Watercolor Society of Indiana
Membership Luncheon and Special Event
Saturday, June 28, 2025
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Second Presbyterian Community Room, 7700 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Enter the church through the North doors at 11:45 am.
DEADLINE FOR TICKETS IS END OF DAY MONDAY, JUNE 23!
Join us for this social event full of art, artists, food, presentations, a free gift, and a special guest! You do not have to be a member to purchase a ticket. All ages welcome. Advance tickets required.
*No refunds within 2 weeks of the event date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!
"The Architecture of Light" Watercolor Workshop with Artist Thomas Schaller, AWS, NWS, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. August 6-8, 2025. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch. 3-day Workshop Price: $465 for WSI Members. $525 for Non-Members. Skill Level Required: Intermediate to Advanced.
Day-to-Day Class Outline:
Daily, I will introduce a topic and complete a demonstration painting to open each day of the class. And we will build on what we have learned each day
Day One: The Built Environment vs. The Natural World. The focus will the built environment in the context of the natural world. So we will emphasize design, composition, values, color theory the use of perspective, and the editing of unnecessary detail.
Day Two: The Natural World vs. The Built Environment
The emphasis this day will be elements of landscape, and atmosphere. We’ll build on the lessons of Day One and introduce ways to paint trees, skies, water, reflections, and pure atmosphere.
Day Three: Looking vs Seeing Building on the practical lessons of Days One and Two, we will move into the areas, of interpretation and observation. We’ll look at ways of channeling our unique perceptions of the world into a clear and personal artistic point of view. By incorporating elements of dreams, memories, and pure invention into the act of strict real-world observation, we can watch as our artistic voices make themselves known.
Each day will begin with my introducing a topic and then producing a painted demonstration based upon that topic. Participants may certainly paint what it is I paint, but I encourage everyone to bring their own photo reference – something that resonated with them more personally.
Among the topics to be introduced:
+ Intent / Inspiration
+Composition / Design
+Value Design – Establishing Depth by using Three Basic Values
+Painting with Light – Negative Shape Painting
+Perspective Construction
+Color Theory – Working with Complements
+The Man-Made Environment / The Natural Environment
+Architecture – How to Simplify the Paintings of the Built Environment
+Atmospheres – Skies / Water / Reflections / Landscape Elements
+The Human Figure
+How to Know when You are Finished
Materials
I’ve listed in detail all I will be using throughout the course. But no one should feel that I recommend acquiring all these specific materials. You should feel free to use whatever supplies make your painting experience the most comfortable and enjoyable. In general, it’s a good idea to bring fewer rather than more things. This list is for reference only.
While I am a Brand Ambassador for the following companies, I have no exclusivity arrangements and do not discourage anyone from using alternatives:
Daniel Smith Artists Materials / Escoda Brushes / NEEF – Watercolor Brushes / Baohong :Masters Choice Watercolor Paper / House of Hoffman: Hand-Crafted Artists’ Palettes / Stillman & Birn - Sketchbooks
+ Sketch Pencil: Any with a soft lead – and a soft white vinyl or kneaded eraser. I use Blackwing Palomino and Faber Castell E-Motion sketch pencils and MONO by Tombow Erasers.
+ Sketchbook: I use Beta Series hard and softbound books by Stillman&Birn
+ Watercolor Paper: Good quality cotton surface – I recommend Baohong Masters Choice, Saunders Waterford, Fabriano Artistico, or Arches 140 lb. (300gsm). I always use the rough surface choice.
+ Easel: For studio work, I use a simple adjusted slant-board style table top easel by Reeves. I affix my watercolor paper to light weight boards (masonite, thin plywood veneer, corrugated pvc, etc) with simple Scotch brand masking tape
+Watercolor Palette: Use any type with which you are most comfortable, but it must allow for at least three good-sized mixing wells and perhaps 10 to 14 paint wells. I use the large German Silver Palette by House of Hoffman and a smaller travel palette by House of Hoffman. Another option is a folding aluminum model by Holbein.
