Brushing into spring: New Mexico Watercolor Society ushers in the new season with show at Expo NM

In the hands of the right artist, water and pigment mix together and with a slight dip of a paintbrush, make images come to life.

For the New Mexico Watercolor Society, watercolors aren’t just the key to painting, but the key to creation. From Saturday, May 3, to Saturday, May 24, the group will showcase its skills with its annual spring exhibition, featuring more than 200 standard-sized pieces along with small and miniature works. Those who want a personal experience can attend the opening reception and award ceremony from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, to enjoy art, refreshments and music.

This year’s spring exhibition did not have a theme, and artists brought the best of their work to usher in the new season.

“A lot of our activities were primarily around various shows and exhibitions that take place over the year’s time,” said Dale Laitinen, a member of the NMWS. “We’re a volunteer organization and a very welcoming group of people, with some very fine artists in the group.”

The artwork accepted for the spring exhibition transverses a variety of themes and subjects, including paintings of cowboys riding through Southwestern plains on horseback, a wheat sheaf flowing through the air, and even a depiction of a man climbing stairs to heaven, represented through three metallic toasters. All paintings are original and available for purchase.

Pamela Barcita is one of several contributing artists in the show. She has submitted a piece she has won awards for in the past. As a signature member, her work will be displayed in a special section.

“The painting I did is a churro sheep, which is the sheep that the Navajo used for wool to make their rugs, and the rug behind the sheep is a representation of that,” Barcita said. “I also have other New Mexico products like chiles and pecans and cotton all around him.”

Watercolor has been in Barcita’s life for years, beginning when she was an art teacher. After moving from Virginia to New Mexico, Barcita immediately joined the art group, as watercolor is her main medium to work with.

“Any artists who wants to work and have their work shown in public joins a club or finds places to show their work in hopes of not only winning awards, but hopefully selling,” Barcita said. “That’s the main objective because your studio fills up with paintings if you just make them and don’t do anything with them.”

Brushing into spring: New Mexico Watercolor Society ushers in the new season with show at Expo NM