Oct 14

Oct 14 Watercolor West 2020 Juror: Iain Stewart

The 52nd Watercolor West International Juried Exhibition is now open through December 13th, 2020 at the Brea Gallery. Though this year looks different than previous years of this exhibition, we have made some changes and are happy to welcome visitors again.

This year’s juror, Iain Stewart chose this exhibition virtually and was not able to see the show in person. But he had many thoughts about the selection of works, the process and this unusual year in his statement here.

Queensboro Bridge, NYC, watercolor. Iain Stewart — *Queensboro Bridge, NYC*, watercolor. Iain Stewart

To say it’s been a difficult year for all of us would be an extreme understatement. I’ve given a lot of thought to how much has changed and the “new normal” we are collectively experiencing. As a juror my typical duties have been completely altered and I find myself in uncharted waters. One of my favorite aspects of selecting an exhibition is the initial “meeting of the paintings.” This is when I step inside the gallery and all the digital works I’ve seen take on scale and a physical presence that can only be understood by viewing the piece in person. Suffice it to say I will not be able to meet your paintings this year which leaves me to make my choice of awards a quiet and thoughtful time to myself as I project the exhibition from my laptop to my television. I do this so I can see the work at different distances and scale but the transition also serves to indicate slight varieties in contrast and color that are missed if I were to only use one screen. I think this highlights the importance of finding a way to digitize your work that replicates it as close to the original artwork as possible. This year that process is more important than it has been in any show I’ve juried in the past.

I accepted the invitation to be the juror of Watercolor West with great honor. It is what I would consider a top tier exhibition and the entries certainly prove that. I often say this is the hardest part of what I do. I understand that I am being trusted to treat your work in the same way I would want mine considered and do my best to adhere to that conviction.

As of this writing I have not chosen the awards. I will be doing so very soon. From one artist to another I would like to thank you for putting your work forth for consideration and understand that I will do my utmost to jury this exhibition with integrity and professionalism.

I would like to thank the board members and volunteers that make these exhibitions possible. In normal times an exhibition of this caliber takes a tremendous amount of “behind the scenes work.” These are not normal times. Your society has been gracious and patient while the choices they can make are limited and ever changing.

I would like to congratulate you all for your fine work. My only regret is I will not be able to see it in person. I think we can all relate to similar circumstances in our lives at this specific point in time.

Iain Stewart AWS / NWS

See more about Iain and his work.

Click through a selection of artwork and gallery photos below: