Watercolorist and art teacher, Laura Tarquinio, will have her first Polk County public showing of her watercolors called "Florida Icons and Emblems" during the month of April at the City of Winter Haven Building housing Richard's Coffee and the Library, in downtown Winter Haven at 325 Avenue A, NW. The show will focus on Florida scenes and symbols..

Ms. Tarquinio was raised in Ft Lauderdale, and is presently based in Stuart, Florida. She is both an artist and a teacher. She trained at Bauder College for Commercial Art. She is the Gallery Manager for national TV artist personality Terry Madden and is a Terry Madden Certified Teacher. She teaches private lessons, studio classes at Alizarin Crimson on Wednesday evenings and plein air (on site) courses.

Real estate business man, Douglas Bohannon, drives two hours each way from Polk County to attend Ms. Tarquinio's Sunday watercolor class. He says, "Her personal enthusiasm and teaching style have inspired me."

Suzanne Farkas,MES, Director, SEF Consulting artist and freelance journalist writes:
"What hits you first about this local artist's watercolour paintings is the bold concentrated colour that almost defies the senses. Floating oranges on green canvas leaves, indigo fish flying deep within marine blue waters. A true combination of American innocence and sophistication. Perhaps aware of our
current threats and environmental concerns, the artist has chosen the surprise and hope of vibrant colours, solid brush strokes and clean lines over the more
expected muted, quiet tones of a traditional landscape watercolour. A salsa celebration of light, life and local environments, her paintings explore and reflect
Florida's identity as the Sunshine State.. "

Ms. Tarquinio's attorney, Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese of Winter Haven, adds, "Ms. Tarquinio is available for commission work. She is presently completing two commissioned pieces in watercolors, but could be retained for future works."

Written by Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese