01 May, 2025 0 comments Leave a comment

This past winter, a Facebook friend sent me notice of an upcoming international online art competition. 

I don't often take the time to enter these competitions, which are offered by organizations all over the world, because it takes a lot of investigating to determine which ones are legitimate. 

This competition caught my attention, however, because it was offered by the Society of Canadian Artists, a prestigious, well-known, not-for-profit, Canadian arts organization.

After learning their mandate is "Fostering the visibility and stature of the visual arts in Canada", I decided I wanted to support this national organization in its efforts to promote professional Canadian artists and their artwork. 

I joined the Society in February as an associate member, and entered three paintings into their 2025 Open International Online Juried Exhibition.

In March, I learned the good news that my painting The Windy Shore, pictured above, was one of 167 artworks accepted into the show, out of 1180 pieces entered by 425 artists from around the world. The online show ran from April 1 to June 15 this year.

Later that month, the Society announced their spring call to apply for Elected Membership Status. They outlined all the benefits such as eligibility to enter their annual shows and qualify for over $30,000 in prizes, as well as being permitted to use the prestigious “SCA” designation after one's signature on paintings.

I spent a whole day preparing my application to become an Elected Member. I chose images of ten recent paintings representing my best work (including those pictured in this post) and outlined my professional development over the last 40 years. 

That summary included my exhibitions history, gallery representation, public/corporate/VIP collectors, awards, and publications. I added a list of my contributions to the artistic community, such as teaching watercolour classes for 15 years, publishing my award-winning art instruction book Watercolour Toolbox, and coordinating art shows and studio tours for many years.

I concluded my 15-page application with this statement:

"After 40 years of study and exploration, I feel like I have arrived at the heart and soul of my artistic expression, focusing on the wild landscapes of Canada. Being able to bring peace and joy to people all over the world, especially during these troubling times, is a privilege and a blessing I will never take for granted.

"I am applying for Elected Membership because it will give me an opportunity to support and celebrate Canadian art and artists, something I have always done enthusiastically. I believe artists should encourage one another and applaud each other’s accomplishments. As our nation faces an existential threat, and we all are becoming more appreciative of our country, artists and arts organizations can help define and celebrate what it means to ‘be Canadian’.

"Several artist friends of mine are members of different arts organizations. I have considered applying before, but I wondered if I would fit in, as a self-taught artist. When I read about the Society and gathered the information for this application, I realized I have a vast amount of ‘in the trenches’ experience to share, and I hope you agree."

Apparently the Society did agree, and I was extremely pleased and honoured to receive this email notice from them today: 

"On behalf of the SCA," it read in part, "it is my pleasure to inform you that your application for Elected Membership status in the Society of Canadian Artists has been successfully accepted!! You will receive an official paper certificate by Canada Post in the upcoming days. Thank you very much for your outstanding application!" After a long list of membership features and benefits, the email concluded: "We are delighted to welcome you as an Elected Member of the Society of Canadian Artists!"

It feels amazing and surreal to be recognized by this remarkable organization that was officially founded in 1972 (although germinating since 1957), and "born to foster and celebrate the visual arts in Canada". 

This is the second major arts organization that has recognized my artistic accomplishments.

Two years ago, I successfully achieved Signature Membership Status in Women in Watercolor, an international organization based in the USA, by winning an award in their Annual International Juried Competition three separate years within a six-year time period. (The competition had been running for four years at that point and I had won a total of nine prizes by then. I always was an over-achiever.) This designation means I can use the initials "WIW" after my signature. 

I guess I will have to write smaller when I sign my paintings, so I can fit in all those extra letters! ;-)

I am profoundly grateful to live this artist's life, being able to share with the world my soul-deep connection with nature and the art it inspires. Having someone acquire one of my paintings is the highest compliment I can imagine. Being recognized and welcomed by my artistic peers is icing on the cake.

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