Demonstration – Citrus Watercolor Society

February 14 Meeting and Demo

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.

Starting 2025 Off With a Bang

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.

Sue Primeau demo and workshop

There is always something new to learn, especially when it comes to our watercolor art. Who hasn’t looked at a finished (?) painting and said it needs something. But what? Sometimes it goes in the closet or under the bed, only to be pulled out periodically and mused over. Sue Primeau has a plethora of ideas of how to revisit those oldies but goodies and put some life in them. Maybe it’s cutting out the best parts and reusing them on a new work, or lifting out problem areas, or darkening others, or using watercolor ground to work over a whole area with something new. You could see the lightbulbs going off as the audience soaked up her many ideas. A number of lucky people had the foresight to sign up for her one-day workshop to hear more. Congratulations to our artists of the month. CJ Westrick and Jeanneine Cole who were voted first and second place.

2023 Holiday Luncheon

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.

December 2023 Luncheon

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

Simple Stencils, Dramatic Effects by Darla Goldberg – October 13, 2023

Press release by Dori Sullivan
September 2023

Back by popular demand … Artist Darla Goldberg will present a demo on the use of stencils to enhance your painting as well as a one-day workshop to make unique stencils and create the promised “Dramatic Effects” in your painting. The demo will be held immediately after the Citrus Watercolor Society meeting at noon on Friday, Oct. 13 at the First Christian Church of Inverness at 2018 Colonade, Inverness. The workshop will be held at Whispering Pines Recreation Building Sat. Oct. 14 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cost is $95 for members, non-members fee is $115. The demo is free to members and a $5.00 donation is appreciated from guests. is an award winning artist and I’ve enjoyed her presentations and workshops immensely. She is a fun instructor who works closely with those in her classes. All levels are welcome. Darla’s specialty is photo realistic eyes based on her professional history as an oculist who designed prosthetic eyes. Her artwork has been enhanced with unique techniques and “painterly” ways of creating beautiful backgrounds to make her work (and yours) “pop”. It’s been my observation that textures, enhanced colors and other striking additions to your artwork is the way to go. When you visit local galleries and art centers, look closely at what paintings attract you. Today, an addition of a variety of techniques has become popular and adds to the excitement of modern paintings. With all of CWS workshops, there are many new techniques you can learn to give your painting the spark it may need.

CWS offers its members opportunities to learn not only at our workshops and through our demonstrations, but by interacting with our artist/members during our pre-meeting “social hour” that begins at about 11:15 in the Family Center at First Christian Church. Light refreshments are provided and individuals who wish to bring in their painting for an “Artist of the Month” competition are asked to bring their work by 11:30 for the viewer’s choice vote. We have both beginners and longtime artists within our membership and we provide helpful hints just for the asking. Our library is crammed full of resources, both books and DVDs that are available for your use. We also have those important plastic “sleeves” for matted paintings and cards for sale.

Looking ahead, we will once again host Art in the Wildlife Park Show and Sale at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife Park, Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th ,2023. Admission to the show is free and a percentage of the artist’s sales are donated to the park. Mark your calendars now and come to the show and sale, just in time for holiday gifts.

In September, it was my privilege to present the CWS Founder’s Award to Darla Goldberg for her stunning watercolor painting of a blooming cactus flower. We want to thank the following for participating in the competition and sharing their inspirations and techniques used in their work. They are Gingi Martin, Jeanneine (Cole) Chesnul, Polly Boston, Darla Goldberg, Dori Sullivan, Signian McGeary, Judy Snow, Aileen Croly, Yvonne Brunelle, Judy Miller, Heather Doherty, and Ellen Hines.

Be sure and check out our website at www.citruswatercolorsociety.org for all the latest news about our activities. Annual dues are only $35 and the benefits are many. We’d love to have you become a member of the “friendliest little watercolor club anywhere”! Until next month, stay well and enjoy the inspirations that drive you to painting.

Dori Sullivan

Getting Your Painting Ready to Show- August, 2023

Getting Your Painting Ready to Show!

On Friday, August 11, Citrus Watercolor Society will present two noted local artists, Curt Bond and Kim Shields, to demonstrate what is needed to make your artwork ready for exhibit. Our CWS business meeting, as well as the demo, will be held in the Family Life Center at the First Christian Church of Inverness at 2018 Colonade, Inverness. Light refreshments and opportunities to vote on the monthly “Artist of the Month” paintings begin at 11:15. The meeting and demo (Getting Your Painting Ready to Show) begins at noon.

Both artists have vast experience in showing their work. Curt is a watercolorist whose work is mostly birds – beautiful water fowl and birds of all shapes and sizes. You can usually see his work at the “Art in the Wildlife Park” show and sale held at the Homosassa Wildlife State Park. He is past president of CWS and involved with Nature Coast Painters (Beverly Hills).

