Author: Judith Callison

Press Release

Citrus Watercolor Society Celebrates Their 45th Anniversary 

On Friday, Sept. 11th we are looking back at our history through memorabilia, photographs and stories about how far we have come. Join us to hear about our past and see where our future lies. We’ll be celebrating our Founder’s Day Award (a “show and tell” program of our individual member’s work) with a viewer’s choice vote and cash awards. Join us at 12:30 in the Art Center of Citrus County in the Education Building at 4466 N Annapolis Ave in Hernando. 

Forty-five years ago, three amazing watercolor artists (Joe Bucciante, Norma Willis and Robert Darden) formed an art club. Its goal was to share the wonders of watercolor painting and filling the need for a friendly organization that would introduce their love of art to others in the Citrus County area. For this year’s Founder’s Day program, members are asked to bring their artwork to ACCC at noon to be displayed. Please vote for your favorite painting. Cash awards will be presented during the meeting. Other surprises are included in the celebration, so come and be prepared to enjoy an Art-full afternoon.

In October, Theo Van Eldik will present a demo and one day workshop geared especially for the beginner artist. By introducing the techniques and secrets of watercolor paintings as only Theo can, you will have fun learning about color, supplies and much more. Theo is a talented beginner painter himself, and you will have a great time growing with him. You may register for the one-day workshop at our Sept meeting or on-line at https//:citruswatercolorsociety.org.  The Saturday 9/12 workshop is $50 for members, $65 for non-members. This will be followed by a six-week Beginner’s Class on Wednesdays beginning the 21st of October in the Art Center Education Building. Members of CWS or the Art Center receive a discounted class fee of $50 for all sessions. Supplies will be provided or bring your own. There is a waiting list for the multi-week classes but contact Angela McMurray (bowwow46@gmail.com) to be put on that list or to register for the one-day workshop Oct. 12.

We’re winding down 2026 with two more exciting workshops. In November Darla Goldberg  presents “The Vocabulary of Color” and in December, Kim Shields “Working from Photos and Other References”.  Read more in coming issues of the Chronicle. Until then, stay well and enjoy the pleasures of watercolor painting.

Dori Sullivan, August 16, 2026

CWS Fine Art Show and Sale in June was Simply Great!

Press Release June 2026

We had a very successful Show and Sale at the Art Center in early June. The viewers and buyers who visited both days kept us busy showing our paintings and helping them with their selections. We CWS member/artists can’t thank you enough for your support and look forward to planning our 35th Show and Sale in 2027. The following are the winners as chosen by our Jurist, Jackii Molsick. 

Ribbons and Cash Awards
Best in Show – Susan Strawbridge   “Lilies in the Lake”
First Place – Darla Goldberg  “Poppy”
Second Place – Lionel Sanchez  “Grain Elevator”  
Third Place – Polly Boston  “A Secret Place”

Ribbons only
Honorable Mention – Judy Miller  “My Buddy Jake”Honorable Mention – Deb Newman  “Big Blue”

President’s Choice Award – Nancy Mills “Lion in the Sun”.  Nancy’s award also included a gift box of Winsor Newton paints.    

CWS artists have their paintings on display at the Art Center Gallery thru July 31, 2026. You’re welcome to drop by and take a look. 

“Abstracting the Human Form” with Bev Yankwitt
There is still time to register for Bev Yankwitt’s one-day workshop July 11th at the Art Center on 2466 N. Annapolis in Hernando. Bev will present a short demo at our CWS Monthly Meeting Friday, July 10th where you will see her approach to “Abstracting the Human Figure”. Granted, abstract art is a whole new world for many of us, but still includes the basics of value, design, color and perspective. As one of our members told me “I agree with you on the value of abstract art study.  The last workshop I took really opened up my mind to see everything differently.  And I always want to learn More, MORE,  MORE”.

The workshop fee is $95 for CWS members, $125 for non-members. Contact Gingi Martin at vlmop77@gmail.com for more information and to sign up for the workshop.


No CWS Meeting or events in August. We’re taking a break while the Art Center does their annual maintenance. We’ll see you in September with our “Founder’s Day Show and Tell” where, by popular vote, cash prizes are awarded to members for recent paintings.

Safe travels and stay well – see you soon.  

