Residency at Big Talbot Island- day 5

Afternoon Palms

Ft Clinch Boardwalk

Fishermen with their catch at Ft Clinch State Pa

Notes From My Residency Journal

For some bizarre reason we were up at 5:30 AM today. It is not an hour of the day I am fond of😫 After a cup a Joe, we were off the Ft Clinch State Park. We enjoyed taking some photos and exploring the park. We ran into these two fishermen who asked us to take some photos of them. We gladly obliged. They went through an elaborate staging for their photos. They are evidently in the fishing business, so wanted publicity shots. They were a lot of fun.

After the park, we headed for Fernandina Beach, to check out this quaint town. We toured two art galleries and enjoyed lunch at the 29 Bistro. They had service out on the porch and it was a cool day so we opted for that seating. The service was very good and so was the food. They serve an upscale version of Southern cuisine. I had the roasted pulled pork Cobb salad. It came with fried green tomatoes stuffed with goat cheese, delicious, and corn bread croutons, with a nutty flavored shredded cheese over greens. It was called BBQ pork, but it was roasted pork with a tangy sauce. Very tasty but not true BBQ. True BBQ must be smoked.  Mary Jane had a pork sandwich with napa cabbage slaw. She said it was good. A very good lunch, well served. 

We headed back to the Big Talbot where I did today's painting, while Mary Jane watched the critters on the marshes. We left for our late afternoon drive to study the light and take photos of Little Talbot Iland. The light was glorious indeed. My last day in paradise. I must get back to my town studio tomorrow and will go with gratitude to North Florida Land Trust for a fine week of painting.

Residency at Big Talbot Island - Day 4

Palms at Big Talbot House

8x 10 inches

Oil on canvas panel

Notes From My Residency Journal

My guest Mary Jane and I had a full day of exploration at Little Talbot Island and Big Talbot and Ft George Islands, all the small and large nooks and crannies. The dune walks and beach boardwalks are especially lovely this year. All of the pink grasses are in full bloom now. I got to spend some time watching th waves roll in on the white sand beach at Little Talbot State Park. I have a great love for the large Red Cedar trees that grow prolifically in the dunes there. 

We toured the Kingsley Plantation, which is beautiful but sobering with the history of slavery there. The tabby slave houses are all still intact. I learned that Kingsley plantation was a major destination for slave boats coming from Africa. It is such a beautiful place to have produced such horror in our past.  The front yard has tall stately palms with a vast view of the marshes. 

After my lunch of tuna fish on potato chips, I settled in to do the above small painting of a view from the Big Talbot House, provided by my friends at North Florida Land Trust.  This house is large and very comfortable, with a lovely view of tall cabbage palms and the distant marsh. There is a fine long dock out on the water with spectacular marsh views. I could paint here forever and not grow tired of it. This chain of pristine barrier islands beats the heck out of St Simons further north. This is a truly splendid part of Florida. 

Tomorrow we are to explore Amelia Island, Ft Clinch, and Fernandina Beach. More from paradise tomorrow.

Marsh Palms

Mary Jane

Salt Marsh

Crystal River Residency -Day 3

River Canal

12x16 inches

Oil on canvas

Marshes on Fort Island Trail

Ft Island Trail Park

Notes From My Residency Journal

I woke early and ventured out to breakfast at Granny's restaurant. I had corned beef hash and eggs with hash browns, all tasty. I always eat breakfast there at least once when I visit Crystal River.  I headed back down the trail to admire the lovely marshes along the way. There are several parks and trails off the main drive and I enjoyed stopping along the way to take photos with my IPhone camera. I will go again tomorrow with my IPad that takes very good photos. 

I like this cozy little cottage where I am hosted by the generous Daly family. It fits into the nature of the marsh so well. It is environmentally friendly in that it nestles into the marsh with little disturbance, leaving a completely natural landscape. The clapboard siding is painted a neutral color and the decking and walkways are all unfinished wood, so it grays with time with the marsh trees along the canal. The only paving is in the small parking lot, rimmed by trees. 

As a Florida native, I hate seeing the mini mansions along the River with manicured lawns, devoid of natural plantings. They don't fit into the environment in any way and have no respect for the marshes. I'm not naive enough to wish for no development in our beautiful state, but environmentally friendly development is possible with as little disturbance as possible to the land and sea. I continue to fully support our state land trust organizations and encourage others to do so. 

I'm having an excellent time painting everyday. I'm working on my 4th painting. 

Here's to another wonderful day in paradise.

Packing

www.lindablondheim.com

Notes From My Painting Studio

I had a nice rare day in the painting studio to catch up on my packing for the Bird Island Residency, this Friday-next Thursday. This is my second year of the residency, though I have been there a couple of times with groups. Living on an island accessible only by boat is a real adventure and the most peaceful trip I have. It is a time for painting, reading my Travis McGee novels, puttering around, climbing up to the Widow's Walk to watch the boats go by, and walking the Island to explore. A wonderful residency indeed. 

