Thursday, December 19, 2013

St. John's River, Plein Air Florida Oil Painting by Judy Batters, Florida Artist

This is a small framed 5x7 original oil painting of the St. John's River which is known for its pristine wilderness, birds, fishing, and wildlife. I painted this while on a houseboat in the middle of the river! Now for sale at the Orlando Museum of Art gift shop. $75.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Smyrna Dunes, a Florida Coastal Oil Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

On Florida's east coast where the Indian River flows into the Atlantic Ocean is Ponce Inlet. On the south side of Ponce Inlet, near where Ponce de Leon apparently landed 500 years ago, is a protected area of large sand dunes, palms and palmettos called Smyrna Dunes Park. This oil was painted from the boardwalk bordering the park. 8x10 original oil. Giclees and prints available on request.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Rollins College, The McKean Gate, a Winter Park, Florida Landmark in Oil by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida is one of the finest private colleges in the South. At the entrance of the campus is a stately archway honoring a past president of Rollins, Mr. Hugh McKean. It is a symbol of stepping into a world of higher education surrounded by palm trees, lakes, brick streets, and beautiful architecture. 11 x 14" Oil on canvas framed in a burnished gold floater frame.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Safari Sunset, Red and Orange Sunset with Huge Yellow Sun by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Sometimes the sun can be so huge that it's overpowering! But that makes for a great sunset. This sun reminded me of an old movie poster with surfers chasing the sun around the world for an Endless Summer of surfing. The warm colors intensify the palm silhouettes. 12x24 original oil. This painting was chosen for the Artists Registry Members 2013 Exhibit which has 2 works each from 80 Florida artists.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Palms Along the River, Florida Oil Painting of the St. John's River by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

We rented a houseboat from Holly Bluff Marina near DeLand, Florida, and took it on the St. John's River for the weekend. What we found was total pristine wilderness with beautiful tall palms lining the river's edge. I took my sketchbook and paints to capture the water, birds, and trees. This painting has been chosen for the 2013 Artists Registry Exhibit which shows two works of art by 80 artists from around the state. 12x24 original oil.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Eco Trip, Oil Painting of Colorful Kayaks on Island Shore by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

This painting continues to draw viewers into it as they want to explore the island with the kayakers who are out counting turtle nests! That was happening when I first saw the kayaks on the sand while I was in a nearby boat. The kayaks belonged to the Marine Discovery Center of Volusia County, FL. Capturing that adventure in oil made an exciting painting experience! The painting has won many awards and most recently was chosen for the city of Casselberry 2014 Art Calendar.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Fall at River Walk, a Plein Air Impressionist Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

It was a big adventure for this Florida artist to go on a painting trip to North Carolina in the Fall. My easel was set up at Valley River in Murphy, NC, where I was surrounded by beautiful fall leaves with rushing water flowing over rocks. This 6 x 6 original oil captured what I experienced.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Fall Afternoon at Valley River Mountain, a Plein Air Painting by Judy Batterson

This Florida girl visited the mountains in North Carolina to see the beautiful fall leaves. With my easel and paints, I was able to capture some of the dazzling color of the leaves. This small 6 x 6" original oil sold from my canvas as soon as I was finished. This will make a nice fall memory for a mountain cabin.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Tall Palm, Tiny Island, a Tropical OIl Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

There are many tiny islands in the Keys with teeny tiny island cottages. Although the cottage I saw was old and weathered, I painted this one with fun island colors. The entire canvas was underpainted in blue, then many layers were added until the tall palm finished the landscape. I like the way the tiny house on the tiny island gives such a contrast to the tall palm in front of it. Such a fun painting and a joy to paint! Tall and tiny and tropical! 12" H x 36" W oil. Now hanging in a island home with a happy owner!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Mini-Monet Water Lilies Small Oil Painting by Judy Batterson Florida Artist

These mini 3x3" oil paintings are individually painted one at a time. We have so many lakes and ponds with water lilies in Central Florida that it's easy to find different color blooms. A tiny painting on a little easel can be placed about anywhere and always gives a little beauty wherever it is.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Wekiva Moon, Small Night Oil Painting by Judy Batterson Florida Artist

