The 2023 Holiday Luncheon at Citrus Hills Golf Club was a great success. Our members all turned out dressed to celebrate the season. Good food, lots of door prizes and an excellent and entertaining demonstration by our guest artist Jerome Chesley all made the event a success. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to provide us with an enjoyable fun afternoon.
Press Release by Dori Sullivan
December 2023
Jerome Chesley’s collection of paintings, from his years of work, showcases a variety of subject matter including florals, still life, architectural and land/seascapes. His watercolor paintings, giclees and mixed media set the stage for surrounding oneself in a rich indulgence with a range of subtle to bold color.
Jerome is a signature member and 2018 President of the Florida Watercolor Society, Master Signature Member and past president of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society and instructor at the renowned Chautauqua Institution summer program. He has won numerous awards for his paintings, many of which are in private collections. He has been twice selected as the Artist in Residence at the Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota where he has had a body of his work exhibited in two exhibitions.
Are you excited about having a workshop with an outstanding artist? Why not share the experience and invite a friend to join you? That would be a unique Holiday gift for someone special.
Looking ahead, in January 2024, Lionel Sanchez will present a demonstration of his very special landscape and marine painting techniques followed by a one day workshop at Whispering Pines. Along with Lionel’s demo on January 12, we’ll have an “Artist of the Month” competition open to all members and the opportunity to see the exciting line-up of presenters we have scheduled for the rest of 2024. We’re starting off the New Year with vibrant colors, designs and composition in watercolor. Beginners are welcome – there is always something you take away from a workshop that adds to your personal style. Lionel’s demo is the highlight of that Friday meeting followed by a fun workshop that is very popular, so sign up soon. (Contact: Signian McGreary at [email protected] for details).
Citrus Watercolor Society meets on the second Friday of the month at the First Christian Church in the Friendship Hall. Our “Meet and Greet” time begins at 11:15 with light refreshments with a short business meeting at noon. The monthly demo follows the meeting. Guests are welcome and are asked for a $5 donation. Workshop fees vary with members having a significant discount. Annual membership is $35. Our website at www.citrustwatercolorsociety.org has membership details and all the benefits of being a part of the “friendliest watercolor society” around.
Until next time, my very best wishes for a Blessed Holiday Season, wishing you Peace and Joy in the New Year.
Dori Sullivan
Citrus Watercolor Society will be enjoying a special Holiday treat on Friday, Dec. 9th with the member’s annual luncheon at Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club. The festivities include a delicious lunch, Holiday Greeting Card exchange, and many other surprises.
Our special guest will be the popular watercolor artist Tom Jones who will show us some of his latest work and a demo of what’s to come at his two-day workshop, Dec. 10th and 11th. The workshop entitled “Creating Colorful Loose Watercolors” will be held at Whispering Pines recreation facility in Inverness from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days. There may still be a space for you in the workshop, and if you’re interested, register at our website www:citruswatercolorsociety.org.
The workshop will include a variety of painting techniques developed by Tom Jones, as well as his hands-on guidance with your individual painting. Students will enjoy instruction with emphasis on developing first wash, values, textures, variety of color, edges and shapes, as well as creating the illusion of light.
This remarkable artist (who is known for his signature Panama hat) paints spectacular watercolors that all tell a story, some with multiple chapters that reflect his love of landscapes or travel experiences. He enjoys creating a series of three to five paintings to complete his story of the subject. He is known for his multi-day plein air painting events for watercolor artists of all levels both here and abroad. We are so fortunate that this talented artist calls Central Florida home.
Tom seeks to make his workshops fun and entertaining as well as to help students leave with fresh ideas for painting in watercolor. He will provide paints by MaimeriBlu and Arches watercolor paper for his students. The workshop fees are $115 for CWS Members and $145 for non-members. A complete supply list and details are available on the CWS website. I hope you will join us.
At the November Citrus Watercolor Society meeting, Polly Boston was awarded first place in the member’s Painting of the Month competition for her portrait of “Margie”. Second place was awarded to Marjorie Bannish for her pelican painting. Congratulations to both of you.
