Eric Wiegardt Recipient of American Watercolor Society`s Gold

Visual Pleasure for Generations
Eric Wiegardt Recipient of American Watercolor Society’s
Gold Medal of Honor
James McFarlane, President, AWS; Ann & Eric Wiegardt
Eric Wiegardt, AWS-DF, NWS
received the highest national
honor for a watercolor, the
prestigious
American
Watercolor Society’s Gold
Medal of Honor April 20th
2012 in New York City. In
American Watercolor Society’s
(AWS) 130 year history, only 64 Artists have received
this award since its inception in 1948. Eric is the 65th
recipient. Eric has also achieved Dolphin Fellow (DF).
The Dolphin Fellow status can only be obtained by
merit alone in accordance with a point system based
on awards at one or more of AWS’s national annual
exhibitions. Only a few members of the AWS have
achieved this recognition.
Eric reflected, “To receive this Gold Medal of Honor is for me like receiving an Oscar. Truly, this is a once in
a lifetime achievement. I am honored and thankful for such an acknowledgement from my peers for my
lifelong passion and work. Without my wife Ann’s support and encouragement, my children’s enthusiasm,
my parent’s generosity, the dedication of my business associate Christl Mack of 21 years, Gail Baer’s
(CommunicaDe Consulting) contributions, the artistic influence of my mentor, Irving Shapiro and the
guidance from the Lord, I would have not been confident to pursue this as a career.
The American Watercolor Society annual International
Exhibition represents artists from 17 countries, of which
only 130 paintings are selected for the exhibition. So that
others around the country may enjoy a sampling of the
exhibit, the AWS sponsors a traveling exhibit of the biggest
and most talented artists in water soluble media. "The
Duck Hunter" is one of 40 selected from the exhibit. The
show will travel to venues in Tennessee, Texas, Nebraska,
California, and Illinois.
The American Watercolor Society, the oldest
watercolor society in the United States, is a nonprofit
membership organization devoted to the advancement of
watercolor painting in the United States.[1] It was founded
The Duck Hunter
December 5, 1866; just a year and a half after the four year
AWS
Gold
Medal of Honor
struggle between the states[2], started by eleven painters
and, originally, was known as the American Society of Painters in Water Colors. [3]
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Across the country, a cultural revolution was taking hold. Following the war, people were searching for
beauty to enhance their lives. They were looking for art to help bring them joy. Watercolor painting was
coming into its own and competing heavily with other media. Girls’ finishing schools were teaching
watercolor painting in addition to manners and fashion.[4]
Requirements for membership were rigid, although the number of painters in watercolor was relatively
small. The Society wished to keep the quality of its membership high, but many top painters hesitated to
join, because women had been allowed membership.[5]
Watercolor technique requires discipline, forethought, and planning of the composition, as the paintings
cannot be revised if mistakes occur (as one could with oil technique, for instance). AWS judges the work of
a painter before granting admission to the society as an "active" (now "signature") member. Such
membership in the society now is considered an indication of the painter having established a consistent
style and to have demonstrated considerable skill in the medium. Signature Members number about 500.
Transparency in the works of watercolor painters is highly valued. That is a technique wherein the paper
surface is allowed to show through the applied paint as an integral aspect of the painting. The applicant
usually must demonstrate a history of winning prizes in juried art shows with professional standing to gain
admission. This type of membership in the society, generally, is signaled by "AWS" following the painter's
name in promotional materials and biographies. Membership by others is indicated as an "associate"
status.[6]
Eric Wiegardt, a native of Washington State, grew up near the small town of Oysterville, as did his father
before him. His great grandfather was one of the original oystermen so his roots run deep on the Long
Beach Peninsula.
Following a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, he graduated from the famed
American Academy of Art in Chicago where he studied under his mentor, Irving Shapiro. He returned to his
hometown in 1985 to open Wiegardt Studio Gallery in the Victorian home built by his great grandfather.
You can find Eric Wiegardt’s watercolor paintings on www.ericwiegardt.com.
[1] Wikipedia
[2] American Watercolor Society [3] Wikipedia [4] American Watercolor Society [5] Wikipedia [6] Wikipedia
NEW YORK!
Because Ann has been committed to being home with the children, she has not had the opportunity to
travel with me to many of the interesting places I teach workshops (except Europe). This time, it was a must
for us to go together to the annual American Watercolor Society awards banquet in Manhattan. She, of
course, has been the major reason (outside of the Lord) for me receiving the Gold Medal of Honor.
