Friday, November 1, 2024

November news

 November is a busy month for exhibitions, plein air events, and travel! 

Every year I travel to Europe to teach a painting workshop, but this year I'm doing something different -- the Virgin Islands! So I'm off and traveling for most of this month. If you missed my trip this year, don't despair -- I'm planning my 2025 painting trip soon. Keep an eye on my website or follow me on social media to keep up with the details as they are announced. 

Any Which Way, 12x16 watercolor

I'm thrilled to announce that my painting "Any Which Way" won Award of Merit in the Arizona Watercolor Society Juried Exhibit, 

Old Friends, 16x12 watercolor

and my painting "Old Friends" juried into the 50th Western Federation of Watercolor Societies exhibit, which earned Signature Membership for me in both the WFWS and the Colorado Watercolor Society! This is the 35th Signature that I've earned!! 

Koi, 3x3" watercolor on board

I painted this tiny 3x3" watercolor and mounted it on board, varnished, and framed it to send it off to a dear friend. I might do a few more of these minis for the holidays. It was fun to do! 


Don't forget to sign up for my FREE online demonstration at Sennelier! You can join on Facebook or on YouTube. Paint along with me while you watch! My workshop description and materials list is on the Sennelier website! Register for a chance to win a set of Sennelier watercolors, too!

posted by Annie Strack @ 9:27 AM   1 Comments

Saturday, October 19, 2024

All About Paper - Part IV - Handling


Part IV – Handling (Conclusion)

In this final chapter on All About Watercolor Paper I will discuss the proper methods for the handling and storage of paper to ensure best results and maximum longevity. 

Unused watercolor paper should be stored in a cool, dry place that is free from extreme temperature, light, and humidity. Sizing is a necessary additive to paper, and it will deteriorate with age – paper needs to be used in a timely manner before the sizing has decomposed and the paper becomes too absorbent. Extreme differences in temperature will cause the fibers in the paper to expand and contract, and each time they will contract less – causing the paper to become softer and more absorbent. Moisture and humidity cause the same problems, and need to be avoided for the same reasons.

Never soak and “stretch” your paper. Many of us learned to do this in art school, but it’s an old wives’ tale that has been repeated for generations and it is actually quite harmful to the paper. There are still some artists who soak their paper out of habit because it is the way they were taught and they simply don't know better, but it's really not a good thing and that's why you don't see it in books anymore, nor will you see any artists who have been correctly trained doing this archaic process. 

Paper is not made by knitting or weaving fibers like the construction of cloth – it is made by matting loose lint fibers, more like the construction of felt. Stretching it will actually thin the surface and weaken it. It's not knitted or woven, so the fibers, if stretched, will pull away from each other and weaken the paper. It will not 'shrink' like a woven or knitted object -- the fibers are not long enough and there are no spun yarns or threads pulling it from edge to edge.

Soaking will also remove the sizing that has been added by the paper manufacturer. Sizing is a starch or gelatin that is added to the paper as a stabilizer, and it makes the paper stiff, and it controls the rate and amount of water/paint absorption. Without sizing, paper becomes limp, and you cannot use any lifting techniques to remove paint, masking fluid would be difficult or impossible to remove, etc. Soaking also changes the texture of the paper. Manufacturers use engineered presses to create a calculated and uniform compressed surface on the papers. Soaking expands the fibers, removing the benefits of compression. The paper will become easy to damage, and can then pill or tear under any sort of light rubbing, such as using an eraser or with brushstrokes from painting. The combination of sizing and compression in the manufacturing process is what makes the paper a usable substrate for painting.

Larger paintings in particular need heavier paper, and artists who like to work wet -- washes and glazes-- should also use heavy paper. Lighter papers are fine for practicing brushstrokes, or for small projects like note cards or miniatures, or for work that is executed with little water. Blocked paper is different, and blocked paper will hold it’s shape much better than loose paper. However, even with blocks there is still an issue with the weight-to-size ratio, so blocks are not generally made in sizes larger than 18x24.

Soaking results in a paper that is softer, weaker, and more absorbent. To avoid paper buckling while painting, the key is to use the right weight of paper that can handle that amount of water. If your paper buckles, then you need to use a heavier weight.   

Read the other articles in this series: 

All About Paper - Part I - Surface Textures 

 All About Paper - Part II -- Sizing Matters

All About Paper - Part III - Weight 

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Annie Strack is an industry trained expert in the uses and properties of artist materials. She is a Brand Ambassador for Hahnemuehle Paper and several other companies, and teaches at art centers, art supply stores, and workshops around the world.  


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posted by Annie Strack @ 4:24 PM   0 Comments

Sunday, October 13, 2024

October news

 I'm happy to announce that my painting "Into Darkness" received the 7th Place Award in the Georgia Watercolor Society 45th Exhibition! 

Into the Darkness, 12x16 watercolor by Annie Strack

And my painting "Out of the Darkness" juried into the Kentucky Watercolor Society 47th International Exhibition!

