Harvest High Judi Gilden loves the way water interacts with different colors as they combine and hit paper. She has been painting with watercolors for 30 years, and the fusion still fascinates her.
Fans of her work, as well as students of her watercolor class at the South Brunswick Community Education School, will be able to view the results of this passion at a New York exhibit in December. It is the first solo exhibit of Gilden’s artistic career.
Gilden, 64, of Marlboro, won the exhibit opportunity as part of her first-place designation at the National Association of Women Artists’ Open Small Works Exhibition in February. Her winning painting, “Winter Radiance,” will not be part of the solo exhibit because it does not fit with the rest of the 26 pieces she submitted.
According to its website, NAWA, founded in 1889, is the oldest professional women’s fine art organization in the country and provides a forum for women artists to share ideas and exhibit their work.
Harvest Home In addition to NAWA, Gilden is also an exhibiting member of the Pen and Brush and the NationalArts Club, the latter of which she considers her most rewarding distinction.
“That gave me validation and told me I’m doing something right,” she said.
Gilden produces work in casein and mixed water media, but prefers watercolors for its flexibility. “Like a genie out of a magic lamp, it can become whatever you wish,” she said in a statement.
She said she enjoys experimenting with color and layers of glazing. Roberta Krantz, director of the Arts and Community Center at Ocean County College, Toms River, said Gilden should be applauded for her originality.
“Ms. Gilden’s watercolors enhance my home,” Krantz said. “Just looking at her innovative interpretations of nature gives me a deep sense of peace.”
Gilden said she paints different subject matter and has produced portraits, landscapes and still lifes. The paintings she submitted for the upcoming exhibition were chosen for their cohesive theme.
Gilden’s solo exhibit of watercolors will run from Dec. 7 through Jan. 4 at the National Association of Women Artists gallery at 80 FifthAve., New York City. An open reception will take place from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 14. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.