Blog – Page 5 – Citrus Watercolor Society

Painting- A Matter of Necessity – March 11, 2022

March 2022 Press Release by Dori Sullivan

I’m so excited about the Citrus Watercolor Society’s guest artist in March! Lionel Sanchez is an award-winning Florida artist who paints en plein air (on location) using photography, sketches and of course, his imagination as his studio references. His choice of color, detail, perspectives and visions of “his world” are a delight to any viewer. His paintings are simply incredible and when he shares his visions with you, his art will become an essential part of your painting experience.

Lionel’s workshop will be held Saturday March 12 and Sunday March 13 in the Whispering Pines Recreation Building from 9 AM to 4 PM. The workshop fee is $110 for CWS Members and $140 for non-members. To register for the workshop or for more information email our Contact Person: Susan Strawbridge at [email protected].
You can also find more information regarding workshops and other opportunities on the CWS website https://citruswatercolorsociety.org/workshops

From his artist’s profile, we learned that Lionel’s older brother would draw for him when he was a child. He was fascinated with what his brother could do with a pencil and that fascination grew into a passion, and soon, a necessity for seeing his life in his art. You’ll find his experiences and challenges are brilliantly portrayed in his paintings. For over 30 years he was a draftsman and project manager, and since retiring from the business world, he’s now a full time artist and teaches watercolor workshops throughout Florida. Watercolor is his preferred medium, but he also has worked in graphite, acrylic, pen and ink.

Lionel strives for good composition and employs the principles of design in his stunning work. When you, the viewer is drawn to his paintings you may see sketches with the use of abstract shapes in the process he uses to develop what he deems a successful piece. He is both a teacher and artist who is always eager to talk about his art with others knowing that each painting will elicit an emotional
response and a desire to create a connection between the artist and you.

Personally, I’m really looking forward to the workshop and I hope you too will consider signing up for this motivating weekend. There’s a bonus that comes with the CWS Workshops … As participants, we
always enjoy the positive energies that come from a workshop filled with talented, like-minded people! In fact, on Lionel’s supply list, some of his important “materials needed” are “enthusiasm and humor”. I’m looking forward to a fun filled; inspiring weekend and I hope you will join me!

CWS will have its regular Business Meeting at noon on Friday March 11th and immediately following that, Lionel will give a short demonstration about his work as a preview of what’s to happen in his workshop the following two days. The demonstration will be held at the Family Center in the First Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade Street, Inverness FL at noon. Guests are always welcome.

Citrus Watercolor Society is a friendly collection of artists, both beginners and experienced watercolorists, who will enjoy meeting you and welcome you to our monthly meetings. Annual dues are only $35 – the benefits are many. We meet on the second Friday of every month, except July, at the Family Center in the First Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade St., in Inverness at noon. Come and see what we’re all about!

Until next time, stay well – keep your brushes wet and colors bright!

Enjoy all we have!

Dori Sullivan

Seeing Color – Everywhere!

February 2022 Press Release by Dori Sullivan

It is so exciting when we get to enjoy one of the spectacular Florida sunsets or see the striking variety of shades of green and bright golds popping up within the wonderful landscapes found in our own back yard. No wonder artists from all over come to our communities to create beautiful paintings. The Citrus Watercolor Society is pleased to invite you to the February monthly meeting of CWS where you can see noted watercolor artist, Kathy Durdin, demonstrate how to expand your color palette and apply what you learn to working from photographs. This demo and meeting of CWS will be held Friday, Feb. 11 at the Family Center of the 1st Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade Street, Inverness, FL at 12 noon. Guests are always welcome.

The demonstration will be followed by a two day workshop entitled “Loosening Up and Seeing Color Everywhere” on Feb. 12 and 13 at the Whispering Pines Recreation Building from 9:00 to 4:00 PM (including a lunch break). The workshop fee is $110 for CWS members, $140 for non-members – checks are payable to Citrus Watercolor Society. To register for the workshop or more information, email Susan Strawbridge, at [email protected].

Kathy Durdin is a national award winning watercolor and mixed media artist. She has exhibited across Florida, as well as from New York to California. She also teaches classes and workshops inspiring her students to loosen up their work and enhance their skills. Watercolor provides her with a medium that allows her to create work quickly and create paintings with freshness and immediacy as she expresses herself. Her style is loose, to take advantage of the characteristics of the medium. Her work needs to be viewed from a distance – small and large areas of color make up her images.

Workshop attendees will also work on creating focus, simplifying, and using photographs as a starting point to explore color and lost edges. There will be time to work on finding centers of interest and focusing detail in the area of the center of interest. You don’t want to miss this exciting workshop and the opportunity to paint with Kathy Durdin.

