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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Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Wrap Up of My Vero Beach Residency

Notes From My Residency Journal

My last two days at Vero were great fun. I went back to the Pelican Island Reserve in better weather to take a few reference photos and wander down one of the trails a bit. There were lovely grasses in a variety of colors, turning rusts and grays for winter, and the cabbage palm hammocks looked so pretty. 

I enjoyed the condo so much. It is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The Lemon Tree restaurant was a great place to eat and they made me feel right at home each morning. 

I saw a lot of trees that I was not familiar with and I will enjoy painting them from my reference photos. 

The town was really charming, with friendly welcoming residents. I headed home with fond memories of my residence and with thanks to Judy and Jim for their generosity.
Pelican Island Wildlife Reserve

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Getting Ready for Vero Beach

Notes From My Residency Journal

Monday I'll be off to my painting residency in Vero Beach, FL for 5 days. Thank you so much Judyth Dawson for sponsoring this residency. I am lucky indeed to have such a generous friend. I will be exploring the nature parks, taking reference photos, checking out the art galleries and painting every afternoon. Yay! I can't wait!
http://www.lindablondheim.com
 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Residency at Big Talbot Island

Days 1 and 2

Day 1 was about arriving and getting settled into the house around noon. Not being aware, I set the house alarm off, which was "alarming!" I had to call the land trust director to turn it off. After I settled in I had some time to do a small painting before supper time. The view is spectacular of the back yard. As the sun went down over the marsh, I felt so lucky to have this opportunity. 

Day 2 started with a surprise in finding about 20 people on my doorstep at 8:30. Yikes! It turned out to be a class of naturalists who meet there regularly. I let them in and headed out the door. I stopped at the little deli/restaurant with the French name in the Omni resort shoppes on Amelia Island. It has a nice small menu for breakfast and the food is very good and the service excellent. 

 I headed out for a pleasant drive to Ft Clinch State Park. I ran out of time last year and I really wanted to explore there, so that was my planned destination for today. It was well worth the drive. It is a large park with great diversities of habitats, flora and scenery. It is pristine and well designed. I saw a nice bird exhibit by the fishing pier and the pier walk is lovely. It is the longest pier I've seen in a long time, with benches along the way.  The Fort is nice too, but mostly I enjoyed the scenery. The marsh and dune views are wonderful. Lots of shady walking space. 

I returned home to have lunch and then paint again, sharing the space with the class for their afternoon session. I learned some things about Florida mammals while I enjoyed painting. One of the group bought a painting, so that was quite nice. Now I will enjoy a peaceful evening and watch the sun go down again.  Tomorrow my friend Mary Jane arrives, so there will be much adventuring for the rest of the week. 
Pier at Ft Clinch State Park. 

Palms 2
10x8
Oil on panel

Ft Clinch


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Fair Oaks Mini Residency-September 14,2014

Marsh Clouds
8x10 inches
Oil on linen

Henry takes a drink
The late summer pond

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today was clear and sunny with spectacular clouds sailing  over the fields and the pond at Fair Oaks. Henry and I arrived to our blessedly cool studio, thanks to our thoughtful host. Leroy is not air conditioned, so walking into a cool studio is glorious after that long drive. 

Today I worked on a small oil painting on linen first and then started a larger oil on canvas, which I will work on for a few weeks. 

Lunch was really delicious today. We had a fabulous salad with blueberries, kiwi, tomatoes, lettuce and hard boiled eggs. It was full of beautiful color and texture and the blue cheese dressing was perfect! We also enjoyed steamed broccoli, and grilled chicken with toast and lemon marmalade. Our meal was topped off with key lime pie and a fine cup of coffee. Is it any wonder that I am so spoiled.

After lunch, Henry and Shane played ball for awhile and then we hopped into our golf cart to tour the fields. I wanted to take a look at Field Three today so we threaded our way through the tall summer weeds in the woods to see it. There is a new bird house in the field. The weeds are tall in the field and they will soon turn to gray and bronze as the season changes. That will be my favorite place in the cold months as well as Fish Prairie. 

It was so hot that Henry needed a water break again, so we headed back to the bucket. Our host found a step for Henry so he can reach the bucket. I decided to let him rest in the shade while I cleaned up our cart. It is so nice that I try to keep it spiffed up when I have free time. It is the nicest cart I have ever used. I'm so grateful for all of the privileges extended to me and Henry by the host and staff at Fair Oaks. 

