From the President
Hello fellow artist!
We have a lot going on, the submissions for Tri-State closed March 12, and I know we’ve got some great entries, as always. We should receive our notifications by April 14. So be on the lookout for them.
Please make sure your dues are current, so you will receive pertinent information about our Society and upcoming events. We’ve got a lot of great stuff coming up, like the 3-day Workshop with Kathleen Conover. There are still spots available to sign up, so take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a very knowledgeable and great instructor.
On another note, I will be your speaker for the April 27, general meeting. We will meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, because the third Sunday is Easter. So, allow me to tell you a little bit about myself and my Art Journey.
I can’t remember not drawing as a child, I probably started around the age of 7. I took art all through middle School and high School, and we had some awesome art teachers. My mother was one of them. Yes, I had my mother for Art in High School. My mother was so accomplished, I never considered becoming an Artist. I knew I could draw well but I didn’t know if I could paint. I do remember one pivotal moment when I was in High School, I walked into her studio, which was my brother’s room, which he had recently moved out of, looked at her watercolor painting and said, “I want to learn how to do that.”
After getting married and having children, I had the urge to be creative, I took Commercial Art at Lively and found that it was not for me, so I started taking classes at LeMoyne with Wendy Cominski, and at the Havanna Art Center with Joe McFadden. At this point, Joe told us something in the class that really resonated with me, he said, “if you really want to get good at it, paint every day.” And that’s what I did. I started painting various subjects but when I decided to paint my children, I discovered my real love of painting people in watercolor.
I’ve been painting Portraits for 31 years. Teaching workshops in Portraits, Pets, Wildlife, Florals, and Fauna has been a natural fit for me and a rewarding way to share my passion for the subjects I love to paint. I’ve taught workshops for Cheap Joes Art Stuff, Jerry’s Art Arama, and many other Art group and Societies all over, as well as Studio classes in my home for the last 25 yrs. I am also the Author of Realistic Watercolor Portraits, several art instructional videos, and I am an Ambassador Artist for Cheap Joes Art Stuff as well. I also paint in Oil.
Signature Memberships:
- National Watercolor Society
- Southern Watercolor Society
- Florida Watercolor Society
- Watercolor West
- Tallahassee Watercolor Society
Publications:
- The Artist Magazine
- Watercolor Magic
- American Artist Magazine
- Pratique the Arts
- Realistic Watercolor Portraits
- Splash 6
- Thomasville Magazine
I look forward to seeing you at the meeting!
Suzanna Winton, President TaWS
We are excited that Dan Taylor is our speaker for the 3/16 General Meeting!!
I plan to speak about, and do a PowerPoint presentation on, my artistic journey. Mostly about how I learned to paint, my process (and how that has evolved) but also my work in sculpture, jewelry and ceramics.
Dan Taylor is a Tallahassee artist best known for his abstract paintings featuring bold, striking color palettes. His paintings have become highly sought-after and have been featured regionally at the Tampa Museum of Art and locally with the Council on Culture & Arts, LeMoyne Center for Visual Arts (board president), Venvi Art Gallery, Gadsden Art Center, Hotel Duval, 621 Gallery, Signature Art Gallery and FSU’s Oglesby Art Gallery. He has volunteered countless hours of his time and been generous with his talents to raise funds for organizations and causes he cares about including Tallahassee’s Big Bend Cares, where he serves on the board and the Council on Culture & Arts, the officially designated local arts agency for Tallahassee/Leon County, where he serves as past chairman. Taylor also works in precious metal clay to create unique jewelry designs and he produces large scale garden sculpture in steel, wood, and various other materials.
Kathleen Conover Watercolor Workshop
May 13 - 15, 2025
Seating is very limited, so register now!
Application Deadline: April 24, 2025
Katheen Conover has put a lot of time and effort into planning a good workshop. She knows some students and members are detail oriented, so she has given this some thought. "Just knowing they are “detail oriented” allows me to focus on helping them in their detail interests." writes Katheen. I’d like to emphasize that the colors, textures and patterns that we start with on day one are great backgrounds for very detailed imagery. These are examples of actual paintings (all 11x15” we all start with) that I’ve completed from the workshop starts.
