Notes From My Residency Journal
I have long believed that you must understand a place before you can begin to paint it well. For me, that means repeated journeys over a period of time to explore and begin to see the subtle nuances of a location. The above painting is the second for this year's residency. This year I began to compare my experience there from 2012-2013.
There were many changes, including a much higher water level in the canals, and warmer weather in 2013. We have not really had a winter in Florida this year other than a mild freeze. it is like spring here and the trees are budding out in the marshes. There were the intense spring greens in trees, mixed in with the last of the fall color and the grays of winter. It was a riot of seasons rolled into one. The bird variety and numbers were down this year and the controlled burns altered the landscape greatly.
I am feeling very comfortable in my residency house now. It is cozy and located in the historic neighborhood of old New Smyrna Beach. It is right around the corner from a good local breakfast restaurant and not far from the beaches. just a block or two from Canal Street as well as US 1, so navigation couldn't be better. I am so grateful to Louann Hall for this yearly opportunity.
I have chosen about 10 images to work on for this years paintings from this residency and I will take my time painting along on them over the next several months. I am a huge fan of New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve. This year I was able to buy my senior pass which is 10.00 and for a lifetime in all national parks and monuments. Wow!! What a prize!! I'm so excited!!
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