Fabio Cembranelli Workshop

Fabio the Fabulous! His workshop this last Monday and Tuesday was wonderful. I am sure I speak for all who attended when I say that we loved his friendly casual yet professional approach, and learned a huge amount watching his demos painted in his very loose wet-in-wet impressionistic style. His subject matter ranged from his lovely flowers to a building facade and a very difficult looking forest landscape reference photo which he made look easy!!

This was his first time in Africa, although he and his lovely wife Flavia have travelled extensively from his home in Sao Paulo, Brazil to conduct workshops in many parts of the world including Europe, Middle East and China.

Fabio enjoyed it so much here that he says he will definitely be back next year to do workshops and to explore more of our country!

Grand Masters Exhibition

We would like to invite you all to a 'not to be missed' very special exhibition the Grand Masters Exhibition being held at the Manor Gallery.

The opening weekend will open with wonderful demonstrations by exhibiting master artists of all mediums from the 29th October till 30th October. The exhibition will run until the 26th November.

 Click on the invite to see details


If you would like to arrange a private viewing or find out more information, kindly contact Zanne the curator or Kerry on (011) 465 7934 or gallery@wssa.org.za


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Fabio Cembranelli Workshop

An exciting 2 day watercolour workshop is scheduled for November and we invite all our members to participate in this wonderful experience by International artist Fabio Cembrianelli.

Fabio graduated in architecture at the Sao Paulo State University. He started painting whist in University and took a few courses in drawing and photography thereafter. He continued his studies in Europe and participated in many exhibitions in Brazil and abroad. He teaches watercolour and oils at his studio in Brazil as well as in art galleries and workshops abroad. Fabio has a wonderfully unique style and his paintings evoke such emotion in every stroke.

The workshop will run over 2 days, from Mon 7th to Tues 8th November from 10.am - 4pm.
The cost of the workshop will be R1200.00 (R600 per day). Booking is essential and a deposit of R600 must be payable to the WSSA Bank account or at the Gallery ASAP to secure your place. The balance then needs to be paid before the workshop commences. Bookings will only be confirmed once the deposit is made. We are working on a first come first served basis and a limited amount of 20 places are available.

VENUE: Ridgeway Ministries 61 Wessel Rd Rivonia, Johannesburg.

BANKING DETAILS:

Bank: Nedbank

Account Name: WSSA

Branch: The Carlton

Branch Code: 190605

Account Number: 1990 032 443   ( Please quote your full name as the beneficiary, for our reference)
If payment is done via EFT could you please email , fax or drop off proof of payment to the gallery. 

Email - gallery@wssa.org.za
Tel - (011) 465 7934

A Map as well as recommended art materials required by participants for Fabio's workshop will be provided to the participants on booking.

86th Open Watercolour Exhibition now on.

As mentioned in our 'Events' section on the right, tonight is the preview of the 86th National Open Watercolour Exhibition at the Manor Gallery in Fourways. If you are in the area please pop in and enjoy some outstanding work by our members as you sip on wine and nibble light snacks.

Time: 6.30pm for 7.00 pm
 
As you see in the invitation, the quality of work in this exhibition is magnificent and not to be missed.

The exhibition will run until the 22nd October, so please make every effort to indulge in some beautiful pieces of eye candy and possibly own one of the pieces of art.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Lorna Panzenbock Demo

On the 1st October we have an exciting artist at the Manor Gallery. Lorna Panzenbock will be sharing her wonderful knowledge with us. Please bring your friends along to share with you a fun filled morning packed with artists ideas and inspiration.

Based in Natal, Lorna (AWSSA) has been painting for over 30 years and is a very versatile artist using a variety of mediums, including oils and watercolours, as well as pastels, charcoal and ink.

Her style has been described as loose and painterly, with exaggerated and exciting colours, using dramatic light and shade effects.

We have invited Lorna to conduct a demonstration in watercolour at the Manor Gallery on 1st October.

During her demonstration Lorna will discuss, composition and balance, and the importance of sketching from life. To this end she will be bringing her 'observation' sketch books that she has developed over the years.

To complete the package, Lorna will also cover framing and artwork conservation and the preparation of cartridge paper for inks, pastel, watercolours - and even oils.

Sounds like an exciting and full agenda.

Entrance fee for members is R100 and non-members R150.

So join us for a wonderful demo - 9h30 for 10h00 till +/- 13h00

Contact Kerry at the Manor Gallery to book a place (011 465 7934)

Little Artist Exhibition

The WSSA together with Deutsche Bank and The Dulcie Robinson Little Artist School

                             Invite you to........

