My husband retired recently, and we find ourselves walking on the beach quite regularly these days. I always take my camera because you never know when that perfect scene will be spread out at your feet. On these days I go without it, I always see multiple "perfect scenes".
I have to remind myself, that seeing the perfect scene, and getting an image of it are two different things. Usually, when I look in my viewfinder, the sun is in my eyes, or some such distraction, and I just click away in frustration, unable to see what I am pointing at.
I enjoy the trip again when I return home and download the images. Usually I find at least a few that have possibilities.
I am sure by now all you plein air painters are horrified, but I have always been a studio painter and always will be. I did TRY to do plein air, but find it is a whole different ballgame. I have great respect for anyone who can climb a mountain with a 36x48 canvas strapped on his back.......just cannot see me doing it!
On another note, I have thrilled to announce that I am the winner of not one, but TWO killer give a-ways!
If you are not familiar with
Charleen Martin, I urge you to hop right over to her blog. She does the most interesting and delightful mixed media pieces around. At the moment, she is recovering from a shoulder injury and is showcasing her most unique jewelry making skills.
She sent me the most wonderful set of her note cards showcasing her fabulous collage works. Thank you so much Charleen. I will enjoy sending this out and I know my friends will be thrilled to receive them.
I also entered a little contest on
Dreama Tolle Perry's blog. She was showcasing her new book..."Be Inspired.....Adventures for the Heart". She asked readers to post their most inspired saying and then selected the ten she liked the most. Imagine my surprise when she posted my name as one of the winners. She sent each of us a copy of her book. Click on her name above for a link that will take you to a page to order her book, or download a copy.
Enjoy the day.........
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com
I passed by this location a few weeks ago, and the boat was still pulled up on the shoreline where I had painted it
earlier. An afternoon thunderstorm, typical of Florida afternoons, had moved on, and the sunlight broke through the clouds. This 16 x 20 original oil is now headed for an upcoming event in Central Florida.
Watching the osprey circle overhead, I was mesmerized. The large bird spotted fish in the tannic brown waters of the St. John's River and got them. Bright green aquatic plants lined the side of the river next to mangroves, cypress and grasses. I had my easel on a houseboat in the middle of the river with a great view. A great way to paint plein air, capturing part of the pristine wilderness! 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00
With my easel set up on a houseboat deck in the middle of the St. John's River, I painted the wilderness around me. One lone fisherman floated by, looking for a catch. And so was the osprey that circled overhead. Cypress trees, mangroves, aquatic plants and gators were part of the river scene in Florida's pristine wilderness. 5x7 original oil, $75.
"Sunset Beach" Had some fun with bright colors painting a sunset. Just visited Sunset Beach where the palms grow in the sand next to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sunset Beach is by Tarpon Springs. The sunset was so vivid that colors bounced everywhere!
Having fun with beach art! We have four generations of native Floridians in our family, and we all love the beach. Palms, coconuts, sand, and ocean are parts of our hearts. We never get tired of the wind, waves and sunshine! 5x7 original.
This painting is part of the "Picturing Main Street" exhibit at the CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando. Artists from eight designated neighborhoods are displaying scenes that show landmarks of their area. Albert Park is in the College Park business district, and community events happen here. As a peaceful nature preserve, it's a nice place to relax, and the gazebo is great for lunch breaks, jam sessions or even weddings. It's named after Dr. Albert who owned Albert Drug Store which was an area landmark and gathering place for 50 years. Now Albert Park carries on the tradition of the place that builds community. 16x20 original oil.
A fun 5x7 oil painting inspired by an old vintage Florida postcard. Before Disney World came to Florida, this was an exciting family trip to go see the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs. This area is now a state park, and the mermaid shows have resumed. Quite an experience to see these swimmers, fish tail and breathing tube! $75 (framed) at the Orlando Museum of Art Museum Shop.
