You will be able to register online on this page as of March 1 or contact Jane Collin, 6902 NW 70th St. Tamarac, Fl 33321 or call 954.532.0017 or janecollin@comcast.net.
Postmark must be March 1 or later.
Nicholas Simmons
Nicholas Simmons was born in Iowa and began painting in Sarasota, Florida under many watercolorists, most notably Valfred Thelin and Barbara Nechis. His work met with immediate success, but a music career took over and the artist only painted occasional commissions. In 2003 he returned to visual art and quickly became a renowned name of the contemporary watercolor scene, winning major awards and gaining media exposure. Mr. Simmons’ art is characterized by it’s diversity and power. Nicholas Simmons paints in watermedia on a scale that rivals oil painting. The subject matter is a dazzling mix of figures juxtaposed with printed lettering, graffiti, Japanese block prints, neon lights, reflections, and lavish corners of nature. The effect can be disorienting, as though a camera has taken a picture by accident, revealing an image that is both exciting and mysterious. The paint itself swirls, floods, drips, and spatters, driven on by the general excitement of the imagery and giving the work a sense that it was done in a rush in a matter of minutes. John Parks, Watercolor , Winter 2009 Mr. Simmons’ paintings have been featured in a variety of publications, and on Maryland Public Television. In 2008 his DVD Innovative Watermedia was a best-seller for Creative Catalyst Productions, and he will produce a new one in 2012. He is sponsored by Da Vinci Paint, and recently joined Charles Reid and Joseph Zbukvic as one of only three artists sponsored by Escoda of Barcelona, which will introduce a line of Nicholas Simmons signature brushes. Awards include top prize at the 2007 National Watercolor Society, consecutive gold medals at the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, 2008-2009, and the gold medal at the Texas Watercolor Society in 2010. The artist exhibits internationally with major watermedia stars, and was the only judge representing the Americas at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition in 2010, the world‘s largest watercolor exhibition. He will again judge the 2012 Shanghai biennial. Nicholas is one of six painters in the newly-formed North American Watercolor Artists group, representing the United States in various international exhibitions -- upcoming are Madrid in September, and St. Petersburg, Russia in December. In January 2012, the group will put on a special exhibition in Washington, D.C., the only one of its kind in American watercolor.
He is sought after as a workshop instructor, lecturer, and judge, known for his fresh, unorthodox, and often irreverent approach.
Soon Y Warren
Soon Y. Warren is a signature member of American Watercolor Society (AWS), National Watercolor Society (NWS), Southern Watercolor Artist (SW), Texas Watercolor Society (TWS), Watercolor Honor Society in Watercolor USA, Alabama Watercolor Society, and Society of Watercolor Artist (SWA).
Her paintings won and published in Watercolor Magic Magazine Competition in 4th place in the animal category in 2005 and Jack Richeson Grand Prize Awards in 2006. Also, one of her painting made Honorable Mention in the animal category and made finalist in still life category in 2005 and 2nd place in still life category and made final list in still life category, 2006 and landscape, 2008 in the Artist's Magazine Competition. Her two paintings were included in “The Best of Watercolor, Splash 8” in 2004, and “Passionate Brushstrokes” Splash 10 in 2008. Two paintings selected for Splash 11, 12 and 13. Also, she won first in North Light Book Cover competition in 2006. Her painting was featured in cover of Watercolor Artist magazine in Jan –Feb, 2009 issue. Her painting “Feeding Time” was awarded with NWS Purchase Award in 2008. Also her drawing was included in a book “Stroke of Genius” 3 and 4 issues. Also her paintings and article featured in spring issue of Watercolor Magazine in 2011.
She published a watercolor painting technique book "Vibrant Flowers in Watercolor" with F&W Publication, (North Light Book) in March 2006, and her second book and “Painting Vibrant Watercolor: Discover the Magic of Light, Color and Contrast” published in 2009. Also, she participated in a book with among nationally recognized 14 watercolor artists in “Watercolor Secret” with one chapter, composition, and the book will be published in 2009.