Out of the Darkness, 12x9 watercolor by Annie Strack

Last week I judged the art entries at the Unionville Fair -- something I've been doing for the last 12 or 13 years. 



I also replaced the ballast in one of the lights in my studio. I have two florescent ceiling fixtures in my studio and you may recall that I replaced the other one a couple of years ago. This one died a few weeks ago and forced me to fix it, too. I'm getting pretty handy at minor little home repair jobs like this. I couldn't decide which brightness level to choose for the LED bulbs, so I went with one of each, lol! I think it balances out fairly well. 



In other news, I didn't go to the National Watercolor Society Opening Reception in California this weekend, after all. Another NWS Board Member wanted to go and be in charge of the event, so I stepped aside. I went last year, and that's enough for me. I am retiring from the Board of the National Watercolor Society in January, so I'm perfectly okay with someone else taking my place at the reception. I traded in my airfare and 4 nights of hotel in California for a two-week vacation in the Virgin Islands for hubby and myself -- I think I got a good deal! 

posted by Annie Strack @ 2:35 PM   0 Comments

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Latest news

 I'm thrilled to announce that my painting "Fishing Buddies" juried into the Northwest Watercolor Society 84th International Exhibition, and earned Signature Status in NWWS! 

Fishing Buddies, 12x16 watercolor by Annie Strack

Last week I went to the Philadelphia Watercolor Society reception for the 124th International Juried Exhibition. It was good to see so many friends at this event. 

Annie Strack at PWCS

This weekend I'll be administering an online workshop for the National Watercolor Society, and next week I'll be in Unionville to judge the art entries in the county fair. 

posted by Annie Strack @ 3:32 PM   0 Comments

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

September happenings

 I spent the day at the Philadelphia Watercolor Society exhibition at Penn State Garnet Valley, helping to unpack the paintings for the 124th International Exhibition. I'm thrilled to have my painting in this great event! I'll be at the reception Tuesday evening, September 17th. 

Ever Decreasing Circles, 12x16 wc, Annie Strack

Next week I'll be driving down to southern Maryland to compete in the Worchester Plein Air. Here's one of my paintings from last year's event... 

Surf's Up, 16x20 wc on board by Annie Strack

And I found that my painting "I'm de Captain, Now" juried into the latest Colorado Watercolor Society Juried show...

I'm de Captain Now, 12x16 wc, Annie Strack

And, I have a BIG announcement!

I'll be the guest artist on Monday Live!, the live weekly painting show hosted by my good friend Yves-Marie Salanson of Sennelier, on Monday, December 16th. This show is broadcast live on Facebook and Youtube, so be sure you sign up to get the link before the event. I'll be painting a beach scene with figures on 12x16 rough paper with Sennelier watercolors and Raphael brushes. More information will be available on the Sennelier website and on Facebook when we get closer to the event! 

posted by Annie Strack @ 7:27 PM   0 Comments

Monday, August 5, 2024

august news

 The Fall season is always busy with lots of juried art exhibitions going on, which means Summer is busy with the notifications. I'm thrilled that my painting "Into Darkness" juried into the Georgia Watercolor Society Juried member exhibit!


Into Darkness, 12x16 watercolor

And my painting "I'm de Captain, now" juried into the Colorado Watercolor Society Statewide and Members exhibit. 

"I'm de captain, now" 12x16 watercolor

Annie Strack at PWS

Yesterday I attended the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society International Exhibition and received my Signature Certificate and pin. This is the 32nd Signature Status that I've earned from artist societies and organizations. 

Annie Strack, NWS Exhibition Director

This week I'll be administering the jury review of Signature applicants for the National Watercolor Society. I have 22 applicants for NWS Signature this year, and I wish them all the best of luck! Applicants will be notified of the jury results at the end of the month. If it were up to me, everyone would win :) 

posted by Annie Strack @ 2:15 PM   0 Comments

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

more exhibits

 I'm thrilled to announce that my painting "Ever Decreasing Circles" juried into the Philadelphia Watercolor Society 124th International Exhibition! 

Ever Decreasing Circles, 12x16 watercolor by Annie Strack

and my painting "the Teacher" juried into the Northeast Watercolor Society 48th International Exhibition!
The Teacher, 14x20 watercolor by Annie Strack


posted by Annie Strack @ 5:14 PM   0 Comments

Monday, July 15, 2024

more exhibits

 I'm totally thrilled to announce that my painting juried into the Southwest Watercolor Society 61st annual exhibition!

I'm Listening, 12x16 watercolor

I painted this during one of my online teaching sessions earlier this year, using Sennelier watercolor and Dynasty brushes on Hahnemuhle paper. I working on scheduling some more workshops and classes, both online and in-person for next year. Stayed tuned for details!

Ciao, baby!

posted by Annie Strack @ 7:55 PM   0 Comments

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Pennsylvania Watercolor Society

 I'm totally thrilled to learn that my painting "Over my Shoulder" juried into the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society 45th International Juried Exhibit, earning my Signature Status in PWS! 

