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• Regional Membership Exhibit in Hendricks County

  • Start
    Wednesday, April 16, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • End
    Saturday, May 31, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Hendricks Live! Event Center, 200 W. Main St., Plainfield, IN 46168
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  WSI Regional Membership Exhibit at Hendricks Live! Event Center, 200 W. Main Street, Plainfield, IN 46168.  April 16 to May 31, 2025. *Renew your membership or join to enter!

  The Watercolor Society of Indiana has been invited by Hendricks Live! for an exhibition. This opportunity is a “WSI Regional Exhibit” for WSI Members Only. Each participant may display one ready to hang painting. The cost is $10 per person. All participants must register through The Watercolor Society of Indiana. Registration is open to the first 50 artists that register. Download Prospectus to Print/Mail or register online.

  Delivery Date. Deliver your painting directly to Hendricks Live between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Since this is a “Regional Exhibit”, Area Reps are not required to travel across the state to deliver from their regions. However, you are encouraged to work with other artists in your part of the state if they are unable to drive to Plainfield. Not required but appreciated! Please let me know if you can help.

  Art Requirements. All paintings executed and presented in accordance with the rules will be exhibited. Works not adhering to the following specifications will not be exhibited and entry fees will not be refunded.

  Please read carefully:

  • This is NOT a Juried Exhibit. All skill levels are accepted. 2025 WSI Membership required.
  • All current WSI members may register one watercolor painting for this   exhibition.
  • A painting exhibited in prior juried and membership shows is eligible if it adheres to these rules.
  • All paintings must be the original work of the artist. No copies or prints of paintings or published photographs will be accepted.
  •  At least seventy percent (70%) of the entry must be watercolor paint or watercolor gouache paint. The balance of the entry may be acrylic, acrylic gouache, pastel, charcoal, ink and/or collage (e.g., photos, computer art, fabric, metal foil, etc.).
  • Flexibility in surface is allowed (canvas, watercolor board, wood, etc.). All edges must be framed or finished, with no visible staples, nails, or hardware. If submitting an unframed canvas, the outer edges must be painted.
  • For this venue, all work must be less than 42” in any direction.
  • All work must be ready to hang with wire applied to the upper third or fourth of the frame. No sawtooth or screw-eye hangers will be accepted.
  • The painting and frame must have a professional appearance and be free from damage or blemishes. Ensure the painting is clean, ready to hang and in a stable condition.
  • A label with the artist’s name, painting title & painting price must be attached to the back side. If not for sale, write "NFS". Please use the attached label.
  • Title and price may not be changed after the entry form has been submitted. Please ensure the title and price on your painting label match your entry form. If there is a discrepancy between the form and the label, the information on the entry form will be used.
  • No paintings may be removed before the end of the show.
  • By participating in the show, artists give WSI and Hendricks Live permission to photograph or video tape their work to be used for educational and publicity purposes online and social media sites.
  • Registration is open to the first 50 members who complete entry, or by April 3, 2025; whichever comes first.

  Sales. The Hendricks Live Box Office will handle all sales and sales tax. The artist receives 70% of the selling price so price your piece accordingly. If your painting sells, you will be notified by WSI. Please do not contact the Hendricks Live Box Office. You will receive payment from Hendricks Live after the completion of the exhibition.

  Paintings may be NFS. However, if this painting is sold during the exhibit, the commission must be admitted to Hendricks Live in good faith. If this painting is sold within 30 days after the exhibit because of being seen at Hendricks Live, the artist is asked to make a donation to WSI or Hendricks Live.

  Art Images. Images are not required but may be used in online and printed promotional material. Upload the image with the online registration form. If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website. Each artist is also encouraged to promote the sale of their painting by directing people to Hendricks Live. If you are active on Instagram or Facebook, remember to tag Hendricks Live and The Watercolor Society of Indiana.

  Risk. The Watercolor Society of Indiana and Hendricks Live will exercise diligent and reasonable care, but neither WSI nor Hendricks Live shall be responsible for loss or damage to any painting. By participating in the show, the artist assumes all risk and agrees to the rules and conditions of this prospectus. We recommend getting insurance on your painting if you have concerns.

  Opening Reception. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend the free Opening Reception at the Hendricks Live Event Center. Light refreshments. Open to the public.

  Visiting the Show. Hendricks Live is open Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Your art will also be seen by anyone attending the events on nights and weekends.

  Pick Up Dates. If your painting is sold the buyer has permission to pick it up. Otherwise, please pick up your painting between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2025. A photo ID is required. Unclaimed paintings become WSI property.

