I love the way watercolors melt. It’s like letting color go renegade; to let them do whatever it is they please. In other painting mediums, as well as in life, it is correctness that one strives for; crisp lines and reliable chromaticity. But watercolor is other paintings’ wild and kooky, yet lovable, cousin. Watercolor embraces the mistakes; the drips and dots; the spills. Watercolor makes no prejudices toward sweeping color ranges, and asks the artist to “let go” a little. As local artist Stephen Kellogg said, “Watercolor is not for people that thrive on control.”

Art affords us virtues; through both its production and its enjoyment. Art teaches patience. Art instills perseverance. It feeds our self awareness and encourages consideration of perspectives yet unconsidered. Art reflects the societal relevance of the current era in an eruption of color.
The Central Coast Watercolor Society will be showcasing their Pacific Regional Expedition, “Aquarius 2012,” at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles, opening Sept. 1. The exhibit—juried by Christopher Schink—will feature the work of artists from Washington, Oregon, and California, including some local painters. The purpose of “Aquarius 2012” is to stir awareness and appreciation of watercolors as a medium to the community, and encourage the collection of watercolor art originals.
Studios on the Park will be hosting the exhibit Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, with an opening reception and awards ceremony on Sept. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring local musician Jill Knight, and wine tastings from Derby Estates Wines. Studios on the Park is located at 1130 Pine St. in Paso Robles. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free to the public. For more info, call 238–8900, or visit the CCWS website, ccwsart.com, or Studio on the Park’s website, studiosonthepark.org.