Fair Oaks Residency Wrap Up

Holy Ground Field

20x24 inches

Oil on canvas

Notes From My Residency Journal

I was treated to a marvelous dinner at The Yearling Restaurant by my kind host on Saturday night. What a treat and it was such a pleasant evening with the Fair Oaks staff and friends. 

Today was beautiful, cool but not cold with lots of sun. I finished the above painting, started on Saturday out in the field, up in the studio and then gradually packed Leroy. I also enjoyed sitting out on the upstairs porch in the warm sun. 

Lunch was served alfresco in the covered pavilion down by the little pond. The views were lovely and we enjoyed sandwiches and salad from Blue Highway. It is one of my favorite places to eat. I have been thoroughly spoiled with outstanding hospitality for an entire week. After lunch I said my goodbyes with regret and headed for my studio with fond memories. 

I am announcing a studio move this week. I will give you the details shortly. I will be moving with Paddiwhack Gallery to a new space in the next two weeks. I will no longer be in a loft space so the studio will be more convenient for everyone with no stairs.  

Fair Oaks Residency- Friday

O

Notes From My Residency Journal

I got out to paint around 8:30 this morning. The light was swell today after the front moved through last night. I got two 5x7 studies in oil. You can see where I dropped one face down in pine bark. I will let it dry a bit and carefully brush it off. It has been some time since I did small ones and I enjoyed the immediacy of the small format. I have completed 11.5 paintings this week.

My friend Mary Jane Volkmann, fabulous painter, arrived in time for lunch. We lived it up at Pearl Country Store, eating sweet potato fries, collard greens, chicken for her and a burger for me. It was great to get a hot meal. 

After lunch we jumped into my trusty golf cart and headed around the fields. It is very wet now so we got stuck twice, but were able to push it out together. We saw several birds including Robins and could hear a few Sand Hills still scattered about, but many fewer than the first few days of the week. 

At the end of our adventure, we picked some citrus fruit for her to take home and enjoy. The groves here are impressive. There is an old orange tree on the edge of Collins Field that has especially sweet oranges, and I enjoyed one today by reaching across the fence for it. 

I have two more glorious days for this week and I will enjoy them more than I can say. This was the best time ever and I always say that! If I could live out the rest of my days here at FO I would be content in every way.

Fair Oaks Residency- Day 5

Palms

8x10 inches

Oil on panel

East Hay Field

12x12 inches

Oil on canvas

Notes From My Residency Journal

The fair weather is over for a couple of days. I struggled to get two paintings despite the dreary day. Tomorrow I will paint upstairs and stay warm.  I have a large seascape painting waiting for me, and the studio has heat and a nice radio. A wonderful place to hang around in to paint. I love the old house. It is charming and cozy. It always feels like home for me. 

Today was dark and atmospheric, always a challenge to me. Some painters love that look but I am a high contrast painter by nature, and I like a warm palette. The cool grays, blues and greens are harder. This climate is good for me because I must paint out of my comfort zone. I love the challenge. 

It is already mid week. Where does the time go? 

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.

Fair Oaks Mini Residency February 2

http://www.lindablondheim.com

Notes From My Residency Journal

I had a marvelous day in the studio at Fair Oaks today. I finished the two above paintings, enjoying the cozy space I love so much. I did a bit of dusting and sweeping to tidy up the studio. I like to keep it nice in case other artists want to come in and paint. I keep a log book there so we know who comes in to paint. I'll spend the week of February 9-16 at Fair Oaks so I'm really looking forward to my time there. 

Lunch was terrific. We had a full house with the staff and a very nice guest, Chris' beautiful girlfriend. She looks like a model and is so nice. She is an audiologist, very smart like everyone at Fair Oaks.  As always we have very interesting conversations and wonderful stories. One of the things I love the most are our lunches. I always learn from these friends. We enjoyed lasagna, green salad and cheese toast. Yummy!

Homage to my old friend the blue golf cart. I am so sad that I have lost the use of my favorite cart. I personify my favorite things, and the blue cart is like a beloved companion to me. Due to age and illness, I can't use it anymore. Something about brushes.  The other carts are used by the staff for work, so I will often be without a cart. There is plenty to paint around the house, so I will still be able to paint, but I will sure miss my blue friend. 

I climbed into Leroy and headed to my studio after a marvelous day at Fair Oaks. I am so blessed to be there. 

Mini Fair Oaks Residency- January 12, 2014

Left to Right

Sue, Rick, Freddie, and Kate

Notes From My Residency Journal

I was so delighted to wake up to cool sunny weather today. I headed for Fair Oaks right away. I bought a new paint box and I was anxious to use it this morning. After some adjustments I got down to work in the East Hay Field on this 12x12 painting of trees. The back lighting was very good in the field so I enjoyed that challenge. 