  
  

  QUESTIONS. Contact Executive Director Tanya Roberts with questions via the Membership Directory at Board of Directors. Please do not contact Hendricks Live.

  
  

  *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling two or more weeks before the event. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the event date. Thank you! 

  
  

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• Opening Reception for the WSI Regional Membership Exhibit

  • When
    Wednesday, April 16, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Hendricks Live! Event Center, 200 W. Main St., Plainfield, IN 46168

  Register

  WSI Regional Membership Exhibit Hendricks Live! Event Center, 200 W. Main Street, Plainfield, IN 46168.  April 16, 2025 

  The Watercolor Society of Indiana has been invited by Hendricks Live! for an exhibition. Please join us for the Opening Reception on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend the FREE event at the Hendricks Live Event Center. Light refreshments. Open to the public. Bring friends!

  Enjoy 50 original watercolor paintings by watercolor artists from around Indiana. Most pieces are for sale. Support local artists!

  Visiting the Show. Hendricks Live is open Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Your art will also be seen by anyone attending the events on nights and weekends.

  
  

  QUESTIONS. Contact Executive Director Tanya Roberts with questions via the Membership Directory at Board of Directors. Please do not contact Hendricks Live.

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• Annual WSI Membership Exhibit

  • Start
    Saturday, May 10, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    Saturday, June 14, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Announced Soon!

  EXCITING NEW VENUE!! We can’t wait to share with you the new location for the Annual WSI Membership Exhibit. The contract is still in the works but the dates are set. May 10 to June 14, 2025. Opening Reception May 10, 3:00 PM.

  This is an incredible opportunity for watercolor artists and supporters. Sponsorship Packages will be available. Contact Executive Director Tanya Roberts to support this event!

  This Membership Exhibit in Indianapolis is open to all current WSI Members and gives each of the participating artists the option to sell their artwork. This is not a Juried Exhibit - all WSI members are accepted. Become a member to get your invitation!

  
  

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• Membership Luncheon and Special Event

  • When
    Saturday, June 28, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

  Register

  Membership Luncheon and Special Event
  

  Saturday, June 28, 2025

  12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

  Join us for this social event full of art, artists, food, gifts, and special presentations. You do not have to be a member to purchase a ticket. All ages welcome. Advance tickets required.

  • Soup, Salad, Dessert, and Refreshments. 
  • An exclusive private viewing of all 2025 Juried Exhibit entries by WSI Members before they are sent to the Juror. 
  • Presentation of the James C. Lentz Student Scholarship.
  • Brief General Membership Meeting.
  • Guest Speaker and Book Signing by Kelly O'Dell Stanley, daughter of famous Indiana Watercolor Artist Robert o'Dell.
  • Tickets are required for this luncheon. $20 each. 

  Enter the church through the North doors. Lunch will begin at noon. Presentations to follow lunch.

  $20 per person - open to WSI members and guests! Paid reservations are required by Monday, June 23, 2025.

  

  *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling two or more weeks before the event. 

  *No refunds within 2 weeks of the event date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you! 

  
  

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• "The Architecture of Light" with Thomas Schaller

  • Start
    Wednesday, August 06, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, August 08, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  "The Architecture of Light" Watercolor Workshop with Artist Thomas Schaller, AWS, NWS, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. August 6 - 8, 2025. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch. 3-day Workshop Price: $465 for WSI Members. $525 for Non-Members. Skill Level Required:  Intermediate to Advanced.

    

  Day-to-Day Class Outline:

  Daily, I will introduce a topic and complete a demonstration painting to open each day of the class. And we will build on what we have learned each day 

  Day One:  The Built Environment vs. The Natural World.
  The focus will the built environment in the context of the natural world. So we will emphasize design, composition, values, color theory the use of perspective, and the editing of unnecessary detail.

  Day Two: The Natural World vs. The Built Environment

  The emphasis this day will be elements of landscape, and atmosphere. We’ll build on the lessons of Day One and introduce ways to paint trees, skies, water, reflections, and pure atmosphere.

  Day Three: Looking vs Seeing
  Building on the practical lessons of Days One and Two, we will move into the areas, of interpretation and observation. We’ll look at ways of channeling our unique perceptions of the world into a clear and personal artistic point of view.  By incorporating elements of dreams, memories, and pure invention into the act of strict real-world observation, we can watch as our artistic voices make themselves known.

