PAST PRESIDENT'S BIOGRAPHIES, compiled by Edna Piersol Windes, 2006 ednawindes@mac.com

JOHN WILKISON / PO BOX 158839 Nashville, TN 37215
John's wife Patty was actually the originator for the idea of a SOUTHERN WATERCOLOR SOCIETY, more soon.
Biography coming soon

GEORG SHOOK  deceased / Memphis TN
More information needed.
Please contact the current president of Southern Watercolor Society or the web site editor if you have info.
Georg Shook was one of the Founders of Southern Watercolor Society. Georg died in a tragic auto accident in Pensacola FL in 1995 or 96 according to Susan Diebolt who used to work with Georg at Memphis Publishing Company (The Commercial Appeal), where Georg was art director. .
Source of the following: "40 Watercolorists and How They Work" by Susan E. Meyer, Watson-Guptill Publications
"Watercolorist George Shook was born in Mississippi in 1932. A southern regionalist, Shook paints vestiges of the rural south. "I especially enjoy painting scenes that touch the viewer with nostalgia, like half remembered places of forgotten times." Shook has won several awards for his watercolors including three consecutive purchase awards in Watercolor USA. He has exhibited with The American Watercolor Society, Watercolor USA, Tennessee Watercolor Society, Central South and Mid-South Exhibitions. "I suppose every artist has a goal. Mine is simply to bring one closer to an unappreciated heritage, or to help someone rediscover the familiar, through my paintings."
In 2006 Arni Anderson adds, "I don't know if this might help or not. but George lived in Memphis for a long time and if I'm not mistaken I think he was on the Memphis police force for some time. I know that his son was a policeman for Memphis."
Thank you Arni, until we get a full bio on Georg we will take all the scraps we can get. Georg was a treasured member of Southern Watercolor Society. Anyone who has info please contribute.
In 2006, Marilyn Hughey Phillis uncovered an old magazine article about Georg. Thanks Marilyn, here is a quote by Georg from the aritcle,
"When asked to comment on or write about my art. I find it difficult to put my feelings into words. Perhaps this is why I paint. What I paint is the commonplace and how I paint it is with realism Waiercolor is my medium: it is dynamic, alive, vibrant and flexible To me, it is a bridge of communication through which I make my statement about the world around me. Watercolor is the most responsive medium to my needs as a painter.
My love of art has been a part of me all my life. The inclination to draw and paint evolved through the normal college and art school development levels into the field of professional art.
My original aspiration was to become a police sketch artist. This was soon changed when it became clear the field was narrow, and the scientific methods employed made it less than appealing. However, it was this first love of realism that led me to enter the world of representational painting through the "back door" of portraiture. And, beginning my career in the field of portrait painting increased my fascination with detail The necessity (or an exact likeness also helped develop my skill for drawing. However, a few years of trying to
please relatives and friends of the person I was painting, made the alternative of landscape painting more appealing. However, my respect for detailed drawing carried over into my painting of landscapes, to the point that my work was literally landscape portraiture
Like many artists involved in realistic and or representational painting, I have struggled over the difference that exists between literal painting and realistic expression. However. through growth or natural evolvement, my style has loosened considerably My paintings now contain more self-expression and emotional response to a particular scene, rather than being a literal interpretation of the subject.
Art is a means of communication I feel that art. without an audience, loses its validity. I love realism because the viewer does not need an education in art appreciation to understand a realistic painting. The statement I am trying to make, through my paintings, is easily understood by a large number of viewers.
On the other hand. I believe that artists should not concern themselves with whether they are abstract, representational, traditional or experimental modernists painters. They should paint in whatever style is comfortable or true and natural to themselves." Georg Shook
Comment from  A. Decker, Paragould, AR(90 miles northwest of Memphis) I'll share the last words George said to me:  'Keep producing beautiful work.' "
Paintings by Georg Shook

MARCUS DURLACH, deceased/ Columbia SC
More information needed.
Please contact the current president of Southern Watercolor Society or the web site editor if you have info.
Marcus Durlach died sometime around 1996. His son still lives in Columbia, SC. His wife died in 2005. She was a poet. They were very unique individuals, he helped form SOUTH CAROLINA WATERCOLOR SOCIETY, and of course SOUTHERN WATERCOLOR SOCIETY. Marcus was well respected in SC. Information from Toni Elkins, 2006.

BERNICE OSBORNE/ Gulf Breeze FL ~ No current biography available.
Berniece Osborne grew up in Oldham County KY. She moved to Gulf Breeze, FL after marrying Frank Osborne. She taught classes and conducted workshops in Pensacola FL for many years.
More information needed.
Please contact the current president of Southern Watercolor Society or the web site editor if you have info.