On a personal note, I can’t thank Norm Fryer enough for his dedication and talent that has been the backbone of “getting the word out” about CWS. These are big shoes for me to fill. I’m relatively new to watercolor painting and love painting “en plein air” (on location) around the area. For the past couple of years, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with Citrus
Watercolor Society and its caring, friendly membership. I do hope you will become a part of this dynamic group of artists. Until next time, stay well and add brilliant color to your life!

Dori Sullivan
[email protected]

Why do all good things have to come to an end?

January 2022 Press Release by Norm Freyer

While writing the Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) column over the years, I am amazed by the number of people who actually read it. Those folks are not only artists but from the general public. Wherever I go there is always someone who will comment, “Oh, I read your column every month.” I must admit that I find this quite satisfying. But all good things must come to an end, and this column for the upcoming month of January 2022, will be my last.

I never intended to become an artist in my later career, but I did. And I never figured that I would produce a piece of art that someone would want to purchase, but I did. And I never intended to write this column for many years, but I did. And it was all great fun! To all those readers out there – thank you, thank you! And a special thanks to the Chronicle for encouraging me to write the column in the first place. In the future, artist Dori Sullivan of Ocala will write this column. She is an experienced writer and will manage it well.

The visiting demonstrator for the CWS January 14^th meeting will be Frank Zampardi of the Villages, FL. Frank is a retired secondary school art educator, having taught in public schools for thirty-two years. For the past 15 years, Frank has established himself as an accomplished artist, specializing in exact detail through the use of graphite and colored pencil, watercolor and oil. Frank emphasizes intricate compositions and chooses subject matter for its design possibilities. These elements are coupled with the skillful use of light and shadows and enhanced with well-developed shading techniques. Frank’s work has been exhibited in numerous art festivals, the Central New York Adirondack Art Show, where he has been a first-place winner many times and selected for the Master’s Division. He has exhibited at the Central New York Community Arts Council, The Fenimore Gallery, The Smithy Gallery in Cooperstown, NY, Cooperstown Art Association Exhibition, The Gannett Gallery, Munson, Williams, Proctor Institute in Utica, NY, McKenzie Art Gallery in Cazenovia, NY, Rome Community Art Center, 531 Central Fire Arts Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL and the Wildlife Exhibit at the New York State Fair. Since moving to The Villages, Florida, Frank has continued to garner awards at events sponsored by the Visual Arts Association and The Villages Art League. He presently teaches twelve adult art classes through The Villages Lifetime Learning College and is the Chairperson for the Artists Helping Artists Program and directs the Jump Start Artists Program at Sea Breeze Recreation Center in The Villages; a program where self-motivated, like-minded artists can accelerate their artistic skills under Frank’s direction. You can view his work at his website at frank-zampardi.pixels.com

Frank Zampardi will conduct a one-day workshop on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Whispering Pines Recreation facility in Inverness, FL. For more information see the CWS web site at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org/workshops.html,
or contact Susan Strawbridge at [email protected].

Popular Artist Tom Jones Demonstrates at Citrus Watercolor Society Luncheon

DECEMBER 2021 Press Release by Norm Freyer

It is the Christmas holiday time again! What does that mean to members of the Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS)? For one thing it is time for the CWS holiday luncheon. And the other is to have a visit from artist Tom Jones.

Tom was scheduled to demonstrate at the 2020 affair, but that was cancelled due to COVID. But he is on the docket this year and we welcome him back. Tom Jones is one of the most popular watercolorists among CWS members. Tom has been a frequent visitor and demonstrator at numerous educational workshops to local artists. In the twenty years that I have known Tom, it seems as though he has made at least one stop in this area each year. Tom and his wife Bonnie reside in Edgewater, Florida. Bonnie is an accomplished artist in her own right. Both are members of the CWS.

On Friday, December 10, Tom makes a return stop to the area as the demonstrator for the Citrus Watercolor Society holiday luncheon to be held at the Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club in Hernando. Tom Jones impresses you with his ease of instruction, his interesting dialogue, where everyone gets the same individual instruction and encouragement, and everyone seems to gain something in their knowledge of watercolor art. His approach to watercolor painting just seems to make things so simple. Tom has traveled from coast to coast in the U.S. and to international sites with this type of workshop that is in constant demand. Always sporting a trademark straw hat with a colorful band, he has indeed become a very popular artist. Tom has been commissioned by government agencies, corporations, environmental groups, clubs, and private collectors have commissioned him to expand their art collections. In answer to popular demand, he typically produces his watercolor landscapes in a series of three or five paintings around a specific theme. His art can be found internationally in many private and corporate collections, including commissioned paintings displayed in the Florida State Capital Building, Walt Disney World Corporation, Marriott Corporation, and the Omni Corporation. Tom’s work has been featured in many books and on magazine covers as well as posters and brochures. Tom’s web site is http://www.tomjonesartist.com .