For more information, email Mary O at maryosmith7@gmail.com or call at (912) 266-5720
2025 Tri-State Watercolor Workshop
Painting From the Right (and Left) Side of the Brain
Kathleen Conover, AWS, NWS
May 13 - 15, 2025
- Members - $300
- Non-Members - $350
About the Workshop
The best paintings aren’t always planned and they aren’t totally intuitive. They are a marriage of intent, basic design skills, and freely expressing our personal interpretation of the world. This perfect marriage comes from the Left (critical thinking, analyzing, planning) and Right (intuitive, expressive, feeling) sides of our brain. When we engage both sides of our brain we are creating from our “head, our hands, and our heart”, and are truly creating our best art.
To best facilitate this, I will present daily demonstrations, provide printed handouts, give individual attention, and ensure independent work time to enable understanding and application of new information and processes. Artists of all skill-levels are invited, and all painting styles (imagery in realism, abstraction or non-objective work) are encouraged.
Nancy Dias
Nancy Dias has been accepted into the Louisiana Watercolor Society 55th International Exhibition by Judge David R. Smith AMS, NWS for her painting Partners. This is Nancy’s 5th acceptance into this exhibition and she is a Signature Member. The exhibition will run from May 5 to the 25th at Place St. Charles 201 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70170. Nancy plans to attend the awards reception in New Orleans.
You can learn more about this prestigious exhibition using the link below.
https://louisianawatercolorsociety.org/exhibitions/55th-annual-international-exhibition/#accepted
FORGOTTEN COAST
en Plein Air
March 14-23, 2025
A Plein Air Event Like No Other
Now in the 20th year of documenting the landscape and culture of the last vestige of authentic “Old Florida.”
Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, America's Great Paint-out, is among the world's most prestigious plein air events. Artistic excellence and the production of investment quality art continues to be the trademark of this 10-day festival.
Ten days of FREE and TICKETED events, exhibitions and activities for art lovers, collectors, artists and you!
Watercolor & More!
This is an eight-week class for anyone, beginner or more experienced, who wants to develop and foster their skill in watercolor or fluid acrylic on paper!
Demonstrations will be provided each class and students will work on their own projects, and have instructor Nina present for questions and guidance. Demonstrations include instruction in brush techniques, color mixing, composition and more.
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00 PM
Dates: March 25 - May 13 (8 classes)
Location: Yrabedra Studio, Education Center (121 N. Gadsden St.)
Instructor: Nina Freeman
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Tuition: $170 for members | $180 for non-members
Supplies: Not Included
Gouache Impressions with Natalia Andreeva
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10AM – 5PM
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025, 5 pm
Enrollment Minimum Needed to Run Workshop: 4 students
Join us for a fun and engaging Gouache painting workshop with artist Natalia Andreeva! In this workshop, Natalia will guide you through every step of the creative process—from designing your composition to making decisions about perspective and lighting, all the way to adding those final artistic touches.
Whether you’re new to painting or looking to enhance your skills, you’ll learn essential techniques such as:
- How to choose and design your composition
- Understanding perspective and light to bring depth to your artwork
- Working with color theory and blending in Gouache
- How to add texture and details for an impressionistic style
- Tips for completing your painting with finesse and confidence
Students will work from a photo of their choice, so you can bring your own personal inspiration to the canvas. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the vibrant world of Gouache and create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind painting!
Plein Air workshop
Join The Arts Center of Moultrie for our inaugural Plein Air workshop and Paint Out event!
On Friday, April 11, register for a Plein Air workshop led by local artist, Samantha McCoy. Instruction will take place on the Arts Center campus and during this workshop you will learn the foundations of plein air painting. Continue with the Plein Air Paint Out on Saturday, April 12 where you have the opportunity to paint in Downtown Moultrie during the Second Saturday event. Choose one our picturesque views from on The Square and get to work creating your newest masterpiece. A maximum of two canvases can be turned in Saturday afternoon for judging.
