Join the Fun!
Born out of a dream to draw together a group of artists, or aspiring artists, to share their love of art in 2017, Great Plains Watercolor Society has become so much more. What once was only created for the purpose of learning, has now transformed into a community of fun, encouraging and social retreat away from everyday life.
GROW WITH US.
LAUGH WITH US.
LEARN WITH US.
Upcoming Workshops & Events
Artist Spotlight
Spotlight on the Artist is an introduction of some of our members to find out what they like about and do with their art.
Janice Bartels
Janice Bartels has been a member of GPWS since 2017. After taking a long hiatus from 1976-2017, she reclaimed her passion for expressive art. Art has helped her discover who she is. “Art is the new part of me that I didn’t know before.”
Did you know?
Featured Artist Tip:
Shadow and Light by Peggy Williams
Shadow and Light
by Peggy Williams
Light and shadow are tricky with watercolor painting because we always think of the objects like the sky, a tree, land, or a sunset in a flat one-dimensional way. Peggy Williams suggests breaking out of that she has learned that you can alter your strokes with a flat brush, for example, to visually create irregularities in tone that make it seem like an object is moving forward and back in space. Zigzagging sap green over cadmium yellow gives a sense of a tree’s leaves blocking out the sun.
Peggy Williams is a master of light and shadow. Her strokes are almost imperceptible and give a sense of a form with just one swipe.
Testimonials
“My favorite things about GPWS are that classes are offered at a reasonable cost, I have many opportunities to meet fellow artists, share ideas and strike up new friendships, and it gives me motivation to pursue this passion.”
Connie Palmer
“Living in Canada, I’m often asked why I joined GPWS, an art group so far away and currently with the borders closed. During the pandemic, GPWS has been my lifeline to learning, social connections, support and an amazing array of talent and inspiration.”
Linda Rubell
“Since we’ve had GPWS, I’ve enjoyed countless classes, made friends with other artists and have had many opportunities to learn, grow and expand my skills.”
Candice Wagner
“I joined GPWS to learn about the possibilities of watercolor. I enjoy instructional workshops and demos, opportunities to exhibit work, and networking with member artists.”
Paul Boerboom
“Although I never intended to join the GPWS, after my first workshop I knew I wanted to be part of this inspiring, welcoming, talented group. I continue to be blown away by the calibre of instructors at such reasonable costs and am amazed at how GPSW has embraced online learning.”
Linda Rubell
Current Board Members
Barbara Sparks
Founder
Sheryl Baloun
President
Mary Buckmiller
Vice President
Deb Yoder
Treasurer
Janice Bartels
Director of Programs
Beth Masterson
Secretary