Recently, I received notice that my painting, “Peony Perfection”, was selected for inclusion in International Watermedia 2013, which is the open, juried biennial exhibition of the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society. "Legacy" is the theme of the 2013 exhibition, which will be held at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, June 7 through September 7, 2013. It will open with an Awards Reception on Friday June 7 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
“Peony Perfection”, Watercolor, 10.75 x 14 ©Johanna Cellucci
Although this painting had been shown in local juried shows, this is the first time it has been accepted in a major exhibition. I had submitted my three most recent works and, to my surprise, this one was chosen by our juror, Linda Baker.
Always painting wet-in-wet, I wanted to challenge myself by not pre-wetting the paper, but working the numerous petals, with all of its shadows, by simply glazing one color over another without the use of frisket to preserve the light. I used multiple layers of yellow, pink, red and magenta, and feel I have succeeded in capturing this flower’s beauty and depth.