In my adjusting to a new box, I managed to spill all of my medium on the cart floor, having to stop and clean that up, and then managed to get paint all over my hands. By the time I cleaned it all up it was time for lunch. I was so happy that the blue cart took me around the farm nicely today. I love that cart so much. We are happy partners. 

I was greeted by my friend Kate at the cottage and we settled into lunch, a community effort. Mark, Rick and Chris created pork roast with yellow rice and biscuits. Kate brought spoon bread and I brought a savory chutney we put on the pork roast, a fine pairing. 

After lunch was cleaned up, we continued with artist shop talk and then were surprised by a visit from dear friends Freddie and Sue who brought homemade lemon pie from Sue's kitchen. What a fine afternoon. I enjoyed listening to stories about Evinston and Cross Creek and marveled at how lucky and privileged I am to know all of these special and good souls gathered around the table. I am so happy That I understand how special these times are and how much they enhance my life. I'm so grateful to be a part of the magic of Fair Oaks. 

The afternoon ticked away and it was time to climb into Leroy and point him toward my studio. Another day in paradise. 

New Smyrna Beach Residency - day 4

Black Point Road

8x10 inches

Oil on canvas

Notes From My Residency Journal 

On Thursday I headed out to Bllackpoint Road in the. Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge to look around and take some reference photos. I was on the hunt for birds. I found  a flock of Mallards and then a group of a few Egrets, Herons, and about five Spoonbills. It was raining again, so I spent most of my time in the car. 

Rain and bad weather were predicted for Friday and Saturday so I decided to head back to my cozy studio in Gainesville early this morning. It was a wise choice. I just couldn't catch a break this week. Bad weather hampered my work every day.  I did manage three paintings. I will look forward to great weather next year. 

I ate at my regular favorite breakfast places each morning, no new ones this year. I ate at home for lunch and dinner, so I had a nice low key trip this year. My sincere thanks to Louann Hall for her loyal and generous support. 

If you would like to lend your vacation home or condo to me for a week, please let me know.

Fair Oaks Mini Residency December 15, 2013

Collins Field Winter

18x24 inches

Oil on canvas

The bounty of citrus fruit at Fair Oaks

Fair Oaks has a large variety of citrus, all delicious.

Just a few of the fine Live Oaks on the estate.

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today was dark when I arrived so I headed for the studio upstairs in the old house. As you know, I love that studio so much. I spend many happy hours painting there, especially in the summer.  I brought a painting with me to finish. I did some cleaning in the studio and finished just in time for lunch.  Sebastian and Magda brought their dog Rex and joined Mark, Chris and me for lunch of delicious chicken wings with French fries. Chris made delicious homemade flat bread, topped with rosemary. Yummy! 

After lunch I headed out for a quick drive in my beloved blue cart. It has been sick lately with some kind of mechanical problem and it barely ran, with lots of weird chugging along. When Mark drove it, it ran perfectly. Go figure!

We picked citrus fruit. My daughter will make marmalade and I will make chocolate orange bread this week. 

I saddled up Leroy and headed for home after a fine day in paradise.

Big Talbot Island Residency- Day 3

Marsh Palms

9x12 inches

Oil on panel

www.lindablondheim.com

Notes From My Residency Project

Welcome to the first cool day of Fall this year! I woke to cool breezy overcast weather. I'm so happy to have a cool day.

 I went in search of breakfast in Amelia Island. I stopped at a place called Parkway Grill. It is really more of a bakery/deli. You go up to the counter to order. It is self serve for utensils and coffee. You put a number on your table and someone brings your food. The room is on hard floors with small diner style tables. No atmosphere at all, but it is clean and well organized. They brought thick sliced bakery bread, which was a nice texture. The bacon was over cooked but I don't mind that. The eggs were cooked right but the hash browns were not crispy. The best thing was the coffee which was quite good. They did not make it clear whether refills were allowed. The server did not return to the table after delivering the meal. I would rate it as adequate. I am the first to admit to being a foodie. I love breakfast the best, so I'm always in search for a really good breakfast restaurant. I am happy to brag that Gainesville has some outstanding breakfast restaurants. I will search out a new place tomorrow.

After breakfast I headed back toward Big Talbot for a bit of exploring.  There is a new bridge between the islands. They saved the old bridge as a pedestrian only bridge. I love to see this. It is so nice to save old bridges for hikers and fishermen.  I wish they would do that everywhere.

I stopped at the state park on the marsh side first, for some photos, then headed to seaside to see the dead tree beach. What an interesting park. Bonnie took me there for a quick look see on Monday. Today I had time to get some photos. The tide was high so I didn't go down on the beach. I climbed up on top of the platform bench to get some good photos of the trunks on the beach. The real appeal for me were the huge twisted trees growing in the park. They were quite splendid. 

Since it is dark and overcast today, I headed to the house to set up and paint on the porch.

Another day in paradise thanks to North Florida Land Trust. Bless them for supporting my project.

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.