Blog – Citrus Watercolor Society

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.

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

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 14^th. 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.

Press Release

January 2026

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the CWS monthly Business Meeting at 12:30 on Friday, Feb 13 that includes light refreshments, Painting of the Month awards and our very special guest artist Lynn Ferris, who will present a demo at 1:00 PM.

Back by popular demand, Lynn will present a demo on Friday, as a preview for her two-day workshop the following Sat and Sun Feb 14 & 15. Entitled “Capturing the Light”, the workshop helps us understand how light and shadows influence our paintings. No one knows how light reacts to watercolor paintings like Lynn Ferris. The demo and workshop will be in the Educational Building of the Art Center of Citrus County at 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando. The demo is free to CWS members (all welcome, a $5 donation is appreciated from guests) and the workshop fee is $150 for CWS members $180 for non-members. Contact Darla Goldberg at dardarfla@gmail.com to register or sign-up on our website at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org.

Artist’s Statement: “Capturing the Light” brings your 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 will show students how to use light and shadow to design stronger compositions and bring drama to a variety of subject matter. Students will gain new skills and confidence working with shadows, light sources, creating glow and more. Lynn provides handouts, reference materials, and lots of personal attention.

CWS Artist of the Month In January Elaine McLaughlin won first place with her watercolor seascape painting. There was a tie for second place with Chris McKinney and Judi Tintera showing their watercolor work. The vote, by Viewer’s Choice, is made by members and guests at our monthly meetings.

If you are a watercolor artist – all levels from beginner to experienced – and would like to meet with other local artists to exchange techniques, enter juried shows, have the opportunity to simply share and enjoy a membership in “the friendliest little watercolor club anywhere” join CWS today. Annual dues are $45 and the benefits are endless. Membership information is available on our website

Looking Ahead In June, 2026 CWS will host its first Show and Sale at the Art Center in Citrus County. Details will be available as our plans proceed. We hope to see you in February and look forward to having you and your art as part of CWS.

Lionel Sanchez Lends his Expertise

Smart members of our organization made a point to sign up for Lionel Sanchez’s January 10th watercolor workshop. His award winning skills were on display as he instructed them on so many critical aspects of creating a successful painting. From the importance of doing a value sketch to layering washes, from the initial wash to adding descriptive local colors, shadows and finishing up with those final stokes. Informative, fun and by the looks of it good snacks.

Trip to Orlando

Some of our members took a trip to visit the Orlando Museum of Art recently. They went to the Museum to view the FWS To Catch a Dream Exhibition (several of our members had works in the exhibit) and then to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory before returning to the Art Center of Citrus County.

The folks in the picture are (LtoR) Signian McGeary, Aileen Croly, Jackie Nash, Ginger Bryers, Vicki’s friend Jan, Vicki Pritchard, Elaine McLaughlin, Vicki’s sister Lynn Knight, and Signian’s friend Catherine Gouvin

Press Release

CWS Jan 2026 article for Citrus Chronicle

Artist Lionel Sanchez Welcomes the New Year with Citrus Watercolor Society

Happy New Year! CWS is kicking off the New Year with the unique watercolor and ink style of Lionel Sanchez in his two-day workshop on January 10^th and 11^th at the Art Center of Citrus County. His workshop, entitled “Representational Paintings of Urban and Rural Subjects” will result in your painting showing color, shadows and depth that will add much to your personal repertoire.

A demonstration by Lionel will be included at our monthly business meeting on Friday, Jan 9^th in the Education Building at the Art Center, 2644 N. Annapolis, Hernando FL. Join us at 12:30 for “Meet and Greet” with light refreshments followed by a short business meeting and the demo. Painting of the Month is also on the agenda. Bring in your latest painting to display with awards determined by “Viewer’s Choice” vote.

Registration for Lionel’s workshop is available at our website https://citruswatercolorsociety.org or by contacting Vicki Pritchard at vickipritchard@gmail.com. CWS members’ fee is $125, non-members $155. Checks are payable to CWS and a supply list will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration.

Vicki Pritchard also coordinates our weekly Plein Air Outings. In January we will be painting at Lake McKethen near Brooksville – contact Vicki at her email above for more information.

There is an opportunity for CWS members to join in with the Art Center of Citrus County’s Nature’s Coast Exhibit on January 14^th. This is a juried show with awards and exhibited paintings will hang in the Art Center for a month. Think of all the exposure for your work! For additional information, please see https://artcenterofcitruscounty.org/nature-coast-exhibit-prospectus .

Looking ahead CWS has artists Lynn Ferris (February) and Polly Boston (March) scheduled as well as our annual Paint Around that includes five local artists in a fast moving challenge to complete a joint painting in less than an hour. Come join us for fun and learning with one of the friendliest art groups in Central Florida!

Until next time, wishing you all the best in 2026. Dori Sullivan

Press Release

11/30/2025 Dori Sullivan

Happy Holidays from all your friends at Citrus Watercolor Society. In December we’re celebrating the Season with a pot luck luncheon at the Art Center of Citrus County on Friday, Dec. 12 with a demo by one of our favorites – Kim Shields. It will be a fun filled event, door prizes, drawings for baskets of art related “goodies” and time to share memories of the past years’ workshops and more.

On the following day (Sat 12/13) Kim will do a one-day workshop, “The Use of Contrast to Improve Your Landscape Painting”. Currently, the workshop is filled, but you may contact Ginger Bryers at gingerbryers@gmail.com to be put on a waiting list if you are interested. The fee is $95 for CWS members and $125 for non-members.

Congratulations to the winners of our November Painting of the Month competition. Yolanda Baretto won first place with her stunning painting of Christmas Tree Ornaments that included multiple watercolor techniques. Jeanniene Cole and Curt Bond tied for second place. Jeanniene submitted a watercolor portrait of a dog and Curt showed a watercolor painting of a FL Ibis. All paintings were judged by Viewer’s Choice for the awards.

Looking ahead to an “Art-full” 2026 we start in January with a two day workshop with Lionel Sanchez entitled “Representational Paintings of Urban and Rural Subjects”. Lionel is an award winning artist/teacher in central Florida and is a fun workshop leader whose talents lead to exciting, watercolor paintings for all his students. Details are available on the CWS website: www:citruswatercolorsociety.org.

Annual dues for membership at CWS are only $45 a year and the benefits are immeasurable. There are generous discounts for workshops, weekly plein air outings, free demos and opportunities to meet both beginner and long time artists to share ideas and techniques. We meet on the second Friday of the month at the Art Center of Citrus County at 2644 N. Annapolis Ave. in Hernando. All are welcome.

November: a Meeting, Demo and a workshop

Our November meeting was well attended with over 40 members and guests on hand to hear about our exciting upcoming events and workshops, and to see Elaine McLaughlin demo her Batik Process. Then on Saturday a lucky few got to attend Elaines workshop and try their hand at this exciting and different art technique. With watercolors, hot wax and irons, blow dryers and copper tools the creative process flowed.