When one thinks of watercolor, one pictures classic New England Scenes – lobster boats returning to harbor after hauling their catch, a pair of empty Adirondack chairs facing a bustling coastline, hydrangeas, lilies and roses in full bloom, complete with the sounds of the sea and a fragrant bouquet in the air. It’s a medium with the ability to bombard the senses. Perhaps it’s the crispness of the final result that transports the viewer to times gone by, sweet memories of childhood or perspective future vacation getaways. Whatever the source, the power of the medium has secured its popularity among painters.
Phyllis McDonough, one of the watercolor teachers at the Plymouth Guild for the Arts, has been a watercolorist for 20 years, the past two at the Center on North Street For McDonough, the attraction is the medium’s unpredictable nature; her favorite subjects are seascapes and still-life. It’s the quicker response of the paint that gives the painter a greater sense of immediate satisfaction, she says.
A multitude of techniques supply varying effects when used separately. When used in unison the result is a layered richness. Utilizing a dry brush application lends itself to a more opaque color, while a wash deposits wide swashes of color in a looser fashion. At first blush, there seems almost a rigidity within the completed project, but look closer and you’ll see plenty of room for abstraction. A glance at Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors shows the viewer the beauty of precision of line and form, with background textures and movement supplied through spatters of paint and loose brush stroke.
McDonough offers watercolor classes to beginners and intermediate students Wednesdays and Saturdays at Center. Watercolor classes with Andrew Kusmin, Mary LoPiccolo and Becky Haletky are also available. New classes start in July and again in September. To learn more, go to www.plymouthguild.org or call 508-746-7222.
The call is out for entries in Plymouth’s 42nd Annual Art Show, which this year has been extended to two weeks, from Sept. 12 to 27. Three thousand dollars in prizes will be awarded. The show will be held indoors at the Plymouth Center for the Arts for the first time this year.
Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, including fine crafts, sculpture, black and white and color photography, digital art, drawing, painting and printmaking, as well as Best in Show and most popular. The opening gala and awards presentation will be held Friday, Sept. 11, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
