Martha's painting “Together, Apart” is awarded First Place

I am honored and delighted that my watercolor painting Together, Apart was awarded FIRST PLACE at the Waterloo Watercolor Group’s 48th Annual Spring Exhibit. The juror was Alicia Farris, NWS, WHS .SWS, WFWS, SW, MOWS, STLWS, who stated about my painting, “I appreciate the point of view of this painting. I love the composition and the amount of work that it took to achieve the perspective of it all. There is more focus on the foreground. It is super fun to see the items that were brought all the way forward. I like those choices. The big shapes everywhere are beautiful.”

When I submitted to the juried exhibit, I stated about this painting, “This watercolor is a study in both physical and psychological layers, utilizing a pyramid composition to explore the connection and isolation within a bustling restaurant. While the scene is filled with light and detailed items, the figures—from the viewer to the couples and the solitary man in back—remain islands unto themselves. Capturing this public space through a private lens, the piece highlights the beauty of proximal silence: the quiet gaps where we are surrounded by others yet our own thoughts.”

Together, Apart, Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. paper, Image 18”H x 29.5”W, Frame 24”H x 36”W.