Post 614: PWAS Meeting Mon Apr 27 with Guest Artist Otis Stanley

PWAS Meeting Mon Apr 27 with Guest Artist Otis Stanley

The Prince William Art Society, known as PWAS (pronounced "p-whauzz") is a 55 year old nonprofit art group in Prince William County, VA that meets monthly on the 4th Monday of the month. The group meets at 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Lake Ridge, VA at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 7:30pm. Meetings often have a guest speaker and for April, we'll feature PWAS Member Otis Stanley.

PWAS Meeting

On April 27 at 7:30 PM the Prince William Art Society will hold their monthly meeting at the Lake Ridge Community Center, 22192 Cotton Mill Road, Lake Ridge 22192. Monthly meetings feature a guest or member artist, a project, a show-and-share or our scholarship presentation. This month, members are invited to enjoy the work and philosophy of our accomplished member artist Otis L. Stanley, followed by a business meeting presenting opportunities to be involved in community arts. All members of the community are invited to attend these free meetings and art presentations. 

For PWAS member Otis L. Stanley, art is simply living. Often painting in monochromatic colors Otis creates art that reflects his experiences and culture. Acrylic paint is his choice of mediums. Never conforming to popular themes Otis would rather tread a road less traveled to invite conversation about the work. Hoping to shine a light on the common humanity of us all Otis is at peace in his lane of subjects. 

Otis has work hung in Va., Md., D.C., Pa., N.Y., N.J., Conn., La, Calif., S.C., Fla. and Tring U.K. Here is where you can view Otis' work:  @otisstanley9127 on Youtube, and on instagram he is @otislstanley.

March Meeting Collage Activity

Last month members and guests ripped, tore and glued collages to create abstracts or landscapes, portraiture, or narrative or figurative backdrops. Everyone was encouraged to take their collage home and use pen, paint or mediums of their choice on them - to alter them, add outline or detail, or simply to use the backdrop as a taking off point for another style of contrasting work. There was already a wide variety of interpretations as we left that night. See https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2026/03/post-609-pwas-meeting-mon-mar-23-2026.html

Bring your altered collage back on the 27th to lay out on a side table to share. Anyone who missed last month can try a torn or cut paper collage (magazine scraps are perfect) on any mixed media paper, then use the dry collage as a backdrop for something going a little bit further. Then bring them in.

See you at the meeting! 

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 613: Meet the PWAS Members 2026 Part 3

Meet the PWAS Members 2026 Part 3

Introducing the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) Members Part 3. The nonprofit art group meets monthly on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA. Besides updates on upcoming art projects for the art group, our meetings often feature art programs spotlighting area artists displaying and showing their art process, member "show and tell", and occasionally an art project to work on. Miss a meeting and you miss a LOT!

See Meet the Members Part 1 

And Meet the Members Part 2 

Let's meet a few more of the area's artist members of PWAS and this post includes the Members: Otis Stanley, Tinnetta Putney, Eric Ndofor, and Scott Elliott

PWAS Member Otis Stanley

Bio: PWAS member Otis Stanley feels art is simply living. Through his figurative paintings often in monochromatic colors; he hopes to create an avenue for conversation. With his work on both coasts and from Conn. to LA., Otis feels his work has touched many in a positive way.

PWAS Member Scott Elliott

Bio: Scott Elliott is a musician and artist that resides in Northern Virginia. Scott paints mainly with acrylics, also including mixed media. He has been an official member of PWAS since 2023. @ScottSpur 

PWAS Member Tinnetta Putney (Vice President 2026-2027)

Bio: Tinnetta Putney is a contemporary realism artist dedicated to exploring the intersection of technical precision and the inherent beauty of the human subject. My work is intentionally restorative; I choose to move away from politics and controversy to focus on aesthetically pleasing imagery that celebrates the human condition for its own sake. I bring a sophisticated understanding of light and shadow to my drawings. By stripping away the distractions of a traditional palette, I’m able to reveal a different kind of brilliance, creating art that feels colorful and vibrant without the use of actual color."

