Saturday melt

This is a curve in the road that I’ve painted so many times I could almost paint the shapes from memory, but every time I sit in this parking spot the light and mood are a little different. Sometimes it’s bright, like this. Sometimes I paint it in summer like this. Sometimes it’s even colder than today. And sometimes I focus in on details. After yesterday’s snowfall and this morning’s warm temperatures, it was pretty wet on the streets so I tried to create an atmosphere of melting snow. The smooth paper I chose for this outing (Strathmore Gemini 140 lb) was luckily the right one for these types of wet brush marks. On a more textured paper (like Arches Rough) it would have been more difficult to do this. I also tried to keep the colour range quite soft, using mostly Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue and a bit of Lemon Yellow for that distinctive wall.

It’s always a thrill to open an email that has a subject heading “Congratulations! Your Work Has Been Accepted”. It’s even more exciting when it’s followed by this:

We are pleased to inform you that your work has been accepted into the 156th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society. The exhibition will be held at the Salmagundi Club in New York City April 3-28, 2023. Congratulations on your acceptance into this prestigious exhibition!  We’ll be in touch soon with the next steps.

What exciting news that my painting “Wetlands” was selected for the show. If you’re in New York in April, it’s definitely worth stopping in to see the exhibition, not only for the high quality of the watercolours that come from all around the world, but also to get a chance to wander through The Salmagundi Club — the beautiful historic venue where the show takes place. I hope to get there for the opening reception on April 11!


116 Comments on “Saturday melt”

  1. Jane Hannah says:

    Congratulations Shari — your hard work is paying off and you definitely deserve it-!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Congratulations on a well deserved honor.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. BETTY SULLIVAN says:

    WOW, congradulations . Exceptional work.

    Cheers

    Betty

    Betty (Elizabeth) Sullivan Carleton Place, Ontario 613-794-0559 Web:www.bettysullivanart.com Email:betty.sullivan@rogers.com Blog: http//www.bettysullivanart.com/blog

    >

    Like

  4. Pegret Harrison says:

    <

    div dir=”ltr”>I adore the reflections

    Liked by 1 person

  5. friedakam says:

    Congratulations! Well deserved!

    Like

  6. TonyU says:

    Loving the greys but particularly that hint of yellow reflection. And massive congratulations on the acceptance – so well deserved!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. yvonnefcarpentergmailcom says:

    Congrats, Shari! How rewarding this must be! I don’t know how exibitions work, but I hope you get to be there too! Enjoy the moment! The sketch above looks great – that yellow wall pops, but it is not overwhelming. The whole thing looks great to my eyes!

    Like

  8. Carolyn says:

    Break a leg! Congrats on being accepted, but then why not? Your work is terrific! I hope you get an award.

    Like

  9. Janice Kelly says:

    Congratulations! Fabulous painting and result.

    Like

  10. De says:

    CONGRATULATIONS for your watercolor talent!!! So deserving! Your Saturday Melt is amazing with the details of shadows and puddles.

    Like

  11. sandidureice says:

    Congratulations Shari!!!

    Like

  12. Ruth Johnson says:

    Congratulations Shari..
    So happy you are attending the opening reception in New York. What an honour, for all your hard work.. !

    Like

  13. cdeh69 says:

    Congratulations Shari! What an honor and what a great painting!

    Like

  14. Bonnie says:

    Congratulations, Shari! Well deserved! The painting is beautiful and I can only imagine how much more beautiful it is in real life!

    Like

  15. Carryer Carol says:

    It is a luscious, beautiful painting. Congratulations!!! You are always inspiring us.

    Like

  16. Lori Fontaine says:

    Congratulations Shari!!! Hope you have a wonderful time at the Salmagundi Club.

    This curve in the road, the yellow wall and the snow makes my heart melt. For me, you’ve captured my childhood home to the letter. I grew up on the West Island, so the familiar house structures and wet roads that you paint remind me of my best moments there.

    As always, thank you Shari, for “taking me home again”.

    Every success in New York and every joy in this New Year.

    Take Care Lori Fontaine ________________________________

    Like

    • Lori, I am so sorry I took so long to respond to your wonderful comments. I was preparing for a teaching trip so I am only getting around to this now. But what a wonderful comment to read. Glad I brought you back to the WI for a bit.

      Like

  17. Sandy says:

    Congratulations!

    Like

  18. Gerry Draper says:

    Congratulations on “Wetlands!” And thanks for showing all the moods and seasons of today’s paintings. Those were amazing eye-openers!

    Like

  19. ccaatt01 says:

    You amaze me with your diligence; I find it hard to paint the same thing twice, but you inspire me to do the same. And congratulations – I am glad that your work is recognized beyond Urban Sketchers. You are one of the best professionals that can also teach.

    Like

  20. christinea60ans says:

    Congrats! Well done! And your watercolour of Pointe-Claire is gorgeous!

    Renée

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  21. lois says:

    Congratulations to you, Shari!

    Like

  22. Kelly Purcell says:

    Congratulations Shari !

    Like

  23. Kelly Purcell says:

    Congratulations Shari !

    Like

  24. dpgatil220 says:

    That is great! Congratulations! This sounds like a good reason for a visit to NYC.

    Like

  25. denniskochem says:

    Way to go Shari!!