Kim is known for his plein air paintings done on site from the Inverness area to points South such as Tarpon Springs. Kim also served as president of CWS as well as president of the Florida Watercolor Society. Besides an award-winning watercolorist, Kim works in Pastels as well. And I’ve heard they are both entertaining with their presentations. You certainly don’t want to miss this CWS demo. There is no charge for CWS members, and a $5 donation is appreciated from guests. All are welcome.

Interested in learning more about Citrus Watercolor Society, check out our website: http://citruswatercolorsociety.org and be sure and look at the gallery.

We meet the second Friday of the month, except for July (no meeting) and May and December when we have luncheons at local restaurants. Our meetings begin at Noon, but come at 11:15 AM to meet and greet other members/artists, enjoy light refreshments and see some of our work on display.

Until next month, stay safe and keep your images bright.

Dori Sullivan

Polly Boston – April 14, 2023

Press Release by Dori Sullivan

Painting underwater is a whole lot different than painting any above water scenes but with Polly’s techniques your Clownfish will be swimming along, happy to be in the deep blue sea. The demo is free to CWS members ($5 donation is appreciated from guests) and the workshop is $95 for members, $115 for non-members. Registration and checks made payable to Citrus Watercolor Society may be mailed to CWS, PO Box 2464, Inverness FL 34451-2464. Polly told us “you will have a lot of fun, because you can’t really do anything very wrong in this class”… and she doesn’t give demerits! One and all come and have a fun day with the friendliest art group around. You can make a splash!

Polly’s career centered around music, but when she retired and moved to Florida she took classes in painting and loved it. A student of Anne Abgott, she was persuaded to enter the Florida Watercolor Society exhibition where her work was accepted for three years in a row. She’s acquired “Signature” status within FWS. Polly specializes in commission work, painting many different subjects. Her style is colorful and realistic. Her personality is delightful. You can see her work at the Rainbow Springs Art Gallery in Dunnellon.

Artist of the Month: During the CWS monthly meetings, members bring in their latest artwork and attendees vote on their favorite. This month Susan Holley’s painting of Hollyhocks came in first place and Polly Boston’s monochromatic painting of wine glasses came in second. Congratulations to you both. Thank you all for sharing your latest artwork. We love seeing your paintings!

Annual Spring Luncheon: There will not be a regular meeting nor a workshop held in Inverness on the second Friday in May. The membership will be enjoying a Spring Luncheon at the Citrus Hills Country Club on Friday May 12. On the program, besides a delicious lunch, will be the installation of the Officers of CWS for 2023-24. A very special guest artist, Mindy Lighthipe, will present a demo on her amazing botanical and nature paintings. For more information about the May luncheon and demo, please look to our website at www.citruswatercolorsociety.org or contact Ellen Hines at [email protected]. Seating is limited and the deadline for menu choices and reservations is May 5th.

I’m enjoying the exciting days of Spring in Florida and hope you are too. There is much to see and paint. Bright colors, changing light and inspirations are everywhere.

“Colour is my day long obsession, joy and torment” Claude Monet

Stay well. Dori

Polly Boston Demonstration

“Under the Sea” Workshop

Darla Goldberg – March 10, 2023

Citrus Watercolor Society Paints
with Brusho

Please join us for another Citrus Watercolor Society demonstration and workshop with artist Darla Goldberg.

Darla will present a short demonstration on using Brusho Friday, March 10 followed by a one day workshop on Saturday March 11 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The demo will be in the Fellowship Hall of the First Christian Church of Inverness (2018 Colonade St.) at noon and the workshop will be in the Whispering Pines City Park recreation building. The workshop fee is $95 for CWS members and $115 for non-members. A registration form and supply list is posted on our website www.citruswatercolorsociety.org .The demo is free to members but a $5 donation is appreciated from guests. For additional information, contact Vicki Pritchard at [email protected].

Darla is a recognized Florida artist who creates amazing animal and bird paintings known for their realistic looking eyes. Her professional history as an oculist transfers to the most fascinating eyes in her artwork. And now she has incorporated the use of Brusho to add color and textures to her paintings.

Have you ever heard of using “Brusho” in your watercolor painting? Well, leave it to the CWS artists to find something new (to most of us) to create striking watercolor artwork. Darla Goldberg will show us step by step how to use Brusho to make the magic happen in our paintings. She will have a small set of Brusho for sale at the workshop for $6.00. I’ve seen the brilliant colors and interesting results of this technique and can’t wait to give it a try. I hope to see you there.