We met at JFK airport (as I was just finishing up a workshop in N Carolina) at 1:30 am and without delay
took a shuttle to our hotel in Times Square. What a magnificent display of commercialism! After visiting
one of the many open restaurants and having a bite to eat at 3 am, travel fatigue finally caught up with us.
The following day we took a taxi to the historic Salmagundi Club in Greenwich Village for the AWS
festivities. A business meeting was held, for members only, at 4:00 followed by a cocktail hour. This was a
wonderful time to strengthen old acquaintances and meet those whose paintings I have admired for years.
The club was replete with this year's show of watercolors, along with the awards and medals noted next to
each painting. It was an exquisite display of some of the finest paintings from the US and around the world.
The buffet dinner began at 7:00 as Ann and I were seated at the head table with the president of the society
and two editors of prominent magazines, along with others. Ann had a delightful time visiting with Anne
Burt, wife of prominent AWS member, Dan Burt. After dessert, the awards presentation began, followed by
the medal winners. Much excitement and joy was expressed by those who finally achieved their letters
through participation in three shows, meaning they could now sign their names with the admired initials
AWS after their name.
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There was a big build up to the most revered medal, the Gold Medal of Honor. Never had I thought that I
would be the one receiving! I was grateful for the hearty round of applause. I told them 30 years ago I was
in the corporate world thinking, "I've got to get out of here". After a series of events we had interviewed at
the American Academy of Art in Chicago and Ann said "Let's do it". As she stood up she received a
thunderous applause. (She really looked nice- I should have announced that this woman also chases bears
out of our front yard!). I also thanked my mentor, Irving Shapiro, who passed away in 1994.
Having received the Gold Medal of Honor as an AWS member (since the show is open to all artists, non
members may receive the Gold Medal), I also became a Dolphin Fellow, an important recognition with the
society. Hence the initials AWS - DF after my signature.
I received a number of heartfelt and genuine congratulations after dinner from my peers and signed a few
catalogs. This was certainly a night to remember and a dream come true!
Our trip wasn't complete without a trip to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Broadway show "Mama
Mia", Central Park, and the beautiful reconstruction at Ground Zero.
What a weekend to remember!
Announcements:
Transparent Watercolor Society of America
(TWSA) 36th National Exhibition –Eric is
exhibiting Between Seasons. This Exhibition is
held in Kenosha Public Museum, Kenosha, WI,
May 5th through August 5th, 2012. Eric has been
awarded Master Status. TWSA, signifying he has
exhibited in ten TWSA national exhibitions. He is
the only TWSA member recognized as such this
year; a real honor!
Between Seasons-TWSA
Third
Invitational
Exhibition
of
Contemporary
International Watermedia
Masters –Exhibition to be held in Nanjing, China.
More information regarding date and location in the
next newsletter.
The Butler Institute of American Art 76th National
Midyear Show-- Located in Youngstown, OH, June 24
through August 19, 2012. Eric’s painting Coupeville was
accepted. It is an acrylic!
Coupeville
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School of Painting
The Value of Competitions
Acceptance into national competitions provides a two-fold benefit for us watercolorists. The thrill of
competition and the following acceptance, let alone an award or medal, can be very satisfying after months,
or even years of diligent painting. It can be much the same exuberance one feels after winning or placing in
a sporting event. The recognition from the public can be very satisfying.
However, the recognition from one's respected peers is equally, if not more so, satisfying. It validates our
painting direction and provides a much need stimulus for future growth. It is as if they are saying, "We like
what you are doing, keep it up...you are making a notable statement in the art world." We artists can derive
a lot of energy from this.
I would like to encourage all of you who paint to occasionally enter a show. Get used to some rejection.
However, in the time of acceptance, it can provide a thrill, and most importantly, be very encouraging for
future creativity.
Introductory Special on:
New DVD Series: Painting Loosely from Photographs
1. Connecting Shapes
2. Color Mixing
3. Color in Shadows
4. Landscape Theory
5. Outside Edge Shapes
6. Area of Dominance
This new DVD series focuses on painting from a photograph.
Photographs can be deceptive in shadow color, defining depth of
shapes, identifying which photographs are better subjects and the list
goes on. You can purchase one, two or all of these new DVDs at a
Special savings through May. Each DVD is $35.00 plus shipping but
in May they are $31.50 with Free Shipping or buy all 6 and get
the sixth DVD free with Free Shipping. To Order, click here.
Essential Design Workbook and Eric’s other popular DVDs also at
www.ericwiegardt.com Books and DVDs.
