Tag: SusanJane Donohoe

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

Enjoying a Short Break- July 2022

Hurrah! It’s the middle of Summer in beautiful Central Florida! I see life slowing down a bit, not quite as many cars on the roads, not much of a wait at restaurants and even Citrus Watercolor Society is taking a break. There will not be a meeting of CWS in July! Now don’t you wonder just what our watercolorists are doing during this “vacation”?

I, for one, am trying to get my studio organized. I have no idea when that cyclone swirled thru my art supplies and put them into such a mess. So instead of exploring my favorite plein air sites, I’ll stay in my air-conditioned home and “clean house” so I’m ready for the next workshop sponsored by CWS in August.

If you can’t wait, I’ll tell you this much. Susan Jane Donohoe will be the featured artist and she’ll have a brief demo at our Business Meeting Friday, August 12th with a one-day workshop Saturday, August 13th. You may register for the class now. Simply contact Susan Strawbridge at [email protected] to get on the list. I’ll have more to say about upcoming demo and workshop in my next article. Yes, in August we will be at the First Christian Church and the one-day workshop will be at Whispering Pines Park. Details like the subject matter, the supply list and fees will be included next time.

Another “down time” activity that you might consider is trying out some of the newer techniques and “tricks” you’ve learned over the past few months from our demonstrations and classes. These may add new sparkle to your artwork. Enhancing various textures to backgrounds or even placing more dark values in old paintings can give your artwork a whole new look. The lazy days of summer may be the ideal time to “putter” with old paintings or try a whole new approach to your latest creation. Relax and have fun, no matter what you do!

The CWS Paint Around held in June was a really enjoyable experience. Not only was it fun to watch the artists add their special touch to the paintings, we had time to look over their shoulders and see how they bring their work to life. Barbara Fife has created a brief video that shows the “Paint Around” every step of the way. Check it out at https://citruswatercolorsociety.org

Citrus Watercolor Society meets the second Friday of each month (except July) in the Family Center of First Christian Church of Inverness at 2018 Colonade Street, Inverness FL with light refreshments at 11:30 AM. The meeting and demonstration begins at noon. In addition to our regular demos and workshops by well-known nationally and local watercolor artists, members also enjoy “Painting of the Month” competitions, the use of our library, scheduled plein air outings, and more. Annual dues are $35 payable to CWS. Guests are always welcome! (Please sign in when you arrive. A $5 donation is appreciated).

I’m looking forward to the August programs at CWS. I do plan on taking the workshop and hope I see you there. Have a wonderful July – enjoy family, friends and beautiful Central Florida. Until next time, stay well – Dori