Ruth Handewith - Watercolor Painting

	A longtime resident of the Northwest, I have been working exclusively in watercolor since 1980.  My favorite subjects are florals and the scenery of my beloved Northwest.  My retirement from the University of Washington a few years ago has allowed me to spend more time in my home studio where I can give more energy to my painting.       I love working directly from fresh flowers in an impressionistic style because I believe I can better portray their lovely qualities that way.  When painting Northwest scenes, I also prefer to work plein aire when possible, but often as not I work from sketches made in the field.       My favorite outdoor subjects are often in the San Juan Islands.
I resided for a five year period (1980-1985) in western Pennsylvania during which time I took the opportunity to study under a number of accomplished watercolorists.         I have enjoyed Gallery North membership since 1987.  I am also a member of Women Painters of Washington, Seattle Co-Arts, and an associate member of the Northwest Watercolor Society.  It is my hope that I can in some small way convey the enthusiasm I have for my subjects to the viewer in a personal and meaningful way.