Watercolor artist Richard Stephens shows a rural farm scene he painted during a workshop session on Friday. | Clif Knight

Watercolor art show receives rave reviews

The 72nd Annual Exhibition of the Watercolor Society of Alabama, which is being held at Hartselle Fine Arts Center, has received a rave review from a nationally known watercolor artist, art instructor and awards juror.

“This is the finest exhibition of watercolor paintings I’ve seen in my 15 years of judging shows,” said Richard Stephens of Hot Springs, Ark. “Of the 120 paintings on exhibit I’ve found 52 deserving of an award. It’s a world class show in every respect.”

Stephens conducted a live demonstration of his work Friday evening, painting a rural barn scene in 50 minutes. He had painted the same scene a few hours earlier while conducting the second day of a three-day watercolor workshop.

To demonstrate each stroke of his artwork, Stephens used an overhead mirror. A group of about 25 artists and art enthusiasts watched intently as he painted a sky, mountains, pasture, barn and finally a big tree. When he concluded his work, he showed his earlier painting of the same scene to demonstrate that no two paintings of the same scene are exactly alike.

The art exhibit was showcased with a reception, open house and awards presentation on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The paintings will remain on display for pubic viewing through May 26. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.