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

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

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.