Tom Jones- Dec 9, 2022

CWS Celebrating the Holidays

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 from the December Luncheon; Tom Jones Demonstration

Photos contributed by Dori Sullivan

December 10-11, 2022
Workshop with Tom Jones

at Whispering Pines Park Recreation Center

Workshop photos contributed by Deb Newman

Sue Primeau -Nov 11, 2022

Citrus Watercolor Society November Meeting

Having problems adding life to your painting? We may have the answer.
Citrus Watercolor Society is pleased to announce that well known Florida Artist Sue Primeau will be our November presenter for a demonstration on Friday Nov. 11th as well as a one-day workshop on Saturday, Nov. 12th. Both events will be held at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall at 2018 Colonade, Inverness.

Sue’s watercolor collage workshop is entitled “How to Resuscitate a Painting”. The demo is free to members ($5 donation appreciated from guests) and the workshop is $95 for members, $110 for non-members. There is still time to sign up for the workshop. You can find a form on our website (https://citruswatercolorsociety.org) or register by emailing Susan Strawbridge at [email protected].
Now for some of the good stuff. Sue Primeau’s art is “abstract realism” … wha?? Yes, she can paint a bunch of grapes, add her own touches of texture, blended colors and even collage to create an exciting painting that will catch the eye of any passerby. And yet, there they are … images of “real” grapes fresh with the morning dew. I’ve been privileged to take several classes and workshops with Sue, and every time I’ve learned so much. She rarely abandons the basics of design, value and perspective. I know you’ll enjoy every minute of her demonstration and be surprised by the results at her workshop.


Sue has painted since childhood although it was only as an adult that she was introduced to the magic of watercolor. She is passionate about the world in which we live and the beauty that surrounds our everyday life. It is this readily available subject where she finds her inspiration. Today, working primarily in watercolor, a medium she prefers not to control, she often begins by letting the shapes and colors occur spontaneously with little or no guidance. She is a master of the “wet on wet” technique. Sue then studies the resulting image to determine how she will continue to develop the painting into something unique. We do hope you will join us for this exciting program.


Great News! After a long hiatus we’re excited to announce that the CWS’s Art in the Wildlife Park Show and Sale is returning once again to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Spring Wildlife State Park on Saturday December 3rd from 9:00 to 5:00 PM and Sunday, December 4th from 9:00 to 4:30. There is no admission charge to the show where original artwork by our artists will be on display. It is a juried show and members may enter their watercolor paintings for judging at a nominal fee of $5.00. The park is located at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa Springs. We hope you’ll join us to view and purchase our members beautiful and amazing art.
Also, in December, we will celebrate the holidays with a special luncheon at Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club on Friday the 9th and follow it with a two-day workshop with Tom Jones. More details about Tom’s two-day workshop in December’s column. Keep in touch with CWS in this publication as well as on our website. Annual dues are $35 payable to CWS. Details, including member’s art work, are on our website at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org. New watercolorists and guests are always welcome.


At the October meeting of CWS, Jeanienne Cole’s painting “Hidden Ibis” was voted “Painting of the Month” and Julie Jamieson’s “en plein aire” work was runner up. Every month, members are invited to bring in a piece of their work to our meeting where the membership votes for their favorites. Congratulations, ladies!


Cooler temperatures are in the air. I hope you are well and enjoying this special time of the year to get together and paint! Until next time … Dori

Exploring Textures in Watercolor August 2022

Press Release by DORI SULLIVAN

Mark your calendars today! Friday August 12, 2022, the Citrus Watercolor Society will meet at the Family Center of the First Christian Church of Inverness at 2018 Colonade Street, Inverness with
light refreshments at 11:30AM and the General Meeting at noon. Following the meeting is a demonstration by SusanJane Donohoe who will give us a sneak preview of what’s in store for our
one-day workshop Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Whispering Pines recreation center. From 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the workshop artists of all abilities will have a productive day that is sure to
add to your art repertoire.

SusanJane sent me a brief outline of her workshop “Exploring Textures in Watercolor” and I can’t word it any better than she does.

