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2024 Updates

January 2024 Update


I have been quiet on social media lately.  There is a reason.  These cooler months are a good downtime.  I can get other stuff done, like resupplying and focusing on family.  

It's not all sunshine and roses, however.  There were art exhibits and my framed pieces are on low supply as they are pretty much everywhere!  

In January, there was a Wood and Fiber Art Exhibit at Arts of the Albemarle where several of my tree paintings were featured.  

Also in January, I taught a workshop on Line & Wash at Arts of the Albemarle.  Line and wash is so much fun and everyone was delightful!

Time for Wine - RLDavis 2023

I am currently taking a pottery class as well.  It's a nice diversion from painting.  And a chance to get to know another way to artistically express myself.

Ceramic Bowl

Four paintings went to the Nasamond Suffolk Academy's Annual Juried Fundraiser where two paintings were sold.

Our Albemarle Regional Paint Out Pals group continues to sketch throughout the region.  We are having so much fun sketching and hanging out.

At the Watercolor Society of North Carolina's Annual Show this last November, my painting Boat Repairs won a Merchandise Award.   

Boat Repairs - RLDavis 2023

The real reason for this post is I have been finalizing details for a watercolor workshop in New York in September.  Last autumn the North Carolina Arts Council announced artist grants were available through the local arts councils.  I wrote out a proposal for personal/professional development in watercolor.  Let me tell you, writing a grant is stressful and frustrating!  You can never know if what you're writing will be concise and engaging enough for the jury team evaluating it.  I had tried twice before and been denied.  Maybe they felt sorry for me!

I am thrilled to announce that I received the grant!

So, I am off to Riverside Art Workshops in Balmville New York.  They offer a wide variety of of national and internationally acclaimed watercolor artists.  I chose a workshop by watercolor artist Michal Jasiewicz.  His work is amazing and I encourage you to visit his website (link provided below). 

My work as a watercolor artist has been mostly self taught.  Youtube and books can only provide so much.  An in person experience workshop, were I can see and ask questions, will hopefully help me more and guide me to where I'd like to be skill-wise.


I am really excited about this adventure.  It will be my first time taking a workshop by a highly renowned and professional artist.  It will also by my first time to New York! 

September can't get here fast enough!  

A quick note: The art community here in Elizabeth City and surrounding areas is amazing.  Their friendship, encouragement and support is what makes this all possible.  I don't think people appreciate others enough, so I am thanking you from the bottom of this awkward little heart.


This grant was made possible by the North Carolina Arts Council and distributed through the Arts of the Albemarle.  Thank you for supporting artists through grants and involvement through the local art communities.



Helpful Links:

Michal Jasiewicz website:

https://www.michaljasiewicz.com/

Riverside Art Workshops

https://www.riversideartworkshops.com/

North Carolina Arts Council

https://www.ncarts.org/


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