We headed for my studio after a wonderful day in paradise.  

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Fair Oaks Mini Residency - July 27, 2014

One of the beauties at Fair Oaks

Royal Poinciana Tree
20x24 inches
Oil on canvas

Notes From My Residency Journal

After a particularly difficult week, I breathed a sigh of gratitude when I pulled into my parking spot at Fair Oaks this morning. This is my place of respite and peace from an often hectic schedule.  Honestly, if I lived at Fair Oaks I would become a hermit and never want to leave. When I stay for a week in February, I rarely do.  

I headed up to the studio and enjoyed finishing the above painting. It is my habit to have paintings in progress, leaving them to dry between sessions. I brought a poppy field painting to work on next week. After the paintings are finished, I leave them to dry for a week. I bring them home to my own painting studio to frame and take to my town retail studio. 

The lunch bell rang and I hurried over to the cottage for a great lunch of baked chicken, a medley of squash, carrots and green beans and baked sweet potatoes. We enjoyed summer berries with cool whip for dessert. So refreshing. As usual, I was thoroughly spoiled! Today our topic was ethics and logic. I love these discussions at lunch every week. 

I headed back upstairs to get a bit done on the poppy painting and then headed out in the golf cart to see the fields. The bugs are bad now but if you keep moving they don't land. The big purple weed is blooming now, signalling the beginning of August. The grasshoppers are out in force flying in all directions in front of the cart and the keening sound of insects was loud as I drove along. I was thrilled to see the lilly pads growing in the big pond again. It's been some time since we have had them in the pond.  I plugged in the cart, enjoyed a bit of time with sweet Buddy and Shane and headed for my studio in Leroy after another day in paradise.



Sunday, July 13, 2014

Fair Oaks Mini Residency July 13

Pond Area
24x24 inches
Oil on canvas

Notes From My Residency Journal

My drive to Fair Oaks was hot and humid. Opening the door to the studio was like stepping into an oasis, cool and welcoming, thanks to the staff. I worked on completing the painting above all morning, listening to Bob Edwards interviewing authors and musicians, always interesting. 

The best experience of the day was lunch. We enjoyed the best BBQ pork sandwiches I've ever had. The buns were toasted with butter and the pork was tender and delicious! We had a lovely salad and mixed vegetables. Wonderful! Lunch is always special at Fair Oaks. I'm always offered an excellent cup of coffee at the end of the meal, a special treat! There is a wonderful sense of community via lunch at Fair Oaks. We sit around the table and discuss history, philosophy,culture, art, politics, anthropology, science, and world travel. I try to soak it in like a sponge. I am with people who know a great deal about the world. Most of them are highly educated and this country girl is lucky to be included in these elevated conversations. It is like being back in college, I look forward to it every week.

I puttered around the studio after lunch, starting a new painting, then cleaning up the space and heading home after another day in paradise. Thank you dear Fair Oaks friends for the privilege of being part of the culture of this remarkable place. 

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Fair Oaks and Oak Hammock Mini Residencies- June 16

Flower Field
8x10 inches
Acrylic on panel

Notes From My Residency Journal

I spent my morning upstairs in the Fair Oaks Studio. It is wonderful to walk in the studio and see your paints laid out in order with your brushes, waiting patiently to begin the day's work. I always leave the studio as clean and orderly as I can. It is a very special place for me. I have spent so many happy hours there. I look forward to it each week during the summer.

Lunch was served at noon, marvelous chicken Alfredo with a stew of okra, tomatoes and onions. We had an experimental cake made with Guava that was good, but not Guavy enough. I will try again with a different recipe. 

I left early today to teach with my mentor group of painters. We are meeting for the next  five months at the Oak Hammock art room, a nifty studio. We were welcomed like royalty with a beautiful fruit and cheese tray and other goodies. We spent the afternoon enjoying good camaraderie and painting magic, followed by a lovely meal in the private dining room. I am so spoiled! I could get used to that treatment very quickly.

