We had a good turnout (39 members) to our first meeting of 2026! We welcomed our Guests: Tom, Nancy, Burr, Rob, and Luan

President Sandi B. announced upcoming events:

In person board meeting on Jan. 16^th at 10 am and all members are welcome. Our next Plein air is on Jan. 17^th, Cypress Grove, 10am-3pm meet by Gazebo.

Plein air for Feb. 22 is at Leu Gardens, 10am-3pm.

Mary D. said there are 2 spots left in the Tom Jones workshop on Jan. 16^th. Tom reminded us that he will provide paper and paint.

Mary Ellen – Member show jpeg submission now open until Jan. 17^th.

NOTE: THE ANNUAL SHOW DROP OFF HAS CHANGED TO- SUNDAY, MARCH1 FROM 3PM – 5PM AFTER THE MEETING.

Remember to follow our show standards for your art: only simple frames not large 3-4” ornate heavy wood frames, which will be rejected. Use Plexi glass only!

Susan G. announced the workshop of Theresa Kirk March 2-4. Early bird deadline cost is $350, unit Feb. 2.

FWS online show entry window starts Jan. 5.

Cindy S. said Gallery on 1^st studios are available – talk to Cindy or Stewart.

Pebeo drawing gum covers the grass and pelicans. She is painting on Arches 140# cold press start with ultramarine blue add Hookers green and umdersea green, using a Robax palette.

Joan L. introduced our artist Therese Ferguson demonstrating how to paint pelicans. Key to watercolor is layering. Sometimes she has 5-10 layers. QOR paints have lots of pigments so you can get dark backgrounds in one try.

Tip: **Silicon shapers** make a **great mask tool**. Get ones with soft tip. Sold at Amazon and Michaels.

Ultramarine blue and burnt sienna make good black and grey.

Pay attention to what way the feathers are going when painting birds.

Use photos to look at your art. You will see stuff that needs to be adjusted.

Gatorland is good to see birds doing mating behaviors (March/April). Orlando Wetlands and Lake Apopka drive also good for photos.

A plastic spoon is good for burnishing or pressing down paper fibers that fuzz when you pull of makss.

Red orange on beak. One of the best shadow colors for orange is purple. Drop in while wet or else the purple looks flat.

Tips: PO48 Daniel Smith sap green or hookers green will no longer be produced because the mineral is gone. Winsor Newton or Daniel Smith have a Payne’s Grey perfect for cut glass.