Hiya, folks! I hope this email finds you all well and warm. I'm bringing you some really great news and new artwork today.

First, the news: For over a decade, it's been a goal of mine to achieve Signature Membership in the American Watercolor Society. An artist is given Signature Membership when they have been accepted into three separate AWS Annual International Exhibitions. The AWS is the oldest watercolor society in the United States and Signature Membership is meant to be an indication of the painter having established a consistent style and to have demonstrated considerable skill in the medium. It is such an incredible honor to achieve that it took a bit to sink in! I'm very grateful, to say the least.

My painting Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan at sunset is the one that was accepted into the 2021 exhibition, which is the society's 154th. I painted it last fall from photos I took while we were there for the opening of the AWS exhibition in 2018.

New bird watercolors

I painted these two pairs of birds just this past week. Downy woodpeckers and White-breasted nuthatches are two of the most acrobatic backyard birds and I love to watch them both as they adeptly wander around tree trunks and limbs. Especially the nuthatches, who can walk down the tree upside down! We call it "nuthatching".

Both of these originals, plus some small prints, are traveling to Mountain Nest Gallery in Black Mountain next week. You can also find 5x7" and 8x10" prints in my Etsy shop at the links below.

You can also view my Etsy Shop by category:

Original Watercolors  |  Note Cards  |  Bird Prints  |  Land & Seascape Prints

Upcoming Zoom and in-person workshops

My first online class for the Sawtooth School went really well! The students who attended said that they learned a lot and planned on signing up for my next class. We did a snow scene last time and we're going to paint clouds and water next. The class will take place over two sessions in April and May. Details and registration are available here.

Additionally, I'm teaching a workshop for the Barnes Corner Gallery in Wilson, NC on March 20. Further details will be posted soon on their website and mine.

Lastly, a request...

I've learned that many of my local sales and watercolor students initially find me through Google searches. Not surprising! I depend on Google searches to find and select local business, too, and like to contribute with reviews and photos of places I would recommend. My business doesn't have any reviews, yet, which is also not a big surprise, since it's a small business. But if you have bought my artwork or taken classes from me, I would love it if you would consider leaving me a review here on my Google business listing. I will be ever so appreciative! Thanks in advance if you take the time.

Thanks to all of you!

As always, I'm grateful for your following and support.

Don't forget to sign up for the Sawtooth Zoom class if you'd like to attend and keep your eyes out for the workshop in Wilson. A good way to do that is to follow me on Facebook. I am also teaching a limited number of individual classes at my home in Greensboro, which you can read more about here.

May you have good health, lots of happiness, and warmth during the cold weather!

All the best,

Laura

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