Summer Garden

This stork visited my cottage by the St. John's River and I had a chance to paint him while he/she posed.  (It was a long pose for a bird.)  I was so happy that my art materials were close by and ready to be used when I realized the stork had landed by the raised bed gardens.

It is a good thing I have put away my childish ideas about storks bringing newborn babies to your doorstep.  If storks really brought babies we wouldn't be prepared anymore.  Our sons are grown and we are empty nesters now.  My current babies are my gardens (growing vegetables, fruit and flowers), my artwork, and volunteering.  

Boathouse Reflections

Living on a canal on the St. John's River is filled with surprises.  Mullet jumping, blue herons visiting in hopes of eating your bait, eagles soaring overhead, manatees gliding beneath the water, alligators looking for mates and friendly boaters, fisherman and neighbors saying hello.  But in the early morning the surprise is how still it is on the canal compared to the rest of the lively day.  

Wooden Boat Festival 

The Wooden Boats are back on the St. John's River!  Every year the boats come back and cruise the river for about two weeks in March.  Today the boats are cruising the canals.  Here's one I was able to photograph as I took a break from painting in the studio.  Go to YouTube - 'Chris Craft boats on the St. John's River'  to see more of our beautiful area. 

Sunset Memory

Painting in plein air is so exciting!  You don't know if a storm will catch you in the middle of a field, a bull might charge you from afar, or a nest of irate fire ants will decide to attack while you are setting up your gear.  The most memorable outdoor painting adventure has none of the above, but instead includes a fellow painter to share the outdoor painting experience.  This painting 'Sunset Memory' included oil painter, Lori.  (www.loriberinger.com)  We painted together for one wonderful week in beautiful Central Florida on the banks of the St. John's River.