rhode island watercolor society

“A State of Perpetual Surprise” to appear in the Rhode Island Watercolor Society’s Juried Simply Watercolor Show, November 15-December 12, 2025

| Sarah Connell Campbell

I’m certainly glad the wonderful people at the Rhode Island Watercolor Society seem to understand my art, as evidenced by their acceptance of this whimsical piece. Sometimes I feel like my work is a bit of comic relief in an angsty and serious time and that’s perfectly fine with me – but the tiny figure in the window in this piece represents something important to me. I can’t presume to know what it might evoke in the viewer, but comments are encouraged.

Watercolor + ink, 2025

Simply watercolor opens on November 15, with the opening reception on Saturday, November 22 at 1pm.

National Watermedia Show 2025: “Hockney Flowers” at the Rhode Island Watercolor Society May 31 – July 3, 2025

| Sarah Connell Campbell

The Rhode Island Watercolor Society has honored me by including “Hockney Flowers” in the in it’s 2025 National Watercolor Show, running May 31st – July 3, 2025.

This is one of my favorite pieces and I am glad that it will be shown in a gallery where its true colors can be appreciated.

The RIWS is a wonderful place to visit in the summer, with a charming carousel just across the street.

“Greener pastures” wins third prize from the Rhode Island Watercolor Society

| Sarah Connell Campbell
Greener Pastures, watercolor + gouache, 2025

In addition to exhibiting art at their Pawtucket gallery, the Rhode Island Watercolor Society holds a number of online shows each year, and the current exhibit, In the City is where you can find this work.

Juror Bill Lane remarked:

“The color palette caught my attention, the drawing caught my intrigue, and the playfulness made me smile. Great depiction of a busy city scene with masterful shapes and details throughout the watercolor. What fun!!”

Bill is a master watercolorist – I’m a huge fan of his work and so pleased to be chosen from such a beautiful group of paintings in a variety of media.

“Greener Pastures” was inspired by my youth – a mashup of my love for the greens of Iowa summers, my yearning to escape to the big city, and my obsession with the Wizard of Oz.

I went through a phase, post Covid, where painting from photos or from life was challenging, and I relied on my memories and imagination to fuel my art. It was frustrating at first but I like the evolution that occurred.

“Casting Long Shadows” accepted to the Rhode Island Watercolor Society’s Juried Show, Natural Wonders – April 26-May 23, 2025

| Sarah Connell Campbell
Casting Long Shadows, 2025

“Before humans even walked this earth, nature has been creating unmatched beauty. As the world modernizes it is important to remember the natural beauty that lies all around us, to be enjoyed and protected.”

I’m so pleased that the juror, Erin Spencer, selected my watercolor of our corner of New England to be included in the Natural Wonders show.

Opening reception at the Rhode Island Watercolor Society on Saturday, May 1 at 1pm. 831 Armistice Road, Pawtucket, RI.

It’s 12 x 18 inches, matted and framed (black), $500.

If you haven’t visited the RIWS before, it’s in a beautiful spot across the street from The Looff Carousel at Slater Park.