+ Pigments: I always use tube-based pigments chosen for their quality, transparency, and light-fastness. I favor natural over dye-based colors. Primarily I use Daniel Smith and Holbein. My current palette is: Daniel Smith: French Ochre / Perm. Orange / Cad Red Light (or Mayan Orange)/ Van Dyke Brown / Alizarin Crimson / Burnt Sienna Light/ Burnt Sienna / Serpentine Green / Jadeite Green / Cobalt Teal Blue / Manganese Blue Hue / Cobalt Blue / French Ultramarine / Imperial Purple / Neutral Tint – Plus: Lavender / Naples Yellow / Light Red by Holbein
It’s not necessary to own each of these pigments, but I’d recommend basic primaries and complements – Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna are staples.
+ Brushes: I use a number of mops (NEEF118 Series, Escoda Aquario Series, Raphael Soft Aqua Series ) and several rounds (Escoda Perla and Versatil Series) Escoda Flats (Versatil and Perla Series). I also use a couple of liner brushes by DaVinci (Caseneo Series) and a few hake style flat brushes by Paul Rubens and Black Mice.
+ Misc:, I use Scotch brand masking tape, a small Holbein water mister (essential), simple water containers, and paper towels.
Bio 2025. Thomas Wells Schaller, AWS NWS TWSA IMWA CAC CWA SCNY SDWS ASAI AIA. Thomas Schaller is an acclaimed artist, architect, and author based in New York City. Learn more at: https://www.thomasschaller.com/
*Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!
Live demo. You are invited to meet nationally known watercolor artist Thomas W. Schaller on Saturday, August 9, 2025 as he gives a live demonstration with watercolors at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
As a 2025 WSI Member your ticket is FREE! Tickets for guests, family members, friends, and the general public are $10 each.
12:15 pm - Check in, make a plate of snacks, be in your seat by 12:30 pm.
12:30 pm - Live watercolor demonstration by Thomas W. Schaller.
2:00 pm - Meet and greet
with Thomas. Purchase his art for sale.
2:45 pm Adjourn.
SPECIAL NOTES FOR WSI MEMBERS
If you can bring a treat or snack to share with the group. Sign Up HERE. Chips, cookies, veggies, fruit, beverages, and paper goods. Thank you!
If you are unable to attend, you may watch the demo through WSI's Livestream Video on WSI's YouTube Channel. A recording will be available on the Private Members Only Page.
We look forward to this unique opportunity and hope you will join us!
Artist Thomas W. Schaller is a Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society. Learn more at Thomas W Schaller Fine Art
The 43rd Annual WSI Juried Exhibit at Newfields/ Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208 September 5 to November 1, 2025
DEADLINE TO ENTER IS JUNE 20TH!
June 20, Friday Deadline is Midnight for online entries through the WSI website. Deadline is 5:00 pm. for entries with flash drives at the WSI Office.
This year's juror is Thomas Schaller, Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and Transparent Watercolor Society of America. The images of each entry are sent digitally to the juror. He will choose 45 paintings to display in the exhibit. In August when he is in Indy, he will choose his top 10 picks for awards. WSI's goal is to meet last year's total prize money of $9500. *As an added bonus, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is giving each of the 45 juried exhibitors a free 1-year membership to the museum.
Please be sure to read the entire Prospectus Rules for Entry as it is updated every year. Download Here: 2025 WSI Juried Exhibit Prospectus.pdf Each member may submit up to 2 paintings. Entry Fee $35 for one entry. $45 for two entries. Please use the online entry form for the fastest and most efficient method. If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website.
All entries are to be submitted with the understanding that accepted work may be photographed or videotaped for educational and/or publicity purposes. All accepted images will be included on the WSI website and social media.
TO ENTER AND PAY:
Please use the online entry form for the fastest and most efficient registration found on WSI’s website. Upload images when registering online. If you prefer to mail your entry, use the attached forms with payment and a labeled USB Flash Drive (USB drive will not be returned to you).