  Each day will begin with my introducing a topic and then producing a painted demonstration based upon that topic.  Participants may certainly paint what it is I paint, but I encourage everyone to bring their own photo reference – something that resonated with them more personally.

  Among the topics to be introduced:

  + Intent / Inspiration

  +Composition / Design

  +Value Design – Establishing Depth by using Three Basic Values

  +Painting with Light – Negative Shape Painting 

  +Perspective Construction

  +Color Theory – Working with Complements

  +The Man-Made Environment / The Natural Environment

  +Architecture – How to Simplify the Paintings of the Built Environment

  +Atmospheres – Skies / Water / Reflections / Landscape Elements

  +The Human Figure 

  +How to Know when You are Finished 

   
  

  Materials

  I’ve listed in detail all I will be using throughout the course. But no one should feel that I recommend acquiring all these specific materials. You should feel free to use whatever supplies make your painting experience the most comfortable and enjoyable. In general, it’s a good idea to bring fewer rather than more things. This list is for reference only. 

  While I am a Brand Ambassador for the following companies, I have no exclusivity arrangements and do not discourage anyone from using alternatives:

  Daniel Smith Artists Materials / Escoda Brushes / NEEF – Watercolor Brushes / Baohong :Masters Choice Watercolor Paper / House of Hoffman: Hand-Crafted Artists’ Palettes / Stillman & Birn - Sketchbooks 

  + Sketch Pencil:  Any with a soft lead – and a soft white vinyl or kneaded eraser. I use Blackwing Palomino and Faber Castell E-Motion sketch pencils and MONO by Tombow Erasers. 

  + Sketchbook:  I use Beta Series hard and softbound books by Stillman&Birn 

  + Watercolor Paper:   Good quality cotton surface – I recommend Baohong Masters Choice, Saunders Waterford, Fabriano Artistico, or Arches 140 lb. (300gsm). I always use the rough surface choice.

  + Easel:  For studio work, I use a simple adjusted slant-board style table top easel by Reeves. I affix my watercolor paper to light weight boards (masonite, thin plywood veneer, corrugated pvc, etc) with simple Scotch brand masking tape

  +Watercolor Palette:  Use any type with which you are most comfortable, but it must allow for at least three good-sized mixing wells and perhaps 10 to 14 paint wells. I use the large German Silver Palette by House of Hoffman and a smaller travel palette by House of Hoffman.  Another option is a folding aluminum model by Holbein. 

  + Pigments:   I always use tube-based pigments chosen for their quality, transparency, and light-fastness. I favor natural over dye-based colors. Primarily I use Daniel Smith and Holbein. My current palette is: Daniel Smith:  French Ochre / Perm. Orange / Cad Red Light (or Mayan Orange)/ Van Dyke Brown / Alizarin Crimson / Burnt Sienna Light/ Burnt Sienna / Serpentine Green / Jadeite Green / Cobalt Teal Blue / Manganese Blue Hue / Cobalt Blue / French Ultramarine / Imperial Purple / Neutral Tint – Plus:  Lavender / Naples Yellow / Light Red by Holbein

  It’s not necessary to own each of these pigments, but I’d recommend basic primaries and complements – Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna are staples.

  + Brushes:  I use a number of mops (NEEF118 Series, Escoda Aquario Series, Raphael Soft Aqua Series ) and several rounds (Escoda Perla and Versatil Series) Escoda  Flats (Versatil and Perla Series). I also use a couple of liner brushes by DaVinci (Caseneo Series) and a few hake style flat brushes by Paul Rubens and Black Mice. 

  +  Misc:, I use Scotch brand masking tape, a small Holbein water mister (essential), simple water containers, and paper towels.

   
  

  Bio 2025. Thomas Wells Schaller, AWS NWS TWSA IMWA CAC CWA SCNY SDWS ASAI AIA. Thomas Schaller is an acclaimed artist, architect, and author based in New York City. Learn more at: https://www.thomasschaller.com/

  *Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you! 

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• 43rd Annual WSI Juried Exhibit

  • Start
    Friday, September 05, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    Saturday, November 01, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Newfields/Indianapolis Museum of Art

  The 43rd Annual WSI Juried Exhibit at Newfields/ Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208
  September 5 to November 1, 2025
  Deadline to enter is June 20, 2025

  This year's juror is Thomas Schaller, Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and Transparent Watercolor Society of America. The images of each entry are sent digitally to the juror. He will choose 45 paintings to display in the exhibit. In August when he is in Indy, he will choose his top 10 picks for awards. WSI's goal is to meet last year's total prize money of $9500.