“– this is a day of exploring a number of ways to lay down the paint, simulate texture on a 2-D surface and master the water in watercolor. A variety of unusual tools and techniques will be used to achieve textures. My Mission is to help the student to improve their watercolor skills so that they can create their own unique masterpieces, not just copy the works of others. I also hope to instill in them the confidence they need to achieve this goal.

Leaving my workshop with a beautiful painting should not be the students’ expectation. I prefer that they use our time together to make as many mistakes as possible so that I can help them repair, redirect and move forward in confidence.”
SusanJane considers the Twin Cities, MN. and San Francisco, CA. as her hometowns, having spent half her life in each metro area. Today, however, she calls Florida home. Early careers in sales, counseling and as an award-winning Kitchen & Bath Designer demanded that she understand the human psyche in order to satisfy the needs of her clients. SusanJane uses that same ability now to interpret her subjects in watercolor. She finds it mesmerizing to watch the vibrant pigments mingle on the paper as the liquid travels across the shapes that it is bringing to life.

Be sure and check out her website www.susanjaneartist.com where you can see how her paintings include whimsical creations that make one smile, compositions that comment on the issues of today’s world, and others that are simply recording the beauty that surrounds us. Her vibrant use of color adds to the personalities in the characters she paints and the stories being told.

You can sign up for the CWS one-day workshop by contacting Susan Strawbridge at [email protected] or look for a registration form on our website www.citruswatercolorsociety.org under “Workshops” on the menu. The fee for CWS members is $95 and for non-members $110. When you are signed up, you will receive a full supply list and any additional items you will need for the workshop.

When I read thru the supply list, I realized I have most items in my “paint box” but was stymied by some of the extras on her list. Salt? A feather? Saran Wrap? Can’t wait to see how these are going to add impact to my painting skills! It will be interesting to see what SusanJane has in mind – the workshop certainly sounds like fun and I hope you will join us.

Until the next time, stay well and enjoy your adventures in Art. Dori


Click below for a 1-minute VIDEA RECAP!

photos contributed by Dori Sullivan and Barbara Fife

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

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

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] .

Painting Boats, Water and Sky – A Virtual Workshop with Jerome Chesley

April 2021

Press Release by Norm Freyer

The Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) continues an active program of popular virtual workshops in place of planned monthly meetings canceled due to the COVIC-19 pandemic. CWS Program Chairperson, Susan Strawbridge, has enlisted Sarasota watercolorist Jerome Chesley to conduct a one-day virtual workshop live via Zoom on Saturday April 10th. Chesley spends his winter in Sarasota and summer in residence in Mayville, N.Y., and is an instructor at the renowned Chautauqua Institution summer program. He is a signature member and 2018 President of the Florida Watercolor Society (FWS). He is Master Signature Member and past president of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society

Jerome has a degree in art from SUNY College at Buffalo, studied at the University of Art in Siena, Italy, the Scottsdale Art School, and with distinguished teachers throughout the U.S. His background in education at both public school and college levels allows him to incorporate the elements of art including, form, pattern and color in his work. He teaches painting throughout Florida. Jerome worked in the Gloria Plevin gallery and was later the Assistant Director of the Art gallery in the Chautauqua Institute. He was on the VACI Advisory Board and continues to volunteer in many capacities. In addition, he has created multiple art projects benefitting community organizations. He has won numerous awards for his paintings, many of which are in are in private collections throughout the US, Canada and Europe.

Jerome Chesley’s collection of paintings, showcase a variety of subject matter including still-life, floral, architectural and land and seascapes. The watercolor paintings, giclée’s and mixed media set the stage for surrounding oneself in a rich indulgence with a range of subtle to bold color. His style allows the white of the paper to sparkle throughout his work. Much of his subject matter is based on a collection of familiar objects or places he has visited, those which have a special meaning or significance. You can view some of Jerome’s work at the following web site: https://search.aol.com/aol/image;_ylt=AwrE19.KxVRg4QEAViVpCWVH;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Nj?q=jerome+chesley+artist&v_t=wscreen50-bb

Virtual workshops are conducted on Zoom and fill up fast. Class size is limited to facilitate individual attention from the instructor. With Zoom you are in the front row! For workshop cost and more information contact Susan Strawbridge at (352) 212-4378 or by email at [email protected]

Beyond the Pandemic There is a Brightside

March 2021

Press Release by Norm Freyer

Are you tired of COVID-19 and all it has done to limit our activities as artists? Have you lost some of your desires that require you to open up your box of paints, review your selection of brushes, and your choice of paper? Do you still have the need to take that idea you have in mind and express it artistically? No? Have you lost the urge to get started? You are not alone. It is hard to establish the damage this virus has done to creativity in watercolor art. I have to admit that it has taken its toll on my dedication to creative watercolor painting.