RULES (Please read carefully as some changes have been made this year.)
WSI will award as many cash awards as the 2025 Awards Fund will support. Our goal is to meet or exceed last year’s prize money of $9500. All members are encouraged to support this fund by donating or soliciting donations. Contributions may be made online here: Contribute All donors are recognized in the Juried Exhibit catalog.
All sales will be conducted through the WSI office. The artist is not responsible for sales tax. WSI will retain a 30% commission on each sale. The buyer has permission to pick up the painting on November 2, 2025 with ID. Paintings may be NFS. However, if this painting is sold during the exhibit, the commission must be admitted to WSI in good faith. If this painting is sold within 30 days after the exhibit because of being seen at Newfields, the artist is asked to make a donation to WSI.
If an entrant receives $600 or more in sales and/or awards per year from WSI, the entrant agrees to provide Form W9 to the WSI office upon request and will receive a 1099 for 2025.
If an accepted painting is shipped instead of delivered in person, it must be crated and delivered to the WSI office by 5:00 pm Friday, July 25, 2025. The WSI office will return unsold paintings in the same packaging in which they were received. The artist must set up an account with FedEx or UPS so that all shipping costs are prepaid. The artist will also be charged a $60 handling and transport fee. If you have a question, please contact the WSI office at (317) 500-2275.
RISK
Watercolor Society of Indiana, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and transporters will exercise diligent and reasonable care, but they will not be responsible for any loss or damage. By signing the entry forms, the artist assumes all risks. If you are concerned about the risk of loss or damage, we suggest you get insurance coverage for your painting.
AREA REPRESENTATIVES
WSI Area Reps are able to help coordinate transporting paintings to Indy when possible. Contact information for each representative is available on the WSI Board of Directors Page.
Details on frame hangers:
This is a “Strap Hanger”:
Some have two mounting holes. One hanger must be attached to the back side of each vertical frame piece, located as shown. The hanging wire between the two hangers is optional for our show.
2025 JURIED EXHIBITION CALENDAR
June 28, Saturday: Images of all entries will be exhibited in a video at the Membership Luncheon, 12:00 noon at Second Presbyterian Church. Tickets are required for the luncheon and are available online: Membership Luncheon and Special Event.
July 7, Monday: Acceptance Notifications and Non-acceptance Notifications emailed to entrants.
July 14 – July 25: Selected paintings must be delivered to WSI office between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
August 6 - 8, 2025 Juror Thomas Schaller will judge the top award winners in person.
September 14, Sunday: Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, DeBoest Lecture Hall beginning at 2:00 pm. All WSI members are encouraged to attend and bring guests. Free and open to the public. The museum moved the opening to this date so as to not interfere with the Penrod Arts Fair on the previous weekend.
September 5 – November 1: Exhibition open to the public at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
November 2, Sunday: Pick up paintings at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. No paintings will be released before 1:00 pm on November 2, 2025.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Each sponsorship allows WSI to continue to grow, offer artists more opportunities, award artists prize money, and fulfill its mission to educate Indiana residents about the discipline of the watercolor medium. Learn how about this opportunity to promote your business while supporting these artists. Exhibit Sponsorships Thank you!
43rd Annual WSI Juried Exhibit Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony inside DeBoest Lecture Hall & Bret Waller Gallery at Newfields, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208
Sept. 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Free and open to the public.
Please join The Watercolor Society of Indiana for the 43rd Annual Juried Exhibit Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony. Please consider making a donation to the Juried Award Fund. You have an option to recognize someone with an Honorary or Memorial Contribution. Contribute
More details to follow!
Stay after the ceremony to view all 45 original watercolor paintings in this gorgeous, unique exhibit. All WSI Members will receive a free copy of the 2025 Juried Exhibit catalog. Reservations are not required but helpful. Thank you to all WSI Artists, Members, Sponsors, and Patrons for supporting each other and for supporting the Watercolor Society of Indiana. Hope to see you there!
