If you ever wondered what you might do to have fun, get inspired and learn something new–all at the same time, here’s your answer: Attend a Lionel Sanchez workshop. Creativity was unleashed at this January workshop. The proof is in the photos.
Press Release by Dori Sullivan
February 2024
Citrus County Chronicle
We invite you “To be Audacious” with artist Libit Jones.
From Webster’s New World Dictionary (Fourth Edition) audacious (o da’shes) adj. 1. Bold or daring; fearless 2. Not restrained.
Libit Jones knows all the tricks to help you go where you’ve never gone before with vibrant color, exciting design and extraordinary perspectives. Citrus Watercolor Society invites you to see a demonstration of Libit’s abstract artwork at our monthly meeting, Friday Feb. 9th at 11:30 AM at the First Christian Church on Colonade in Inverness. The demo is free to members, and a $5 donation is appreciated from guests.
Following her demo, Libit will present a one day workshop at Whispering Pines Recreation Building on Sat. Feb. 10th from 9:00 to 4:00 PM. The cost is $120 for CWS members, $150 for non-members. Contact Signian McGeary at [email protected] to register. A supply list will be sent to you following your registration.
Artist Statement: Art, like life, gives us plenty of opportunities to learn and to grow. I say, let’s take them.
All about Libit: “The last 20 plus years have been devoted to exploring water media and its many possibilities. I’ve gone from using only transparent watercolors, to rolling on gouache, from watercolor to fluid acrylic and back to watercolor, and from hating Yupo to loving it. As a teacher, I am continually learning new things and am inspired with new ideas from my students. That is why I love teaching as much as I love painting.”
“This workshop is for you IF you ever feel timid, anxious or scared in your art or any endeavor for that matter. If you are fearless, this workshop is for you. Stretching and challenging yourself in a welcoming environment is what this is all about. In this workshop you will explore and experiment! No pressure to complete a masterpiece. “What if?”, “Why not?”, and “Let’s do it!” will be our mantra. We will experience the abandonment of mingling, running and splattering paint. We will explore mark making with tools found around your home, garage and in nature.”
Show and Sale is coming up! CWS will have an “Art in the Wildlife Park” show and sale in Homosassa the weekend of March 2nd and 3rd from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Visitor Center on Hwy. 19. Admission to the art show is free and 20% of the proceeds from art sales go to the “Friends of ESHSWSP”. The art show is juried and cash prizes and ribbons are awarded to the winning paintings. For more information contact Jeanne Conrad at [email protected].
At our January meeting of CWS, the members voted for the Painting of the Month. Winners were: First Place: Pauline Boston (a watercolor painting of her cat and dog on the sofa), Second Place: Judy Miller who showed her beautiful Magnolias. Both are wonderful paintings.
If you love art and want to meet others who share your passion for water medium painting, come to our next meeting to look us over. Beginners are welcome. Members often share techniques and you can share yours. Annual dues are $35 and payable in May. We offer exciting demonstrations, outstanding workshops and friendly people. Learn more about Citrus Watercolor Society at our website: citruswatercolorsociety.org .
Until next time, stay well and do a little drawing every day! It’s fun!! Dori Sullivan
What better way to spend a December day than to immerse yourself in flowers. Jerome Chesley gave his usual informative and entertaining workshop guiding our members through the ins and outs of blending colors on the paper and capturing the subtle beauty of the perfect flower. The results speak for themselves.
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
Press Release by Dori Sullivan
“Color Strategies in Abstract Design” and “Abstract Landscapes” by Bev Yankwitt brought to you by Citrus Watercolor Society.
It’s a busy month for Citrus Watercolor members and friends. Read all about it!
It’s not too late to sign up for Bev Yankwitt’s two-day workshop presented by the Citrus Watercolor Society, November 11th and 12th at the Whispering Pines Recreational Building. Our members’ workshop fee is $120 and non-members are welcome to attend for $150 (cash or checks payable to CWS). A complete supply list will be sent to you at the time of registration. Contact Signian Mcgeary at [email protected] for more information.
On Friday, Nov. 10th CWS will meet in the Family Center at the First Christian Church at 2018 Colonade Street in Inverness. On the agenda is light refreshments and “meet and greet” with members and guests at 11:15 until our regular monthly business meeting at noon. Following the meeting, Bev Yankwitt will present a demonstration of some of the techniques she will be using at her workshop. The demo is free to members and a $5 donation is asked from guests.
Bev’s striking paintings show all the basic components of art – value, perspective, design and color – lots of vibrant color with textures as well as surprise elements that bring excitement to every painting. She is an excellent teacher with a style that makes artists, both beginners and longtime painters, comfortable with their work. Please join us. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the workshop.