    Like

  26. gramaspaint says:

    Congratulations! You’re in great company! All the best. Karen

    >

    Like

  27. So well deserved. You are a beautiful artist and your classes have changed the way I see the world. 

    Sent from my iPad

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  28. Mary says:

    Congratulations! The painting is beautiful. It’s no surprise that you’ve been accepted for this prestigious exhibit. Mary.

    Like

  29. Brenda Swenson says:

    Shari,

    I’m so happy for you! Getting into AWS is a real achievement and your more than deserving of the recognition! Congratulations 😁

    Hugs, Brenda

    Like

  30. Claire Russell says:

    Shari,

    Congratulations!!!! Well deserved!

    Claire Russell, proud owner of a winter wheelbarrow painting, Remember when you had a drawing, and lucky me, you drew my name.

    >

    Like

  31. Leonie says:

    Congratulations, you should be proud as you deserve to be acknowledged for your enthusiasm and skills.
    Love your work

    Like

  32. Joyce says:

    Brill, well done.

    Like

  33. Carol Cooney says:

    Congratulations Shari on your wetlands painting. I am leaving a comment about your ability to portray the wet melting snow. You sure nailed it!

    Like

  34. Stephanie Descoteaux says:

    That painting is a contender. I like to squint my eyes, then not and again while looking at it. It’s brilliant. Congratulations.

    Like

  35. Cynthia Baird says:

    Very happy for you—congratulations?

    Like

  36. Sandra says:

    Congratulations Shari! A well deserved recognition!

    Like

  37. Beneross says:

    Congratulations Shari! A well deserved recognition! 

    All the best, 

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    div>Sandra 

    Sent from my iPhone

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  38. Bernadette says:

    Shari, there’s so much to love about your Saturday melt painting! The reflections in melting snow, the muted colors offset by the addition of added people and cars and the colors of a grey rainy day. As in many others of your painted works, I could eat this one!

    Like

  39. Bernadette says:

    One more thought. I often like to paint a series of the same subject. It would be a joy to see these works hanging together. Have you ever presented your art that way?

    Like

    • Bernadette, I have never done that, except occasionally online. Usually the paintings of the yellow wall get sold quickly, which is a good thing, of course.

      Like

      • Bernadette says:

        Now that you mention it….I did a series of African violets….10, I believe. A local library had them on display along with a few other small works of mine. It was right before Covid. I do like working in a series. I have quite a few of our cat but have never had a group display of them.

        Like

  40. Connie Renaud says:

    Congratulations, how exciting!

    Like

  41. Marilyn says:

    CongratulTions

    Like

  42. -N- says:

    First, congrats on the show! Next, this really is a wonderful subject matter, and seeing it in different conditions is like being there throughout the seasons. As always, a pleasure to see what you are doing in watercolor!

    Like

  43. edaggarart says:

    Congratulations, Shari! That’s wonderful news, and a beautiful venue to have your work shown.

    Like

  44. Paula says:

    Congratulations Shari.
    I love the different moods and seasons for the subject.
    Wishing you good luck!

    Like

  45. Frank Bettendorf says:

    Hey, Nice going! It’s wonderful that you are getting the attention you deserve. Congratulations. Frank B

    Like

  46. Congrats on your acceptance. Hopefully I will be able to get into the city while the show is on. It is one of my favorite art events, especially since I usually know people who have work in the show.

    Love your melting snow scene…you nailed the look of it and the reflections in the wet street. I like this one a lot! Aside from a brief dusting of snow one morning we haven’t had any snow. It hasn’t been too cold either.

    Like

  47. Linda Uphus says:

    Wow !!! Congratulations on a well deserved honor!!! You must have been dancing on the table!!!! I probably won’t be in New York but I hope you will post some photos.
    Also love your latest post …. Love the grays and reflections. Your posts alway brighten the day!
    ❤️

    Like

  48. s says:

    Congratulations!! Your paintings are always superb and fascinate me.

    Like

  49. susanjk says:

    Congratulations Shari and well deserved! I love your watercolours – and your newsletters. They brighten my days.

    Kind Regards Susan

    Susan Jaehn-Kreibaum The Empty Nest Bed & Breakfast 613-849-1406 emptynestbandb.ca ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  50. artbymeera says:

    Congratulations!!! Awesome news about ‘wetlands’! And i love all the variations of that street you have painted – very cool 😎

    Liked by 1 person

  51. Isa's Art says:

    Congratulations! It is well deserved. I love your paintings and are looking forward to your emails. Isabelle

    Liked by 1 person

  52. Christine S Kopet says:

    Convratulations! Well deserved..have fun

    Like

  53. Jim Mahla says:

    I enjoy your posts and obviously the AWS folks also appreciate your talent. Congratulations.

    Liked by 1 person

  54. layla043 says:

    Wow !!! Congratulations on a well deserved honor! https://insulin-store.com/

    Like

  55. Anne Lucic says:

    Big Congratulaions, Shari!!! You deserve it. – Anne Lucic

    Like

  56. Starr Mifsud says:

    Congratulations.

    Like

  57. […] What does sketching from your vehicle look like? This is an idea “borrowed” from Shari Blaukopf, where you park somewhere in the community and sketch while in your vehicle. Nice and toasty warm from the elements. For those of you who do not know Shari, she is a fellow Urban Sketcher from Montreal that many of us follow. Check out her latest blog for a good example of a sketch from her vehicle. https://shariblaukopf.com/2023/01/21/saturday-melt/ […]

    Like


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