Society of Artists : Members of an area watercolor painters’ group reveal a broad range of ideas and styles at an exhibit at Century Gallery in Sylmar.

In 1977, 20 San Fernando Valley watercolor painters decided to meet regularly in each other’s homes to share their interest in the medium. They would do this for the next few years, holding talks and demonstrations and getting together to paint outdoors.

During this time, as more painters joined the informal “Watercolor Group,” a newsletter was developed to inform artists of group activities, which included presenting shows of their work. Beverly Rankin recalls having three shows in her yard.

By 1980, the Watercolor Group had become too big to meet in living rooms, so it moved its gatherings to various community rooms and local banks. In 1983, it applied to the California secretary of state’s office for nonprofit status, registering in the name of the Valley Watercolor Society. Open membership was changed to juried membership, and the category of patron was established for members who do not exhibit or vote.

Today, the Valley Watercolor Society numbers 250 painters of all ages, and not only from the Valley. They meet once a month at the Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club. Every year the group arranges “paint-outs” in which members gather at an outdoor location to paint and critique each other’s work. It also engages accomplished watercolor artists from around the country to demonstrate techniques and conduct workshops for members, plans group trips to art exhibits and organizes shows of members’ work.

The “Valley Watercolor Society Invitational,” an exhibit of recent paintings by 35 members, is now on view at the Century Gallery in Veterans Memorial Park in Sylmar. “It is a tradition that every summer we show the work of community artists,” said gallery Director Lee Musgrave, who juried the exhibit. “The society has a long history of development in the San Fernando Valley, and it has been seven years since we’ve shown anything from this group.” In 1985, the gallery presented the work of six artists in the group.

For the current show, Musgrave chose 36 watercolors from the more than 200 submitted. They reveal not only considerable technical skill, but a broad range of ideas and artistic styles.

Among keenly realistic images of plants and flowers are Marv Mass’ lively, abstract “River Bottom”--a combination watercolor and collage--and Beverly Grossman’s brightly colored, abstract “Rue de Soie.” These paintings’ colors and styles are not typically associated with watercolors.

Joyce Rumack dreamed up the watercolor and collage “Desert Fantasy 2,” using hot colors to illustrate her familiar yet other-worldly scene of cacti, palm trees and desert-style bungalows.

Elena Wilck depicts an agile, dynamic line of “Brazilian Dancers.” In contrast, Martha Keshian portrays the quiet despair of an unemployed man sitting on a bench, grasping a newspaper in “Out of Work.” Karin Cordry creates a compelling portrait with a bold geometric scheme and somber tones for “A Face.”

Linda Fiedler’s more traditional “Ornamental Cabbages,” on the other hand, gracefully conveys the vegetables’ lushness and symmetrical beauty in pastel hues.

“Members handle watercolor in so many different ways,” said Eve Jordan, past president of the society. “We learn from each other. The idea exchange is very valuable.” Marv Mass, a retired architect and engineer who is the current president, agreed, saying the members’ keen interest in art makes the group stimulating.

“The group broadens your scope by exposing you to things going on in the art field,” said George Labadie, who was among the first 20 members. “It’s a fun organization with nice people and a lot of camaraderie.”

Where and When

What: “Valley Watercolor Society Invitational.”

Location: Century Gallery, 13000 Sayre St., Sylmar.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, through Aug. 29.

Membership: Applications are accepted every fall. Call Marv Mass at (310) 392-9086 or Ann Gross at (818) 345-4086.

Call: (818) 362-3220 or 367-8561.