What is it? Brusho is crystallized dry pigment. It comes in small plastic containers or “pots”. The crystals can be applied to wet paper or applied to dry paper then sprayed with water. You can also mix the crystal in a well or pan space on your palette. Mix a tiny bit (yes, just a tiny bit) of water and you have a wonderful inky paint. The colors and effects achieved with this product are really interesting and present many possibilities.

Artist of the Month for February

Congratulations to Jeanneine Cole, first place winner in the Viewer’s Choice Painting of the Month contest and to Terry Carter for his second place win. Every month CWS artists show their recent paintings and the membership votes for their favorites. Beautiful paintings!

Three of CWS members entered and were accepted in the Florida Watercolor Society annual “on-line” show and competition. Congratulations to Heather Doherty, Barbara Fife and Judith Callison. Your paintings are outstanding.

Great things happen to the artists of Citrus Watercolor Society as a result of their membership. First, you always learn something from our demos and workshops. Secondly you have the opportunity to be with other artists “of all stripes” from both beginners and experienced who want to meet you and “talk art”. There is nothing better than experiencing a workshop with fellow artists in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Yes, there are challenges, but we’re there to help each other – we learn from each other and we are always happy to share tips and techniques. Besides our monthly meetings (on the second Friday of the month) there are two special lunches with special guest artists and opportunities to exhibit your art at the annual “Art in the Wildlife Park” show and sale at Homosassa State Park. Our membership is growing and so is the enthusiasm for our society and its members. Annual dues are only $35 and due in May. Check out our website for more information at www.citruswatercolorsociet.org .

Thank you readers, for you kind words and interest in Citrus Watercolor Society, I really appreciate it. Until next month, stay well and enjoy the beauty and colors of the Florida we call home.
Dori Sullivan

Darla Goldberg
“Brusho” Demo
March 10, 2023

Darla Goldberg
“Brusho”Workshop
March 11, 2023

Photos contributed by Dori Sullivan

Bev Yankwitt – February 10-13, 2023

A Unique Walk from Figurative to Abstract Painting with Beverly Yankwitt

Citrus Watercolor Society is inviting you to take this journey during a two-day workshop with nationally known artist, Beverly Yankwitt. For a preview of the two-day workshop, join us on Friday February 10th at the First Christian Church Family Center, 2018 Colonade, Inverness at 11:15 for light refreshments, followed by a short business meeting at noon.

After the business meeting enjoy a demonstration by Beverly about her abstract paintings. Her two-day workshop follows on Saturday Feb. 11 and Sunday Feb 12th from 9AM to 4PM in the Whispering Pines Park recreation building. The cost is $115 for CWS members, $145 for non-members. The demo is free, but a $5 donation from guests is appreciated.

Whether you are new to abstract or not, you will learn some creative new techniques as Bev guides you through the intuitive process of making an abstract painting. It’s a freeing experience that employs the traditional elements of design, perspectives and values, but expresses a whole new insight into the subject. You may use collage, stamping and other methods with your watercolors or acrylic paints.

Beverly’s profile states “I love doing abstract art. To take a quote from Forrest Gump “you never know what you’re going to get”. I usually don’t have a particular idea in mind when I start a painting. I decide on a composition and then begin to add paint. I work mostly in acrylics or watercolor adding texture by gluing on torn tissue paper, watercolor paper, rice paper or various other papers as well as molding pastes. My inspiration comes from designs and texture found in nature. I have learned to look at things around me with an abstract eye. I believe that abstract art is all about color combinations, texture and interesting shapes.”

At the 2022 Florida Watercolor Society convention, I had the privilege of sitting in at Bev’s demonstration and was fascinated with the process and how abstract paintings can draw you in to the emotions and images you see in the artwork. I’m looking forward to the class and hope you will join us. Contact Judith Callison at [email protected] for more information, registration and a supply list.
I’d like to remind you that membership benefits in CWS are many. Even though it’s pretty chilly as I write this column, our hearty plein air painters are joining Joyce Cusick for an outing to the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Park in Homosassa. If it’s too cold to be outside, Joyce offers a hack of how to paint in less than perfect weather. Simply park your car across from the site and use your steering wheel as an easel, supplies on the front seat and you’re set to go enjoying your inspiration through the windshield. OK – maybe not, but as soon as the weather warms, rest assured Joyce and her painters will be seen all around our beautiful Citrus County creating wonderful paintings.

We also have a wonderful library of art books, magazines and videos that will make a wonderful addition to your reading and research materials. Members may borrow the books but when we have a sale the prices are amazing!

CWS schedules a variety of guest artists from all over Florida who share their talents with our members and guests. Meetings and demos are usually held the second Friday of the month. Annual dues are only $35 (payable to CWS) and on our website (www.citruswatercolorsociety.org ) you can view past workshops as well as finding a membership form and registration for the upcoming classes.