Lagoon Sunset, Original Oil Painting 10x8 Sunset on Indian River, Florida

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This was the Fourth of July on the Indian River Lagoon, and moments later Army paratroopers came floating down with American flags. Sunsets are beautiful even when you are facing East and getting reflections on the clouds.

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Peaceful River, Original Oil Painting 10x8 Florida Landscape on Canvas Panel

This is a study for a large painting, a commission. I first used photos of the Dora Canal, but it is impossible to paint it without most of the canvas being green, so I opened it up to get more sky and reflection. There will be more 'critters' in the final.

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Dora Canal, Oil Painting, 24x18 Florida Landscape

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Our painting group, Pieces of Eight, was in Mt. Dora, Florida, and we went on a cruise across the big lake to the beautiful Dora Canal. The canal is pretty short, and turns into this lovely river. There is something so intriguing about a swampy river with cypresses and live oaks. The more you look, the more you see, like the plants that grow on the oak limbs, or (though not in my painting) the occasional gator eyes and nose peeking from the water.

I've decided to add the occasional cartoon to my blog, as a kind of journal illustration of what's going on in my life. Hope you like it.

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Patchwork River, 20x16 Original Oil Painting on Canvas, Smoky Mountain Landscape

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The Pieces of Eight were hiking in the woods on an artists' retreat and came upon this peaceful scene. This was in North Carolina, the same mountains where we went whitewater rafting and bonded over a near-death experience. Below is my drawing commemorating that scene.

 

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Oil Painting, Indian River Lagoon, 8x10 Daily Painting

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I was taking a stroll on Riverview Drive when I saw this lovely view of the Indian River. What a beautiful place I live in. I hope not too many people find out, because it's getting pretty crowded here already.

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Castaway, 8x10 Original Oil on Canvas Panel Beach Painting

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This was a lovely day painting outdoors with our painting group. Someone on Facebook calls this experience the "Plein Air High," and I have to agree. We topped it off with a delicious picnic lunch, most of which was provided by Kathy, who always thinks of everything. It didn't hurt that the weather was perfect!

Turkey Creek Palm, 10x8 Original Oil on Canvas Panel

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This is Turkey Creek in Palm Bay, Florida, and it's one of those surprising places that sits right in the middle of a populated area. It is a quiet haven that is home to alligators, turtles, armadillos, manatees, and many other animals. There are extensive hiking trails winding throughout the peaceful woods. Sometimes you just need to get off the hard road, as they say where I come from. That can refer to pavement or life.

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Arizona River, 8x10 Oil on Canvas Panel, Landscape

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When we think of Sedona, Arizona, we think of magnificent vistas and red rocks, but the small scenes are beautiful too. Imagine how much fun a child would have playing here. Sedona is one place I would love to revisit.

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Silver River, 10x8 Original Oil Painting on Canvas Panel

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Our artists group, Pieces of 8, went on a retreat to Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida. I first went there as a six-year-old with my parents and watched Ross Allen milk rattlesnakes. Though he is gone, the glass bottom boats are still there, and we enjoyed looking down into the depths of the river, where the springs produce 55 million gallons of water per day. 

Silver Springs had gotten a bit shabby after Disney got all the attention as a major attraction in Florida, but the state has taken it over and made it into a lovely place to visit. The cabins are wonderful. They are air-conditioned and have big porches. There are hiking trails and a surprisingly good museum in the campground area. The above painting is at the end of the Swamp Trail.

As an added bonus, the Appleton Art Museum is five minutes away, and it is fabulous. We were very surprised at the quality of art it contains. 

Below are a couple of photos from our trip.

On the Porch at Our Cabin

View of a Spring