I forgot to take photos this week but we all had a swell time.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Fair Oaks Residency February 9-16

Notes From My Residency Journal



The Barn

At last, paradise for a whole week.  I'm sitting at the picnic bench in the yard, next to the old barn. I have had two spectacular days of painting. This is the climate that we Floridians suffer through long hot summers to receive as a reward. It was cool enough for a sweater and the light was spectacular all day. I will take some photos of my paintings to post for you. I have had good production so far with two paintings a day. 


My habit at this residency is to do one painting in the morning and one in the afternoon. I take a break for an hour mid day to wait for the afternoon light. Four-six PM is the magic time here and that gets later as the spring arrives. As long as the weather holds, I'll be painting outside. If it changes I'll be up in the studio working on my new big wave painting.

It sure is nice to have Buddy and Shane with me each day. I leave Henry at home. He is not an outdoor dog and I am here to work. I worry that he might get lost. 

I've been listening to and watching the cranes prepare for migration. They have been circling up all day. I love their calls. I saw 4 Kites today and the Kingfishers were diving for fish at the little pond
late yesterday.

When I arrive at Fair Oaks in February each year, I leave all of my stress behind me. I have no desire for anything except emersing myself in its culture and beauty.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Invitational Artists Retreat at Fair Oaks- Day One and Two


Randy, Mary Jane and Tim enjoy time together.

Elisabeth paints the barn.

Randy braves the rain.

Cynthia and Elisabeth catch up on news.

The artists and friends enjoy dinner together.

Our host

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today could not have been more wonderful! I started out with a flash light in the golf cart about 6:30 AM to set up the coffee bar at the pavilion, which is our home base for this adventure. By 9 AM, artists began to arrive. I was raining, but it did not damp on our enthusiasm at all. We painted under the roof and enjoyed the process. By 3 PM , most had arrived and the sun began to peek through the clouds. We all enjoyed an afternoon of painting. We stopped for dinner at 6 PM, enjoying lasagna, garlic toast, a lovely salad, and chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert. After dinner we sat by the fire. Our host provided a nifty fire pit made of metal and we enjoyed good conversation toasting our feet by the fire. 

I'm writing this while I wait for my turn in the shower. I'm looking forward to a comfy bed and sweet dreams. The adventure begins again early tomorrow morning. I am the taxi for the artists and will transport them around the estate and I'm anxious to see the beautiful paintings they produce at beloved Fair Oaks. So many people have helped me to make this dream weekend a wonderful adventure for all of us. Special thanks to the steward and staff of Fair Oaks.

Day Two

Today I jumped out of bed at 6:30, climbed in the golf cart and headed to the pavilion for a cup of coffee. Scott and I watched the distant trees come to life. First in bronze red, then ochre and finally green. What a pleasure to sit in nature with a good cup of coffee and an old friend. This adventure was about camaraderie more than painting. I only did one small painting for the weekend but it doesn't matter. I had a wonderful time looking after my friends. The weather was Divine today. Cool and sunny after a day of rain. The lovely weather was welcomed by all of us. I taxied painters out to the fields and they scattered far and wide. At 12:30 we enjoyed lunch provided by Chuck and Emily Sapp, owners of Paddiwhack Gallery. We feasted on chicken and rice, salad, green beans and brownies with ice cream for dessert. 

After lunch it was back to my taxi job, and more painting for my friends. At the end of the day all the paintings were lined up on the porch to admire. Next Sunday I'll deliver them to Paddiwhack Gallery to hang until January 1. I hope you will stop in to see the beautiful paintings from our joyful weekend.

It was truly a grand adventure thanks to:

Fair Oaks
Paddiwhack Gallery
Scotty Cockerham
Mark and Anna Larson
Claudia Ballard
Gamblin
French Canvas

Tom and Sally enjoy a sunny day in Holy Ground Field.

Clean up time!



Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Day 2- Big Talbot Island



Marshes from the Dock
18x24 inches
Oil on Canvas
http://www.lindablondheim.com

Notes From My Residency Journal

My plans changed today. It was raining when I woke up and we were in for a day of it, so I decided to stay in to paint from one of the photos I took yesterday. I set my easel up on the screened porch and got to work. My companion for the day was Roxie, the sweet little Pappion dog who runs the household. She is so sweet and well behaved and as cute as can be. It's so nice to have a dog here. I miss Henry, my French bulldog, and my canine friends Buddy and Shane at Fair Oaks when I'm traveling.

