The fragile beauty of the Everglades continues to fascinate me. Interpreting them through my art has become my mantra and my mission. I value the solitude of the open prairie, delight in the way the breezes dance across the marsh grass, and wonder as the clouds or showers race over the landscape. The light moves and changes with the moment. I want to make the viewer stop and take notice of a landscape that may have gone unremarked, and to show them my appreciation for time when light and color and nature all come together as gift of nature. That special moment in time may never come again. Come visit my Everglades and see for yourself!
One of the easiest ways is to Learn about the Glades is to visit the Big Cypress National Preserve. A preserve has rules that aren't quite as strict as a National Park, but the activites are weighed to keeping the land for the future. Park Ranger Lisa Andrews stopped by recently to tell me that the Big Cypress is easier than ever to access. They've a nice boardwalk, many trails, and offer guided tours. Maps can be picked up at the Nature Center on Route 41, the Tamiami Trail. They also have a great residency program for artists, photographers and poets!
You've seen this painting before, but I've given it another pass and a new life!

I was gloriously, happily, delightedly out in the Everglades yesterday, and the light was strong and good and there were paintings everywhere waiting to be painted. When the light is "good" the landscape looks lush and inviting and willing to give up it's secrets to an artist. When the light is bad the landscape is flat, without any depth, and not inviting to paint. Luckily that's not often and yesterday was perfect. Driving back, the afternoon clouds put on a beauty pageant for us and we were treated to the sight of an Everglades mink. You can learn more about the Everglades animals at My Everglades Backyard. It's a good site for children, but I learn a lot too!