I trust this summer season has given you a chance to recharge and reconnect with what inspires you. Whether you’ve been traveling, painting, or simply enjoying some quiet
time, I hope it’s also brought moments to pause, reflect, and refocus. For me, summer has always been a time to do just that.
As we head into the second half of the season, I’m excited to share a few updates and upcoming opportunities that I believe will inspire and energize your creative path.
New Paintings
Here are a few of my most recent watercolors. If you'd like to acquire an original watercolor, please email me atjoel@watercolorpop.com
14" x 20" Original Watercolor by Joel Popadics
The Golden Gate Bridge
$3,600
This painting captures one of San Francisco’s most iconic and mesmerizing sights—fog spilling over the Golden Gate Bridge. In the Bay Area, they affectionately call this weather pattern,
“Karl the Fog." This piece is inspired by a sketch I made while perched in the Marin Headlands, where the view of the bridge unfolding from the cliffs is nothing short of cinematic. From that vantage point, I watched the fog roll in like a slow tide, veiling the towers in mystery and softening the city’s edges in a silvery light.
10" x 14" Original Watercolor by Joel Popadics
Morning Mist in Acadia
$1,900
Speaking of fog and mist—on the opposite coast from San Francisco lies
one of my favorite places to paint: Acadia National Park in Maine. Having spent much of my career painting along Maine’s rugged shoreline, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet drama that fog presents. In Acadia, the mist drapes the cliffs and evergreens in a soft veil, muting colors and sharpening contrasts in a way that’s both subtle and striking. This particular scene, along the park’s famed Ocean Trail, is one I return to often.
14" x 20" Original Watercolor by Joel Popadics
Warwick Colors
$3,600
Painted in Warwick, NY, just a short drive from my home in northern New Jersey, this scene captures the region’s breathtaking charm in autumn. Warwick is one of
my favorite places to paint during the fall—its rolling hills and colors rival the foliage of Vermont. The town comes alive in the harvest season, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town festivity. From the crisp air scented with ripe apples to the bustling orchards and local festivals, Warwick is a feast for the senses—and an inspiration for any artist.
10" x 14" Original Watercolor by Joel Popadics
The Van Riper House
$1,900
The Van Riper House, a historic landmark in my hometown, holds deep
personal meaning for me. Thirty-six years ago, my wife, Patty, and I had our wedding photos taken on its grounds—a moment forever etched in memory. For me, it’s not just a painting of a building—it’s a tribute to love and local history.
My New Role as President of the American Watercolor Society
The 158th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society Awards Banquet at the Salmagundi Club in NYC
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you— I’ve been named President of the American Watercolor Society (AWS). It’s an incredible honor, and I step into this role with deep gratitude and enthusiasm.
Watercolor has been the heart of my creative journey, from my early
days as a student, to my years as an illustrator, teacher, and fine artist. While I’ve explored other media, watercolor has always been my true passion. It challenges, surprises, and inspires me—and I know it does the same for so many of you, too!
Me and out-going President Antonio Masi
That’s why this opportunity to lead AWS means so much. As a longtime member, I’ve seen firsthand how this organization connects artists across the country and around the globe. It’s a vibrant, evolving community that celebrates the unique appeal of watercolor.
If you're a
watercolorist or simply appreciate the medium, consider becoming an Associate Member. For those aiming higher, Signature Membership is a prestigious next step in this historic organization. Click here to visit the AWS website for more information.
For over 150 years, the American Watercolor Society has played a vital role in the art
world—showcasing emerging talent, supporting professional artists, and championing watercolor on a global stage. I look forward to building on that legacy in the years ahead.
A Reunion with My Mentor
Last July, I had the pleasure of visiting my longtime mentor, James McMullan, for lunch in New York City. Jim was one of my professors in college, and after I graduated, I had the incredible opportunity to work as his assistant for over three years.
