Saturday, March 1, 2025

Post 545: Women in Art

Women in Art

Women's History Month is March, so this post celebrates Women in Art from several angles. The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is made up of a lot of very talented men and women artists and there are two things for certain - one is that the female form has been the subject of art since the beginning of time. The other is that you can't look at a painting and know if it was painted by a man or a woman unless it goes by the title of "Self Portrait" (maybe).

"The Boating Party" by American artist Mary Cassatt. Photo taken at the National Gallery of Art by Donna Liguria in October 2024 from a PWAS Field Trip to the Gallery

Women Artists in History

Interestingly, in the past, creative women were pushed into the stereotype of fiber art and textiles (picture all the women sitting around the parlor in their gowns 'embroidering cushions'), while the "Master Artists" are nearly all men. Women were not allowed to practice anatomy drawing nor were they allowed in the art schools. A few women broke through the stereotypes as they could, when they could, and in one way or another.

In The Powerful Legacy of Women in the Art World, the question is asked, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?" And it states, "Less than 5% of the artists in the Modern Art Sections are women, but 85% of the nudes are female." - Guerrilla Girls.

On the National Museum of Women in the Arts website it states, "Just 11% of all acquisitions at prominent American museums over the past decade were of work by women artists." Why is that? And again I say, you cannot very well look at artwork and say which gender it was painted by! The only questions that should be asked when viewing an artwork are if it is appealing, inspiring, does it make a statement, how it makes the viewer feel.

For Further Reading:

The Role of Women in Art History

The World's Most Famous and Favorite Women Artists

Although there are so many different types of arts as everyone knows both inside and outside of the visual arts, the focus on the list below is mainly on favorite female painters and sculptors. Thank goodness for these trailblazers that broke through the challenges of their day. Drop a comment if you know of other female artists that should be listed here.

Agnes Martin (Canadian, 1912 - 2004, aged 92 - Minimalist)

Alma Thomas (American, 1891 - 1978, aged 87 - Abstract)

Angelica Kauffman (Swiss-Austrian, 1741 - 1807, aged 66 - Neoclassical)

Artemisia Gentileschi (Italian, 1593 - 1653, aged 60 - Baroque)

Augusta Savage (American, 1892 - 1962, aged 70 - Sculptor)

Berthe Morisot (French, 1841 - 1895, aged 54 - Impressionism)

Bridget Riley (British, b. 1931 - Optical Art)

Catharina van Hemessen (Flemish, 1528 - 1580, aged 52 - Renaissance)

Elaine Sturtevant (American, 1924 - 2014, aged 89 - Appropriation Art, Conceptual Art)

Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (French, 1755 - 1842, aged 87 - Rococo, Neoclassical)

Faith Ringgold (American, 1930 - 2024, aged 93 - Feminist Art Movement)

Georgia Totto O’Keeffe (American, 1887 - 1986, aged 99 - American Modernism)

Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928 - 2011, aged 83 - Abstract Expressionism)

Hilma af Klint (Swedish, 1862 - 1944, aged 82 - Abstract)

Joan Mitchell (American, 1925 - 1992, aged 67 - Abstract Expressionism)

Judith Jans Leyster (Dutch, 1609 - 1660, aged 51 - Baroque, Dutch Golden Age)

June Leaf (American, 1929 - 2024, aged 94, Abstract, Kinetic Art) 

Kara Walker (American, b. 1969 - Contemporary)

Lee Krasner (1908 - 1984, aged 76 - Abstract Expressionism)

Leonora Carrington (British-Mexican, 1917 - 2011, aged 94 - Surrealist)

Louise Bourgeois (French-American, 1911 - 2010, aged 99 - Sculptor)

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon (Mexican, 1907 - 1954, aged 47 - Surrealism, Magic Realism)

Mary Stevenson Cassatt (American, 1844 - 1926, aged 82 - Impressionism)

Rosa Bonheur (French, 1822 - 1899, aged 77 - Realism)

Sofonisba Anguissola (Italian, 1532 - 1625, aged 93 - Renaissance)

Sonia Delaunay (Ukrainian-born French, 1885 - 1979, aged 94 - Orphism)

Tamara de Lempicka (Polish, 1898 - 1980, aged 82 - Art Deco)

Tracey Emin (British, b. 1963 - Contemporary)

Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929 - Pop Art, Minimalism, Feminist Art)

Women as the Subject in Art

Although the world's art history was very slow to recognize women as artists, women have quite often been the subject of some of the world's most famous artworks! Probably the most famous of a woman in a painting is of course, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci which is currently hanging at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Another world's favorite is "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer, hanging at the Mauritshuis Museum, The Hague.