The director of North Florida Land Trust, my friend Bonnie, is amazing. She is the absolute queen of shopping. She furnished the entire house with thrift shops and Craigslist. It looks like a high end home. I wan't to be her apprentice. 

This place is truly wonderful. When I sit on the back deck I watch the birds fly over the marshes and marvel at the tall palms.

Tomorrow, weather permitting, I'll be off to explore the island.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Fair Oaks Mini Residency September 15, 2013

Today's Beautiful Fair Oaks photo comes from Scotty. He saw this mysterious flower growing in the side yard at Fair Oaks today. He showed it to me from the window of the studio upstairs. I can't wait to paint it. 

It is hot and humid at Fair Oaks. The humidity hangs like a curtain over the fields and trees. My morning tour took me through chest high weeds in some of the fields. It is really fun to plough paths through the weeds and grasses.

I didn't bother to take my paint box out with me in the golf cart. As long as I was moving, the air stirred and the Mosquitos couldn't keep up. If I stopped long enough to take photos, they were immediately buzzing me. I didn't 't dare go back into the deep woods or out to Fish Prairie. They are patiently waiting for me to return in cooler weather.

After my tour I got busy up in the studio. I worked on my painting until 12:45 and then headed for the cottage for lunch. I knew I was going to get smoked chicken. Mark put two chickens in the smoker and the smell on arrival was glorious! He added potato salad, mac and cheese, and fruit salad for a real feast. I  missed Mark so much during the year he was traveling the world. It is wonderful to have him back at Fair Oaks. I don't know how long he will stay this time, but I am delighted to sit down at the table with him again. We enjoyed a lively conversation about world economics. He is a very smart young man.

I headed for home in Leroy with thanks in my heart for the privilege of being a part of Fair Oaks. 

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Mini Residency At Fair Oaks 09/02/12

Field Two
5x7 inches
acrylic

Collins Field Beckons

The mystical place

Notes From my Residency Journal

Gosh it is hot this week. It seems that as summer begins to leave us it is reluctant to go. I arrived to lots of humidity, bugs and heat today at Fair Oaks. My canine friends Buddy and Shane greeted me on the long lane. We were by ourselves for much of the day. My friend Kate Barnes, writer and extraordinary artist came by and we visited under the shade of the pavilion with the fan on while I did the above painting. 

The air was heavy with the weight of lots of rain and now very hot. Water was standing  in the fields and I had two close calls with the cart, almost getting it stuck twice. I could hear Rick laughing in my ear and was determined not to get stuck. I have become the joke of the Fair Oaks staff  by getting stuck so many times.  My sister bought me some rubber boots so I can hike back to the cottage when I get stuck. Since the staff was gone today, I didn't want to have to leave the stuck cart in the woods, so I gave up my afternoon tour to the outer areas that I usually enjoy. I've not been out on Fish Prairie since May and I am very keen to get back out there in the fall when it dries up a bit. 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Mini Residency At Fair Oaks 08/19/12

Trees off Field One


Pond Oak

Holy Ground Field


Notes From My Residency Journal

I enjoyed a pleasant morning at Fair Oaks, first sharing a great cup of coffee and chatting with Rick and his Fair Oaks staff and then off in the woods just off field one. I chose a simple scene of trees along the path. Loving trees, I am always drawn to them. It surprises me how much visitors to my loft studio enjoy the simple paintings of trees that I do. They are not as exotic as the coastal paintings I do, but they have the quiet beauty of the woods I grew up in.

As I heard the lunch bell ring it began to rain so my gear got wet, but will dry out. Luckily, My painting made it safe and sound to Leroy. We had two kinds of quiche for lunch, collard/sausage/cheddar and swiss/ham/bacon.  I like to bake, but am not supposed to eat a lot of what I bake, so Rick's office staff and Fair Oaks staff are thankfully willing to be guinea pigs for my baking hobby.

As I walked out after lunch to think about where to paint, the sky opened up again so I packed Leroy up and headed for home.


