Lionel Sanchez Workshop

Press release by Dori Sullivan
January 2024
Citrus County Chronicle

Happy New Year and Happy Painting with Lionel Sanchez!!

Here’s wishing you a very Happy New Year from the artists and members of Citrus Watercolor Society. We’re starting off the year with a “bang” and hope you will join us Friday, Jan. 12th at the First Christian Church at 2018 Colonade, Inverness for our monthly business meeting and demonstration by Lionel Sanchez. 

Lionel is one of our favorite landscape and marine watercolor artists who will conduct a one day workshop, Saturday January 13th at the Whispering Pines Recreational Building from 9 AM until 4 PM. Lionel’s subject will be from a selection of landscape or marine scenes that he will use to guide us, step by step thru the process, until we have a completed painting. It’s fun and yes, even a relaxing day spent with a fun artist who has a wealth of information and techniques to share with you. Please join us!

The workshop fee for members is $95 and for non-members, $125 payable to CWS. To register for the workshop, please go to our website http://www:citruswatercolorsociety.org . There is a registration form on the site as well as membership information. Guests are always welcome to attend our monthly Business Meetings. The demo is free to our members and we ask a $5 donation from non-members. Come and see what we’re all about. 

Our regular Business Meetings are held monthly except for May, July and December in the Fellowship Hall at First Christian Church. Doors open at 11:15 and light refreshments will be served. Our library will be open and an amazing selection of books and DVDs are available for you to borrow. There are also plastic sleeves for sale that are so important for those finished pieces of art you want to display or sell.

Speaking of displaying your artwork – members are welcome to bring in one of your latest paintings for our “Painting of the Month” contest. Certificates will be awarded to the first and second place winners. The popular vote by our members and guests determines the winners. We need at least five paintings to hold the competition. 

Looking ahead, we’re planning another “Art in the Wildlife Park” show and sale in a few months. Look for the date and details on our website or our Facebook page. This two day weekend show and sale includes a juried competition with awards for Best in Show, First, Second and Third Place, two Honorable Mention awards and the President’s Choice award. Entry into the show is for members only and a percentage of our sales is donated to the Wildlife Park in Homosassa. 

Until next time, stay well, paint and dip your brush into even brighter colors.

Dori
“Creativity takes courage” Henri Matisse. 

December 2023 Luncheon

Logo of CWS

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

Color Strategies in Abstract Design with Bev Yankwitt

Press Release by Dori Sullivan

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

Members Show & Tell- September 8, 2023

Press Release by Dori Sullivan

Yes! It’s September and on Friday the 8th, Citrus Watercolor Society will host their membership’s annual “Show and Tell” which includes the CWS Founder’s Award. It’s been a long, hot summer and we’re excited about seeing your latest paintings.

You did spend time in air conditioned places painting, didn’t you? Please bring a single piece of your artwork to our meeting by 11:30 AM so they can be displayed and sign-in if you wish to share a bit about your work. We’d love to know about your techniques and inspirations. We’ll meet in the Family Life Center at the First Christian Church at 2018 Colonade, Inverness. Light refreshments will be served as you enjoy seeing the paintings and mingling with the artists.

The competition for Best in Show, Second and Third place are awarded by “viewer’s choice” so please be sure to vote for your favorite. The Founder’s Award is a cash prize and certificates are awarded to the runners up. Please bring your original watercolor or water medium on paper, no prints.

Our membership is growing and we invite our readers to think about joining the “friendliest watercolor society” in Central Florida. Annual dues are $35 payable to CWS and, in addition to seeing free demonstrations throughout the year, you receive a members’ discount for our workshops. We have an exciting line-up of artists who will be providing a variety of techniques during our busy months in 2023 and 2024. Some names may be familiar to you – Sue Primeau, Jerome Chesley, Darla Goldberg, Lionel Sanchez, Libit Jones, Bev Yankwitt and more. All are talented and fun workshop leaders. Our workshops follow our regular monthly meeting on the second Friday of the month, either for one or two days at the Whispering Pines Recreational Building. Workshops are a fun weekend spent with artists like you!

In September, the Florida Watercolor Society will be having their 42nd Annual Convention in nearby Ocala. We’re pleased to announce that three of our members, Kim Shields, Judith Callison and Polly Boston have been accepted into the Convention’s Exhibit. For more information about the FWS Convention, please explore their website: http://FloridaWatercolorSocity.org for details.

Congratulations to Judi Miller who won the Artist of the Month award for August. Her striking watercolor floral painting was determined winner by popular vote at our recent meeting.

Looking ahead, we have some big news. In November, CWS members will present a Show and Sale at the Homosassa Wildlife Park. The show will be judged and 20% of the artist’s sales is donated to the wildlife park. So, tell your friends about our fund raiser for the State Park, home to many Florida birds and animals. It’s always a great time to visit and November 18th and 19th a great place to shop for the Holidays.
Please check out our website https://CitrusWatercolorSociety.org for all the latest updates as well as membership and workshop details.