Here are a few of the 'women in art' paintings that I snapped pictures of when PWAS took a field trip to the National Gallery of Art in October 2024. I am sure you recognize some of these famous works.

"La Parisienne"  by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

"The Dancer" by Auguste Renoir

"Symphony in White No1: The White Girl" by James McNeill Whistler

"Woman With a Parasol" by Claude Monet. Photos taken at the National Gallery of Art by Donna Liguria in October 2024 from a PWAS Field Trip to the Gallery 

PWAS Artists Share Thoughts and Women in Art 

I asked the PWAS members for thoughts and artwork and a few members present their "women in art" pieces and some share their thoughts on the subject here.

From PWAS Member Bruce Fasick

Below is “RoeVWade” aka "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword” aka “Men Against Women Against Violence Against Women”. More pix may be view in the program link (towards the back in the Sculpture section):

https://indd.adobe.com/view/138e0db9-4fcf-4d6b-9e97-83a13f5a56e0 

From PWAS Member Emily Hawes

As to thoughts on women in arts, I think of famous women like Mary Cassatt, Janet Fish etc., but I also think of the women in Our arts - The high percentage of our county arts and our PWAS board who are female, the women who have been president of the PWAS (I think maybe Jim Gallagher was the only male in years?). The percentage of our county art teachers who are female... The women who are in it for personal enrichment and to support cultural opportunities for our communities and
families rather than for the glory (or big bucks). Just saying maybe there's something there, in the overlooked ladies?

From PWAS Member Mandy Powell

I have recently become obsessed with learning more about Camille Claudel. She studied under Rodin in Paris with rumors to have been romantically involved with him. However, he moved on with someone else. Her worked was censored and deemed inappropriate and later she was committed to a mental asylum. She ended up dying there and being buried in an unmarked grave. Now, she is known for her remarkable statues of marble and bronze. Her traumatic story as an artist is beyond moving, especially considering she worked by Rodin, but was never recognized for her talent. In the past, there has been little representation of women behind the canvas (or statues), despite their contributions to the visual arts world. Here's a web site with more details: Camille Claudel

Although I'm not a sculptor, my art has highlighted women this past month. I've enjoyed playing with new mediums and painting women exhibiting deep emotions. Whether women are the creators of the art or are the centerpieces of the art, women contribute an immense beauty to the art world in every aspect. 



From PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin 

"Lady Liberty Weeps" This is a painting of mine sold a few years ago (and) I think the sentiment speaks for itself.

From PWAS Member Patty Gulledge

My daughter is a working artist in Charlottesville, and I painted this little sketch of her creating beauty during the pandemic.

From PWAS Member Sonya Cormwell

“Up Lijah 2” by Sonya Cromwell 18x24x.75 acrylics on canvas, original.  This picture depicts a childhood memory of seeing my grandmother looking out towards a creek.  Purchase on Etsy: https://lftoffersartbysonya.etsy.com/listing/1866922910 

“Comforting” by Sonya Cromwell 15x30x1.5 acrylics on canvas, original.  This picture depicts women comforting each other.  Purchase on Etsy here: https://lftoffersartbysonya.etsy.com/listing/1846666596


From PWAS Member Donna Liguria

Agreement must be made with Emily Hawes, that the wonderful heroic Women of PWAS that step up as Board members, Event, Scholarship, Program, Hospitality, and Gallery Committees in order get things done with and for the Prince William Art Society - they ALL keep us going. We appreciate our members! Art Groups just cannot survive without these women! We need ALL members to take a role toward our group's success!
 
I have never had a claim that painting humans was something I could do to my satisfaction. Nonetheless, attempts have been made, sticking with a ballet slipper, a hand, or a hint at a female.

 "My Island Paradise in a Red Dress" acrylic on canvas by Donna Liguria
"Castanets" acrylic on canvas by Donna Liguria
"Fiery Flamenco" acrylic on canvas by Donna Liguria

Are You Our Next PWAS Hero?

Yes, March is Women's Month, but what is life without both men and women? Creative people make art, all art, and make up art groups. Your skills, your creativity in problem solving, your knowledge, your skillsets and your desire and love of art are what is needed today. And PWAS needs more heroic women AND men - to get us into the future of art in Prince William County! 

Join PWAS

Join a PWAS Committee

Did I miss your favorite female artist? Do you have something to say about Women in Art? Drop a comment below... 


Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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

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)!

