Sandi B. led the festivities and made the announcements for upcoming events:
March 21 – (Saturday) Plein Air at Lake Louisa in Clermont. Bring lunch.
March 28 – our society is helping Leu Gardens with an art event from 10am – 1pm. Set up at 9 am. After we are done with volunteering, we can enjoy the gardens for free.
1. Brochures will be available
2. Plein Air painters can set up to paint
3. Artists bring paint, paper and brushes for guests to use with lessons.
March 29 – (Sunday) Pick up your art at SOBO
April 12 – ZOOM monthly meeting/demo for members with Alexis Lavine
May 3 – our last meeting of the year and election of officers …see the CFWS calendar for more information.
There was a good turnout for the reception and food was delicious.
2026 Annual Show Awards Reception:
“I was honored to have the opportunity to jury the Central Florida Watercolor Society exhibition. Understanding how difficult it is to put yourself out there, every artist needs to realize each is a winner for competing. As I walked this strong show I was looking for the wow factors, maybe an emotional response, something I may not have seen before.
Giving awards is very subjective and is only one persons’ opinion, That is why, as an artist, follow your heart, listen to your own voice and please yourself. It is about the journey and the vision, so take that time to create and express yourself.” Teresa Kirk
Thank you to Mary Ellen and Ann R. for pulling together this annual show and working with our sponsors for the wonderful donations as part of the awards.
THANK YOU TO OUR GREAT SPONSORS! 👏 💥
Founder’s Award: “Between Tides” Mary Kathryn Van Klueunen Wonderful energy in the lovely boat painting as they wait for their day to come out of dry dock. Beautiful handling of watercolor, put it down and out.Award Merit: “Basking in the Sun” Susan Grogan The use of textures in the grass and the bird give weight to this painting. I love that she did not use green to describe the landscape.Award Merit / BLICK art materials:“Lake Maitland” Thouraya Zapara. The depth of this little beautiful watercolor is so powerful the landscape in a way that only watercolor can do. We respond to the immediacy of painting.Honorable Mention / BLICK art materials Award: “Hope” George Stuart A subject that causes one to stop and take a moment, trying to figure out what is happening here. The handling of the broken glass was superb.Honorable Mention / Daniel Smith Award: “Outta Sight” Mary Ellen Carrier An unusual subject , in which she played with textures of the surface of the subject, from plastic to metal. 3rd Place / Watercolors by Tom Jones Award: “Are They Here Yet?” Joan Lok The placement of the figure in the space helped to give the feeling of waiting as she peered to the right hoping they will show up soon. She used clear values, and color complements to give weight to this painting.2nd Place / Holbein Award: “Water Lilies in Bloom” Diana Eagles The light that came across this lily pond brought a peaceful feeling as I rest beside it. The use of edge quality gave you a feeling of a lily’s growing out of the water, and then changing that edge quality to give one a feeling of water. While they used opaque paint we felt that we could see into the water1st Place / M. GRAHAM & CO. Award: “Springs Sanctuary” Melody Lozano This beautiful painting played with patterned and rhythm allowing me to float through this wooded area. Her use of color and negative space helped to move one back.Best in Show / Chartpak Award:“Blue Bayou” by Leslie Rossetti This painting with its contrast of Line drawing to a realist bird drew you. This artist took the chance to show me a bird we have seen but in an unusual space. It intrigued me, making me ask where am I.Leslie said the background illustration was done with a glass pen!
People’s Choice: To be awarded at the May meeting! Another reason to attend!
A big thank you to Ted and Michel for being the best friendly bartenders in Central Florida! Thank you to Susie and Ann for the tasty treats! 🍇 🍓🧀
“The purpose of the Central Florida Watercolor Society is to contribute to the cultural atmosphere of Central Florida by promoting interest, education and participation in the art of watercolor.”
