The Chippewa Valley Watercolor Artists meet monthly at Beaver Creek Reserve. From now through July 22, up to 100 watercolor paintings are available for purchase and displayed at BCR. (Submitted photos)

400 acres and nine miles of hiking trails at Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR) attract many visitors who like to connect with nature, and Kristen Giefer, BCR marketing and program director, speaks highly of one special partnership. 

“The Chippewa Valley Watercolor Artists have been meeting at Beaver Creek Reserve once a month since 1993," Kristen said. "They exhibit their art every spring and summer and sometimes create their paintings based on plants or animals that can be seen at that time of year. The Watercolor Exhibit is very popular with our visitors, staff, and volunteers, and many of the pieces are available for purchase."

The Chippewa Valley Watercolor Artists also offered watercolor classes for BCR staff during the last two years, led by Lindamerry Udel. "We're very thankful for our partnership and the beautiful art that they create to help showcase the beauty of nature and Wisconsin's plants and wildlife," Kristen said.

The local watercolor group got its start thanks to Janet Carson's on-location watercolor class at BCR years ago, and it became the group's home base, Lindamerry said. "We meet the second Wednesday of each month from 9am to noon at the Wise Nature Center. 30-plus members come together once a month to paint. Each brings their own work and problems to solve with each other. There is no formal instruction; however, we strive to have a short demo each month to learn from each other.

"Everyone is encouraged to show their "in progress" watercolor work during a critique as well as join in offering suggestions regarding technique, procedures, et cetera," Lindamerry added.

Artists bring their own supplies and are responsible for choosing their own image to work on as they enjoy the changing scenery and animals throughout the year. Selected artists provide demonstrations of techniques including wet-on-wet effects, using salt for texture, and developing various skin tones for portraits. They walk around and look at each other’s art to ask how to complete certain steps in the painting process and encourage painters to try different things and push them to paint more.

Beginners can feel cautious when just starting out, but over time, they build confidence. Two all-day painting experiences will be offered this year, one in April and one in August. 

“I have learned so much from my peers by watching, listening and asking,” adds painter Joyce McManus. “Critiques in the beginning were the most helpful. Through this group I heard of workshops and have taken many over the years. Because of this group, I can call myself a 'Watercolor Artist. ' ”

Each year the group hosts an exhibit at BCR, and every other year they show at Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls. In 2025, the Chippewa Valley Watercolor Artists will be exhibiting at BCR  from May 15 through July 22 with up to 100 watercolor paintings for purchase.

All watercolor artists, beginner to advanced, are welcome to join them. Annual dues are $15. A Beaver Creek Nature Reserve membership is required. For more information, contact Lindamerry Udell at lindamerryart@gmail.com. 

“Behind the Easel” is a periodic column by Patricia Hawkenson, a visual artist and one of the proprietors of Decadent Gifts & Gallery in Eau Claire.