Get directions and more information about the museum at www.discovernewfields.org.
"Beginning Watercolor Class" with Anna Roberts, CF and Cheryle Lowe, CF at the Jewish Community Center Indy, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Adult Beginners only. $40 for the class. Supplies not included, see below.
This class will cover the basics of watercolor painting while working on a special project. Learn about watercolor paints, brushes, paper, palettes, other tools used in watercolor, and techniques of application. Concentration on how to control the paint, how to mix the paint, and how to apply the paint. You do not need to be a member of The Watercolor Society to attend! Space is limited and for Beginners ONLY. Thank you!
Supply List for this workshop:
· 2 full sheets of 140 lb. paper (22 x 30) cut into halves (Arches, Fabriano, Saunders, Bockingford, Stonehenge, Canson Moulin.) Paper quality is the single most important part of successful watercolor results.
· Watercolor paint in tubes (no pan cakes please): reds, yellows, blues, greens (preferably brands such as Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, Sennelier, Schminke, Graham, Holbein, or Qor.
· Brushes - rounds with good points, sizes 2,4, 6 and a mop brush, flat brush, or bigger brush for washes (synthetics are fine, just no plastic fiber brushes). Anything that you already have and like.
· Palette - something that has some wells and flat areas for mixing.
· Painting board - something like a piece of thin masonite, sheet of plastic, drawing board, etc. that is slightly bigger than your half sheet of paper.
· Two water jars.
· Pencil, ruler, and a pair of scissors.
· Jar of masking fluid (rubber cement can be used if you don't want the expense of masking fluid and don't think you will ever use it again).
· Roll of masking tape.
Meet your instructors! Anna Roberts is a Cardinal Fellow of The Watercolor Society which is the highest earned achievement with WSI. Anna won "Best of Show" in the 2022 WSI Juried Exhibit. Cheryle Lowe is also a Cardinal Fellow of The Watercolor Society of Indiana and won "Best of Show" in the 2024 WSI Juried Exhibit She will assist Anna in bringing you a fun day of learning. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two of the best!
"Painting a Figure from a Photo" Watercolor Workshop with Artist Ted Nuttall, AWS, NWS, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. October 14-17, 2025. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch. 4-day Workshop Price: $525 for WSI Members. $585 for Non-Members. Skill Level Required: Intermediate to Advanced.
Painting the Figure from Photographs
My passion is painting people. I paint from photographs. In the demonstration portion of my workshops, I discuss anatomy, expression, emotion, light, color, composition – and the benefits of working from a photographic reference. Naturally, I employ my experience as a watercolorist in my instruction.
More important though is my intent to cultivate, in each workshop participant, an awakening to how and what an artist might be thinking as they approach a painting. My desire is for each class member to discover enriched thinking and seeing skills that can translate to any medium or subject. And, I believe ardently that these lessons apply, regardless of the skill level of the student.
Through a balance of demonstration, presentation, and one-on-one instruction, I share my philosophical approach – plus I introduce other artists’ work for the purpose of exploring what they may have been thinking in their use of color, composition and light.
My goal is to provide, in an atmosphere that’s both creative and supportive, an enjoyable hands-on learning experience – and to facilitate a heightened awareness that each participant can use in his or her work, and in their daily lives.
Click here to download Workshop Preparation Documents.
Ted Nuttall is a figurative artist whose painting expression was born out of his observation of people. Ted is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, San Diego Watercolor Society and enjoys Master Signature Status with both the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Watercolor West. Learn more at: https://www.tednuttall.com/
*Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when canceling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!
Live demo. You are invited to meet nationally known watercolor artist Ted Nuttall on Saturday, October 18, 2025 as he gives a live demonstration with watercolors at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.
12:30 pm - Live watercolor demonstration by Ted Nuttall.
2:00 pm - Meet and greet with Ted. Purchase his art for sale.
If you can bring a treat or snack to share with the group. Sign Up Link to follow. Chips, cookies, veggies, fruit, beverages, and paper goods. Thank you!
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