Our CWS membership is growing and there’s always room for more. At last count, we have 85 enthusiastic watercolor artists who welcome beginners and longtime painters to our monthly meetings, shows, demos and workshops. We’re a friendly group looking to share our love of watercolor in a relaxed, fun environment. Annual dues are $35 and our meetings on the second Friday of the month are held in the Family Center in the First Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade St., Inverness. For more information see our website: www:CitrusWatercolorSociety.org.
Until next time, may your Holidays be filled with good health, friends, family and colorful works of art.
Dori Sullivan
Photos contributed by Dori Sullivan
at Whispering Pines Park Recreation Center
Workshop photos contributed by Deb Newman
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
Press Release by Norm Freyer
The Citrus Watercolor Club will hold their annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, December 10th starting at 12:00 Noon. International award-winning artist Steve Rogers will present the featured demonstration. Mr. Rogers is a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, The American Watercolor Society and The National Watercolor Society. Steve was the Chairman of the American Watercolor Society Jury of Awards in 2010.His painting “Aegean Blue” was included in the 1st Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary International Water Media Masters at the Jiangsu Watercolor Research Institute in Nanjing, China.
Steve Rogers was born in New York City. He attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, and graduated with a B.A. from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill. Steve has made a career of painting since 1975. He lives in Ormond Beach, FL
with his wife Janet who is also a signature member of the American Watercolor Society. He has regularly presented watercolor workshops in Greece, Italy, Spain and France. “My purpose as an artist is to portray the beauty of light and color in God’s world as I experience it within my heart.”
Mr. Rogers will be teaching a two-day workshop on December 11th & 12th at the Whispering Pines Park Recreation Center in Inverness. For information, call Glenda Ackley at 352-560-4220.
CHAIRPERSONS: DARLA GOLDBERG & SANDY DUNHAM
Prizes and Gifts: Sandy Dunham, Mimi Salton, Pat Woodhouse
Card Exchange: Wanda McVeigh, Lois Moore, Delois Lang
Ham: Ada Hollingsworth
Refreshments: Barbara Berg, Delores Witt
Set up: Carol Tucker, Mel Rustom, Deloris Witt, Barbara Kerr, Jean Morey, Carolyn Park, Ellen Hines, Jane Kega, Delois Lang Dick, Suzie VonAmmon
Clean Up: Mel Rustom, Norm Freyer, Carol Scharf, Delora Scanlon, Marti Estep
Silverware: Verna Callender, Judi Snow
Center Pieces: Sandy Dunham, Mimi Salton, Darla Goldberg
“The Friendliest Little Watercolor Club”. If there was any doubt, (and there wasn’t) last month’s meeting convinced me. For all of those who attended the “Paint A Round”, you know what I mean. Because even though I call it a “meeting”, I thought it was much more a “get together”. For those who painted, impressive! I am continually amazed at the amount of talent this club has. But I also loved the way everyone else got involved, mingled and socialized with each other. Usually at the meetings we get to socialize, then settle into a nice demo. This meeting I noticed that, from start to finish, the interaction this group displayed showed me why we are known as “The Friendliest Little Watercolor Club”. I admit there were times I worried if the Paint A Round would be a “pumpkin”. But this group proved to me, NOTHING will stop us from being such a great group of artists and friends. So for those who were unable to attend, you missed a good one.
And before we leave last month behind I have to thank Glenda Ackley and all who helped make it so special. She deserves all the credit for the Paint A Round’s success. I would like to remind the participating artists to bring the painting in to the Holiday Luncheon for us to see the “finished paintings”.
Speaking of next months meeting, December 10th’s meeting brings us the Holiday Luncheon. I will be disappointed if everyone does not attend! Darla Goldberg, Sandy Dunham, and all the other volunteers have put in a lot of work. So the Luncheon promises to be exciting. In addition to being fortunate enough to have Steve Rogers for our demo and a workshop, there is much you do not want to miss. The great food. The hand painted cards we want you to bring in to exchange. The many gifts you may receive. And most of all the friendships we continue to make and share. It is because of you the members that we are known as the “Friendliest Little Watercolor Club”. And especially during this holiday season, I know that friendliness will be on display.
Due to the fullness of this month’s meeting Painting of the Month will be postponed until January.
Citrus Watercolor Club wishes everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving”, and looks forward to seeing you at the December “Holiday Luncheon”.
Kim Shields