"Wekiva Moon"is a small 8x8 oil on black gallery wrapped canvas. I have several friends who live on large properties along the Wekiva River. When the moon is full, it shines like a spotlight on the land below. No urban lights diffuse it. My challenge was to capture this night scene on black canvas without any black paint!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Reeds and Red Boat, Soft Impressionistic Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Central Florida has so many beautiful lakes. This was painted at Lake Jessamine in Orlando. Across from where I set up my easel, was a small cove where a little red rowboat was pulled up into the reeds. The early morning light made soft atmospheric blocks of color. And the lily pads made a peaceful scene. 9x12 original oil.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Safari Sunset, Tropical Sunset of Red and Orange by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

There are certain moments at sunset when the sun appears to be a giant orb dwarfing the landscape. Like the sun overshadowing the surfing safari from "Endless Summer", the warm blazing light takes center stage. Then it drops below the horizon line, leaving a faint warm glow to the sky as it darkens. Original Oil on Canvas: 12" H x 24" W Price: $600.00

Monday, August 26, 2013

Lovely Lemon Tree, a Florida Botanical Oil Painting of Lemons by Judy Batterson

Lemon trees laden with lemons are a lucious sight! This 9x12" oil painting represents another part of Florida citrus. Lemon juice and lemon zest seem to make every recipe a little better. We love lemons at our house!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Bag of Oranges, a Florida Vintage Postcard Small Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

A bag of Florida oranges puts a smile on anyone's face. The mesh, draw-cord bags have been around for a long time. Inspired by a vintage Florida postcard, just-picked bags of oranges are still popular. Just look for the signs along the highways! 5x7 oil painting.

Crate of Oranges, a Florida Vintage Postcard Small Oil Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

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! 5x7 oil painting.

Basket of Citrus, a Florida Vintage Postcard Small Oil Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

This painting was inspired by a vintage Florida postcard of oranges and grapefruit. Growers have been putting hand-picked tree-ripened citrus in baskets since 1922. The fruit baskets are still packed by hand for fresh delivery from Florida. Just look for the signs along the highways! 5x7 oil painting.

Crate of Oranges, A Florida Vintage Postcard Small Oil Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Florida citrus was shipped in plain wooden crates until 1904 when Florida growers created distinctive labels pasted on the ends of the crates. These had art depicting Florida's exotic flowers, birds and animals. Gift crates had stenciled "from Florida", guaranteeing these were Florida oranges! This one was the Waverly Growers distinct label. Painted in oil from a vintage Florida postcard. 5x7".

Friday, July 26, 2013

Palms Along the River, A Florida Oil Landscape of the St. John's River by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Pristine wilderness of Old Florida lines the sides of the St. John's River. As the longest river in Florida, it winds north through 12 counties. We took a houseboat into the middle basin part of the river where I was able to sketch and paint the palms, marshes and wildlife. Tall stately palms grew along the river. We anchored and woke up to a sky of light making everything lush and green against the tannic slow moving water. Old Florida is inspiration! 12"H x 24"W original oil on canvas. Price: $ 600.00

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Garden Path, a Plein Air Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Follow the path to the shady side of the garden! 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. 9"H x 12"W Price: $ 225.00 framed

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Enlightened, A Florida Coastal Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

I passed by this same location several weeks ago, and the boat was still pulled up onto the shoreline, just where I had painted it earlier. A thunderstorm had passed, typical of Florida summer afternoons. Sunlight was breaking through the clouds. I love this scene of light and shadow which is repeated over and over during the summer months. Now this 16 x 20 original oil painting is headed to an event in Central Florida.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Osprey Over the St. John's River, A Small Plein Air Florida OIl Landscape by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Watching the osprey circle overhead, I was mesmerized. The large bird spotted fish in the tannic brown waters of the St. John's River and got them. Bright green aquatic plants lined the side of the river next to mangroves, cypress and grasses. I had my easel on a houseboat in the middle of the river with a great view. A great way to paint plein air, capturing part of the pristine wilderness! 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

St. John's River, Small Florida Oil Painting of Osprey, Fisherman and River by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

With my easel set up on a houseboat deck in the middle of the St. John's River, I painted the wilderness around me. One lone fisherman floated by, looking for a catch. And so was the osprey that circled overhead. Cypress trees, mangroves, aquatic plants and gators were part of the river scene in Florida's pristine wilderness. 5x7" original oil, $75.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Sunset Beach, Palm Tree and Beach Art by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

