By the Causeway

By the Causeway

9"x12" oil on board

I kinda love the view cause when I'm in the car and I reach this point, approaching the bridge from Bradenton onto Anna Maria Island, I know I'm nearly at my destination!  

Anna Maria is truly a little slice of island paradise.

New Life

New Life

16"x20" oil on canvas

Went a little bigger with this one, done over the course of 2 mornings, of the same boats just from a different angle.  It's been very rainy here in Florida this past week and every time I get set up it seems I'm chased away by on coming storms~ which was the case here. 45 minutes in it began to thunder so I headed back to the studio and continued my tonal block-in using a photo I'd taken. I returned 2 days later to bring it to life... one might even say "New Life," with color!

On a side note~ A neighbor came out to see what I was doing and informed me that, unfortunately, the woman who owned New Life had recently died and the owner of the other boat under the tarp is currently up in Alaska salmon fishing for the summer.

Cortez Neighbors

Cortez Neighbors SOLD

8"x16" oil on canvas

I had a lot of fun with this study of tarps and lines alongside one of the charming roads in the Cortez Fishing Village. I've also been getting acquainted with several of the locals, who are rather curious about this woman in a sunhat & apron who likes to stand under her easel umbrella and paint their boats!

Clouds Over the Island

Clouds Over the Island

9"x12" oil on board

Rather cloudy day on the beach today... not that I'm complaining, just say'n!

Bimini Bay

Bimini Bay

9"x12" oil on board

Did this one on the last day of my son's sailing camp as he was setting sail in the Wind Racer... it was definitely a day to be in or on the water, rather than painting it... even standing under my umbrella shade I was completely drenched in sweat by the time I packed up my easel!

The Sailing Lesson

The Sailing Lesson SOLD

6"x 6" oil on board

My apologies for the poor image quality here, this little sketch was was painted while my son was doing sailing camp on the island. It was a great morning, he gave me a ride, (commandeering that wind racer in the back all by himself!) and I sold my little painting sketch right off the easel to the instructor! This photo was snapped right before I handed it over.  I love it when I do a painting that's meant specifically for someone and I don't even know it till after it's done!

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island SOLD

8"x8" oil on board

Revisited this spot over by the SandBar Restaurant again... gotta love the cool shade of a big cedar tree on a hot summer morning! 

Ladies in Waiting

Ladies in Waiting

10"x14" oil on board

I've driven by these 3 boats on the side of the road in Cortez numerous times and have been wanting to paint them for a while... little did I know they were just waiting for me to!

Can You Hear the Ocean?

Can You Hear the Ocean? SOLD

9"x12" oil on board

A little ocean waves study out in "the backyard."

Just Another Perfect Morning

Just Another Perfect Morning SOLD

11"x14" oil on board

This was done over the course of 2 mornings on the north end of Anna Maria. I love the dunes along this part of the beach!

Water Lilies

Water Lilies

9"x12" oil on board

Painted these beauties in the pond by the Jacaranda Library in Venice with the Light Chasers group.

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach SOLD

10"x10" oil on board

This is the view from behind our place on a beautiful crystal clear morning in May, looking north towards the public beach on Anna Maria Island, done over the course of 2 days.