Maureen Kerr, an artist and resident of Jamul, California, won the First-Place award in the January 2025 San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) Member’s gallery exhibition “Between the Lines.” Rhonda Anderson, an artist and resident of Santee, won the Third- Place award.
Kerr’s painting titled “From Midnight’s Secret Garden” was selected by prominent local artist Joan Merrick for the honor.
“This is a very powerful painting with a lot of movement, wonderful variation in shapes and strong brushwork. The tiny sparks of red add interest to the monochromatic painting,” commented Merrick.
Kerr is a regular instructor at Art of 30th in San Diego. She also serves on the Board of the East County Art Association. Traveling has been a big part of her life, and it’s where she draws much of her inspiration and passion for art. Wherever she is, she sees life, vibrancy and color everywhere. Kerr’s goal as an artist is to bring some of what she sees to life on canvas, so that others can share the journey with her.
Anderson’s painting is titled “Chrysanthemum for Mondrian.”
“The color gradations from orange to the soft yellow gold are enhanced by the delicate texture throughout the whole painting. The chrysanthemum has strong, curved, beautiful shapes. The overall texture really makes this a highly interesting painting,” said Merrick of the painting.
Anderson works in all drawing mediums, especially colored pencils, all water media, and, also, mixed media. Using color expressionism, her art explores concepts both personal and universal with the hope of communicating the beauty and fragility of life in the world. Anderson is a member of many art associations, including Foothills Art Association, Oceanside Museum of Art’s Art Alliance, and San Diego Watercolor Society. She is an award-winning artist, having received numerous recognitions from juried shows throughout the region.
The SDWS Gallery Exhibit will run through Saturday, Feb. 1. Paintings can be viewed and purchased at the gallery and on the SDWS website at www.sdws.org/galleryart.php?cat=7066.
