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

You can receive this blog automatically in your email by submitting it below.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Fair Oaks Mini Residency, March 17, 2013


Notes From My Residency Journal

Henry and I set out eagerly for Fair Oaks at 9 AM this morning. I've been traveling a lot lately and was not aware that Gator Nationals, the huge car race, is this weekend. My usual route to Fair Oaks goes right past the race track. Before I knew it, we were in bumper to bumper traffic for miles along this road. When I finally reached the end, I was rerouted into Gainesville, so it took some time to arrive.

We enjoyed a morning of exploring and painting. The red topped grasses are starting to bloom now and they create a sea of rusty red across the fields. I always look forward to seeing this beauty. It only lasts about two weeks. There are lots of tiny wildflowers in the fields now, delicate and lovely. There are still winter colors mixed into the bright greens in this transitional time of the year. I wore a light jacket to paint today. Our winter has been very late. The pond has been gradually shrinking, since my residency a few weeks ago.

We had Blue Highway sandwiches for lunch. Yummy!! Blue Highway is my favorite restaurant near Fair Oaks. The fresh fruit salad with a hint of cinnamon was  a delicious way to finish our meal. Today's conversation was quite interesting. I learned more about the Rosetta Stone, housed in the British Museum, and we talked about culture and history, while eating, always a topic I love to learn about.

After lunch, Henry and I headed back out to work on the painting and after packing up, we enjoyed a drive around the fields in the golf cart. I am so delighted that the lane behind field two is clear enough to drive through. That is the lane with the Hackberry trees and graceful Live Oaks. it is like a secret hideaway and I love driving along. At the end there is a slight hill that takes me back into the field and I laugh out loud every time I go up that hill. I'm never quite sure the cart will make it but it always does. It is so fun!!

Henry and I always hate to leave this wonderful place. There are never enough hours at Fair Oaks.



Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Wekiva State Park Residency


20x24 inches
oil on canvas

Sand Lake

Wekiva River

Scrub Oaks
20x24 inches
oil on canvas

Notes From My Residency Journal

I spent last week at Wekiva State Park in Apopka Florida. This is a favorite place for me and the opportunity comes once a year. The Wekiva Paint Out affords this treat for about 25 painters from all over the country. We live in the Youth Camp cabins, tucked away in one section of the park. it is like going back to camp, but for adult artists. We eat together, and enjoy social time after the long days of painting. it is very dark at night, but I never feel fear there. It is a happy, cheerful experience, living out in the woods with other like minded souls for a week. The tall pines and scrub oaks are lovely and scattered about are cabbage palms in the landscape. The grasses are tall and change colors as the light changes.

Last week we spotted bear, deer,wild hog, turkey and various raptors and water birds at the river. A few big gators were spotted along the river as well as otters and turtles.

We have the beauty of the deep woods and the beauty of the springs and river, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Hiking and biking are popular along the paved roads through the park. We can take out canoes and kayaks and there is a pontoon boat for painting fun as well. 

I would love to have a week residency there at another time separate from the paint out someday.