Welcome to My Project!

I was born and raised in Florida. After many years of travel, attending plein air paint outs, I discovered that residencies are the best way to explore the natural world I love. Working for an extended period from seven to ten days really enhances my painting experience. I am lucky to have friends and collectors who make it possible to explore the exciting and interesting locations I love to paint. Supporters provide their unoccupied vacation homes or hotel lodging for my residencies throughout the year. I am always delighted to leave an original framed painting for them as my thanks for their generous gift. If you would like to sponsor a residency, I would love to hear from you.
Contact me at: linda@lindablondheim.com

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Day 3 Crystal River Residency 07/25/12

Archeological Site

Crystal River State Park

Crystal River State Park

Daly Marshes Revised
9x12 inches

Marsh Palms
8x10 inches

Marsh Afternoon
5x7 inches
palette knife

Notes From My Residency

Wednesday, after a breakfast of biscuit and gravy at Grannys, I was fueled up for a day of exploration. I drove up to the Crystal River Archeological site first. It was a lovely surprise. There are paved paths that wind through the site and signs for each area of interest. These are very old burial mounds. The path winds out to the river edge. The view of large palm and cedar hammocks lining the shore is a lovely sight. There are large live oaks scattered around the grounds. There are lots of benches along the path to enjoy as well. I spotted a red headed woodpecker, two bluebirds and a Cardinal along the walk. There is a museum there but it was not open. I imagine they close in the summer. The bugs were fierce as there is a lot of standing water, but in winter it would be sublime.

In the same area, is the Crystal River State Park. The view from the road is the best part of the park for a nature lover like me; miles of lovely swamps. At the end is a large boat ramp and rest rooms. I took a lot of photos from my car, as there was little traffic so I could stop along the way. I did find a nice little dirt road in the park which led to a canoe ramp and nature path, deep in the woods. I knew better than to try it with the current bug issues, but I will go back in the cool time of the year one day.

The road to these parks is on the road between the Ford dealership and the Days Inn/Dennys on the west side of US 19 in north Crystal River.
I arrived home to finish the painting I started the day before, and ended up improving a painting I worked on the first day. In the evening, I did a small palette knife painting and enjoyed watching the sun go down. More to come…..


6 comments:

  1. Sounds like you're having a terrific and productive time... So glad!!

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  2. Marian,
    These residencies are the best part of my job.
    Love,
    Linda

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  3. Your posts are fascinating, Linda, and it sounds as though this residency is exactly what you had hoped it would be. Hope the rest of the week is terrific. Your photos are lovely and provide some ideas for cooler weather wandering for Mark and me. You are painting some lovely scenes--thanks for sharing it all.

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  4. Mary,
    Thanks for the kind words. Yes, you and Mark will love it here.
    Love
    Linda

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  5. Sounds like a wonderfully magical experience!
    Your residency experience and art work are very inspiring!

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  6. Mary,
    How kind you are!! I'm so grateful for your support.
    Love,
    Linda

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