Here is my Collard Quiche Recipe

4 eggs
2 cups half and half
3 cups shredded  cheddar cheese
4 pre-cooked Maple sausage patties chopped
1/4 onion diced
pinch of dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon Country Dijon mustard
2 T corn starch mixed with a little half and half to make smooth
salt and pepper
1/2 carrot shredded
1 T butter
1 cup chopped collard greens ( I use frozen )

Saute collards onions and sausage just until wilted. Set aside. Beat eggs with H&H and Cornstarch. Add mustard and seasonings. Line a pie pan with crust and crimp the edges. Mix sausage collards mixture and shredded cheese, filling the pie crust. Preheat oven to 300. Pour custard mixture over the pie ingredients and make sure the cheese mixture is pushed down into the liquid. Bake on a sheet pan until quiche is golden brown and firm in the middle. Cool on a cake rack and then cut and serve. The quiche freezes well and can be refrigerated and reheated.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

My October Residency- Canaveral Seashore Paint Out



Notes From My Residency Journal

I am delighted to be sponsored by Mike and Donna from Orlando, FL for my residency during the Canaveral Seashore Paint Out. Having a private condo on the beach for a paint out is no small thing. Paint Outs are very tiring and there are many activities during the event. A quiet lovely place to come home to is a blessing. 

This year I will be doing a sky and clouds demonstration for paint out visitors on Flagler Avenue and will announce the time and day soon. 

I'm always happy to paint in New Smyrna Beach. It is a favorite Florida beach town for me. It has retained it's lovely architecture and charm. it is big enough to be convenient, but small enough to be charming and welcoming. I look forward to going there every year. Many thanks to Mike Hull and Donna Gentile of Orlando and New Smyrna Beach, FL.




Sunday, August 5, 2012

Mini Residency At Fair Oaks 08/05/12

Purple Flowers
8x10 inches
acrylic on Source Tek birch panel

Field One Trees
5x7 inches
acrylic on hardboard

The Flowers

Water Birds


Notes From My Residency Journal

Fair Oaks has moved into the dog days of summer now. I am beginning to see hints of the seasonal changes to come. The fields are awash in these beautiful purple flowers rimming the huge shade trees. I saw tiny yellow and orange blossoms forming and some Goldenrod lining some of the county roads as well. That means fall to come. In 6 weeks I will begin to enjoy the beginning of fall, at least in my mind though it may still be quite hot. 

The grasses are tall and the pond is again its lovely self, full of water birds after a long dry spell. I drove around to check on my Fairy Houses and they are holding up very well. The morning was very pleasant, surprisingly comfortable in August with no bugs. I sat under trees and painted the purple flowers.

Lunch was served alfresco in the shady pavilion. We enjoyed pulled pork and chicken BBQ with all the fixings, fresh lemon-aid and cake for dessert. A real feast!! After lunch I got a small painting done before the skies opened up.

I had a difficult drive home in a huge thunderstorm. Leroy is not Air Conditioned, so it was a long ride. Midway along, the rubber in my windshield wiper began to gradually pull out of the holder. I drove for about 25 miles with it whipping around in the wind and rain, trying to peer through a windshield with no wiper. Not a trip I want to repeat anytime soon. I will need to take Leroy in to get a new wiper now. My adventures are certainly interesting.

More to come...

Monday, July 30, 2012

After the Residency

Crystal River State Park


Notes From My Residency Journal

My residency really begins after the actual trip. Now after I've unpacked my bags, cleaned my equipment and stored it, I have the time to think about what I learned.

These residencies are not about hanging around for a vacation in someone's home. They are an opportunity and a responsibility to educate myself and to promote the beauty and history of the beautiful places I travel to. They are a privilege that I take seriously. I have the great fortune of showing off Florida to my friends, collectors, and many visitors to my loft studio throughout the year.  Art and nature are intertwined in my life and this opportunity must not be squandered. These residencies are vital to my work and they allow me to discover so much about Florida I never knew.

After the Olympics I will begin to study the photos from this residency and begin the serious work of painting. More to come....

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Crystal River Residency Day 5 07/28/12

Wildlife Park Sign

Bald Eagle

Flamingoes

Manatee

Notes From My Residency Journal

Friday was my last day of exploring the nature coast of Florida. I started with bacon and eggs at Grannys Restaurant and then headed over to the Homosassa Wildlife Park which is a state park of Florida. I saved this for last because it is a favorite place for me. This is a theme park like the early ones in Florida. It is more like the places I remember from childhood. No fireworks or theme park stuff. It is a good zoo. There are winding paved paths along the way through the exhibits. Lots of benches line the shaded paths and it is really pleasant and interesting.

