We welcomed guests and new members to our October 1st meeting. The new 2017-2018 season calendar was explained, for those who missed last month.

The updated brochures by Janet were available for members to pick up and pass out to friends, families and businesses.

Pam Merle did a great job presenting information on our upcoming March 12, 13, 14 workshop. Suzanna Winton, juror, for our members show, will do “Portraits with Personality”. Suzanna, a National Watercolor Society signature member, will show us how to paint realistic watercolor portraits. With her instruction and straightforward approach, you will create beautiful portraits with warmth. Pam showed us a sample of the work she did during the workshop, which showed a hint of turquoise used as a highlight on a forehead. She also showed us a sample of eyes and mouths that she painted during the workshop. Registration for this wonderful 3-day workshop is $300 for CFWS members and $350 for non-members.
More info or register here.

An energetic Mary Dall promoted the Ken Austin’s October 7 workshop. The 9am – 4 pm one-day workshop will reveal “Tricks of the Watercolor Trade”. Ken suggests we “Kick it up a Notch” by learning a wide variety of techniques that are easy to learn and practice. Registration is $100 for members and $125 for non-members.

Mary sold the 50/50 tickets and we had a good response. It was a lot of fun!

Marcela Moglia announced the plein air at the Bradlee-McIntyre house in Longwood. This beautiful, old historic house is a Victorian Cottage Style house. Built in 1885 this Queen Anne style three story, 13-room house is adorned with the lovely ginger bread trim. (We are invited to paint around the grounds, due to the fragile furniture inside.)

We passed around a sign up sheet for the formation of a grants writing committee after United Arts invited us to apply for a grant. We had a good response and will begin work on getting some funding soon

An announcement was made of the exhibition featuring art by Sandi Hanlon-Breuer and Kim Minichiello. “Worldwide Reflections” from Oct. 11 – Nov. 10, 2017, will interpret the world through travel and a love of nature. Reception is Oct. 13 from 6 – 8 at the Michael Crews Gallery, Lake Wales Arts Council.

Vice-president, Krys Pettit, made several announcements about participating in our social media accounts … like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. She has set up another fun day in Winter Park, touring the contemporary art collection at the Alfond Inn! The planning of the holiday party is underway and volunteers and donations are welcomed!

Finally, our founder, Ken Austin NWS, FWS treated us to a fun and colorful watercolor demonstration. He did a still life that incorporated some of the tricks we will be learning in his workshop, such as stamping and creating tension. He said the only rule in watercolor is “Water on the left and coffee on the right.” A good rule!