A Word From Our Juror

Juried by award-winning artist Michael Reardon, the 40th SDWS International Exhibition includes 100 works chosen from over 800 entries from 21 countries. Paintings will be available for viewing and purchase starting October 1st.

Here’s a sneak peek at the top award winners.
“Bing Davis” by Dean Mitchell

Best of Show went to Bing Davis by Florida artist, Dean Mitchell. “Sometimes while jurying a show a painting just stops you in your tracks and this is one of them”, Reardon commented. “His masterful brush strokes, limited palette and composition are seemingly so simple yet add up to such a powerful portrait.” Dean has received over 600 awards including the T.H. Saunders International Artists in watercolor competition in London, England, American Watercolor Society Gold and Silver Medal, Allied Artist of American Gold Medal in Watercolor and Oil, Donald Teague Memorial Award, and the Art for the Parks $50,000 Grand Prize.

 

“Sunshine Tibet” by Zhou Tianya

Second Place went to Sunshine Tibet by Chinese artist, Zhou Tianya. Reardon commented that he was partial to this painting because he had the opportunity to go to the Himalayas several times. He felt the artist so masterfully evoked a street scene in Llasa. “He captured the sharpness of the high-altitude light and faithfully translated the Tibetan dress.” Zhou Tianya is a member of China Artists Association and a Signature Member of National Watercolor Society (USA) and an Artistic Advisory Member of Asian Museum of Watercolor Art. He studied art at the Hubei Institute of Fine Art in Wuhanand, taught watercolor and was Chair of the Art Department at Jingchu Academy of Technology in Hubei.

 

“Quirky Friends” by Karen Knutson

Third Place went to Quirky Friends by Minnesota artist, Karen Knutson. According to Reardon, this painting made him smile every time he saw it. “I really wanted this one on my wall. It is rich in color, composition and whimsy.” Karen is a signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America (formerly known as Midwest Watercolor Society), San Diego Watercolor Society, Red River Watercolor Society, the Montana Watercolor Society, the Northern Plains Watercolor Society, the Minnesota Watercolor Society, NorthStar Watermedia Society, and Missouri Watercolor Society.
Other renown watermedia artists in the show include Joseph Zbukvic, Chris Krupinski, Angus McEwan, Mark Mehaffy and Soon Warren.

About The San Diego Watercolor Society
The San Diego Watercolor Society, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1965, is dedicated to expanding the appreciation of and involvement in watermedia painting through education, exhibition and promotion. SDWS presents a new juried exhibition at their Art Gallery in the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station each month with an Opening Reception on the first Friday of each month from 5-8 pm with great original art, refreshments and the companionship of other art enthusiasts. Both the Gallery Exhibition and the Reception are free. Other services for the benefit of over 700 members and the public include an extensive art library, a full program of workshops, classes and artist demonstrations (open to members and non-members) and artist-led plein air painting opportunities.


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