PLEASE CLICK TO ENLARGE     

This  Little Artists 2011 Exhibition is truly an amazing exhibition
that is not to be missed.

So come and join us and see for yourself!

Meriel May Demo

Just a quick reminder about the Meriel May Demonstration on Sat 3rd. Hope you have booked your places? If not please contact Kerry at the gallery (011 465 7934).

Meriel's demo, 'Exploring Black', will  illustrate different methods of using black ink, wash and bleach, which she uses extensively. Her presentation will also demonstrate how the different mediums, can be used to achieve particular effects, which she portrays with artistic renditions of St Joseph's lilies, using lino cuts, oil paints and charcoal.


For more information on some of her charcoal works please click here

A Beautiful Charcoal landscape created by Meriel May

'Black Like Us' opening and preview.

One of the many wonderful paintings at BLU

This last Sunday the Watercolour Society of South Africa celebrated the opening and preview of the artists program Black Like Us art exhibition.  With the financial sponsorship of Herman Mashaba, together with his wife Connie form the cosmetic house Black Like Me and the wonderful team of Deutsche Bank made this wonderful day possible.

Marimba Band entertain visitors and artists

A Marimba Band with dancers welcomed the guests, artists and buyers around the koi pond while inside the gallery and outside on the lawn the buzzing of last minute setting up was taking place. The beautiful display of yellow and blue table settings looked so fresh and somewhat summery, indicating that spring was in the air. It was a glorious day and the weather behaved itself for all. A scrumptious display of eats, drinks and coffees awaited the visitors.

Scrumptious eats

Black Like Me Sponsorship Gifts

Colourful table settings

Zanne the gallery curator worked tirelessly to make this exhibition the success that it is with the help of Kerry and many helpful members.

Maureen Dixon addressing the audience

Once everyone settled down at their tables, Maureen Dixon addressed the artists and guests. She thanked all those concerned and reminded the artists how important their work is and encouraged them to carry on  producing in the spirit which they put into their beautiful work. After Herman Mashaba spoke to everyone, prizes were handed out to delighted artists, three of whom were new artists coming up in the ranks from 'Little Artists'. This project involving an inspiring art group was set up for orphaned and disadvantaged creative street children by the late Dulcie Robinson and her husband Peter.

3 Lucky artists share a photo moment

Herman & Connie Mashaba with their daughter

Connie Mashaba later presented each artist with a bag of goodies sponsored by Black Like Me cosmetics and hair products.

This is an annual event which seems to grow each year. With this said.... The awareness of our disadvantaged artists is increasingly been recognised, some of which have already exhibited abroad.

Very serious clients viewing paintings

South Africa is rich in culture and with this comes some interesting subject matter which is used in the themes our artists paint. If you are in the area this next month, do yourself a favour and pop in to Manor Gallery to view and perhaps purchase a piece of local artwork.

Admirers of great paintings

'Black Like Us' art Preview

Please Join us this Sunday 7th August to the launch and preview of the 8th Black Like Us art exhibition. Please circulate this invite to all who might be interested in South African Art or art in general. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Please click on image to see detailed information.

Sue Kemp Demo

Manor Gallery is abuzz with the setup and organising of BLU (Black Like Us) exhibition which will be wonderful this year. We have some wonderful disadvantaged artists who'll be representing and displaying their work. But before this totally engulfs us could we remind you of our members demo on the  6th August.

Sue Kemp Demonstration – 6th Aug – Manor gallery.

‘Painting oils using a palette knife’

Sue (FWSSA) has been a member of the Watercolour Society of South Africa for many years and was elected chairperson in 2000/1. In 2001 she was made a Fellow of the Society, a rare honour of which she is very proud. Sue has now been painting and teaching for over 25 years and has won awards in all types of media. She takes great pride in every painting and each one is totally unique, capturing the essence of a particular subject. Over the years she has developed her own style in oils and mainly uses a painting knife on stretched canvas.

We have invited Sue Kemp to do a demonstration for our members at Manor Gallery on the 6th August. Sue will demonstrate how to paint in oils using a palette knife in a free, loose style.

Sue will also share with us the use of ‘colours’ and ‘the mixing of colours in oil’. Sue will finally end the session with a demonstration of white roses. 

"Sue is a master when it comes to teaching art. Her knowledge, insight and enthusiasm makes her students grow and excel in their work...” Ingrid Kolzing (awssa)

Entrance is free to members, R50 to non-members so please join us for a wonderful demo.

