Past Activities

Get the inside scoop on entering juried shows plus a critique from Instructor Diane Schmidt, AWS, NWS.

Diane has been exhibiting in juried shows for many years and has won  over  75 awards.  Her methods are low tech and Easily understandable. She will informally discuss her focus, answer questions, and  give each artist a  constructive  critique of one or two of their paintings.

When:  Sat. Oct. 6, 2012

Where: Diane’s home studio – 2137 Shadow Oaks Road, Sarasota

Time:  10am—3pm

Fee:  $35 FSWS  members  $50 non members

Contact Diane Schmidt to register for all workshops  941-343-8718

Follow along with Instructor Debbie Cason Rankin, NWS, FWS, as she employs pen and ink on mylar to create a portrait using stamps, Q-tips, and more. Working on mylar with ink will free your mind and creative spirit. Debbie is nationally recognized for her loose watercolor portraits. Expect to gain confidence and have fun!

When:  Sat.  January 5, 2013

Where:  Venice Art Center,  390 Nokomis Ave. South,  Venice

Time:  10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Fee:  $35 – FSWS & VAC members, $50 – Non members

Materials Fee:  $10

Contact Diane Schmidt to register for all workshops  941-343-8718

Spend a day splashing paint around with a big brush for amazing results with Instructor Kathy Durdin, TWS, WSA, TaWS.  Kathy is a national award-winning watercolorist. She will show you how to infuse the images you choose with more and possibly different colors than you currently use.

When:  Sat. January 19, 2013

Where:  Art Center Manatee, 209 9^th St. W, Bradenton FL

Time:  10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Fee:  $35 – FSWS & ACM members, $50 – non members

Contact Diane Schmidt to register for all workshops  941-343-8718

Instructor:  Jerome Chesley, P-2 exhibitor in FWS

Explore lively colors and patterned backgrounds that have you wondering:  “How can I do that?”  Jerry combines artful still life compositions with different techniques which enhance and enrich a painting.  This hands-on workshop is for everyone wanting to add a punch to still life subject matter.

When:  Sat. Feb. 9, 2013

Where:  Art Center Manatee, 209 9^th St. W, Bradenton FL

Time:  10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Fee:  $35 FSWS and ACM members, $50 non members

Contact Diane Schmidt to register for all workshops  941-343-8718

Catch a wave of inspiration with this loose and free gel method by Instructor Linda Lee Foster, NWWS. Linda brings her nationally recognized talent from the Pacific Northwest. This experienced teacher will introduce us to an impressionistic style. Give an exciting new dimension and mystery to the subject you choose. You will jump right in on a sheet Linda has prepared, plus learn to prepare your own sheet.

When:  Thurs. February 21, 2013

Where:  St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista, Sarasota

Time:  10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Fee:  $35 FSWS members, $50 non members

Materials Fee:  $5

Contact Diane Schmidt to register for all workshops  941-343-8718

Get a golden glow in your watercolors using gold gesso, with Instructor Mary Lou Ringers, FWS. Just imagine gold or silver highlights making your painting shimmer like the Florida sun. Mary Lou will share her award winning technique of putting transparent and opaque watercolor over metallic gesso. With lifting and other methods you will see your subject come alive.

When:  Sat. March 23, 2013

Where:  Art Center Manatee, 209 9^th St. W, Bradenton

Time:  10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Fee:  $35 FSWS & ACM members, $50 non members

Materials Fee: $5 for gesso provided by instructor

Contact Diane Schmidt to register for all workshops  941-343-8718

Sponsored by Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County, Sensation ’11 will be held November 5, 2011, from 10 am – 4 pm at the Charlotte County Convention Center. An annual event, it is known for  featuring some of the best artists, best work, and best art contacts in the Charlotte County area (including Punta Gorda, Venice, Fort Myers and more.) Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society will have a booth and invites you to view all of the wonderful art, meet other artists, enjoy art demonstrations, and see your FSWS friends. The event is being held inside so the weather will not be a factor this year. Come by, say hello and be proud to be a member of FSWS. See you there!

Paint & Petals February 21, 2012

Paint & Petals February 21, 2012

FSWS is partnering with the Sarasota Garden Club and the Lemon Bay Garden Club to sponsor an enjoyable evening celebrating floral designs, original watercolor paintings by FSWS Members, and live jazz by Jimi Gee, on Tuesday evening, February 21, 2012, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening will include wine, appetizers and a Chinese Auction.

All FSWS members are invited to participate by entering original works of art in this non-juried exhibition. Members may bring one or more paintings and their own easels for displaying their work. There is no entry fee to submit paintings, but there will be a $15 per person ticket required for the evening event.

The event will be held at the Sarasota Garden Club located at 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota.

FSWS members who want more information about participating may contact Nancy Colby, watercolorcolby@verizon.net or by calling her at 941-735-4075

by Joanna Coke

Bring 2-3 works in progress or enlarged photos without a clear focal point. Learn characteristics, composition, and design elements of the focal point and ways to highlight or invent a focal point. Add or emphasize focal points using our notes, tissue, a large unlined notebook or sketchpad, (min 9×12) and pencils. There won’t be time to paint. Note: January 20 is also the Suncoast reception at Northport.

Thurs & Fri., January 19 -20, 9:30  – 3:30 ……. $125 members, $160 nonmembers

Northport Art Center, 5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port, Fl.

To Register for a workshop or for more information call Joanne Warber at (941) 366-6441 or Kathy Houghton at khsarasota2@verizon.net

Watercolor portraits by Marilyn Charlotte

Learn portrait lighting and loose expression in flying color. Leave your fear of big brush and loose painting at the door. Bring your favorite head shot. Call or email for specific paint and paper requirements. For intermediate/advanced artists.

Sat. February 4, 10:00 – 4:00 ….. 

$35 members,   $50 nonmembers

Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave. South, Venice FL

To Register for a workshop or for more information call Joanne Warber at (941) 366-6441 or Kathy Houghton at khsarasota2@verizon.net