R. SCOTT COLEMAN/ Jackson GA http://www.thespringgallery.com/scott.html
Taken from web site: http://www.artinaclick.com/search/results.asp?fk_Artist=4773
R. Scott Coleman is a native of Jackson, Georgia and it is there that he maintains his permanent studio. Scott received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia, where he studied with Lamar Dodd. After graduating Scott spent almost four years in the U.S. Navy and served his passion for travel - he made three Mediterranean cruises and one around the world cruise. After completing his military duties, Scott continued his travels by remaining abroad for six months on an extended art tour of Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East. In 1980, he was invited to participate as a working and exhibiting artist with the Georgia Festival of the Arts in Italy. During the last ten years Scott has traveled to England, Jamaica, the Canal Zone, Greece, France, and Mexico (nine times) on painting expeditions. Scott's studies at the University of Georgia were in preparation for a career in graphic design and illustration. After six years in television art with the Georgia and Mississippi Educational Networks, he began working as a free-lance artist in 1973. In addition to his graphic work, Scott has emerged through the years as a noted watercolor painter. In this endeavor, he has been rewarded with sixteen one-man exhibitions and has received awards in a number of regional and national competitions. His work is included in many corporate and private collections. In addition to his graphic work and painting career, Scott continues to conduct watercolor workshops throughout the southeastern U.S. and the south of France. He has also served as a judge for many festivals and exhibitions. He was honored when the team on which he served won first place in the national design competition of the Rose Garden (a segment of the National Garden) at the foot of the Capitol in Washington, D.C..
Added by R. Scott & Kathrine Allen-Coleman 2006:
Award winning designer, illustrator, and painter, R. Scott Coleman co-owns and operates the Coleman Allen-Coleman Studio and Gallery in Indian Springs, GA.  A former member of the Georgia Council for the Arts and Humanities, Scott served as chairman of the Art Acquisition Committee for the Georgia Art Bus, (A touring Georgia Artists Exhibition.)  Coleman also served on the advisory board for the Southern Arts Federation's Visual Artists touring program.  Scott is the former President and signature/life member of both the Georgia and Southern Watercolor Societies.  His teaching experience includes workshops in Spain, France, and Italy
email: Rscottcole@aol.com.

ARNI ANDERSON/ Edmond OK President of the Southern Watercolor Society from 1983-1985.
arnic1@yahoo.com
A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Arni now lives and worked in Edmond. He works as a full- time art educator and pursues art as
a full-time profession. He also continues to conduct workshops and demonstrations whenever possible. He also teaches private lessons.
His work is included in collections in many states and in several foreign countries. His paintings have received over 450 awards and honors in
major competitions. Anderson's goals are to write and publish books about painting, to be among the most successful
watercolorists in the country. Subject matter varies. Anderson believes that the subject is irrelevant; the painting is what lasts
forever. Considering himself an impressionistic realist, he likes to fool the eye with lack of details.
Arni is married to Nina, and they have three children. Arni taught in the Art department at Harding University before coming to Oklahoma Christian
University in l976 to be head of the Art department. After leaving Oklahoma Christian, Arni was an Artist-in-Residence for the state of Oklahoma
for three years. He taught Art at Will Rogers Elementary in Putnam City for five years, after which he returned
to the Artist-in-Residence program for another three years. He has taight K-8 Art at 0akdale School in Edmond.

ANNETTE BUSH /Augusta GA
Annette Bush
202 Green Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Web site: http://www.annettebush.com/aab.html
Annette Bush has been painting for more than thirty-five years. Primarily a watercolorist, she recently turned to an explosion of color in oils on canvas. She is Past President of both the Southern and Georgia Watercolor Societies with earned signature status in each. She frequently serves as art and fine crafts juror for exhibitions and festivals.      She teaches painting techniques in workshops across the South and has traveled, sketched and taught in France and in Japan. A recent excursion into art history as an adjunct instructor and a book illustration have added another dimension to her creativity. Like her Japanese and French Encounters, these gave her a renewed awareness of the American South -- its Shapes, its Colors and its Heart.
     A native of Augusta, Annette Adams Bush lived in five Southern states before returning to her home city. She serves as Chairman of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts Advisory Council and on the LaGrange (GA)  College Alumni Council.  She is Founding Chairman of the Historic Cemeteries of Augusta Foundation and was the first woman Chairman of Augusta's Downtown Development Authority. 
In 2005, Annette was named to the Wall of Outstanding Alumni at LaGrange (GA) College.