  Please be sure to read the entire Prospectus Rules for Entry as it is updated every year.  Each member may submit up to 2 paintings. Entry Fee $35 for one entry. $45 for two entries.  Please use the online entry form for the fastest and most efficient method. If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website.

  This is an incredible opportunity for watercolor artists and supporters. Sponsorship Packages will be available. Contact Executive Director Tanya Roberts to support this event!

  The Juried Exhibit is open to all current WSI Members. Check back for more rules and the Prospectus! Registration is not yet open. Become a member to get your invitation!

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• Beginning Watercolor Class with Anna Roberts and Cheryle Lowe

  • When
    Sunday, September 21, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Jewish Community Center, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260
  • Spaces left
    22

  Register

  "Beginning Watercolor Class" with Anna Roberts, CF and Cheryle Lowe, CF at the Jewish Community Center Indy, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Adult class only. $40 for the class. Supplies not included, see below. 

  This class will cover the basics of watercolor painting while working on a special project. Learn about watercolor paints, brushes, paper, palettes, other tools used in watercolor, and techniques of application. Concentration on how to control the paint, how to mix the paint, and how to apply the paint. You do not need to be a member of The Watercolor Society to attend! 

  

  Supply List for this workshop:

  ·        2 full sheets of 140 lb. paper (22 x 30) cut into halves (Arches, Fabriano, Saunders, Bockingford, Stonehenge, Canson Moulin.)  Paper quality is the single most important part of successful watercolor results.

  ·        Watercolor paint in tubes (no pan cakes please): reds, yellows, blues, greens (preferably brands such as Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, Sennelier, Schminke, Graham, Holbein, or Qor.  

  ·        Brushes - rounds with good points, sizes 2,4, 6 and a mop brush, flat brush, or bigger brush for washes (synthetics are fine, just no plastic fiber brushes). Anything that you already have and like.

  ·        Palette - something that has some wells and flat areas for mixing.

  ·        Painting board - something like a piece of thin masonite, sheet of plastic, drawing board, etc. that is slightly bigger than your half sheet of paper.

  ·        Two water jars.

  ·        Pencil, ruler, and a pair of scissors.

  ·        Jar of masking fluid (rubber cement can be used if you don't want the expense of masking fluid and don't think you will ever use it again).

  ·        Roll of masking tape.

   

  Meet your instructors! Anna Roberts is a Cardinal Fellow of The Watercolor Society which is the highest earned achievement with WSI. Anna won "Best of Show" in the 2022 WSI Juried Exhibit. Cheryle Lowe is also a Cardinal Fellow of The Watercolor Society of Indiana and won "Best of Show" in the 2024 WSI Juried Exhibit She will assist Anna in bringing you a fun day of learning. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two of the best!

  
  

  *Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you! 

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• "Painting a Figure from a Photo" with Ted Nuttall

  • Start
    Tuesday, October 14, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, October 17, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  "Painting a Figure from a Photo" Watercolor Workshop with Artist Ted Nuttall, AWS, NWS, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. October 14-17, 2025. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch. 4-day Workshop Price: $525 for WSI Members. $585 for Non-Members. Skill Level Required: Intermediate to Advanced.

  Painting the Figure from Photographs

  My passion is painting people. I paint from photographs. In the demonstration portion of my workshops, I discuss anatomy, expression, emotion, light, color, composition – and the benefits of working from a photographic reference. Naturally, I employ my experience as a watercolorist in my instruction.

  More important though is my intent to cultivate, in each workshop participant, an awakening to how and what an artist might be thinking as they approach a painting. My desire is for each class member to discover enriched thinking and seeing skills that can translate to any medium or subject. And, I believe ardently that these lessons apply, regardless of the skill level of the student.

  Through a balance of demonstration, presentation, and one-on-one instruction, I share my philosophical approach – plus I introduce other artists’ work for the purpose of exploring what they may have been thinking in their use of color, composition and light.

  My goal is to provide, in an atmosphere that’s both creative and supportive, an enjoyable hands-on learning experience – and to facilitate a heightened awareness that each participant can use in his or her work, and in their daily lives.

  Click here to download Workshop Preparation Documents.

  

  Ted Nuttall is a figurative artist whose painting expression was born out of his observation of people. Ted is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, San Diego Watercolor Society and enjoys Master Signature Status with both the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Watercolor West. Learn more at: https://www.tednuttall.com/

  *Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when canceling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you! 

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