Plein air pastel landscape painting of marsh land near the Naples Botanical Gardens
Pastel painting 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches
As a Michigan artist I don’t get many chances to do plein air paintings of tropical landscapes. So when we visit Florida, I make it my business to focus on pastel landscapes of the beautiful southern marsh lands. This painting was done in the Naples Botanical gardens.
My pastel painting, Everglades Morning, which won an award of Exceptional Merit from the Pastel Society of North Florida, just received a third place award from the Ann Arbor Women Artists. We are having a wonderful exhibit, filled with exceptional artwork, at the Ann Arbor Public Library through May 1st. Stop by and explore if you have a chance!
Plein air watercolor painting of Tin City in Naples, Florida
Plein air watercolor painting 6 inches x 9.5 inches
Just got back from two interesting “art trips.” My friend Cecily and I dropped off samples of our work to an art consultant who is filling a new hospital complex in Fort Wayne, Indiana with art works. We made the first cut and are awaiting word on whether we have been chosen to create commissioned work for the project. Many thanks to artist Valerie Mann for alerting us to the opportunity!
And I just returned from a gallery tour of Chicago. I walked through the River North area which has an unbelievable array of interesting galleries. I was inspired by the work there and the experience has given me lots of new ideas for my own work. Always good to get out of your own little head and see what others are doing.
While John golfs in Naples, I wander around the city and surrounding areas looking for interesting things to paint. I stumbled upon an interesting area of the city near the docks called Tin City. I’d never been there before. It appears to be part of an old group of fishing shanties that has been converted to small shops and restaurants. I sat under some shade and did a quick plein air watercolor painting of the site.
Plein air watercolor landscape painting of a pond in a botanical garden
Plein air watercolor painting 10.5 inches x 7 inches
I painted this plein air watercolor painting in the same Naples botanical garden where I found all of the fascinating lilies. There were so many great views, it was difficult to choose one to paint. I will definitely be visiting this site again next year. Its a place to let your “inner color” explode!
Plein air watercolor cityscape painting of a sunny art gallery in Naples, Florida
Watercolor painting 10 inches x 6.5 inches $80
Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.
It was pretty cool and cloudy down south but I managed to get in one watercolor painting on a sunny Sunday morning in Naples. The city is filled with quirky little galleries that carry every type of art imaginable. I love visiting each one when we are in town. Galerie Soleil is bright yellow and reminded me of the warm buildings in Italy. Gotta grab the chance to do some more paintings of architecture…
Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.
This watercolor painting will also be available thru the Circle of Art fundraiser for Food Gatherers on May 17. I painted it sitting on a step on one of the main streets in Naples, Florida. Plein aire paintings can be quite a challenge when you do them in public. Everyone who comes by has to sneak a look. Sometimes they ask to take a peak, other times they just belt out their opinion loud enough for everyone to hear. It used to really fluster me but I have become used to the process. Most people are very kind and encouraging and I can always use that!
And Food Gatherers could use you. Click on the Circle of Art website in the next couple of weeks and see if there is a piece of art you can’t live without!
