Residency at Big Talbot Island- Day 3

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today was quite busy. I started my day at the Ft George Inlet with about 20 painters from the First CoastPlein Air Painters group. I knew two of the painters. I enjoyed meeting several people and enjoyed doing a painting up in the parking lot. It gave me an excellent view of the marshes and palms of the inlet. A most enjoyable morning.

I finished up and headed for the little French cafe again for bacon and eggs with herb potatoes and good coffee. It is the nearest restaurant to my abode, so I will probably eat there for the rest of the week for breakfast. 

Marsh Palms

After breakfast it was beginning to heat up so I opted for another painting back at the house. Luckily, the back yard is shady, and full of lovely tall palms. It is a swell place to paint. I'm waiting for my guest Mary Jane, to arrive tonight. 

Ft George Inlet

Hanging around the parking lot

First Coast painters

Talbot Island Wrap Up

Renault Club Tree

9x12 inches

Oil on canvas

This morning dawned bright and clear on the marshes before a lovely bacon,sausage and homefries breakfast prepared by my host Bonnie. We enjoyed our coffee on the deck facing the marshes, as they turned from orange to gold and finally to green. We scurried around straightening up the house and parted with fondness for a happy adventure we will remember. I look forward to returning next October.

I headed out and got lost, naturally, heading in the wrong direction for about 20 minutes. I finally got turned around heading west. I made it back to my loft studio I'm happy to write. 

The highlights of my residency were many:

The lovely and comfortable Big Talbot House and grounds, my painting studio on the porch.

My wonderful sponsors, North Florida Land Trust

The beautiful marshes and wetlands

The extraordinary trees

Renault Club Road

Amelia,Little Talbot, and Big Talbot Islands

Simpson Creek

Dead Tree Beach and the park

The kind and helpful park rangers

Nicole's Restaurant

Marche Burrette Restaurant

Sliders Restaurant

 

I had a splendid time! Thanks to all who welcomed me so kindly.

Canaveral National Seashore

Linda's Artists in Residence Project Paintings

30x30 inches

acrylic on birch panel

espresso frame

Notes From My Residency Journal

This is a favorite place for me inside the National Seashore. It is in the north entrance to the park down at the end  on the point. The dunes were colorful in January and these red flowers were so pretty.

 During the residency, we explored the south entrance to the National Seashore adjacent to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Preserve. The south National Seashore is wonderful and much less traveled by tourists. It has more of a local flavor. There are many fishermen there who are friendly and willing to give you advice about how to find cool places. This year for the paint out, I will spend most of my time there. The Sea Grapes are especially nice in the south park.

Linda Blondheim