Thursday, December 27, 2012

Playful Palm, an Impressionistic Oil Painting of Florida Palm and Beach by Judy Batterson

This was so much fun to paint! I tried to capture a Florida feeling with a happy little palm tree. 8 x 10" framed original oil. Now at Fredlund Gallery in Winter Park, FL.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Old Florida, Original Oil Landscape of Palms and Lake by Judy Batterson

Take a trip into the heart of Florida along trails next to lakes and creeks. There is dense foliage along the edge of the water. The lake reflects the blue sky and palms. Patches of sand and reeds are dotted along the water's edge. This is "Old Florida", a vast ecosystem of marshes and lakes. This is the old Florida I remember as a child when my friends and I would "go exploring" in the woods. In this painting, Florida's wild beauty translates into color and light. 8 x 10" framed original oil.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

McKean Gate, Entrance to Rollins College, Oil Painting of Florida landmark by Judy Batterson

McKean Gate, Entrance to Rollins College: Walk through the McKean Gate and enter the beautiful campus of Rollins College in Winter Park! Honoring Hugh McKean, former president of Rollins, the gate is a tribute to the man who also brought the Tiffany glass collection to Winter Park. As I studied the gate, I had an "Abbey Road" flashback! Knowing that Paul McCartney's stepson goes to Rollins, I decided the paint the gate with the crosswalk in mind. As a young artist, I knew Mr. McKean. As a young person, I played the Beatles' songs! When I finished the painting, I thought of how both men had influenced my life in music and in art. The McKean Gate invites all to use their creative talents to touch others! And that is what Mr. McKean would have wanted. 14"H x 11"W original oil. Price: $ 450.00

Friday, November 30, 2012

Preserving the Paradise, Florida OIl Painting of Winter Park by Judy Batterson

This painting shows the history of Winter Park, Florida. With this conceptual process, I stood at the edge of the Genius Preserve looking across Lake Virginia at Rollins College. The Genius Preserve was the Windsong Estate of Jeannette Genius McKean and Hugh McKean. Jeannette was a quiet art crusader whose grandfather was Charles Hosmer Morse. He had given the land for Central Park in Winter Park. Hugh had been a young art student of Louis Tiffany and later became president of Rollins College. When the New York Tiffany estate burned, they saved the Tiffany glass and brought it to Winter Park. The McKeans made it a comprehensive collection now housed in the Morse Museum. Visitors from all over the world come to see the windows and glass. I was a young artist when I helped them at the Morse. My favorite window was the Wisteria Window, and, thus, the overlay on the painting. Tying culture and beauty together, I give homage to the McKeans for preserving the paradise of this area! 16"H x 12"W Price: $ 500.00 framed

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Here Comes The Sun, Vibrant Rising Sun Over Ocean by Judy Batterson

Here Comes the Sun...When I saw this sunrise over the ocean, I was awed by the bright palette of colors. The rising sun filled the sky, and the clouds were streaked with warm and cool colors. The ocean reflected the sun and the colors of the sky. Even the wet sand reflected the colors. This was a glorious morning! The light was refracted into every hue! Bright and beautiful! 24"H x 18"W oil, Price: $ 600.00 framed

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Anastasia Palm, an Old Florida Stately Palm Plein Air Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

On a beautiful afternoon, I set up my plein air easel in Lake Mary in front of a stately palm tree. With the sun shining on one side, the tree cast a shadow on the grass. Palms are my favorite trees because each one is so different, as if each has a different personality. This one sent out an Old Florida vibe. Tall, stately, and perfectly "coifed", the tree seemed more like a tropical sculpture. 12"H x 9"W

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Morning at Little Econ River, a Florida Plein Air OIl Painting by Judy Batterson

I arrived at the Little Econ River early in the morning and set up my pochade box easel next to a small tributary of the river. Birds were fishing and flying as the water flowed quietly. It was such a peaceful experience of capturing misty light and shadow on the canvas. I ended up with a feeling of impressionism. 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Lighthouse Beyond the Dunes, a Plein Air Florida Beach Art Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

At the north end of New Smyrna Beach there are large sand dunes next to the inlet to the Indian River. Across the inlet is the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. I set up my easel in the dunes so I could paint the lighthouse across the water. I could hear the waves, the gulls, and the boats. Plein air painting is an experience for the senses! I could see the sailboat masts along the docks and watch the cloud formations behind the lighthouse. The view was captured on a 5x7 canvas! ($75 plus shipping)

