Congratulations to Oxford resident Debbie Johnson for winning the Airfloat Systems Merchandise Award for her watercolor painting entitled ‘Old Red.?
The award was given by the Texas Watercolor Society and was chosen by juror Frank Webb, a nationally known watercolor artist and instructor.
The painting, which is of an old, red Massey Harris tractor, will be included in the society’s traveling exhibit which will visit different galleries, art museums and art centers throughout Texas between March 2 and June 5.
An avid watercolor painter since childhood, Johnson said the inspiration to paint the old tractor came when she saw it at the Heritage Festival at the Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden a couple of years ago.
‘The bright sunlight and deep shadows on the rusty surface intrigued me,? she said.
Johnson said it took her about 16 hours to complete. She used thin layers of transparent watercolor, drying each layer to develop the deep colors.
This is the first time one of Johnson’s paintings has been featured in a national exhibition. This is her first award specifically for watercolor.
Some of her limited edition prints and a few original paintings are featured at Margot’s Gallery & Frame in downtown Oxford, where she teaches classes and holds workshops on watercolor painting.
‘It’s pretty exciting,? she said. ‘I’m finally living my dream of creating and teaching art for a living.?
To view more of Johnson’s work, visit www.watercolorworksart.com.