 I saw all kinds of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and of course Manatees. There is a deep underground observation room under the springs. I saw all kinds of fish and Manatees, as well as an alligator and river otter display. The most interesting exhibit was the reptile room where native Florida snakes are housed in lit terrariums. I loved closely observing the venomous snakes, which I have seen in the wild. It was good to see them up close so that I will recognize them immediately if I stumble upon one.  I also enjoyed the many birds on display, including Ibis, Blue heron, Screech owls, swans, and colorful Flamingos.

The park is located off US 19 one block before the Visitor’s Center. Turn right at the Hardees intersection and then left at the park sign. The price is 13.00 but my AAA membership made it 10.60. It was a good trip.

I started a painting on the back porch after lunch but it was really hot, 94 degrees on the shaded porch. I will definitely finish this one in my cool studio.
Today I clean the house, do the laundry and pack up to head for home tonight. It is time for the Olympics, so it’s time to get home and enjoy that. On August 14th, Shark Week starts on the Discovery channel, and I never miss that either. Painting will be sporadic for the next few weeks. I’ll be glued to the TV for a while.

I have enjoyed this residency so much. I got a lot of research done and some terrific reference photos to use back in my cool studio.

 I’m very grateful to my sponsor Linda Daly for making this wonderful experience possible.
 As always, more to come….

Friday, July 27, 2012

Crystal River Residency Day 4 07/26/12




Palms on the Crystal River

Pontoon Boat Tour with Divers

Refuge Island

Artist Thelma Hilmes

Afternoon Sky
5x7 inches

Notes From My Residency

Thursday was a departure from the routine. I had a visit from my friend Thelma Hilmes from Gainesville. She is a fabulous artist too. We had lunch at Crackers By the Bay on US 19. The service was a little slow but that wasn’t the wait person’s fault. She was good. We both had a large, tasty hamburger. Mine came with cole slaw and fries, both good.

After lunch we went on a boat tour of the river and we got to see several manatees. We were surprised at the level of development on the river. McMansions everywhere. It was kind of sad to find that so little of the river is left in its natural state. The only areas undeveloped are the Crystal River National Wildlife Preserve and the outer islands in portions of the river. They are quite beautiful and it is easy to imagine how special this part of Florida once was.  Touring the preserve from the water gave me a very different perspective. I would love to do that again with a group of painters, anchoring in front of an island for an afternoon.

I arrived back at the Daly house in the heat of the day and enjoyed some down time. At 6 PM I went out on the porch to do this little study. I had great fun listening to Billie Holiday, Etta James and Louis Armstrong while I painted the evening away. The time is slipping by quickly. More to come….

Friday, June 29, 2012

Painting From My New Smyrna Residency



Notes From My Residency Files

This is a painting done from one of the images I took while on location at Merritt Island Wildlife Preserve. It is lovely to have so many reference photos on file to choose months after my time in a location.It brings back the beauty and joy I experienced there. I hope to have another residency there in January or February of 2013. That is the ideal time to be there. The color is lush and beautiful then. The temperature is pleasant and no bugs!! The preserve is just south of New Smyrna and is owned by NASA . There are hundreds of trails that wind through the marshes and large pine forests and palm hammocks. The waterways are lined with very old red cedars that have been sculpted by wind and rain over the years. A marvelous wild place to explore in Florida.

The painting is not so pinky purple. It is sometimes hard to get the right hue in the imaging software. 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Researching Residency Locations

Washington Oaks State Park


Notes From My Residency Journal

I'm doing the research now for two upcoming residencies, one in Crystal River and then in Crescent Beach.

I'll be looking at the following locations in the Crystal River Area:

Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal River Wildlife Refuge
Chassahowitzka Refuge
Chinsegut Hill Refuge
Withlacoochee State Forest
Ozello
Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

In the Crescent Beach area:

Bings Landing Preserve
Flagship Harbor Preserve
Princess Place
River to Sea Preserve
Gamble Rogers State Park
Bulow Plantation/The Ormond Beach Loop
Sea Colony Community

That ought to keep me really busy. I always like to do a bit of planning and research before I head out to a residency. I feel a responsibility to the project and to my sponsors to learn and grow, and to promote the wild places that we have in Florida. They are so important to the health of our state. 
More to come...