Lovely Lemon Tree, a Florida Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

Growing up in Florida, I took it for granted that everyone had a lemon tree or citrus of some sort. As kids, it was like having decorated Christmas trees in the yards. The beautiful ripe yellow lemons were tart on the inside though. Just like the old song about the lovely lemon tree. As an adult, I now look at the lemon like life....when life gives you lemons, make lemonade or lemon cupcakes or lemon martinis! 9 x 12" original oil on canvas.

Orange Crate, A Florida Vintage Postcard Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

Florida citrus was being shipped everywhere in the US in plain wooden crates until around 1904. To compete with the rising industry in California, Florida growers created distinctive labels which were pasted to the ends of the crates. The labels had art depicting Florida's exotic flowers, birds and animals. Gift crates were stenciled on the sides "from Florida", guaranteeing that people would know these were Florida oranges! This was inspired by a vintage Florida postcard and painted on canvas. I have painted others on masonite. 5 x 7" original oil.

The Orange Picker, a Florida Vintage Postcard Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

Citrus groves shaped Florida's history. The first groves were planted in the 1500's by Spanish explorers, and, by the late 1800's, workers had poured into the state to pick oranges from the thriving trees. Picked at the peak of freshness, oranges were put into
shoulder sacks, emptied into crates and then shipped all over the US. Oranges helped make Florida famous! 5 x 7" original oil painting. Part of my vintage "Postcards from Florida" painting project.

Chokoloskee Sunset, a Florida Coastal Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

On the west coast of Florida, south of Marco Island, Chokoloskee Island has a small settlement. From Chokoloskee, you can fish Everglades National Park and Ten Thousand Islands. The beauty and wildlife of the sheltered waters make it a fisherman's ideal destination. And the sunsets are full of striking color! 5 x 7" original oil painting. Part of my Postcards from Florida project.

Moon Over Mosquito Lagoon, a Florida Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

Mosquito Lagoon is part of the Indian River and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It runs next to Canaveral National Seashore. The meandering tidal flows, oyster bars, mangroves and grass flats create conditions for some of the best fishing in FL and best redfishing in the world. The lagoon is beautiful both day and night, especially by moonlight. 5 x 7" original oil. Part of my "Postcards from Florida" project.

Chief William McKinley Osceola in Dugout Canoe, a Florida Vintage Postcard Painting by Judy Batterson

Chief Wm McKinley Osceola (1883-1966) was the patriarch and medicine man of the Miccosukee Florida Seminole Nation. He was known as a great hunter and fisherman and lived all of his life in an Everglades camp 30 miles west of Miami. A direct descendent of Chief Osceola, he presented Pres. Truman a Seminole shirt in 1947 and made headlines. He also broke with tribal tradition and became the first Seminole to send his children to white men's schools. His son, Mike, entered Miami HIgh School in 1937 at age 16. Because of his great strength and size, he played football but "didn't want to hurt the little white fellows", according to an interview. This painting of Chief Osceola in his younger years was from a black and white vintage postcard with color references from other tribal photos. 5 x 7" original oil painting