DON RANKIN, SW
CHARTER ARTIST, LIFE MEMBER
last known address 2006
3412 WELLFORD CIRCLE
BIRMINGHAM AL 35226-2616
205-979-6581
kahkahwee@charter.net
Don is a former President and one of the co-founders of the Southern Watercolor Society. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Art at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, teaching color theory, structure of design, painting and drawing. Don has an earned Ph.D. in Visual Communication with a specialty in American Indian Imagery. He is an artist member of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association in Albuquerque, New Mexico and an enrolled member of the Piqua Shawnee Tribe. In 1973, at the age of 26, he was one of the youngest artists to be included in Who's Who in American Art. His work has been featured in American Artist magazine as well as Northlight Magazine and other publications. Don is the author of "Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor", "Painting from Sketches, Photographs and the Imagination" and "Answers to 50 of the Most Often Asked Questions About Watercolor Glazing Techniques"...all Watson-Guptill Publications. His work was also featured in "Painting the Landscape" by Elizabeth Leonard and "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Watercolor" edited by Marian Appellof ...also Watson-Guptill Publications. Don's work has also been featured in instructional video tapes. Don is available for workshops as well as lectures and as a juror from time to time. His work is found in many private as well as corporate collections.

CHARLES SHARPE/ Durham NC President 1995 - 1996
4617 Reigalwood Rd
Durham NC 27712
Charles Sharpe, who has been painting since the early 1970's, is a self-taught  watercolor and oil painter who divides his time between Durham, NC., and Morehead City, NC, where he maintains studios. His style and technique have earned him awards in juried exhibitions including the Watercolor Society of North Carolina and the Southern Watercolor Society. He has been included in Watercolor West Annual Exhibitions in California and the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors in New York. Two of Charles' watercolors are published in the book "Best of Watercolor: Painting Light and Shadow."  He has received several awards at the N.C. State Fair for both his oils and watercolors. His work is included in numerous private and corporate collections. Charles has served as juror for several art exhibitions.  For over 20 years he has conducted watercolor workshops in which fundamentals of transparent watercolor are taught, stressing the use of sketches to produce complete and successful paintings.  
Charles served as Southern Watercolor Society President for 1995/96 and as Vice President for 1993/94.  He is a Life Member of the Watercolor Society of N.C. and was Treasurer for 1985 and Vice President for 1988/89.
Charles may be contacted via email at CSharpeTTS@aol.com
Also see CharlesSharpe.html

MARILYN HUGHEY PHILLIS/ Wheeling WVA. President 1997 - 1998
Marilyn Hughey Phillis, is an elected member of AWS, NWS, SW, (past president), Society of Layerists in Multimedia, Ohio Watercolor Society (past President), Allied Artists of America, and several state organizations.
Inductee into two Halls of Fame in 2000, Kent, Ohio and Wheeling, WV. Collections include Talladega Museum of Art, Alabama, Springfield, Ohio Museum of Art, Ohio Watercolor Society, Ohio University , numerous corporate and private collections internationally. Author of book, Watermedia Techniques for Releasing the Creative Spirit. Workshop instructor and national judge of art exhibitions.
Marilyn Hughey Phillis, AWS, NWS, SW
72 Stamm Circle
Wheeling WV, 26003
(304) 242-6831
e-mail MHPhillis@aol.com
EDNA WAGNER PIERSOL / Niceville FL. 1999- 2000 president,
Born in 1931 in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Artist, author, lecturer, consultant, workshop instructor, juror: author of Living by Your Brush Alone and Learn to Paint Watercolors in Five Days, listed in the World Who's Who of Women, member of the National League of American Pen Women in both Arts and Letters, (1988-89 vice president, Pensacola FL Branch ), She received her first national award in 1949 while still in high school. She has exhibited with the Catharine Wolfe , NY; Aqueous Open , Alabama National , Southern Watercolor Society , also at the Butler Institute of American Art; Allied Artists of America, NY; Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NY; American Society of Artists, Chicago; Southern Watercolor Society; and Pittsburgh Watercolor Society. Juror for many exhibits including: 2001 juror for the Central South Art Exhibition, Nashville, TN; Juror for Aqueous USA 2000, KY, September 2000; 1999. Jury Committee for VAC National Watercolor Show; USAF Worldwide Art Competition Jury selector and Committee Chair . Piersol paints in all water media plus in watercolor on the computer. She feels computer graphics are fascinating. Her work is included in many public and private collections including the permanent collection of the Butler Institute of American Art.
As of 2006-2007 http://www.ednawagnerpiersol.com
Edna now resides in California.
Edna Piersol Windes
1082 Cameo Dr.,
Campbell CA 95008
408/386-5317
e-mail ednawindes@mac.com
MARY JANE COX deceased Baker LA. President 2001-2002
9379 Tasmania Ave
Baton Rouge LA 70810
Our friend and fellow artist, Mary Jane Cox, passed away on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 after a long illness.  She will be missed by her many friends, students and colleagues. Mermorial service Guest book at  
OBITUARY
Mary Jane Metz Cox
Mrs. Cox was born on Dec. 22, 1930, in Shelbyville , Ind. , and passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at her residence in Baton Rouge . She was an artist and is survived by her husband, James Madison Cox, of Baton Rouge; daughters, Kandy Sue Ray and husband Daryl Ray Sr., of Amite, and Jackie Mull, of Shellman Bluff, Ga.; sister, Nancy Glidwel, of Tennessee; and grandsons and their families, Daryl Ray Jr., of Baton Rouge, Gerald Ray, of Watson, and James Mull, of Shellman Bluff. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in her memory to St. Joseph Hospice Foundation, 8923 Bluebonnet Blvd. , Baton Rouge , LA 70810