Friday, April 11, 2025 - $85
10 am - 5 pm - Plein Air Workshop at The Arts Center campus
4:30 - 5:30 pm - Paint Out participants check-in at The Arts Center and get blank canvases stamped
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - $40
8:00 am - Check-in and stamp canvases (if needed) at Arts Center Booth on The Square (Downtown)
8:00 - 3:00 - Plein Air Paint-Out around Downtown Moultrie
3:00 pm - Turn in art and paperwork at The Arts Center Booth on The Square
4:00 pm - Winners Announced and Silent Auction ends at The Arts Center Booth on The Square
LeMoyne's Chain of Parks Art Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday, April 26 & 27, 2025
Celebrating 25 years, LeMoyne's Chain of Parks Art Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday, April 26 & 27, 2025, in downtown Tallahassee's “Chain of Parks”. Visitors can view and purchase unique works of fine art from over 150 national juried artists while enjoying a weekend filled with live 3-D street art, live entertainment by local bands and performing arts groups, children’s art activities and family fun, local heritage re-enactments, delicious local food, craft beer & cocktails.
The Festival is FREE and open to the public! Plan to spend the weekend with your friends at the Chain of Parks Art Festival as we celebrate 25 years of bringing the arts to downtown Tallahassee.
We will be posting important updates and exciting new details in the weeks to come, so make sure you follow & favorite us to be "in the know"! For more information, visit ChainofParks.com
🦅Fabulous new cover art by painter Stephen Koury, who has been with the Festival since its inception.
2025 Bloom into Art Member Exhibit
The 2025 Bloom into Art Member Exhibit will run May 10th - June 4th 2025 at the Thomasville Center for the Arts with our Exhibition Opening Party on May 10th from 12 - 2pm. Back by popular demand is the People’s Choice Award! Invite your friends, family, and fans to vote for your artwork on May 7th through 9th!
Prizes:
- First Place $1,000
- Second Place $250
- Third Place $75
- People’s Choice Award $750
Members are invited to submit up to 3 pieces of original art in any medium that meets the following requirements:
- All hanging artwork must be wire hung.
- Maximum dimensions for 3D art is 18 inches.
$25 to submit your first piece and $10 for each additional piece.
30% commission
Drop off for artwork is May 6 - 7, 11am - 3pm at the Thomasville Center for the Arts upstairs in the Community Hall Gallery, 600 East Washington St #4648, Thomasville. All unsold art must be picked up from Thomasville Center for the Arts from June 5-6 from 11-3 pm. If you need to make alternate arrangements for drop off or pick up, please contact Robert Emond at 229-412-2175 or robert.emond2015@gmail.com
All works submitted must be created by the artist. (e.g. no works created via A.I. or 3D printers will be accepted).
Artwork will be for sale online.
Not sure if your membership is current? Please check that your membership status is active by visiting https://pinesandpalms.org/my-account/.
The first week of the show, we will encourage the public to attend the exhibit and vote for their favorite piece. The People’s Choice Award will presented at our Exhibition Opening Party on Saturday, May 10 from 12 - 2pm.
Submission deadline: April 22, 2025
Watercolor Painting Series
Adults (55+)
Instructor: Hillery Allen Barrow
Fridays, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Date: 4/4
This class is perfect for both beginners and those looking to refresh their watercolor skills. We’ll explore a variety of subjects, from vibrant florals to serene landscapes, allowing you to experiment and find your unique style.
What you’ll learn: Essential watercolor techniques: brush strokes, color mixing, layering, and washes; Building confidence in handling watercolor paints; Creating depth and dimension in your paintings; Exploring different subject matter to inspire your creativity. No previous experience is necessary! All materials will be provided. Join us for a fun and relaxing atmosphere where you can let your imagination flow. Each session is $40 for members | $50 for non-members.
5 Sensational “Splurges” for Fine Artists
By Scott Maier
As artists, we’re often resourceful, finding ways to work within our means, using whatever materials we can get our hands on. Throughout history, great work has been created with simple tools, so you should never feel inhibited by not having the fanciest gear. There are, however, times when investing in high-quality materials or equipment can enhance your artistic practice in ways you might not expect. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few key items that, while on the pricier side, have had a significant impact on my own studio work. Here are five of the most rewarding “splurges” I’ve made that have helped me paint with more ease, precision and satisfaction.
