Lois Newman

Bio: A longtime resident of Jacksonville, Lois has been working in watercolor for the past ten years. Her creative incentive lies as much in the aesthetic experience of painting as in her subjects. She paints both on location [en plein air] and in her studio, directly from life when possible, sometimes without a preliminary drawing—all in one sitting [alla prima].

Artist statement: Using a combination of planning and improvised response to the fluid medium, I mix colors directly on the paper and add granulating pigments for texture and visual interest. I incorporate gestural brushwork to create movement in my work. My images are representational at the outset, but ultimately reflect my unique experience and aesthetic choices and may challenge the traditional idea of watercolor painting.

I began studying fine art drawing and painting at the University of North Florida and Florida State College of Jacksonville in 2001. Independent studio work followed and fueled my artistic growth. Venturing into the open air to paint further sparked my efforts. Encountering the paint application techniques of watercolorist Charles Reid was a turning point in my learning process which, happily, continues.

Affirmation for my work includes:
– 2012 Honorable mention, Jacksonville Watercolor Society/ juror David Daniels AWS
– 2011 First Place, Arts in the Park, Atlantic Beach/ jurors Larry Davis, professor emeritus FSCJ and Paul Ladnier, professor emeritus UNF
– 2010 Honorable mention, Art for Hope/ juror Hillary Tuttle of Stellers Gallery
– 2010 Honorable mention, The Figure Unveiled-JCVA/ juror Hope McMath of the Cummer Museum
– 2009 First Place, Arts in the Park, Atlantic Beach/ jurors Larry Davis, professor emeritus FSCJ and Lynn Lewis, director of South Gallery
– 2007 Honorable mention, Jacksonville Watercolor Society/ juror Janet Rogers AWS
-2006 Honorable mention, Jacksonville Watercolor Society/ juror Sue Archer AWS