Aida’s artwork at her website: www.aidawatercolors.com

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$20.00 – GSWS Members
$40.00 – Non – Members (includes a 1st year membership to GSWS)
Pay Online via PayPal
Aida Birritteri Workshop
OR
Pay by Check (Payable to GSWS) or Cash at the event
For those registered, click the button below to download your attendee supply list!
Attendee Supply List

January 7, 2018
Marie Natalie Artist Demonstration

Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ
12:30 - 2:00 PM

Please join us for an artist demonstration on Sunday, January 7, 2018 by Marie Natalie from 12:30 - 2:00 PM at the Middletown Arts Center.  The event is FREE and open to the public

People in Watercolors: Loose Luminous and Colorful

People add interest, energy and excitement to paintings yet many hesitate to include them. Marie demonstrates how easily people can be incorporated into paintings, fearlessly and simply. Marie simplifies the process of drawing and painting people by:

1) Keeping images as simple shapes,
2) Uses ratios of water and pigment allowing the bead to create fresh, clean, and luminous results
3) Uses a triad of colors giving dimension to the figure, and
4) Uses Value and Contrast to show the Light while holding on to some of the original layer of color. Leaving the tight, drab, laborious style behind helps to create fabulous, glowing results like never before.
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​"A Walk Thru Ritten House Square”
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​"Goin' Fishin'”
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​“A Distinguished Gentleman”

November 6, 2017 – January 7, 2018
Members Exhibition
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown, NJ

 
​GSWS had our Annual Members Show at Middletown Art Center again last year. As in previous years, there was a Signature Members Show and an Associate Members Show, each with their own categories of juried awards. GSWS continued to focus on the advancement of water based media in the arts but we thought it would be fun to see other work from our members and introduced a separate category for non-water based media that will be judged for separate awards.
Our Garden State Watercolor Society Member Catalog is now online!  Click below to read our e-catalog!  
Congratulations to our winners!
​Joan Capaldo $50 gift certificate from Blick Art Materials for Monkey Ride
Michael Scherfen $50 gift certificate from American Frame for Piano Man

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