Thank you readers, we appreciate your continued support.

Dori


Announcement, September 2023

President Dori Sullivan presented the Founders Award to Darla Goldberg for her stunning cactus flower painting.

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

Paint-A-Round, June 9, 2023

CWS Presents “Paint-A-Round- in June

Something “old” and something new! No, not a wedding … but a repeat of one of my favorite CWS activities … the “Paint -A-Round”! In addition, there’s something “new” – the Installation of new Officers for the Citrus Watercolor Society 2023-2024 Board. Read on … and put the date on your calendars!

Our monthly meeting will be Friday, June 9th at noon in the Family Center at the First Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade St., Inverness. Guests are always welcome and we know all will enjoy this fun Paint A-Round event. Besides watching our outstanding artists work, you’ll have the opportunity to bid on the finished paintings! Members are free and a $5 donation is requested from guests.
What’s a Paint A-Round? This year seven artists come prepared with a concept, paper and supplies to setup at the appointed hour. They start their painting and after ten minutes, their work is passed on to the next artist who adds his/her special touches … and so it goes until all have added color, textures, perspectives on each painting and the artwork finishes the cycle and returns to the original artist. Those finished paintings are signed by all artists, matted and displayed. Tickets are sold and then drawings are held to determine the winners of each of the seven finished paintings. Proceeds fund CWS activities. The artists have all donated their time and talents.
Thank you to: Curt Bond, Barbara Kerr, Darla Goldberg, Ellen Hines, Lionel Sanchez, Deborah Newman and Polly Boston. Each of these artists has their own particular style and preferences for their work. From birds, to animals, landscapes, flowers and more, imagine how the individual additions to each other’s work are going to add magic to the finished paintings. CWS members and guests watch the action from start to finish, mingling and seeing the fabulous paintings evolve in less than 90 minutes. Don’t miss it!

The 2023-24 Installation of the CWS Board of Directors was held at our May luncheon. It was a beautiful time of good food, an outstanding presentation by Mindy Lighthipe and the installation conducted by Barbara Kerr. New officers include: Aileen Croly (Member Delegate), Marjorie Bannish (Ambassador and Past President) Richard Carlton (Facilities Coordinator) Gingi Martin (Corresponding Secretary), Deborah Newman (Recording Secretary) Jan Kuukari (2nd V.P. Membership), Signian McGeary (1st V. P. Programs) and Dori Sullivan (President) … now that’s a familiar name …! Thank you CWS members and friends for giving me the privilege to serve as our next President. As the members of the board and I were installed, we became a team who has close ties to our watercolor artists/members and all look forward to continuing as the “friendliest watercolor society in Florida” with many opportunities for our members in the coming year.

In addition to the officers, CWS has a long list of wonderful volunteers who make sure that all the needs of the society are met, and many hands make light work of what makes our society so successful. Think about joining us – our annual dues are $35 and due this month. Check out our website at citruswatercolorsociety.org for details.

Until the next time, stay well and continue to reflect the beauty around you in your artwork. Dori Sullivan.

CWS June 2023 Chronicle Article

May Luncheon -2023

Celebrating 42 Years as the Friendliest Watercolor Society in Florida


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 12th. On the program, besides a delicious lunch, will be the Installation of the Officers of CWS for 2023-24.

Retiring officers have served CWS faithfully for their time in office and we want to thank them for all they have done. During the year of Covid and the following months, while we’ve been taking time to get our lives back together, these loyal men and women did their utmost to bring new life and enthusiasm into our organization. “Thank you” just doesn’t seem enough. There is a large Board of Officers and Directors that together pitched in and made those very big jobs relatively simple. Sharing the load, under the leadership of Marjorie Bannish, they worked and we’re happy to say our membership is growing again and we have some exciting workshops planned for the coming year.


Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month, August- June. Meetings are held at The Family Center of the 1st Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade Street, Inverness, FL. Our May and December Luncheons are held elsewhere. Check the Calendar page of our website for location and directions. There is no meeting in July. Annual dues of $35 are payable to CWS in May.


The Executive Meeting begins at 10:30 AM. Light refreshments are available during Social “Hour” 11:15 am-12:00 pm. Painting of the Month Competition begins at 11:30 am. Please join us so you can get to know our friendly members and artists. The Members’ Business Meeting is at 12 pm, followed by a special Demonstration of about an hour.


A very special guest artist, Mindy Lighthipe, will present a demo on her amazing botanical and nature paintings at our Spring Luncheon. For more information about the May 12th luncheon and demo, please look to our website at www.citruswatercolorsociety.org or contact Ellen Hines at [email protected].

Until next time, stay well and think about taking an active part with a great group of men and women artists at Citrus Watercolor Society. Dori

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.”

Bev Yankwitt


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.