PWAS Member Eric Ndofor (Treasurer 2025 - 2027)

Bio: Rooted in a career in public health, I’ve always turned to art for grounding, joy, and connection. I love acrylic for the bold colors and clean layers, and watercolor for its spontaneity. My style blends realism and impressionism, inspired by the calm energy of natural landscapes and seascapes. Many of my pieces reflect experiences and stories from the places I’ve lived, worked, and traveled to. As treasurer, I aim to strengthen PWAS’ financial systems, resource mobilization, and creative programming, supporting sustainable growth and a welcoming space for artists of all backgrounds. I enjoy uplifting creative communities across Prince William County (PWC) with PWAS- the oldest and most welcoming art community in PWC, offering artists diverse opportunities to learn, exhibit, and connect. Outside of work, I love exploring local art, learning languages, traveling, and spending time outdoors with my family and friends.

 

And MORE...

If you are a NEW member to PWAS, send your bio (short) and pic to the Blog Admin! 

If you want to learn the HISTORY of PWAS, see blog post 1 at https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2021/08/post-1-about-pwas-history-of-prince.html 

Remember to see Meet the PWAS Members 2026 Part 1 and Meet Members Part 2

Like this post? Comment below and share it on social media! 

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 612: PWAS Spring Tall Oaks Art Show Sat, May 2, 10-5

PWAS Spring Tall Oaks Art Show Sat, May 2, 10-5

The biannual Prince William Art Society Spring Tall Oaks Art Show will take place on Saturday, May 2 from 10am to 5pm at 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA. The artist members will have a variety of art, art styles and art mediums on display for your viewing. Local art by local artists right in Lake Ridge!

Tall Oaks Community Building in Woodbridge

We've had great turn outs for our art shows each year and enjoyed meeting everyone! The art show can go on - rain or shine! Often we have an artist painting out front too. We'll be right off Old Bridge Road, down from the Giant on Hedges Run and the corner of Cotton Mill Road - so Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Occoquan - an art show right in your backyards!

Click on an image to enlarge... 

 Mark those calendars and come meet the artists on Saturday, May 2.

A few pics from past art shows: 

 

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 611: PWAS Member Art Show Coming This Summer at the ARTfactory

PWAS Member Art Show Coming This Summer at the ARTfactory

An email went out to the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) members about a Call for Art for the July 10 - August 9, 2026 juried art show at the ARTfactory in Manassas, Virginia. The submission deadline is Thursday, April 30, 2026 and the theme is Nostalgia. Mark those calendars, quickly rejoin or join PWAS, but let's get ready for this show!

https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership 

Nostalgia Ideas

I love this idea for an art show! Just think of all the art gallery visitors that will wander the gallery "oooing" and "awwwwing" all the wonderfully clever art works on display and thinking, "Oh, I remember those!" Let's see if we can jog a memory to find or to create artwork for this show, themed as Nostalgia (although the list is endless)! Alrighty, let's shake up the brain cells.

Do be careful of any copyrights but do get creative.

 

Nostalgia according to Wikipedia: 

"Nostalgia is a sentimental view of the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. It is often described as a sort of sad pleasure, in which a person longs for a past, whether real or romanticized, that cannot be recovered. It can also refer to a type of homesickness."

• What reminds you of grandma? Or your mom? Of 'Home'? The "good old days"?
• What fond memories do you have of your childhood? 
• Did you have a favorite toy or game you played? 
• How about the music, your favorite band or music artist?
• Where did you used to go that has since disappeared or has changed so much you don't recognize it any more? 
• How about your younger self or when your kids were little?
• A perfect vacation. One for the books. The Vacay of a lifetime. Keep it G-rated, kids!
• Speaking of books...a favorite book from way back when. Pride and Prejudice! 
• How did you celebrate special holidays when you were knee-high to a toad-frog? 
• What old car did you have, what was your first set of wheels? Big Wheel! 
• Pets of long ago.
• A huge banana split you wanted...maybe your eyes were bigger than your stomach! 
• Reminder the days of flip phones, cassette tapes, albums and album covers, VHS players. Oh my gosh, disco? I dare someone to paint a disco ball. Please include Donna Summer singing, "I Feel Love".
• Baby's first bowl of spaghetti with more on baby's head than in his/her mouth. 
• Now don't you get why your mom always said, "Go clean up your room!"? What a mess that room was!
• The early days of TV, cartoons, Barbie and Ken, Cabbage Patch Kids?
• Classic movies - so many old great movies!
• Candy! Paint those Gummy Bears, Jelly Bellies, Rock Candy.
• Cereal. 'Nuff said. 
• Old dishes, or glasses, or thrift stores finds that have a history behind them. Maybe an antique too.
• Riding bikes, snow sledding, how about the play ground you romped around in.
• Think about that old "Tech" that really isn't that long ago. A Walkman? A girl waiting by the dial up phone hoping and waiting for that special boy to call?
• Did you go to the movie theater, the drive-in theater. An arcade?
• A first kiss? A first date? 
• School days...so many stories  

Did the list jiggle a memory of something you may have already painted in your art inventory? Did you get an idea for something you could get on the easel? Let me know!