2012 Workshops on Eric’s website: www.ericwiegardt.com
2013 Plein Air Workshop in Italy…
We are starting a list for our next international workshop which will be
in Lake Garda, Italy. Dates are June 15 through checking out June 29,
2013. If you wish to be added to the list to receive more information
as it becomes available, contact us at ericworkshops@centurytel.net
and in the subject line of the email state “Italy Workshop”.
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Collectors’ Corner
May Life & Times Special Offer
The last May Life & Times Original Painting,
Garage Sale
…is available with a 10% discount unframed or with
our beautiful house frames (found on our website
under House Frames).
Unframed: Lists at $700.00, your price $630.00.
*Framed: Antica Chestnut 1 ¼” House Frame
$900.00, your price $810.00
This offer includes FREE SHIPPING!
(If you prefer one of the two other frames, we will
give you a price quote.)
(*To order this framed Original with the same discount, please call 360-665-5976 or email us,
watercolors@ericwiegardt.com to reserve your Original. To view our house frame, just click on House
Frames at our website, www.ericwiegardt.com. If you prefer one of the two other frames, we will give you a
price quote.)
The May Life & Times Limited Edition Giclee
Only 95
Loyalty Days
…is available with a 10% discount unframed or
with our beautiful house frames (found on our
website under House Frames).
Loyalty Days Unframed 15”x 19”: Lists at
$115.00, your price $103.50
This offer includes FREE SHIPPING!
*Framed: Antica Chestnut 1 ¼” House Frame
$325.00, your price $292.50
Shipping and Handling is extra for framed Giclee.
(If you prefer one of the two other frames, we will give you a price quote.)
(*To order this framed Giclee with the same discount, please call 360-665-5976 or email us,
watercolors@ericwiegardt.com to reserve your Giclee. To view our house frame, just click on House
Frames at our website, www.ericwiegardt.com. If you prefer one of the two other frames, we will give you a
price quote.)
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Special on Sesimbra Reflections, 200 Limited Edition Lithograph
From our Lithograph Print Collection, we are offering Sesimbra Reflections with the same
generous 10% discount, framed or unframed through May 28th. Unframed, order this beautiful
Print on our website www.ericwiegardt.com with free shipping; 16” x 22” Image size, retails at
$105.00- your price $94.50 or if you wish to select from our house frames, either call or email us
and we will give you a quote on shipping and your selected House Frames.
Throughout 2012 we will be offering special savings on Originals, Giclees and Lithograph
Prints. They will be posted on our website www.ericwiegardt.com.
A generous return policy is provided below for all original paintings and limited edition giclees.
Return Policy for paintings and giclee prints:
All painting and giclee print purchases come with a 90 day return policy from date of purchase. If, for any
reason you decide to return the artwork, you will receive either a full refund or a credit toward another art
selection within the first 45 days of purchase.
In the second 45 days from date of purchase, no refunds are given, however you have up to 45 days to
receive full credit toward an equal value of artwork or apply the credit toward another art selection of more
value with a balance due for the difference. The balance due must be paid before shipping.
Shipping the artwork back to us is at your expense and must be returned in its original condition. If there is
damage to the artwork the refund or credit becomes null and void. Shipping and Handling charges for
returned artwork is not refundable and is in addition to the artwork price.
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Watercolor Store
Eric added a new Signature Three Brush Set and a new #12 Round, to the Watercolor Store!
New! Signature Three Brush Set- Retail Price $178.00 per set
shipping and handling $5.00
Russian Blue Squirrel Quill Mop size #5
Russian Blue Squirrel hair is of the highest quality and holds a large volume of water which makes it
excellent for mop and wash techniques.
1 1/4 “ Flat and #12” Round
These brushes have a unique combination of Kolinsky Red Sable,
Russian Squirrel, and Russian Fitch (Black Sable), along with
small amounts of synthetic hair. They feature the benefits of the
finest natural hairs for watercolor: the pointing and edging of
sable, the water-holding capacity and wash strokes of squirrel,
and the stiffness and durability of Fitch. Seamless, nickel-plated
brass ferrules are rust-resistant.
New! Size #12 Round—Retail Price $31.00
shipping and handling $5.00
This is the same as the #12 Round in the New Signature Brush
Set. A large reservoir belly continually supplies the brush tip
with color. This size maintains its point and its large belly can
be used to for mop techniques.
Help us to continue to refine our database: We
appreciate how many have replied to our request for state locations to add to our email database. If you
have not shared the state where you reside, we would appreciate this information to update our database.
When an event or workshop is in your area, we would send you a notice so you may participate if so choose.
Thank you for your help!
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