If you're not familiar with Jim’s amazing watercolors, I encourage you to explore his website. He recently celebrated his 91st birthday—a milestone that feels especially meaningful to me given the deep influence he’s had on my life and my art. I’m truly grateful that we’ve reconnected.
As Jim’s assistant, I helped with everything from office tasks—paying bills, answering phones, shipping packages—to more hands-on studio work, like stretching watercolor paper, cutting mats,
researching photo references, and even doing some drawing and painting. It was a formative time for me, both professionally and personally.
Jim took great pride in the poster art he created over the years, particularly his iconic theater posters. Whenever a new one was released, he’d generously give me a signed copy. Over time, I built a wonderful collection that I treasure to this day.
But my most cherished mementos are the two original paintings Jim gave me for my 24th and 25th birthdays. One is a sepia-toned watercolor from a Time Magazine feature article about Japan, depicting an older man showing a younger man the way.
When Jim gifted it to me, he added a beard to the younger figure to match mine at the time—a subtle, personal touch that's so very meaningful to me.
The other painting is a baseball-themed
illustration. I can’t recall exactly where it was published, but its importance to me is unmistakable. In many ways, Jim was like a father to me—and that piece captures the spirit of our relationship.
Watercolor Classes for Adults & Children
My classes at the Ridgewood Art Institute will continue through July and resume in September - no classes in August.
Drawing & Watercolor for Young People
Techniques, Landscape & Still Life Monday Afternoons, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm $40 per session
Watercolor Techniques
Landscape, Portrait, Floral & Still Life
for Adults Wednesday Evenings, 7 pm - 10 pm Thursday Mornings, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm $140 per calendar month or $40 per session
Upcoming Watercolor Workshops
Join me on a watercolor workshop! A workshop can do wonders for your art and spirit. A few days of intense painting can help to overcome creative blocks and ruts or simply take your skills to the next level. If you have ever attended one of my workshops, you know that I provide individual instruction in addition to live
demonstrations where I teach you my process and techniques. Best of all, it's fun and encouraging to paint with others in a group.
I'm looking forward to a full schedule of workshops in 2025 & 2026. Here's what's planned so far:
October 7 - October 9, 2025
9:00 am -4;00 pm Mastering Light, Atmosphere and Greens in Your Watercolor
Landscapes Hosted by Baltimore Watercolor Society
October 20 - October 22, 2025 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Paint Radiant Watercolor Landscapes with Light & Mood Hosted by the Elmira Regional Art Society
November 11 - November 13, 2025 Waves, Windjammers, Weather & Watercolor A Marine Painting Workshop with Joel Popadics Hosted by the Southwestern Watercolor Society
May 29 - May 31, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Capturing the Beauty of the New England Coast Hosted by the Rhode Island Watercolor Society
A Weeklong Watercolor Painting Summer Session for Young People Ages 8 - 17
Monday, August 25 - Friday, August 29 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Ridgewood Art Institute 12 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood NJ 07450
Learn how to paint in watercolor during this weeklong workshop for children of all levels of ability. Participants will be
taught the basics of watercolor – focusing on washes, brushwork and the wet-in-wet approach. They will discover various methods and techniques for still life and landscape painting.
Special emphasis will be placed on how to create a flat, even tone wash, the graded wash and many other techniques. They will learn how to paint all kinds of skies, trees, buildings and other objects in a “transparent” manner.
Please note that a student membership must be taken out
with the Ridgewood Art Institute in order to participate. Visit ridgewoodartinstitute.org for more information about membership. Click here to
register.
I hope you enjoyed this newsletter and reading what's new with me and my work. Please feel free to share this with everyone you know. I'm working hard to build a larger following for my art and teaching and I can only succeed with the help of friends like you. Thanks so much for your continued support.
The other painting is a baseball-themed
illustration. I can’t recall exactly where it was published, but its importance to me is unmistakable. In many ways, Jim was like a father to me—and that piece captures the spirit of our relationship.
