NWS Member Individual Critique Sessions
Personalized One-on-One Mentorship for NWS Member Artists
You asked — and we listened!
The National Watercolor Society is excited to announce the successful completion of the pilot phase of the NWS One-on-One Critique Program. Feedback from participating artists has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing that their session not only met—but exceeded—their expectations, offering valuable insights that strengthened their work and inspired new creative growth.
Created to support both emerging and established artists, this program connects NWS members with highly respected watercolor professions for thoughtful, constructive and inspiring critique sessions designed to elevate your artistic journey.
Whether you are refining your voice, preparing work for an exhibition, or seeking fresh perspective, this is a unique opportunity to receive personalized feedback from some of today's most accomplished watercolor artists.
Featuring an Exceptional Lineup of Mentor Artists
Joanna Barnum — Joe Cibere — Ken Goldman — Stan Kurth — Yan Liang
Carolyn Lord — Angus McEwan — Jean Pederson — Tim Saternow — Keiko Tanabe
These distinguished artists bring decades of professional experience, award-winning achievement, and a refined understanding of composition, technique, design and visual storytelling. Their guidance can help you strengthen your creative vision, refine your work, and move confidently to the next level.
Our Mentor Artists include:
- NWS Gold Masters and NWS Masters
- Past Jurors of Selection
- Judges of Awards
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What You’ll Receive
- 30-Minute One-on-One Zoom Critique: A focused, personalized session tailored to your artistic goals, questions, and style.
- Professional Insight & Guidance: Receive constructive feedback from nationally recognized artists respected for both artistic excellence and teaching experience.
- Review of Up to Three Artworks Submit up to three paintings in advance for deeper discussion, broader insights, and maximum learning value.
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Program Details
- $75 per 30-minute session
- Submit up to three (3) paintings in advance
- Schedule unlimited sessions
- Sessions conducted live via Zoom
This program directly supports our core educational mission by providing meaningful, high-quality mentorship to NWS members.
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How to Book Your Session
- Choose Your Mentor Artist: Contact the Mentor Artist directly by email to arrange a convenient date and time for your personalized critique session.
- Submit Your Artwork: Once your session is confirmed, send up to three paintings in advance so your Mentor Artist can prepare thoughtful, individualized feedback.
- Submit Payment: Payment is made directly to the Mentor Artist in advance via PayPal, Zelle, or personal check.
- Attend Your Live Zoom Critique: Meet one-on-one with your Mentor Artist for an engaging and insightful discussion designed to encourage growth, strengthen your work, and inspire your next creative steps.
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| Joanna Barnum is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, Baltimore Watercolor Society and Maryland Society of Portrait Painters. Based in Maryland, she creates emotional charged portraits and atmospheric/moody landscapes distinguished by her innovative use of masking fluid to splice, layer, and reveal imagery within watercolor. Joanna work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including those of the National Watercolor Society and American Watercolor Society, Fallbrook’s Signature Exhibitions, and the Springfield Art Museum's Watercolor USA. She has also exhibited with Rehs Contemporary Gallery, Abend Gallery, and IX Arts. Her paintings are included in the corporate collection of Ten Percent Happier, and she was selected for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center James Webb Space Telescope Artist Project. In addition to exhibition nationally, Joanna teaches and serves as a juror for workshops and exhibitions across the country. | JOANNA BARNUM, NWS, AWS Contact Joanna at Joanna@JoannaBarnum.com Website: www.JoannaBarnum.com Contact Joanna directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session. |
| Joe Cibere is signature member of the National Watercolor Society whose watercolor painting style demonstrates his love of nature and wilderness. His "abstract realism" paintings integrate strong design, balance, and atmosphere to evoke a sense of illusion. Joe’s paintings and techniques have been featured in "Watercolor Artist Magazine" as well as the International Artists book "The Watercolor Sky and Cloud Techniques of 23 International Artists" and “Splash 20”. He maintains a studio at Studio Channel Islands, Room R5 in Old Town Camarillo, CA. "The challenge is knowing when to stop and let the medium take over. That’s why the most successful paintings seem almost effortless," Joe asserts. "I always look forward to interacting with art patrons and fellow artists to exchange ideas about the creative process & affirm that visual expression is one of life’s greatest joys”. | JOE CIBERE, NWS Contact Joe at joecibere@mac.com Website: joeciberewatercolors.com Contact Joe directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session.
