Blue Cypress Sunset, first step of painting, by Judy Batterson

This is the first step of a large oil painting of a beautiful Florida lake at sunset. If anyone saw this first step, they would never
be able to imagine the finished painting which is in my head. But, as with all things, the foundation is most important! I will be posting sequences of the painting until it is completed. Usually, it takes ten or so layers but I will post it in a sequence of six photos. www.judybatterson.com

Storm Coming, a Florida Oil Landscape of Blowing Palms and Waves by Judy Batterson

From daily afternoon thunderstorms to hurricanes, Florida skies are filled with clouds of darks and lights when the rains gather and the winds blow. Although ominous, it is also beautiful to watch the weather change. I tried to capture the movement and feeling by putting thick oil brushstrokes on top of layers of thinner layers. This is a 16 x 20" oil on masonite. It is one of the paintings chosen for Best of America Oil Artists Volume II, published six months ago. A lot of emotion went into this one! For more Florida oil landscapes, visit my website at www.judybatterson.com.

Coastal Escape, a Florida Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

This is a scene along the Florida Intracoastal Waterway which flows along the coastline next to the Atlantic Ocean. The barrier islands make up the true beaches of Florida, and the waterway is on the other side. Captured in oil, the Florida sky adds so much dimension and movement to the overall landscape. The palms, palmettos and mangroves show the land in its natural form. And the water is like the anchoring factor which brings it together. Many layers of oil went into the depth of the painting. This painting was chosen to be in the "Simply the Best" book by Timothy's Gallery and Art-Exchange.com. It is an 18 x 22 original oil on masonite. Although the original has been sold, stretched, hand-embellished and numbered giclees are available for $400. For more Florida natural landscapes, visit www.judybatterson.com.

Poinciana and Oranges, a Florida Oil Landscape of Orange Grove, Poinciana Tree, Old Florida by Judy Batterson

A friend called me to say that she had just seen her first poinciana tree in full bloom and was amazed by the vivid beauty of the
bright red blossoms. The reason she recognized the tree is because she had seen this painting. This painting captures the feel of old Florida with a sandy road, an orange grove, and a small lake next to a blooming poinciana tree. The Highwaymen loved to paint the poinciana trees, too, and now I know why. The bright blossoms lend themselves to thick brushstrokes and built up oil texture which make the scene pop with color. This is a 21 x 36" original oil on masonite. For more Florida landscapes, visit my website at www.judybatterson.com.

Smyrna Dunes, a Florida Coastal Landscape of Palms and Sand Dunes by Judy Batterson

At the tip of the peninsula on the north side of New Smyrna Beach is Smyrna Dunes Park. This is where the ocean and river meet at the inlet. People enjoy walking on the boardwalk through the dunes to the water. I captured this scene at high noon from the boardwalk. The bright sun reflected off the hot sand creating shadows underneath the palms. This is an 8 x 10 oil on masonite.
For more Florida landscapes visit my website at www.judybatterson.com.