Tom Jones will be conducting a one-day workshop on Saturday, December 11, at the Whisperings Pines Recreation facility in Inverness, FL. For more information contact Dori Sullivan, email: [email protected] or see the CWS web site at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org/workshops.html

Oops! Class on Mistakes Now in Session

I hope that my headline doesn’t scare anyone away, because the demonstrator at the November 12 meeting of the Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) is Inverness artist Barbara Kerr. Sometimes her demos replicate a secondary school classroom. And, if you find yourself talking to your neighbor during the demo, you may be whistled for a foul. In the end, Barbara’s demos are always high spirited and full of meaningful information.

Barbara is a native Californian who moved to Inverness in 1997. She taught Intermediate Watercolor at the Art Center of Citrus County for many years, and she was also Program Chairperson of the Art Center. She served as President of the Citrus Watercolor Society and the Ocala Art Group. She has conducted demonstrations in Ocala, in The Villages, in Boone, NC. and in Inverness at the Citrus Watercolor Society. She is a member of the Nature Coast Painters and the Citrus Watercolor Society. She says, “My lighthearted demonstration entitled Oops, will focus on common mistakes we make while painting, and how best to resolve them.”

Some of the favorite workshops she has attended were conducted by Jean Grastorf, Lynn Ferris, Alex Powers, Skip Lawrence, Miles Batt, Jean Dobie, and Judy Betts.

Never Attended an Art Workshop?

October 2021

Press Release by Norm Freyer

No time like the present to start.

It is not uncommon for a Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) workshop to be sold out. And for good reason. These workshops are an opportunity to take advantage of new ideas and techniques, presented by leading watercolorists in a friendly, learning atmosphere. No need to be afraid – everyone attending is there to learn. And look at the visiting artists who have conducted workshops in the recent past – Janett Rogers, Tom Jones, Carol Frye, Lynn Ferris, Frank Zambardi and Terry Denson.

And now, there is another opportunity to learn from a leading visiting artist. At the October 8th monthly meeting, Marilyn Johansen will be on hand for a demonstration of her watercolor work. Based in South Florida, Marilyn is an imaginative award-winning artist who is driven by an incredible passion for self-expression through art, having lived in Belgium and Okinawa and places in between. She has signature status with the Florida Watercolor Society, the Miami Watercolor Society, the Palm Beach Watercolor Society, the Gold Coast Watercolor Society, and the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. She has served as president of the Florida Watercolor Society and the Gold Coast Watercolor Society. She conducts demonstrations in watercolor, teaches watercolor and acrylic workshops, and judges art shows. Her fine art collections are featured in numerous Florida museums. To see her artwork, go to her web site at https://marilynjohansen.com/.

Marilyn Johansen will conduct a two-day workshop on October 9 and 10 at the Whispering Pines Park Recreation building in Inverness. Two days of learning to make new watercolor surfaces with gesso and matte medium. She will help you create art on the new surfaces. Composition will be stressed by taking photos with your camera or phone. Basic composition principles will be reviewed. Painting exercises to help you think in multiple dimensions.

For more information about registering for this workshop, see the CWS web site at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org/workshops/ or contact Susan Strawbridge at [email protected] .

Founders Award -2021

September 10, 2021 – Members’ Annual Show & Tell

Chuck Chesnul – Dora’s Flowers
1929 Model A Delivery Truck

Jeanneine Cole accepts the Award for her husband from President Darla Goldberg

Members’ Annual Show & Tell

CWS Founders’ Award Awaits a Winner

September 2021

Press Release by Norm Freyer

The program for the Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) meeting on September 10th is entitled, “Show and Tell”. The reason that the CWS continues this program in September of each year, is to allow members of the society, old and new alike, get a chance to present their creations to their fellow artists. The meeting format allows some outstanding watercolor paintings to make their appearance. The works of our member artists are impressive, and they get better each year. It is also an opportunity for members to praise and to provide helpful critique on how to improve the work that one creates. I think that you will find that there is an appreciation for the time and effort that each artist has put into the creative piece of artwork. You will feel good about presenting your work to the CWS members. After a review of all the artwork is presented, the Society will present the CWS Founders cash award of $50 to the winning artist exhibiting at this meeting. So – Bring your latest masterpiece and show it off!