Friday, September 28, 2012

Dunes Crossover, a Plein Air Beach Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

"Dunes Crossover" A lovely day at Smyrna Dunes Park beckoned me to take my plein air pochade box there. I set up my easel and paint box and enjoyed capturing the dunes with the walkway over the dunes. Sand, sea oats and dune plants made the scene very textural.With the ocean beyond the dunes, the ocean breeze picked up, blowing the clouds in fast moving formations and moving the sailboats across the water. 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Mr. Pelican, Small OIl Painting of Brown Pelican by Judy Batterson

"Mr. Pelican" 5x7 original oil. I was thinking of pelicans in a storm since it's storm season in Florida and did some research. "Pelican do's and don'ts: If you find a famished pelican on land, the group International Bird Rescue offers these pointers: Don't feed it. Human foods can obstruct a bird's throat, and serving it fish can make it less likely to learn how to hunt.Do place it in a large box with air holes and a folded towel at the bottom if you want to take it to a rescue center. Keep the bird in a dark, quiet place until it is transferred.Do keep the bird warm. Don't allow children and pets near the bird." Never know when we can help wildlife! Painting framed in a beautiful woven dark wood. $125.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Chief Wm McKinley Osceola, Oil Painting of Florida History by Judy Batterson

This painting was inspired by a vintage postcard of Chief Osceola when he was a young man living with his Seminole tribe in the Everglades near Miami. Normally I don't show a painting in a frame, but this frame completes the painting by giving it an historical feeling. He was known as a great hunter and fisherman and made headlines when he presented Pres. Truman a Seminole shirt in 1947. A fascinating part of Florida history! 5x7" Original oil framed in beautiful carved dark wood. $125.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Palms on the River, a Florida Plein Air Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

Near the south bridge to New Smyrna Beach is a beautiful park along the river. I set up my pochade plein air art box there to focus on the palm trees. Using the artist prerogative, I arranged the composition on a small portion of what I saw in front of me. Painting alla prima, I used impressionistic strokes for the palms. The whole time I was thinking about how I love palm trees! They are always so filled with light, shadows and movement. So Florida! 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Island and Oyster Bed, a Plein Air Florida Palm Painting by Judy Batterson

Boaters on the Intracoastal Waterway in New Smyrna Beach know this island well. It is located between the south and north bridges. The palms grow straight and tall in rows behind the mangroves. Oyster beds can be seen at low tide. I set up my pochade plein air painting box across the river and painted part of the island. The ocean breezes were strong and nearly blew me over! The pelicans were cruising while boats of all sizes passed the island in the choppy water. 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Dunes, a Florida Beach Art Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

This painting of sand dunes was painted with the alla prima technique. I set up my pochade box (small portable paint box) right next to the sand dunes at Smyrna Dunes Park. Painting layers wet on wet made me quickly capture the dunes while the sun was overhead. The ocean breeze made the heat bearable. All in all, it was a beautiful day to paint.5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Lovely Lemon Tree, Yellow and Green 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! Price $300 12"H x 9"W

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Florida Hammock, a Florida Coastal Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

Palms and mangroves are painted in detail as they grow out of the foliage along the waterway. This hammock, with abundant wildlife and strong reflections, is typical of the marshy hammocks along the low coastal areas of Florida. A cool palette of blues and greens make a calming scene. Very natural and tranquil. This painting was recently featured in the Paint the Town Exhibit at the Gallery at Avalon Island in Downtown Orlando and also at the First Thursdays event at the Orlando Museum of Art. 16"H x 20"W original oil on canvas.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Florida Hammock, an "Old Florida" Coastal Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

A Florida hammock looks quiet and still but it teeming with life where you can't see. Palms and mangroves are painted in detail as they grow out of the foliage along the waterway. This hammock, with abundant wildlife and strong reflections, is typical of the marshy hammocks along the low coastal areas of Florida. A cool palette of blues and greens make a calming scene. Very natural and tranquil. Oil on canvas. 16"H x 20"W

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Stillness on the Tomoka, Oil Painting of Old Florida by Judy Batterson

