East County News Service

February 4, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Susan Hewitt, an artist and resident of Lakeside, California, has won the first-place award in the highly competitive February 2024 San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) Member’s exhibition “Treasures”, an in-gallery show of the SDWS at 2825 Dewey Road in Liberty Station, San Diego, CA.

Hewitt’s painting titled “A Thinking Woman” was selected by prominent Escondido artist Suzanne Nicolaisen for this honor, out of over 250 entries. Nicolaisen said of the painting: “A picture of elegance and grace, kindness and wisdom clearly displayed in this beautifully executed work. The attention to detail is flawless. The limited palette, excellent color choice, composition and design depicts the artist’s ability to share an emotional connection. There is warmth and compassion throughout the creation.”

Source:  San Diego Watercolor Society

Photo:  “Neptune’s Fountain” by Susan Hewitt.  Watercolor, 18 x 30.  Image courtesy of San Diego Watercolor Society

February 4, 2023 (Lakeside) - Lakeside artist Susan Hewitt has won the Best of Theme awardin the February Members Show “Rendezvous With Paint” on display in the San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) gallery at 2825 Dewey Road in Liberty Station, San Diego. Susan’spainting entitled “Neptune’s Fountain” was selected by nationally known local juror Nancy Oleksa for this honor, out of 214 entries. Oleksa said of  the painting, “This painting is a celebration of the medium of watercolor. The components of the painting, its space division, use of texture, and choice of palette, have come together to evoke a sense of majesty.”

Source:  San Diego Watercolor Sociey

Photo:  “It’s All About The Chrome” by Craig Anderson.  Watercolor, 15 x 22 in.  All images courtesy of San Diego Watercolor Society

Image: “Signs of Survival” courtesy of SDWS

Source: San Diego Watercolor Society

November 28, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Ski Torzeski, an artist and resident of El Cajon, won the Second Place award in the highly competitive Member’s show, “Polar Extractions," currently at The San Diego Watercolor Society. His painting titled “Signs of Survival“ was given the honor by award-winning artist and juror, Mary Sievers.  According to Sievers, “I love how this artist captured the light. The colors and design are remarkable.”

September 15, 2013 (San Diego) -- Joan McKasson and Joan Merrick were awarded first and second places respectively in the San Diego Watercolor Society’s January show, “New Beginnings”.  The juror, Carol Mansfield, complimented both paintings for their expert use of watercolor along with their strong colors and designs.