Husband:
James Cox
9379 Tasmania Ave
Baton Rouge LA 70810
Paintings by Mary Jane Cox
Mary Jane had over 40 years experience in professional watercolor painting.  She studied with many national artists and received considerable acclaim as a watercolor impressionist.  Rockport Publishers featured her work in their 1997 Best of Watercolor #2.  She was featured a “Member of the Issue” in North Light Magazine with an article and pictures.  The October 2000 issue of American Artist’s Watercolor Magazine carried a review of her work.  Her publishing credits include Bridge the Gap, a home workshop book, and The Artist’s Organizing Manual.  Her Changing Scenes art idea book was also well accepted. She published articles in Art Calendar Magazine and also wrote, illustrated, and published a series of six children’s story/color books under the title of The Adventures of Billy-Bob Bear, based on a black bear that resides in the Baton Rouge Zoo. Mary Jane’s work is displayed in many public and private collections in the United States as well as many other countries.  She judged art shows and was a favorite instructor for watercolor workshops and seminars nationwide.  She was a member of 16 watercolor societies, earning signature status in seven, including the Louisiana Watercolor Society.
She was president of the Southern Watercolor Society 2001-2 and a member of the National League of American Pen Women in art and letters.
JAMES BRANTLEY/ Opelika, AL, President 2003-2004
James Brantley has been drawing and painting for over 40 years. In 1998, he retired from teaching high school art so that he could devote himself full-time
to painting and drawing. In the 2 years since his retirement, he has won a number of national and international awards, including Best of Show at the 2000 Louisiana Watercolor Society International Exhibition in New Orleans. He has also earned signature membership in The American Watercolor Society(AWS), The National Watercolor Society(NWS), and The Watercolor Society of Alabama(WSA). He has a signature membership in The Southern Watercolor Society. He served as president of The Watercolor Society of Alabama for 1999-2000, also served as treasurer of The Southern Watercolor Society.
His work can be seen at Bryant Galleries in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi. http://jamesbrantley.net.
JAMES D. BRANTLEY
2301 DUNLOP CIR
OPELIKA AL 36801
334/749-5689
rembrantley@hotmail.com

MARILYNNE BRADLEY/ Webster Grove MO President 2005 - 2006
Marilynne Bradley has been acknowledged in "Who's Who in American Women Artists", World Who's Who of Women" and " Who's Who in the World". She is a signature artist member in the Southern Watercolor Society, Georgia WC Society, Kansas WC Society, Kentucky WC Society and a Distinguished member of the St. Louis Artists' Guild. Her work is recognized in museum exhibitions, accepted in major national juried competitions and included in many major corporate collections in United States, France, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Korea, Australia, Tahiti and China. She has had over 150 one person exhibits and received over 50 awards. Componere Gallery, in St. Louis, is her exclusive agent. Marilynne received her BFA from Washington University, an MAT from Webster University and her MFA from Syracuse University. She is a member of the faculty of Webster University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. In the past she has instructed classes and workshops at the Kansas City Art Institute, St. Louis University, William Woods University, Columbia College, Washington University and many national watercolor societies. Besides presenting lectures and demonstrations she is in demand for jurying exhibits.
Marilynne Bradley
817 SO. Gore, Webster Groves, Mo. 63119
314-968-1439
MGBRAD@aol.com
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