Floridascapes

Floridascapes

Ready, set, paint!

American plein air paint outs, or painting competitions, are becoming more and more popular in the U.S., so I did not miss out on my chance to participate in one before returning to Italy this spring.

Though painting on demand and under tight time constraints can be a little stressful (no rest for the weary), it can be a good way to see what you’re made of and how quick you can find a decent composition and turn that into a finished painting.

The Lighthouse Arts Center of Jupiter, Florida hosted this very well-organized event and provided the painters not only great locations full of subject matter variety, but also a beautiful gallery to hang the work and space to meet the other painters and collectors.

On the Road to Riverbend, Florida
Oil on Linen Panel
11 x 14″
$800 | Available

This was painted in Riverbend Park, a place that seems to be chock full of the tallest wild turkeys I have ever seen. They are fabulous creatures who I may not have noticed, apart from the fact that every once and awhile they would sneak across the road here where I was painting.

The light in Florida is very distinct. It’s almost hazy from being able to see the moisture in the air. This scene captured my attention immediately for the dark shadows under the trees, the bright contrast of the road and then the deep blues going under the trees in the background, which I loved.