09h30 till +- 12h30

Contact Kerry at Manor Gallery to book a place (011 465 7934)

Watch this Space!!!

The watercolour society is a hive of excitement at the moment. We are working on a new 'all media' project which will run parallel with the WSSA. As it's still in the initial planning stages with loads of work still to do regarding implementation of systems etc. but we thought we'd just mention that...

ART SOCIETY AFRICA 

is to be launched next year. With this in mind, we plan to have the initial opening towards the end of this year and would like you to be a part of it.

Please go along to the WSSA website newsletter where we have more information on this exciting new project.

Or else... watch this space!

WSSA Newsletter "Aquarelle"

Hello all followers of the WSSA Johannesburg Branch! Hope the cold is not keeping you from painting? The new "Aquarelle" newsletter is now up on the website so please, grab some coffee, snuggle up and read the latest happenings and exciting news around the Watercolour Society of South Africa.
Follow the link above!


Keep cosy and paint up a storm..... we have the Artful exhibition approaching!

Updated Calendar of Events at Manor Gallery

Updated 26th May 2011 21st June  Collect unsold New Signatures 10am to 3pm at M G Deliver Artful Artwork  23rd June Artful Opening  6:30pm for 7pm at Manor Gallery  June 25th  Free Tonal Values workshop with Alma Vorster FWSSA  10am to 15:30pm at Manor Gallery  4th July BLU 2011 Submission Day Manor Gallery 5th July  BLU 2011 Selection Day  Manor Gallery  28 / 29 Jul  Collect unsold Artful Artwork  10am to 3pm at Manor Gallery  6th Aug Free Demo by Sue Kemp 10am to 1pm 7th Aug  BLU 2011 Opening  11am to 2pm at Manor Gallery  1st Sep 86th Open Digital Submissions 10am to 3pm at Manor Gallery  3rd Sep  Free Demo by Meriel May  10am to 1pm BLU 2011 Last Day   6th Sep 86th Open Selections  9am to 4pm at Manor Gallery  7 / 8 Sep  Collect unsold BLU Artwork  10am to 3pm at Manor Gallery  8 / 9 Sep  Little Artists Deliver Work 10am to 3pm Manor Gallery 11th Sep Little Artists Opening TBD 25th Sep Little Artists Last Day  TBD  27th Sep  Deliver 86th Open Artworks 10am to 3pm at Manor Gallery 29th Sep  86th Open Exhib Opening  6:30pm for 7pm at Manor Gallery  1st Oct Demo by Lorna Panzenbock 10am to 1pm 25th Oct Collect 86th Open unsold art  10am to 3pm at Manor Gallery  Deliver FSSA Exhib artwork 28th Oct FSSA Exhib Opening 6:30pm for 7pm at Manor Gallery  29 / 30 Oct  FSSA Guest Artists Demo’s – more info coming!  TBA  26th Nov Free workshop with Zanne 10am to 3pm 29th Nov Deliver Year End Sale Artwork  10am to 3pm at Manor Gallery  Collect FSSA artwork 2 to 4 Dec  Year End Sale GRAND WEEKEND!  10am to 4pm at Manor Gallery

Alma Voster - Tonal Values Presentation.... Amended!

NB.

Just a small addition to the requirements for the Digital Presentation which Alma will run on the 25th June. Each artist is to please bring their own little portable table to paint on.

ARTFUL Exhibition 23 June

A new exciting All Media Exhibition is being launched at the end of June.  Please diaries the date.... Submissions must be in on the 21st June. We look forward to seeing all our watercolourists who work in other mediums besides watercolour who wish to showcase their work. For more info on this wonderful exhibition, please contact Kerry at the gallery. (011) 4657934.

 

Tonal Values Workshop - Alma Voster. 'The foundaton of any good painting'!!!

Alma Foster will do a digital presentation at 9.30am on the 25th June at the Manor Gallery illustrating tonal values and their influence in any painting, followed by a practical workshop to put it into practice. 

This is a must for beginners and even advanced artists will find something new and interesting in the presentation.

Entrance is free for members, so please join us for a wonderful workshop.

Space is limited, so first come first served!

Contact Kerry at Manor Gallery to book a place (011 465 7934)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTENDEES:

All the usual watercolour paraphernalia.

A stretched sheet of good watercolour paper (not smaller than A3).

Some drawing paper.

Black ink (Quink or Indian ink or FW Acrylic ink) or even black watercolour or black acrylic paint.

Reference material with good light and shadows (lights and darks) - any preferred topic.

A notebook and pen.