Over my Shoulder, 16x12 wc by Annie Strack

Last weekend I went to the plein air event at Mt Cuba Center and enjoyed a great day of painting in the gardens. 

Mt Cuba, 9x12 wc by Annie Strack

Both of these paintings are painted with my favorite art supplies, Sennelier watercolors and Dynasty brushes on Hahnemuehle paper. 

posted by Annie Strack @ 7:57 AM   0 Comments

Sunday, June 2, 2024

All about watercolor paper, part III

 

Part III – Weight

Watercolor paper comes in various thicknesses and these are labeled by weight, with prices being lowest for the lightest weights and higher for the heavier weights. 


The most common weights of watercolor paper are 90 pound (light), 140 pound (medium), and 300 pound (heavy) – although there are many other lower and higher weights available. These numbers refer to the weight of a ream of paper – not an individual sheet. Keep in mind, too, that heavier paper will come out of the pressing process with more texture than lighter papers. 


It’s important for an artist to choose a paper weight that will accommodate the size of the work and the amount of water they use in their painting techniques. 


A small painting that is painted without using a lot of wet techniques will work fine on a lightweight paper, but larger paintings and wet techniques require heavier papers. 


If a painter intends to use a lot of water or heavy washes, then a heavier weight paper must be used. Paper should never be “stretched,” and the reasons why will be discussed in the next chapter. 

Read all of the articles in the series: 

All About Paper - Part IV -- Handling 

All About Paper - Part II -- Sizing Matters  

All About Paper - Part I -- Surface and Texture 


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Annie Strack is an industry trained expect in the uses and properties of artist materials, and is an Artist Ambassador for Hahnemuehle paper and many other companies. She travels around the world to teach in art centers, schools, and artist supplies stores. 

posted by Annie Strack @ 9:03 AM   0 Comments

Saturday, May 25, 2024

National Watercolor Society

 This is the final week of entries for the 104th International Open Exhibition of the National Watercolor Society! The deadline for entries is Friday May 31st at 12 noon PST. Artists may enter one painting at CaFE', and find the full prospectus with rules and information here. This is my 4th year working on this event for the National Watercolor Society, and I'm proud to be the Director of Exhibitions for such a prestigious organization! 

Three Faces of Annie, 14x20 watercolor by Annie Strack

The exhibition takes place in October in the NWS gallery in San Pedro, California. I hope I see you there!


posted by Annie Strack @ 11:24 AM   0 Comments

Monday, May 13, 2024

Open Studio Weekend

 This weekend is the Annual Open Studio! Once again, I am hosting five other artists to share my studio for this event, Karen Fratalli, Nicki Wandersee, Barbara Tlush, Patsy Keller, and me. Come out and see us at my studio at 105 Kabob Lane in Kennett Square, May 19-20, 2024. 










posted by Annie Strack @ 9:36 AM   0 Comments

Thursday, May 2, 2024

workshops and awards

 I just received this wonderful email from the Watercolor USA Honor Society...

"Dear Annie, Congratulations! We are very happy to inform you that your painting “Disconnected” has been selected to receive the Watercolor USA Honor Society George C Harkins Memorial Award in this year’s Watercolor USA.

The jurors of awards, WHS Board Members Carole Hennessy and Gary Johnson, had quite a challenge to select the Watercolor USA Honor Society’s award winners this year. We believe that the submissions were of the highest caliber we have seen to date." 

Disconnected, 14x20 watercolor by Annie Strack

Last week I taught a workshop at the Howard Pyle Studio in Delaware about the textures of watercolor paper and how to use them. I always enjoy going there to teach, and this was one of the most enjoyable workshops yet. Everyone painted a simple loose floral still life three times, on hot pressed, cold pressed, and rough papers. This workshop introduces artists to the different surface and explores how the surfaces react to different techniques. All the paper was generous supplied by Hahnemuehle




And I'm thrilled to announce that my painting "Low Tide" juried into Colorado Watercolor Society national exhibit! 

Low Tide, 12x16 watercolor by Annie Strack

Next week I'll be painting plein air, live in person, at the Bourbon & Bluegrass event at Winterthur. The following week is the annual studio tour and I'll post more about that later, but save the date -- Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20. 

posted by Annie Strack @ 9:37 AM   0 Comments

Monday, April 22, 2024

demos and paintings

 Last week I demonstrated plein air painting at Valley Forge for the Philadelphia Watercolor Society, and also at the Wine Trail event at Winterthur. 

Annie Strack PWCS plein air painting at Valley Forge



Valley Forge, 9x12 plein air by Annie Strack

And in other news, I'm thrilled to announce that my painting "Toes in the Water" juried into the Southern Watercolor Society National Juried Exhibition!

Toes in the Water, 14x20 Watercolor by Annie Strack

Later this week I'll be at the Howard Pyle Studio in Wilmington, Delaware, to teach a watercolor workshop. 


posted by Annie Strack @ 9:03 PM   0 Comments

All images and content copyright Annie Strack 2024. Although I occasionally receive compensation for some posts, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.