We are delighted to announce that the members of CWS will be having a juried Show and Sale at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Highway 19 in Homosassa Saturday Nov. 18 from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday Nov. 19 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. “Art in the Wildlife Park” will offer original watercolor paintings and greeting cards created by our members. A portion of the proceeds from our sales will be donated to the Park. Admission to the Show and Sale is free!
Members are welcome to bring one of their paintings to our meeting for the “Artist of the Month” competition. Please have your paintings matted or framed. It is a “Viewer’s Choice” vote and certificates are awarded to the first and second place entries.
The weather is becoming simply wonderful for painting “on site” and CWS offers monthly outings to local parks and other sites for plein air experiences. You will enjoy visiting the location Joyce Cusick has selected and after painting, have lunch together at a local restaurant. Outings are scheduled on the Tuesday following our meeting at 9:30 AM. CWS members and guests meet and spend the day guided by Joyce, painting the images brought to you by beautiful Citrus County Florida.
In December we celebrate the Holidays with a luncheon and special guest at the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club. Reservations must be made in November, so be sure to come to our monthly meeting where you can RSVP, make your menu choice and learn about our guest artist, Jerome Chesley.
CWS offers many opportunities to its members to enhance their watercolor techniques through our monthly workshops and demonstrations. Sharing the time and talents of our members is a fun experience and there always seems to be something new that makes our paintings better than ever. Annual membership is $35 and a membership form is on our website at citruswatercolorsociety.org. We look forward to meeting you soon.
In the meantime, stay well, and keep those paintbrushes wet!
Dori
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
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
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
Photos contributed by Dori Sullivan
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.
Press Release by Dori Sullivan
Citrus Watercolor Society welcomes back artist Lionel Sanchez to our January 13, 2023 meeting as our demonstrator and workshop leader. Please join us at 11:30 at the Family Center in the First Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade St., Inverness for refreshments and a brief business meeting followed by Lionel’s demonstration on how his loose style, brilliant colors and clever design create unforgettable watercolor paintings. The demo is free for CWS members and a $5 donation is appreciated from guests.
Lionel’s style and fun workshops have inspired me and I’m really looking forward to being there – what a great way to kick off 2023! For more information and if you’re interested in the workshop, contact Susan Strawbridge at [email protected] or look for a registration form on our website www.citruswatercolorsociety.org . The fee for the two day workshop is $110 for members, $140 for non-members and will be held at Whispering Pines Recreation Building on Jan. 14th and Jan. 15th.
Lionel writes “My passion for drawing and painting drives who I am as an artist and how I view the world around us. My life experiences and challenges are evidenced in my paintings. For over 30 years, I was a draftsman and project manager. Now that I’m retired, I’m a full-time artist and teach watercolor workshops throughout Florida.”
“My mediums are graphite, acrylic, pen and ink, and watercolor with watercolor as my primary medium. I prefer to paint en plein air with photography (and, of course, imagination) as studio reference. Employing the elements and principles of design, I strive for good composition. When viewing my work, you will see sketches with the utilization of abstract shapes. This is the process of my work. My goal is to spark an interest in my art, perhaps the same sense of the wonderment that I feel when I complete what I deem to be a successful piece. I am always eager to share and discuss my paintings with others in hopes that each piece will elicit an emotional response and a desire to investigate the painting further. An emotional connection opens a dialogue between artist and viewer.”
We want to thank you, our friends of CWS, for supporting our “Art in the Wildlife Park” show and sale. What a great turn out of viewers and buyers. A percentage of the artwork sales was donated to the Friends of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. We were pleased to write a check for over $900 to the park. We are looking forward to another “Art in the Wildlife Park” show and sale in the early Spring of 2023.
The show included judging of a number of our members’ paintings and the following were winners. Best of Show – Curt Bond, 1st Place – Helene Lancaster, 2nd Place Susan Jane Donohoe, 3rd Place Art Estrella, Honorable Mention, Aileen Croly, Honorable Mention, Chuck Chesnul and President’s Choice Award, Helene Lancaster. Congratulations all! Many of the paintings reflected the birds and animals of Florida as well as landscape scenes. Joyce Cusick provided us with painting one of her plein air scenes during the show. All in all it was a wonderful event.
At our recent Holiday Lunch with Tom Jones, a fun time was enjoyed by all. As the year has wound down, CWS presented Barbara Fife, artist and the talent behind our website, with a Lifetime Membership Award. Thank you Barbara for all that you do!
Saturday was a value study … burnt sienna only. Sunday was full bloom color. A fun class and Dick Carlton won the drawing for Lionel’s demo painting. I don’t know everyone’s name because name tags were scarce. Everybody was bundled up* I loved the class! Dori
*Florida has had record cold temperatures this weekend!
Dori Sullivan, Judi Snow, Kim Shields, Richard Carlton, Jeannine Cole, Geri Santor, Susan Siwek and Nancy Fisher were scheduled to attend the workshop, plus more!