1. A Good Easel
For years, I worked with inexpensive easels—ones that wobbled, shifted and sometimes required creative solutions to keep them steady. It wasn’t until I invested in a solid H-frame easel, specifically the Best Santa Fe model, that I realized how much of a difference a sturdy easel could make. This type of easel is particularly important for larger canvases, where the extra stability allows you to focus entirely on the work without the frustration of a wobbly frame. A good easel holds your work securely in place and lets you adjust height and angles with ease. Having this kind of reliability has made painting a much more enjoyable and fluid experience, helping me to focus better and paint with more confidence.
2. Good Lighting
The importance of good lighting cannot be overstated. Whether you’re working in a dark studio or in a room with limited natural light, having proper lighting is crucial for accurately seeing and mixing colors. After struggling with poor lighting for years, I finally decided to invest in LED daylight bulbs and a softbox setup. These lights mimic natural daylight and make a world of difference in both painting and photography. For painting, they help you see your true colors—no more surprise color shifts when you take your work into natural light. When photographing your finished pieces, good lighting helps ensure that the colors in your photos match the actual work, which is especially important for your portfolio and online presence.
3. A Good Camera
If you’re serious about documenting your artwork, especially for your website or digital portfolio, a good camera is an essential tool. I use a Sony A-Series camera, which has become one of the most valuable pieces of equipment in my studio. It’s not just about having a camera that can take high-resolution photos (although that’s definitely important). What truly sets a good camera apart is its ability to capture color accurately. With the Sony A-Series, I’ve noticed that the colors in my digital images are much truer to life, and that level of precision is invaluable when you’re sharing your work with galleries, collectors or online audiences. Additionally, I use this camera for reference photos, ensuring I have clear, high-quality images to guide my paintings.
4. A Good Watercolor Brush
When it comes to brushes, not all are created equal—especially in watercolor. I’ve found that while I can get by with more affordable brushes for oil painting, watercolor demands more precision and control. A good watercolor brush holds the right amount of water and pigment, allowing for smooth transitions and color control. Investing in a high-quality brush like the Escoda Último has made a noticeable difference in my work. This brush gives me excellent control over washes and allows me to achieve finer details with ease. It might seem like a small change, but having the right brush can elevate your entire painting process.
5. High-Quality Pigments (Especially the Primary Colors)
One of the most noticeable ways you can enhance your paintings is by using high-quality pigments. Paints can be expensive, but they’re worth the investment when you consider how much of a difference they make in color mixing and vibrancy. I always prioritize buying the best paints I can afford, focusing especially on the primary colors. With high-quality pigments, you can achieve more accurate color mixes and richer, more intense hues. Cheaper paints often contain fillers that dilute the color, while professional-grade paints offer stronger pigmentation, meaning you use less paint to achieve the same effect. Whether you’re working in watercolor, oil, or acrylic, investing in better pigments is one of the easiest ways to take your work to the next level.
While these items might seem like splurges, they have transformed the way I work in my studio, allowing me to focus more on my creativity and less on the frustrations that come with unreliable tools. That said, it’s important to remember that great art isn’t dependent on having the most expensive supplies. Artists throughout history have created incredible works with the simplest of tools. You should never feel pressured to break your budget, and there’s always a way to make beautiful art with what you have on hand.
That said, if you have room in your budget for a few upgrades, these items have been well worth the investment for me. I encourage you to reflect on your own studio practice and consider what high-impact splurges might make a difference for you. And if you have a list of your own favorite studio splurges, feel free to share them! After all, there’s always something new to discover in the world of art materials and equipment.
TAWS has a Suggestion Box at each TAWS meeting.
The TAWS Board encourages members to submit suggestions, recommendations, ideas, etc. The members can submit anonymously or sign their name. This is a great way for the TAWS Board to know what its members would like for their Society.
Example of Questions/Suggestions:
- How does the Board respond to the suggestions? Privately, if a name is given or all suggestions read at the meeting with the Board's decision.
- Should food be discontinued at meetings? Only have water available.
- Do members want door prizes? If yes, what kind?
- What type of presentations do the members want? What draws them to the meeting?
- Members can recommend presenters, jurors, etc.
- Should the newsletter have a format so members can easily find certain TAWS info. What do members want in their newsletter?
- Can non-voting Board Attendees not attend?
- What changes or features would you like to see on the website.
You can make suggestion and take our survey by going to our website under About TaWS or by the below link.
Credits:
Created with images by TWS Members