Dori Sullivan

The Results are in

Citrus Watercolor Society 34th annual Fine Arts Show and Sale was held June 13 and 14 at the Citrus County Art Center Educational Building . Judging was done by Jackii Molsick. CWS artists will have paintings on display in the ACCC Gallery thru July 31, 2026

Ribbons and Cash Awards

Best in Show – Susan Strawbridge   “Lilies in the Lake”                   

First Place – Darla Goldberg  “Poppy”

Second Place – Lionel Sanchez  “Grain Elevator”             

Third Place – Polly Boston  “A Secret Place”

Ribbons only

Honorable Mention – Judy Miller  “My Buddy Jake”

Honorable Mention – Deb Newman  “Big Blue”

President’s Choice Award – Nancy Mills  “Lion in the Sun”  Her award included a gift box from Winsor Newton                                             

Presidents Choice
Nancy Mills
Lion in the Sun
First Place
Darla Goldberg
Poppy
Second Place
Lionel Sanchez
Grain Elevator
Third Place
Polly Boston
A Secret Place
Honorable Mention
Judy Miller
My Buddy Jake
Honorable Mention
Deb Newman
Big Blue
Best in Show
Susan Strawbridge
Lilies in the Lake

Press release

A Really Big Show and Sale with Citrus Watercolor Society in June!

For many years, CWS has had a fine art show and sale in the Wildlife Park in Homosassa with a percentage of proceeds from our sales going to the Park. Well, not long ago, one of our fierce Florida storms put a stop to the park being able to house our show. Renovations are still in the works but it’s impossible, currently, for us to have an event there. 

Good news!! We have a new venue! The Art Center of Citrus County has invited us to participate in their gallery exhibit for June and July and we will have our two-day show and sale Saturday June 13 from 9:00 to 5:00 and Sunday June 14 from 9:00 to 4:00. Free admission and parking. Located in the Educational Building at the Art Center at 2466 N. Annapolis just off Norvell Bryant Parkway in Hernando. Look for our signs.

We have an amazing line-up of our member artists who will have original paintings, greeting cards, prints and more for sale. Yes, a percentage of our sales will be donated to the ACCC.  There are 20 artists from the area who are members of CWS and besides seeing their work, you may have the opportunity to meet them in person. It is a juried show with Jackii Molsick as judge. We heard Joyce Cusick (and others) will be painting during the show – what an exciting prospect to see them create another “masterpiece” up close and personal. We look forward to seeing you at our Show and Sale!

Looking forward to our next workshop, Bev Yankwitt is sharing a demo on Friday, July 10 followed by a one day workshop entitled “Abstracting the Human Figure”.  The demo (at 1:00 in the Art Center Educational Building) is free to CWS members. A $5 donation is asked from guests. The workshop fee and supply list is available on our website www.citruswatercolorsociety.org. Bev is a brilliant abstract artist and a teacher who conveys the exciting images to her students in these fun workshops.

In August, CWS will not have a meeting or program. Enjoy your vacation, we will enjoy ours painting the colorful images of Central Florida as well as our vacation trips.

Dori Sullivan 5/20/2026

2026 Art Show

Same amazing watercolor paintings in a striking new venue!

Citrus Watercolor Society
Annual Show and Sale
Sat June 13 from 9-5 PM
Sun June 14 from 9-4 PM

Close to Citrus, Hernando and Marion County art enthusiasts.
in the Art Center of Citrus County right off Norvel Bryant Hwy 
at 2644 N. Annapolis Drive

Free Parking …Free admission 

 These artists are participating in our Show with artwork for sale.
Others, not listed, are entering the exhibit and our weekend show only. 
There may be additional entries. Keep checking our website:

Polly Boston
Joyce Cusick
Sandra Copenhaver
Susan Strawbridge
Susan Ford
Darla Goldberg
Heather Doherty
Yvonne Lamme
Helene Lancaster
Lionel Sanchez
Norm Freyer
Curt Bond
Judi Miller
Ed McHale
Kim R. Shields
Loretta Bell
Dori Sullivan

Published
Categorized as Art Show

May Meeting

Over 50 members attended the May meeting and Spring potluck Luncheon. Another presentation of food as art. Well done to our culinary inclined members. The raffle of the prize basket raised $150 and congrats to Sally Sauer who won it. In addition, next year’s Board of Directors was presented, good luck to all:

President: Deborah Newman | 1st Vice President & Programs: Signian McGeary | 2nd Vice President & Membership: Jan Kuukari | Treasurer: Aileen Croly | Recording Secretary: Donna Swisher | Corresponding Secretary: Gingi Martin | Publicist: Elaine McLaughlin | Facilities Coordinator: Theo Van Eldik | Ambassador: Ginger Bryers |Webmaster: Judith Callison.

APRIL PAINT AROUND

At our April 10 meetingng, five CWS members challenged each other with a “Paint Around”. Our volunteer artist/members (Polly Boston, Dori Sullivan, Theo van Eldik, Lionel Sanchez and Susan Strawbridge) began with their sketch on a half-sheet of watercolor paper. Each artist painted for 10 minutes.  Then that work was passed on to the artist on the right and another 10 minutes are added to each of the paintings, going around in a circle so all five artists add their “magic” to the work presented to them. Each artist has ten minutes to work on each painting. It was a fun time and a gallery of 60 or so members and guests watched the action.