Do you find yourself asking, “Where did all this time go?” The life journey to date has been interesting, not without hiccups and disappointments, but all in all, a good life. This brings me to the loss of a CWS artist who left us this summer. Lou Friedman was a long-term member of the Citrus Watercolor Society, Lou served as the CWS Treasurer for a number of years. He possessed a great sense of humor and was an all-around good guy. He strove to be a better artist and was recognized with his paintings in the CWS “Painting of the Month” competition. Lou was also a member of the Art Center of Citrus County. The second loss, and at an age too young, was Florida artist Kim Minichiello. Kim has demonstrated at the CWS monthly meetings and was an internationally recognized, award-winning artist, whose career in art and design has spanned more than 30 years. Kim was a signature member of American Women Artists and the Georgia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida Watercolor Societies. She was also the 2019 President of the Florida Watercolor Society. Even though we as artists find that our place on earth is limited, art on the other hand is immortal. The art of Dali, Picasso, Minichiello, Witt, Jowers, Kansky, Friedman and Krall will live on, perhaps not to the extent of those famous masters, but still there to be enjoyed by others in the future.

Welcome Back! – August 2021

August 2021

Press Release by Norm Freyer

Finally, members of the Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) are free to celebrate watercolor art and artists. Most of our members have been vaccinated against the Covid virus. Much of the general population on the Nature Coast have done the same. The CWS is now free to meet again, a meeting of celebration, free of the threat of the virus. CWS president Darla Goldberg asks that you mark you mark your calendars for the exciting return to monthly meetings. The party starts at 11:30 AM on Friday, August 13^th, at the regular meeting place.

We are planning a fun meeting with door prizes, delicious snacks and treats, and a 50/50 drawing. Then add in a raffle to win one of two original paintings by noted Florida artist Tom Jones. How great is that? Excited yet? How about an artist’s sale! It is exciting to give members a chance dispose of their extra, unused art supplies! What an opportunity! Bring in art supplies that you want to sell or just give away. Tables will be ready for your use; you are responsible for your own items. No paintings, prints (reproductions), cards, frames, furniture, oil paints and supplies, or clothing. This is strictly for watercolor paint, painting medium, brushes, drawing supplies, paper, easels, pallets, etc. We are asking for a 20% donation to CWS from any profits you may make from sales. If you have not been vaccinated, please wear a mask to the meeting.

Why attend this meeting? We have to take a deep breath. This meeting will help stir the pot and help each of us get back on track. Forget about the trials of the last year and get back into the world of watercolor art. Let’s look ahead to some of the upcoming programs and what we can learn from them. In October Marilyn Johansen will be on hand for the CWS meeting for a demonstration followed by a two-day workshop. In December Tom Jones makes a return stop to the area as the demonstrator for the Citrus Watercolor Society holiday luncheon, followed by a one-day workshop. More great programs coming.

It’s Time to Take a Break

July 2021

Press Release by Norm Freyer

It’s July! And in July the Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) takes the month off! At this time, I am writing this communication from a small cottage near the shores of Long Island Sound in Niantic, Connecticut; it is only a short distance to the centers of art in Old Lyme.

So, this week I attended the “88th Annual Juried Exhibition” at the Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme. Artists from The Hudson Valley Art Association had submitted 142 pieces of art in various mediums to be judged by the Jurors. These included Pastels, Sculptures, Watercolor, Graphics and Oils.

Of course, I was particularly interested in the watercolor submissions. My thoughts? Very impressive! I will probably go back again before this show closes.

Want to know about the Hudson Valley Art Association? Check out this website http://www.hudsonart.org. Next door is the Florence Griswold where the current art exhibit is “Social and Solitary” https://florencegriswoldmuseum.org/

And that is not all. Drive to the east a short distance and you reach the Mystic Art Gallery, with more outstanding artwork.

To top things off in Mystic, a visit to the studio of Russ Kramer to view his latest nautical artwork. Visit Kramer’s web site at http://www.russkramer.com

Back at home, plans are still being made for the upcoming Fall programs. But July does offer somewhat of a respite compared to the rest of the year. Our program chairperson, Susan Strawbridge, has been hard at work planning guest artist demonstrations and workshops.

In October, Marilyn Johansen will be on hand for the CWS meeting for a demonstration followed by a two-day workshop. Marilyn is an imaginative award-winning artist who is driven by an incredible passion for self-expression through art. She is based in South Florida and has signature status with numerous signature status.

In December, Tom Jones makes a return stop to the area as the demonstrator for the Citrus Watercolor Society holiday luncheon, followed by a one-day workshop. Tom impresses you with his ease of instruction, his interesting dialogue, where everyone gets the same individual instruction and encouragement, and everyone seems to gain something in their knowledge of watercolor art. His approach to watercolor painting just seems to make things so simple.

Tom has traveled from coast to coast in the U.S. and to international sites with this type of workshop that is in constant demand. Always sporting a trademark straw hat with a colorful band, he has indeed become an extremely popular artist.

Norm Freyer handles publicity for the Citrus Watercolor Society.