On the east coast of Florida, the Tomoka River is a pristine wilderness that has not changed. I was asked to capture this in a painting by a friend who grew up on the Tomoka. I did site visits, sketches and took photos of this beautiful river. There was such a sense of peace with the gentle flow of the river. Some areas had dense areas of mangroves, palms and underbrush. Other mangrove clumps opened up to the sky, allowing sunlight to reflect off of the water. A white egret stood out against the darker water while other birds flew overhead. This river is "old Florida" appreciated by nature lovers everywhere. Original oil on canvas 24"H x 36"W.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Beetle, Butterfly and Backyard Flowers, a Painting of Florida Flowers by Judy Batterson

"Beetle, Butterfly and Backyard Flowers"! Needed some color in my life so I cut plumbago, penta, bougainvillea and yellow daisies to bring inside....along with a beetle and butterfly! Butterflies love pentas! Painted this so I could save the vibrant colors of a Florida backyard in bloom! 11 x 14".

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

"Rosita" - Island, Boat and Tropical Water by Judy Batterson

Pthalo blue and pthalo green make the perfect color combination to paint the shallow waters beyond the southern tip of Florida. The boats make the perspective possible while showing the persons who are island hopping. Rosita is the name of the closest boat. Inspiration for a vacation! This painting was chosen by the Casselberry Rotary Club and Caselberry Art House as the June painting published in their 2012 Calendar, featuring Florida artists. 9"H x 11"W

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Lovely Lemon Tree, a Florida Citrus Oil Painting of Lemons 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! Price $300, 12"H x 9"W original oil.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Towards the Light, Abstract Oil in Blues by Judy Batterson


This loose flow of color is a bit unusual for me, but I wanted to try to express in paint what goes on in my head. If you swim underwater and look up, you swim towards the light. If you are in a storm, you know the sun still shines way above the clouds. We are always seeking the light. The bands of blue represent going from darkness into light. Our souls are drawn towards the light to give us life and hope. Price $500 original oil on gallery wrapped canvas.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Vacation Dreaming, Florida Beach Art with Sunset by Judy Batterson


This is a fun sunset and sailboat painting. The setting takes place along at the Intracoastal Waterway which winds its way next to the Atlantic Ocean. Inspired by a "Wish You Were Here" vintage postcard, this is what a Florida vacation is all about!
5"H x 7"W Price:$75.00

Monday, March 12, 2012

Sunflower, a mini painting by Judy Batterson


This mini sunflower painting is part of a collection of "Sunflower" mini paintings for a sunflower theme wedding brunch! Each guest will receive a small painting on a mini easel. I painted each one in Georgis O'Keeffe style, filling the canvas with the face of the flower and made each petal an impasto brushstroke so it would be thick on the canvas. This should make the wedding table full of sunshine! I painted extra ones to have on hand because sunflowers are so popular. 3 x 3" original @ $25

Monday, March 5, 2012

Mr. Pelican, Beach Art by Judy Batterson


Why, hello there, Mr. Pelican! Pelicans, especially brown pelicans, are always part of Florida's coastal environment. They fly in groups low over the water. When resting, a pelican will pull his head down. I can recall a poem that my dad taught me at a very young age: "There once was a bird called a pelican, Whose beak could hold more than his belly can, He can hold in his beak, Enough food for a week, But I don't know how in the helican." :) 5 x 7" original oil. $75

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Reeds and Red Boat, Florida Lake Landscape by Judy Batterson


Painting en plein air, I set up in the morning on a dock jutting into Lake Jessamine. On the shoreline was a little red boat pulled up into the reeds. The morning sun made the reeds golden with light. The lily pads and small palms caught the sunlight, too. While I was painting, the waves in the lake made the dock sway constantly. Challenging to an artist! I'm going to set up on solid ground from now on!! 9 x 12" original oil.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Garden Path at Cypress Grove Park, a Contemporary Impressionism Florida Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson


Painting en plein air on such a beautiful day made time pass so quickly. Before I knew it, the sun was making distinct shadows of the large bamboo and camellia bushes on the path to the rose garden. The shadows were a cool blue while the grass reflected the warmth from the sunlight. A large mossy oak cooled off the background. Capturing light and shadow gives the viewer the impression of the path setting at that point in time. 9 x 12" original oil.