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| Ken Goldman, NWS-M is an internationally known artist, author, teacher and art juror. A recipient of numerous awards, Goldman has exhibited extensively in group and solo shows across Holland, Paris, Italy, Greece, China, Colombia, Mexico, New York, Boston and Washington D.C. In California, his work has been showcased at the Oceanside Museum of Art, Fischer Museum of Art, Frederick R. Weisman museum and the Autry Museum. Ken’s art is part of the permanent collections of several prestigious national and international museums. He is NWS-M Signature Member and NWS President Emeritus. | KEN GOLDMAN, NWS-M, AWS Contact Ken at Ken@Goldmanfineart.com Website: GoldmanFineArt.com Contact Ken directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session. |
| Stan Kurth has been painting since the age of four. For 35 years, he worked as a fine artist and a graphic artist. Now, Stan devotes himself entirely to painting and teaching. His intuitive approach to painting guides both his personal work and his teaching. His paintings have been featured in many fine art exhibitions and publications, and he has received numerous awards in local, national, and international shows. Stan is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society (Master), the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies (Master), the San Diego Watercolor Society, the Arizona Watercolor Association, and Contemporary Watercolorists of Arizona. | STAN KURTH, NWS-M Contact Stan at Stan.Kurth@gmail.com Website: StanKurth.com Contact Stan directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session. |
| Yan Liang, currently resides in Leshan, Sichuan Province, China. He began studying watercolor in 2015 and was immediately captivated by its expressive qualities and charm. His works primarily focus on the culture and terrain of western China, skillfully blending elements of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. His paintings of figures, landscapes, and floral themes have earned numerous awards and honors in internationally renowned competitions. He is a Signature Member of NWS-Master level and AWS-DF. | YAN LIANG, NWS-M, AWF-DF NWS will assist with scheduling appointment with Yan. Contact NWS at Education@NationalWatercolorSociety.org |
| A plein air artist since college, Carolyn Lord counts the bold color and strong design of Millard Sheets and the California Watercolor style among her earliest influences. Lord’s career capitalized on watercolor’s portability for travel and plein air events. She has exhibited in solo and group invitational and juried shows, regionally and nationally, and has served as juror. Lord is a Signature member of National Watercolor Society, California Watercolor Association, California Art Club, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, American Women Artists, and has been profiled in Plein Air and Watercolor Artist Magazines. | CAROLYN LORD, NWS NWS will assist with scheduling appointment with Carolyn. Contact NWS at Education@NationalWatercolorSociety.org
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| Angus McEwan is an internationally award-winning hyperrealist watercolour painter whose work explores liminal spaces and the effects of time on material objects. Renowned for his extraordinary detail and mastery of light, Angus is a signature member and elected member of many prestigious watercolour societies worldwide, including the Royal Watercolour Society, American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, where he served as President from 2022–2024. A Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador, Angus is an internationally sought-after instructor, demonstrator, and juror whose work is held in public and private collections around the world. | ANGUS MCEWAN, NWS-M, AWS, PPRSW Contact Angus at art@Angusmcewan.com Website: www.angusmcewan.com Contact Angus directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session. |
 | Jean Pederson, AWS, NWS, TSWA, CSPWC, SFCA, ASA, is an internationally recognized artist, author, and instructor. She is the author of Expressive Portraits and Mixed Media Painting Workshop, and her work has been featured in numerous publications, including The Artist’s Magazine and the Splash watercolor series. Jean has received numerous national and international awards, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to the arts. Her work has been exhibited throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. A popular instructor throughout North America and abroad, she has led workshops at colleges, professional organizations, symposiums and has juried national and international exhibitions. | JEAN PEDERSON, NWS, AWS, TSWA, CSPWC, SFCA, ASA Contact Jean at JeanPederson@me.com Website: https://www.jeanpederson.com Contact Jean directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session. |
| Tim Saternow is an American watercolor painter, a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, the Philadelphia Water Color Society (among others), and has exhibited widely in New York City and across the US. Saternow’s paintings are published in numerous books and magazines, Watercolor Artist Magazine, The Art of Watercolour Magazine, and the Splash series. Awards received: AWS: Bronze Medal of Honor; PWCS: First Place; Allied Artists: Gold and Silver Medals. Saternow received his MFA from the School of Drama, Yale University, and is represented by the William Scott Gallery, Provincetown, MA, and The Prince Street Gallery, NYC. | TIM SATERNOW, NWS, AWS, PWCS Contact Tim at Tim.Saternow@gmail.com Website: https://www.TimSaternow.com/ Contact Tim directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session. |
| Keiko Tanabe, AWS, NWS, SDWS-MA, AIS, is a mostly self-taught artist who began her professional career in 2005. She is internationally recognized for her atmospheric watercolors, often painted en plein air, capturing the essence of time and place. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and collected by private and corporate collectors. A sought-after instructor since 2011, she leads workshops and demonstrations globally. Keiko has also served as a juror and advisory board member of American Watercolor Weekly. She is an advocate for leading art brands and an Escoda International Brand Ambassador, currently based in San Diego, California. | KEIKO TANABE, NWS, AWS, SDWS-MA, AIS Contact Keiko at KTanabeart@gmail.com Website: www.KTanabefineart.com Contact Keiko directly to schedule your personal one-on-one critique session. |
Ready to Elevate Your Art?
Invest in your growth and take the next step in your artistic journey.
Reserve your $75 critique session today and receive expert feedback designed to inspire real progress, strengthen your artistic vision, and help you reach new creative heights.