Remember, the ARTfactory wants artwork that has NOT appeared at their gallery before. And you have to do a write up about the piece and why its nostalgia for you!

As always, and especially if you are new to PWAS and/or are new to showing your art, here are some VERY important links to help you be successful as this is a juried art show.

Here Come the Judge - know what goes into the jurying process

Displaying Your Artwork - how PWAS artists are required to display art. A BIG reminder here is that at the ARTfactory, they hang artwork from the DRing, not from the actual wire! The artwork should still be wired though.

Call for Art - some very important reminders about Calls for Art.

Artwork Rejection - because as per usual, not all artwork can or should be accepted to show for many reasons. Read this to help offset your artwork from not getting in the show.

Do You Have Ideas to Share?

Drop a comment below and share any ideas about nostalgia themed artwork that may help other artists.

ALWAYS READ the Call for Art and know the minimum and maximum sizes and any other pertinent rules. There is contact info on the email for who to contact for more info...and it isn't me! 

Get to painting folks! 

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 610: Meet the PWAS Members 2026 Part 2

Meet the PWAS Members 2026 Part 2

Introducing the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) Members Part 2. The nonprofit art group meets monthly on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA. Besides updates on upcoming art projects for the art group, our meetings often feature art programs spotlighting area artists displaying and showing their art process, member "show and tell", and occasionally an art project to work on. Miss a meeting and you miss a LOT!

Let's begin meeting this next batch of the area's artist members of PWAS. I asked the group for a short bio paragraph and a photo of themselves...

See Meet the Members Part 1 

Members on Today's Post:

Mark Clifton, Isabelle Baulois, Mandy Powell, Robert Dew, David Dillon, Ana Quispe, Staci Blanchard, Richard Tyler, Zee Berrios, and Kwaku Ofori-Yirenkyi (ABSKU)

PWAS Member Mark Clifton

Bio: Mark Clifton is an artist painting in oil and rendering in pencil. Mark is self-taught
and resides in Northern Virginia. Upon retirement as a trumpet instrumentalist with
The United States Army Band, and other musical endeavors, Mark happily
continues his lifelong enchantment with oil painting and sketching. Mark is a
native Virginian with an artistic focus on realistic depictions of the beauty in our
natural surroundings. Contact information:  msclifton1@gmail.com 

PWAS Member Isabelle Baulois

Bio: Belgian-German artist Isabelle Baulois creates paintings that weave together spirituality, emotion, and lived experience. Having traveled to over 40 countries and spent 13 years in Thailand exploring abstract painting, diverse philosophies, and the language of color, her work now reflects a deeply personal journey of inner silence, cultural encounter, and universal connection. At 53, her art blends technical mastery with a luminous palette inspired by chakras, energy fields, and spiritual traditions. Each canvas becomes a meditation on life’s dualities: silence and sound, softness and strength, individuality and unity, translating her inner world into vibrant visual poetry.

PWAS Member Mandy Powell

Bio: I consider myself a modern impressionist, utilizing vibrant colors and mixed media. Each painting begins with a variety of underpainting techniques to include alcohol ink, mixed media paper, texture, and sometimes oil pastels. After the underpainting sets, I finish my story with oils for a rich finishing layer of depth. The layers of texture invite viewers to see beyond the flat surface of a landscape or portrait. The gold woven into my paintings is a reminder of the beauty and magic found in unexpected places. My inspiration is driven by the colors of nature and emotions of gratitude. I'd like to think each piece I create will give some warmth and brightness to whomever stands in front of it.