There will be some notes and examples for members attending the workshop.

We welcome all members to join us for a fun filled day!

ARTFUL Exhibition - 23rd June

It is with pride that we announce a fabulous new exhibition called ARTFUL which will be held on the 23rd June.  We realise that our faithful members also enjoy painting in oils, acrylics, charcoal, pastels, etc, hence this exhibition which is aimed at those artists who work in other mediums as well as watercolour, giving you a platform to showcase your other beautiful paintings.

If you would like to enter this 'ALL MEDIA' exhibition at the end of June, may we suggest you get your brushes out NOW! If you aren't a member of the WSSA yet, please ENROL here and become a valued member of the Watercolour Society of South Africa (WSSA) for as little as R300.00 a year. A quick access link to the ARTFUL entry form can be found HERE.

Please diaries this date and get your submissions in on the 21st June.

We are so excited about this exhibition as it forms the foundation to the introduction of an inspiring event later on in the year.

Hope you can all join in!

Richard Rennie Jr. Presentation on Giclee Prints

 An Abstract print of one of Richard Rennie Snr's paintings.

 

 

This last Saturday morning we held a wonderful presentation by Richard Rennie (Jnr) together with Richard (Snr). We had a nice turnout of 23 attendees in the Gallery at Norscot Manor, and the presentation kicked off on time at 10:00 am.

 

 

Dave Croad, Johannesburg Branch Chair does introductions 

 

 

Richard (Jnr) talked eloquently about the technical aspects of Giclee printing. The advent of ink jet printing by Epson revolutionised the printing industry, but while "normal" ink jet printing uses only 3 colours plus black (the CMYK colour system), the process has evolved into one where any number of pure colour inks can be used to spray onto virtually any surface in ever more microscopic dots resulting in very high resolutions. The term "Giclee" pronounced "Zhee-clay" is derived from the French word for "squirt" or "spray". These inks are of such high quality and colour-fastness these days that they carry guarantees against fading of up to 500 years! 

 

Richard Rennie Jr. presenting his Giclee prints to members and guests.

 

 

One of the biggest advantages of Giclee printing over traditional offset-lithographical printing is the setup cost. Offset litho printing needs long runs (1000+) of each print to make the unit cost affordable. While the inks are more expensive for Giclee printing, the setup costs are relatively small enabling small runs (of say 10 only) to be cost-effective. Once the high quality photo image has been stored in the system, the cost each single extra print is the same. This is an enormous advantage for artists who may not be sure how well any one print will sell. As a very rough guideline, Richard indicated the cost of a Giclee print made from a full-sheet watercolour would be in the region of R400 to R600 depending on the paper used and the amount of time required to "photoshop" out any marks, imperfections etc. Smaller sizes would be correspondingly less.

Another important consideration is the ability to print onto virtually any surface, enabling oil painting prints to be printed onto canvas, or watercolours to be printed onto smooth or rough cold-pressed watercolour paper, resulting in extremely realistic prints, hard to distinguish from the originals. The Rennies showed this to great effect by comparing side-by-side a Giclee print of one of Richard's watercolours with the actual original painting. Many of us guessed wrongly about which was the original!

 

The quality and the maximum size of the print obviously depend on the resolution of the digital photo image of the painting. Therefore, especially for prints larger than A4 size, a very specialised high resolution camera has to be used together with very sophisticated lighting. Fortunately for us, Richard (Jnr) has access to this type of equipment, and is able to offer us artists a total solution including photographing the painting, digitally correcting any blemishes etc., storing the image in his archive for any future use, and printing any number of prints to any size and on any surface.

 

The subject of copyright, exclusivity and ownership was also discussed, but that is a huge debate on its own. We might discuss it in future posts or even perhaps have a further presentation about it too. 

 

Richard Rennie has left a catalogue of his currently available Giclee prints in the Norscot Manor Gallery (the catalogue is a work of art in itself!), as well as some examples of actual prints, some of which are for sale.

An example of a Richard Rennie Snr's watercolour printed by his son Richard Rennie Jr.

Just a quick reminder about the exciting presentation on making Giclee prints from your artwork by Richard Rennie Jr. that will be held at the Gallery this coming Sat 4th June. Everyone is invited so please book your places now with Kerry on (011) 465 7934. All paid-up  members free, visitors R50.00. Time -  9.30 for 10.00.  Would love to see you all there.

Stay creative...29 ways!!!!

 This list has done it's rounds around the net a million times, but I wanted to share it with you...... just as a reminder!







No.11....I think is pretty much covered here!!!!