Frisky, DMannion

Diane Mannion, Frisky, 6x6" oil

  Man and friend playing at the beach near Stump Pass across from Palm Island.  The waves were the wake kicked up by boats heading out to the Gulf.  We kayaked out to this blissful spot along the intercoastal, took a short break and skirted along the beach on the way back.  Paddled right over a manatee!  Watched it's huge tail miss my kayak by inches as it glided away in the crystal, clear water.

Mannion Paints Banyan Street

Diane Mannion, Mannion Paints Banyan Street, 8x10" oil

My hundredth painting for 2012 (about 670 since starting my blog in 2008)!  And I'm happy my 100th is of Banyan Street in Boca Grande, Florida, one of my favorite places to paint.  We're not supposed to plant these gorgeous trees anymore because the roots travel for hundreds of feet and have been known to crack foundations and swimming pools.  This street in Boca Grande is famous, usually a tourist stop for photos during season.  These old trees have survived many hurricanes and are still standing.  

Diane Mannion, PADDLE PRACTICE

Diane Mannion, Paddle Practice, 8x6" oil

Little boy getting ready to head out for a morning paddle with his dad.  I watched them from a spot in the shade where I was painting.  The river was calm and glittered in the sun, and once in a while an alligator moved slowly along the edge.  Story.