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

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.