February 2009 Archives

So many of us at SDWS are sorrowed by the sad news of  the death of Rich Buchwald on Feb.21, 2009 in San Diego. He was a gentle man, truly concerned with his friends and artists. Known for his sense of humor, he often gave his paintings amusing names - and wonderful paintings they were! Rich painted in watercolor quickly, loosely and with joyous color... a true "plein aire" master.

Rich was a tall, slim, elegant man, a champion swimmer and it showed. He swam with his friends frequently at the Doubletree Athletic Association, was a Senior Oympic Swimming Champion and often took part in the annual Rough Water Swim in La Jolla.
 
A decorated Purple Heart Veteran during World War II, Rich reflected the spirit of the early California painters... a celebration of the landscape. He loved painting San Diego and recently exhibited a painting in the SDWS show in the San Diego International Airport. One of my favorite paintings won an a Merit Award in the 2000 National Watercolor Association show... called "It Never Rains in San Diego".
 
Rich had top notch art training; a B.A.E. degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a M.A. at Northwestern University. He was a District Director of Art Education in Chicago and became an important figure in the art world here after his move to San Diego. He served on the Board of Directors of The San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild and holds Signature memberships in the Colorado Watercolor Society, the Montana Watercolor Society and the Northwest Watercolor Society. Rich's work career included 33 years as an art supervisor, 30 years as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools and work in the television field (United Scenic Artist,CBS and NBC) as well as outdoor building display and layout.
 
Rich leaves his wife, June, of 62 years, a daughter and two sons. The family suggests that donations may be made to the San Diego Watercolor Society. The art community will miss this courteous, talented man who felt that "Each watercolor is a discovery making palpable the energy of the moment. Not knowing where it will flow, the painting begats a life of its own."
 
Suzanne Geller, SDWS Board Member

SDWS offers Art Summer Camp for Kids and Teens

SDWS member and art teacher, June Rubin, is teaching kids, once a week, for 6 weeks as part of The Liberty School at NTC . Liberty School is an innovative new program, supported by the NTC Foundation, that provides at-risk San Diego school children with arts, culture, and science classes.

Thanks to Lupe Martinez, at Normal Heights Elementary, the students have a beautiful display of the artwork they created during our SDWS outreach visit to their school. Each child painted a unique and wonderful tree of life.