Sometimes, things just don't work out, and today's daily painting is just such an example. I'm far from my original idea, finally removed the background in desperation, and now the palms are elevated almost like a group of flowers. I've been gardening quite a bit, maybe that's what's affected my view! In any case this painting still isn't ready to go to a new home, so I'll take some time to see what can be done!
We were out in the Everglades yesterday scouting where to take the upcoming workshop class for some outdoor painting. It's as dry as I've seen it, and it's only March, so I expect we'll have a pretty active fire season, from now until the June rains wash the landscape and refill the pools.
My favorite class location had burned soon after our visit last spring, and when I checked previously the palm fronds were gray with ash, drab and drooping and the trunks were blacked beyond hope. I expected to be searching for another spot for the students to get off the road and with several options for painting.
Surprisingly, the area had almost completely recovered, with new green crowns on the palms and the distant views as lovely as ever. It's a natural cycle for the Everglades systems to dry out, burn, rainfall, renewal, but it's always a delight to see it working. An extra bonus is that the area had been cleaned of dumped debris as well. It will make a perfect class spot!
The workshop will be hosted by the Marco Island Center for the Arts where you can sign up. It will be four full days starting March 30 and there's still some room. We'll concentrate on composition, color, the Florida landscape and putting it all together with your own artistic signature. Half of each day will be spent painting outside. Come along, we'll have a lot of fun!
I was excited to learn that the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts will be giving three scholarships again this year. These will go to three Marco Island High School seniors who intend further studies in the literary, performing, or visual arts. If you know a qualified student, please ask them to apply.
The Marco Center for the Arts and the Marco Chamber of Commerce Leadership Marco will also be givng scholarships, thanks in part to Marco Island Wet Paint Live. Many thanks to the artists who painted and the community who purchased to make this benefit to our island youths possible!
Don't forget Marco Island's Community Conservation Celebration at Mackle Park on Saturday. There'll be something for adults and children alike, and lots of learning for all. See you there!