Dori Sullivan
Theo van Eldik
Polly Boston
Susan Strawbridge
Lionel Sanchez

At the end, the painting returned to the original artist for the finishing touches. Each painting was dried, matted and auctioned off with proceeds to the CWS funds for future demos. The final works and the auction winners:

Lionel Sanchez and the winner, Rick Peacock
Theo van Eldik and the winner Majorie Bannish
Polly Boston and the winner Signian McGreary
Dori Sullivan and the winner Belinda Brown
Susan Strawbridge and the winner Kathleen Smith

Press Release

CWS Article for the Citrus Chronicle April Newspaper

Thank you Polly Boston for presenting a wonderful demonstration and one-day workshop in March. The members were challenged and yet all produced some realistic watercolor paintings of the river Sumac plants from our riverbanks.

In April we’ll be hosting another fun-filled event that is free to all! On Friday, April 10, in the Education Building of the Art Center of Citrus County, five CWS members will challenge each other with a “Paint Around”. Our volunteer artist/members will begin with their sketch on a half-sheet of watercolor paper. Artist one will start painting for 10 minutes.  Then that work is passed on to the artist on the right and another 10 minutes are added to each of the paintings, going around in a circle so all five artists add their “magic” to the work presented to them. Each artist has ten minutes to work on each painting. At the end, the painting will return to the original artist for the finishing touches. Each painting will be dried, matted and auctioned off with proceeds to the CWS funds for future demos.

Sound confusing? It’s really not, but yes, it can become a bit chaotic and you, the viewer gets to see each artist in action. Come and see! You’ll enjoy light refreshments, seeing the unique paintings come together while looking over the painter’s shoulders. Also you will be contributing money to our other programs thru the year.

Who are the artists this year? Theo van Eldik, Dori Sullivan, Lional Sanchez, Polly Boston and Susan Strawbridge. You’ll be amazed at how their varied styles and techniques come together. And it’s fun.

In the meantime, CWS artists are preparing for their big Show and Sale at the Art Center in June. Also Plein Air painting every Tuesday at various sites around the county hosted by Vicki Pritchard. Lastly, but never least: the installation of CWS Board Members for the 2026-27 society year. We are a busy, talented and friendly group of watercolorists. You too may become a member. Check out of website at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org

For more information contact CWS Program Coordinator Signian McGeary at Signian@icloud.com.

Press Release

From Music to Watercolor Magic; Meet Polly Boston!

Citrus Watercolor Society is delighted to announce that Pauline (Polly) Boston will present a demo and one day workshop at the Art Center in Citrus County on Friday March 13 and 14th. All levels of watercolor artists are welcome. It will be fun and add new techniques to your repertoire. Friday arrive at 12:30 PM for light refreshments and our “Painting of the Month” competition. The demo is at 1:30PM following our meeting. The Saturday workshop hours are from 9:00AM to 4:00PM (also at the Art Center, 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando.)

At the CWS regularly scheduled business meeting, Polly will demonstrate a watercolor preview to her one-day workshop entitled: “Nature: Wild Sumac Against River Water”. The demo is free to members and begins after our business meeting. Guests are asked for a $5 donation. The workshop fee for CWS members is $95, the non-member fee is $125. It’s a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about her techniques for “plein air” painting. Sign-up today with Elaine McLaughlin at mtmelaine@gmail.com or on the CWS website https://citruswatercolorsociety.org. A supply list will be sent to you when you register.

Polly Boston of Lecanto is on one hand a well-known pianist and vocalist. Switching hats, she becomes an award-winning watercolorist who is a member of Florida Watercolor Society as well as Citrus Watercolor Society and exhibits at local galleries and art shows in the area.

Looking ahead, the members of Citrus Watercolor Society are planning a Show and Sale in June. Look for details on our website and on Facebook. 

Citrus Watercolor Society was established in 1981 dedicated to fostering the sharing of skills and knowledge of watercolor artists. Annual dues are $45 and the benefits of membership are many. Workshops, demonstrations, social events, shows and sales all in friendly, comfortable settings.

Dori Sullivan 2/2026

Lynn Ferris Workshop

On February 14 and 15 Lynn Ferris conducted a two-day “Capturing the Light” workshop. Lynn showed how properly using light can bring our work to the next level. Light and shadow shouldn’t be afterthoughts in our paintings. In fact, good use of light and shadow is one of the best ways to take a painting from ordinary to extraordinary.

Lynn showed students how to use light and shadow to design stronger compositions and bring drama to a variety of subject matter. Students gained new skills and confidence working with shadows, light sources, creating glow and more. An excellent instructor, Lynn provided handouts, reference materials, and lots of personal attention. It was an educational and entertaining use of the students time and all raved about it.