 

PWAS Member Robert Dew (PWAS Plein Air Posse)

Bio: I was born and raised in England. I have enjoyed painting all my life. I left school at 16 with an O level in art and joined the army so didn't get too much painting done over the next 16 years. Came to the USA 36 years ago and worked a hectic job until 4 years ago when I retired and joined PWAS. Now at last, I have time to paint and learn all I have been doing wrong. I was nervous about going outside to paint but the forming of the Plein Air Posse gave me the chance to get out with others to give it a try and I'm glad I did. I encourage everyone to give it a go.

PWAS Member David Dillon (PWAS Plein Air Posse)

Bio: David Dillon is a mainly a watercolor landscape painter. David Dillon describes his approach to watercolor as a loose style leaning toward an abstract rendering of a mood, place or a suggested narrative. One might see in the near future the same style applied to portraits or figurative pieces.

PWAS Member Richard Tyler

Bio: Illustrator Richard B. Tyler was born on April 11, 1982, in Monterey, California. He studied at The Art Institute of Washington, where he received a bachelor’s degree in the fine arts. His work is based on fantasy and science fiction. The sci-fi media of Richard’s youth featured many unique styles, which encouraged him to develop his
own. His artwork is presented in various formats, such as watercolor, acrylic, digital, and mixed media. Richard Tyler’s main goal was to create books for his illustrations, so he self-published art books with a unique compilation of his works, such as “Unknown Dreams and Forces: The Art of Richard B. Tyler," “Unknown Dreams and Forces 2nd Path,” and “Dorian Speaks No Evil.” Richard B. Tyler's Instagram page: https://instagram.com/therbtdesigner

PWAS Member Zee Berrios

Bio: A Virginia resident. Born in Puerto Rico. Raised in New York City and Puerto Rico. Has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Puerto Rico and a seminar study in Madrid at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Spain. He also holds a Master’s degree in Library Science from the Escuela Graduada de Bibliotecología of the University of Puerto Rico, He is now retired from the US Library of Congress. His art is a representation of his passion for color and social historical characters and issues. In his art he reflects his concern for justice, music, politics as well as his Christian Faith. He mainly works with acrylic on canvas, but also works on watercolors mediums. jzberrios@hotmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARTEDEZORRI/

PWAS Member Ana Quispe (PWAS President 2026-2027)

Bio: Hello, my name is  Ana Quispe, I work to provide services for a diverse community through work, volunteering, and activism. My artwork has had many influences over the years, from color, my varied background, and some of my favorite artists. A part of my background is that I have roots in Central and South America. The media I use are acrylic, watercolor, weaving, and mixed media. I usually do portraits, landscapes, waterscapes, florals, and animals. I'm looking forward to being president of PWAS with talented people. Let's get creative. 

PWAS Member Kwaku Ofori-Yirenkyi (ABSKU)

Bio: Kwaku Ofori-Yirenkyi, known as ABSKU, is a Ghanaian American artist based in Virginia, USA. His practice explores themes of migration, identity, and belonging through the lens of the African Diaspora. Raised between Ghanaian traditions and American culture, he creates work that reflects the fluidity and complexity of living within a Third Culture space. ABSKU works across a range of mediums, with a focus on figuration to tell visual stories of memory, heritage, and shared human experience. His art often integrates Adinkra symbols, Ankara cloth patterns, and Pop Culture references, weaving together elements of ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression. This fusion creates bold, graphic narratives that bridge tradition and modernity while highlighting the richness of cultural hybridity. Website: abskuartworks.com Instagram: @absku.koy

PWAS Member Staci Blanchard (PWAS Secretary, Interim 2026)

Bio: Staci started her art journey later in life, through a local military in the arts program that worked with veterans to promote mental health wellness through art therapy.  Art became a place Staci could go and put the outside world and all responsibilities on hold. What started as therapy quickly moved through the hobby phase and into a passionate outlet for creativity and personal growth.  Staci previously served as Vice President and Representative to the PWC Arts Council.  

And MORE...

If you are a NEW member to PWAS, send your bio (short) and pic to the Blog Admin! 

If you want to learn the HISTORY of PWAS, see blog post 1 at https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2021/08/post-1-about-pwas-history-of-prince.html 

Remember to See Meet the PWAS Members 2026 Part 1 

Look for Part 3 of meeting the Prince William Art Society members coming soon... 

Like this post? Comment below and share it on social media! 

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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