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Post 544: PWAS Art Scholarship in PWC

PWAS Art Scholarship in PWC

Did you know that the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) has been giving out an art scholarship since 2008? ANY Prince William County, Virginia high school graduating senior (this year) preparing to pursue a Bachelor's degree in the visual fine arts OR in art education is welcome to apply for the scholarship.

Jewell Pratt Burns Art Scholarship

Are you or do you know of a senior in high school graduating in 2025 that is pursuing a bachelor's degree in the visual fine arts or in art education? Then share this post with them to apply for this scholarship! Even PWC home school seniors are welcome to apply.

Learn more about the Prince William Art Society's Jewell Pratt Burns Art Scholarship here. The teacher recommendation is a required part of the application process, so read the instructions carefully.

Past Scholarship Winners - the Future of Art

See the running list of scholarship winners on the PWAS website. The art group gives one or two scholarships out each May and has an award ceremony to celebrate the event. PWC seniors - if art education is in your future this fall, apply today!

Occasionally we hear back from the scholarship winning students after college and we love to hear about how they are doing and their artistic plans for the future!  

Note: Any questions should be directed to the Scholarship Committee PWAS@princewilliamartsociety.com


Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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

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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Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Post 543: PWAS Meeting with Valerie Larson, Guest Speaker

PWAS Meeting with Valerie Larson, Guest Speaker

Monday, February 24, 2025. The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) meets on the 4th Monday every month at the Tall Oaks Community Center on the corner of Cotton Mill Road and Hedges Run - right down from the Giant off Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge, VA. At our art group's meetings, we usually have some sort of art program, typically featuring a local artist, on all types of art topics. Manassas artist, Valerie Larson joined us for our February meeting.

Valerie's Artistic Journey

Valerie told of her inspiring artistic journey that has shaped her life and art to where she is today.  Her story has led to many commissioned watercolor portraits of pets, and her art on display truly made you understand why she is much in demand by her clients desiring an artwork of their furry children...aka pets. She explained the communication involved with a client to capture just the right light and life of the pet subject's relationship with their human family. 

As one member said, "You can see the personality of the dog, looking out from the portrait." 

She shared many examples of her work, her commission process, and some of the extra touches she builds into each of her 'works of art'. 

Valerie also shared her approach to the process of art video making with music, marketing and social-media posts on Facebook and Instagram that help getting her art "out there". She loves to use Aquabord artist surfaces, the Inshot app, InDesign, Photoshop, and she often uses Jerry's Artarama as an art supply source.

The PWAS members thoroughly enjoyed the meeting and getting to know Valerie. Many questions were asked and everyone was enthralled by her artwork.


After light snacks and beverages, the business part of the meeting proceeded, including reports from the various Board members, information on upcoming art shows, events, and the need for a Nominating Committee for the end of year PWAS Board elections. Contact the Member at Large if you want to be on that much needed committee.

Are you an artist in Prince William County? Don't miss the next guest speaker - you may miss the exact art topic of interest to what you do! Join PWAS

What did you think of the meeting?


Author, Photographer: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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

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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Monday, February 24, 2025

Post 542: A Day at Three Fox Vineyard

A Day at Three Fox Vineyard

Some Prince William Art Society (PWAS) members made their way to the Three Fox Vineyard and Brewery located at 10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144 on Sunday, February 23 to have a look at OUR art, the winery and enjoy the beautiful day. Click to enlarge the photos.

Art, Artists and a Winery

If you have ever been out to the Art at the Mill biannual art show in Milwood, VA (highly recommended), you may have driven right by Three Fox Vineyard and Brewery along the way. It was a very pleasant day to visit, seeing our PWAS art up at the show and tasting the wines and brews, and the delightful pizza. We had a good group of PWAS members and their friends and families join us for the visit. 

Here are some photos of our visit:

Larry Burch and his painting (lower left)
Sandra McClelland Lewin and her painting (upper left)
Bettie Sperty and one of her paintings (one sold! Yippee!!)

Donna Liguria and one of her paintings (left) 
Kelly, Joan, and John Haneklau and some friends
We also saw PWAS members David Dillon, Robert Dew, Tom Payne who all stopped in.
Lori Murphy - Mark Murphy's wife (on the left) and Joan Haneklau. Mark must have been behind the camera!

Just imagine what the spring and summer will look like! There's plenty of outdoor seating too. I hope we can PWAS Art the place up again!

See also PWAS Art Show at Three Fox Vineyard and Three Fox Vineyards and Brewery plus Art


Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Photography/Video Credits: Donna Liguria, Larry Burch, Mark Murphy, Bettie Sperty, Sandra McClelland Lewin

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

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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