A good part of this misery is what this virus has done to encroach on our regular activities. We miss our monthly Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) meetings. We miss the monthly demonstrations by visiting artists. We miss the opportunity to interact with our artist friends. We miss the professional critiques of new artwork provided by our member artists. We miss the workshops presented by these talented visiting artists. We miss “Paining of the Month” competition. We miss the CWS Spring Show and Sale that has been cancelled. Let us hope that we can get back to normal soon.

So, let us take a look at the Brightside. We still have the CWS web site that is chock full of info regarding our art and member artists. Take some time and explore the contents of our website. In the Member Gallery you will find an online art show with paintings by twenty CWS members. Let us celebrate with Peg Lefebvre on her First Place Award in the Florida Watercolor Society 2021 Online Show, featuring her painting “New Red Sneakers”. And to Nancy Dias, whose painting “Fantasy Garden” was juried into the 2021 Central Florida Watercolor Society Show at the SOBO Gallery in Winter Garden, FL. Another winner was the CWS virtual workshop on Zoom with Kim Minichiello. This workshop was sold out with a waiting list! Coming in April, Susan Strawbridge has scheduled another virtual workshop live on Zoom with Jerome Chesley, FWS President in 2018. Watch for announcements.


Going Virtual with Bold and Dynamic Watercolor

February 2021

Press Release by Norm Freyer

The Citrus Watercolor Society (CWS) is going virtual! COVID-19 has suppressed most of the society’s planned programs for the past few months. But there is more than one way to skin a cat. Susan Strawbridge, society program chairperson, has scheduled a one-day virtual workshop with Kim Minichiello featuring “Bold and Dynamic Watercolor”. The workshop will be conducted online utilizing Zoom on one’s desktop, lap top or tablet. During this workshop participants will be painting a yellow bromeliad. Kim will cover painting techniques unique to her process: bold color focusing on water to pigment ratio, value structure, color temperature, and color theory. All are important to make images look three-dimensional on a two-dimensional surface.

Kim Minichiello is an internationally recognized, award-winning artist, whose career in art and design has spanned more than 30 years. As a designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, she worked on the concept development and design of shops, restaurants, and attractions, for Disney theme parks worldwide. Kim is 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. She is a member of thirteen professional painting societies, and is a founding member of the Orlando, Florida Chapter of the worldwide Urban Sketchers Organization.

She has exhibited her work in Europe, China, Hong Kong and throughout the United States, winning numerous awards. Most notably the Winsor & Newton Award in the 151st American Watercolor Society Exhibition and the Southwest Art Magazine Award in “Making Their Mark: American Women Artists” at the Booth Western Art Museum. She has been in global publications including The Watercolor Artist MagazinePlein Air Magazine and American Art Collector. She was chosen as one of fifty-six artists worldwide for “The Fabriano Watercolor 2020/2021 Exhibition” at the Museo della Carta e della Filigranna, in Fabriano, Italy. Her work will also be featured in Splash 22: The Creative Spark.

Kim comments, “Visual storytelling and attention to detail is my impetus in my career as a designer and continues to be the driving force in my work. My background in architecture and design, passion for travel, study of various cultures, and ongoing interest in botany influences my creative process. I’ve worked in a variety of mediums, but the lyrical nature of watercolor captivates me like no other. I’m inspired to push the limits of the medium to create bold and dynamic stories.” Kim is a studio and plein air painter, view her award-winning work on her website at www.kimminichiello.com

This one-day virtual workshop will take place via Zoom on February 13, 2021 from 9 AM until 4 PM, with a break for lunch. For more information contact Susan Strawbridge at 352-212-4378 or at [email protected]