The Spring luncheon at the Art Center truly was a gourmet feast. The self-serve buffet included baked ham and fried chicken and a mouthwatering array of side dishes and desserts provided by our members. The artfully displayed food table provided more than enough sustenance to the 50 members who attended.
Congratulations to Jeanne Conrad who was presented the Lifetime Membership Award by Majorie Bannish. Jeanne was recognized for her invaluable contributions to the organization including serving a past president and her many, many volunteer hours for the Homosassa Art Show and sales.
The highlight of the afternoon was Barbara Kerr presiding over the installation of the elected 2024-2026 Officers of the Board. Congratulations to all: President……………………………………..………..………….Deborah Newman 1st V.P. Programs………………………………….. ………..Signian McGeary 2nd V.P. Membership………………………………………Jan Kuukari Treasurer………………………………………………………….Aileen Croly Recording Secretary…………………………………………Chris McKinney Corresponding Secretary………………………………….Gingi Martin Director/Facilities Coordinator………………………….Theo Van Eldik Director Delegate/Past President…………………….Dori Sullivan Director Ambassador for Members………..…..……Ginger Bryers
As if this was not enough the luncheon was followed by a Demonstration of Mixed Media art techniques by our talented member Loretta Bell. She sent us off with an abundance of ideas for stamping, collaging and embellishing our artworks. Truly more food for our creatives souls.
The Citrus Watercolor Society recently held its much-anticipated Paint-Around Event at the April 11 meeting, bringing together creativity, community, and incredible talent for an afternoon filled with inspiration and artistry.
This year’s event featured five exceptional watercolor artists—Anne Abgott, Theo Van Eldik, Darla Goldberg, Polly Boston, and Curt Bond—each bringing their unique style and flair to the canvas. During the interactive “paint-around,” artists rotated between pieces, adding their personal touch and allowing the artwork to evolve collaboratively. The result? A series of stunning, one-of-a-kind watercolor paintings that truly showcased the power of artistic synergy.
At the close of the event, these beautiful works were raffled off to lucky attendees, making for an exciting and memorable finale. Guests were thrilled to take home a piece of the magic, all while supporting local art and artists. -Loretta Lynn Bell
On April 12th & 13th Anne Abgott held a two-day workshop at the Art Center that was varyingly called informative and intense. No-one, however, said it wasn’t well worth the time and money. Anne is an award winning artist and all agreed at this workshop she delivered.
A CWS Potluck Lunch Friday May 9th 1:00 PM at the Art Center
This year, in lieu of an Installation Luncheon at the Country Club we’re hosting a “Pot Luck Lunch” at the Art Center. We will provide fried chicken and ham and we’re asking you to bring a “pot luck” dish to share. When you make your reservations we’re also asking $5 to cover the place settings. Please RSVP to C.J. Westrick ([email protected]) or Dori Sullivan ([email protected]) .
The Installation of CWS Board for 2025 and 2026 will be conducted by Barbara Kerr.
The new Board of Directors was elected and will be installed at the lunch. The Board Members for 2025-2026 term are: President: Deborah Newman 1st Vice President: Signian McGeary 2nd Vice President: Jan Kuukari Treasurer: Aileen Croly Recording Secretary: Chris McKinney Corresponding Secretary: Gingi Martin Facilities Manager: Theo Van Eldik Ambassador: Ginger Bryers Immediate Past President: Dori Sullivan
Volunteer positions with the club are always available. The Historian position is open as well as helping out with the refreshments. And we’re always looking for Sponsors for the workshops. To volunteer, talk to anyone on the board.
A demo by Loretta Bell will follow the luncheon. “Layers of Creativity: A Mixed Media Adventure
Congratulations to the winners of our Artist of the Month in March. Susanjane Donohoe came in first with her painting of the lonely boy fetching water on a street in India and Aileen Croly came in second with her adorable painting of her dog “Clark”. This Viewer’s Choice competition is held monthly during our business meeting.
Congrats to the winners at the Art in the Park show at the Homosassa Wildlife Park. We had a good turnout of artists and Im sure it was a difficult choice to select the favorites.
