LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Have you ever wanted to learn more about Plein-Air painting but didn’t know where to start? Please join us at our Membership meeting on May 12th!
We will begin in the Sanctuary at 7:00 for a shortened demo, "Enhanced Realism in Watercolor" by Rance Jones. He will be sharing his award winning tips and stories about his many trips to Cuba. He recently published a coffee table book with his beautiful paintings inspired by his travels to Cuba and will have some on hand for sale.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, Rance Jones moved with his wife Christina to New York City in 1991 to attend School of Visual Arts and pursue an MFA degree in Illustration. The couple moved from a tiny cabin on the Guadalupe River to settle in a typical five story tenement apartment in Manhattan’s West Village. The energy and pace of New York City was a constant source of inspiration for Rance as he pursued his career in Illustration, producing work for "The New York Times" as well as many magazines including a cover for the "National Review".
Rance approaches each painting with the intention of portraying an unfiltered quality in people that is never stereotyped, judgmental, romanticized or staged. Capturing body language, expression and environment are key elements to that process. When someone is caught up in their own thoughts, their facial expression and posture become a manifestation of how they are affected by their environment, society and culture and betrays the protective layers of self-preservation. The sharp, precise realism in his paintings brings a visceral honesty to the stories these lives tell. Knowing he can't fully understand all the complexities of the people he paints, Rance believes the expressiveness and presence of the characters in his work inherently tells their true story.
Rance Jones is represented by Forum Gallery
Afterwards, the fun continues in the Watson Hall Gallery space just outside the Sanctuary! Several of our Members will be available in an “Open House” style event to answer questions about their own plein air experiences, favorite locations, and demonstrating on their personal set-ups.
In addition, we will have a Silent Auction of past and present members’ donated paintings to bid on. One of our generous Exhibition 2026 Sponsors, En Plein Air Pro, will be on hand to demonstrate their travel easels. Lastly, Raffle tickets will be sold at our May Membership Meeting for two lucky winners of $100.00 Blick Art Materials Merchandise Certificates at our May meeting. Blick Art Materials is another generous Exhibition Merchandise Awards sponsor again this year.
Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or $25.00 for six. (Please bring exact change for purchase.) For questions, please Email Sheilagh Cooper. programs@swswatercolor.org.