Thank you to Teresa Kirk for being so talented and entertaining. Demonstrating how she creates her dynamic and colorful works of art was a treat to watch. There are sure to be many experiments working with Aquabord and Gessobord (especially with those free samples.) Those with foresight also signed up for her two day workshop. Feedback ranged from insightful to challenging. All said it was fun.
Thank you, Marjorie Bannish, for coordinating our “Painting of the Month” contest. Our votes ended up in two ties. Congratulations to C. J. Westrick and Elaine McLaughlin for their second place wins and to Susan Ford-Ladeva and Theo Van Eldik for first place wins. Go to the Painting of the Month page to see their winning works.
Press Release by Dori Sullivan January 2025 Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus Watercolor Society presents …”The Beauty of the Mark” with Teresa Kirk
On Friday, February 14th, CWS welcomes Teresa Kirk as our guest artist for our monthly meeting that is held in the Art Education building of the Art Center of Citrus County (ACCC). There will be light refreshments and “mingling” with members and artists beginning at 12:30 pm. The Business meeting begins at 1:00 pm followed by a demonstration of the watercolor techniques that will be taught during her workshop. The workshop will be held Sat. Feb. 15th and Sun. Feb. 16th from 9:00 to 4:00 pm at the same facility.
ACCC is located at 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando FL. CWS members’ fee for the workshop is $195, for non-members $225 – checks are payable to CWS and due upon registration. You may sign up for the workshop online at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org or contact Signian McGeary at [email protected].
In this two-day workshop, you will learn techniques that help you to make your own unique marks as a surprise element in your watercolor work. You will build upon the mark-making process through negative painting techniques, color mixing, and design elements. You will play with these ideas, along with the many personal discoveries, insights and possibilities that emerge as you work with transparent and opaque watercolor paints, gouache, and several mark-making tools. This workshop nourishes and engages your intuitive creativity so that your voice will be heard. Teresa’s goal in this workshop is to help you develop and cultivate the fullness of your talent as a watercolor artist. Demos, group discussion and constructive critiques, along with painting time, are all part of this exceptional workshop.
During our “meet and greet” hour, you may vote for the CWS Painting of the Month as well as view the artwork by ACCC artists that will be on display thru February 26, 2025. Guests are welcome. We appreciate a donation of $5.00 for the CWS demo.
In addition to this exciting weekend of art there’s more! We are hosting “Art in the Wildlife Park Show and Sale” at the Homosassa Springs State Park Visitor Center February 22 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday February 23rd. The Visitor Center is located at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. It’s free to come in to see the art show, regular park entrance fees are required if you tour the park. A percentage of our artist’s sales is donated to the park.
Last, but never least, we have two winners from our January “Painting of the Month” viewer’s choice contest. Congratulations to Theo Van Eldik, first place for his watercolor painting of fishermen at dusk and to Curt Bond in second place for his paintings of Florida birdlife. Beautiful work by both!!
Until next time, I look forward to seeing you in February and hope you are well and able to keep warm during this unusual Florida weather. You can always paint what you see through your windows if it’s too cold to wander in our great outdoors. Warm wishes – Dori
We had another well attended January meeting. Highlights included a great demo by our visiting artist Ann Archer who is an expert in all things related to color theory. For those who could not get enough Anne ran a two day workshop allowing attendees to experiment and learn about all that is color. Complements, analogous colors, triads…so much to know. Thank goodness we have Ann available to guide us. We also had two winners from our January “Painting of the Month” viewer’s choice contest. Congratulations to Theo Van Eldik, first place for his watercolor painting of fishermen at dusk and to Curt Bond in second place for his paintings of Florida birdlife. Beautiful work by both.
Our Annual Holiday Luncheon was held on December 13th at the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club. Over 50 members enjoyed the food, friendship and lots of raffle prizes. Tom Jones a Club favorite once again shared his passion for art and love of nature while at the same time teaching us a thing or two. For those who couldn’t get enough he conducted a two day workshop on Saturday and Sunday.