"Sunset Beach" Had some fun with bright colors painting a sunset. Just visited Sunset Beach where the palms grow in the sand next to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sunset Beach is by Tarpon Springs. The sunset was so vivid that colors bounced everywhere!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Coconuts, Beach Art Coastal Florida Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Having fun with beach art! We have four generations of native Floridians in our family, and we all love the beach. Palms, coconuts, sand, and ocean are parts of our hearts. We never get tired of the wind, waves and sunshine! 5x7 original.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Albert Park in College Park, Nature Preserve in Orlando Neighborhood by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

This painting is part of the "Picturing Main Street" exhibit at the CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando. Artists from eight designated neighborhoods are displaying scenes that show landmarks of their area. Albert Park is in the College Park business district, and community events happen here. As a peaceful nature preserve, it's a nice place to relax, and the gazebo is great for lunch breaks, jam sessions or even weddings. It's named after Dr. Albert who owned Albert Drug Store which was an area landmark and gathering place for 50 years. Now Albert Park carries on the tradition of the place that builds community. 16x20 original oil.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Rose Garden Trellis, an Original Plein Air Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

Looking through the trellis, the sunlight was intense on yellow roses. I stood in the shade of the red roses. This painting was a joy to paint because the day was so beautiful outside. Cypress Grove Park in Orlando has beautiful gardens, fields, and dock on a large lake. What fun to capture it in oils!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Serene Sunset, a Florida Coastal Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

"Serene Sunset"says it all. After spending time at Sanibel, Captiva and the waters around Ft. Myers, I found the FL west coast sunsets captivating. The clouds break the sky into warm colors as the dark reflections of the palms and mangroves shimmer in the water. So peaceful and beautiful. 16 x 20 oil.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Florida Hammock, a Florida Coastal Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

What would Ponce De Leon have seen five hundred years ago when he set foot in La Florida? He would have seen island hammocks along the Intracoastal Waterway just as we see today. These marshy hammocks have mangroves, palms, lush foliage, and abundant wildlife. Waters run with the tides from the ocean in these low coastal areas. We still enjoy this cool palette of tranquility. 16 x 20" original oil.

Monday, March 25, 2013

The Courtyard, Palms and Fountain in Small Florida Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

Florida has not only beautiful natural areas but also beautifully landscaped courtyards all over the state. I painted this one at Pointe Orlando while I was set up in front of Battersby Gallery there. Tourists love to watch artists paint! And I enjoyed the courtyard! 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

Friday, March 22, 2013

Lake Lily Ladies, Impressionist Plein Air Small Florida Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

Joining with a group of plein air painters, I set up my easel on the north side of Lake Lily in Maitland, FL. It was late afternoon, so we had to capture the sun and shadows quickly. Without a lot of details, I focused on three trees across the lake. The impressions of darks and lights were extreme as the sun dropped fast. This is the resulting painting and a special memory of Lake Lily. 9"H x 12"W Price: $ 225.00

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Mead Garden Turtle, Impressionist Florida Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

In Winter Park, Florida, an untouched natural piece of Florida known as Mead Garden has been preserved. It is tucked away behind neighborhoods as Winter Park's secret garden! My children explored there like I used to do. The serene 47 acres have a swamp boardwalk, a butterfly garden, shady pathways, and a pond where turtles sun themselves on fallen logs. Generations continue to go there to see the turtles. The pond has lily pads and heavy, shadowy foliage. Hence the Impressionistic composition with cool colors. 18 x 18" original oil.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

McKean Gate Rollins College, OIl Painting of Rollins College, Winter Park Florida by Judy Batterson

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 stepdaughter goes to Rollins, I decided to paint the gate with the crosswalk in mind. Chosen for the 11th Annual Paint The Town exhibition at the Gallery at Avalon Island in Downtown Orlando, opening night is March 21, 2013.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Palm Afternoon, A Florida Coastal Landscape by Judy Batterson

In homage to the Florida Highwaymen! I found a scene that would be similar to what they painted. This 16 x 20 original oil captured a prominent palm along the coast of Florida. The sun was setting, the waves were lapping and it was the end of a beautiful afternoon.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Bursting Forth, a Springtime Oil of Yellow Trumpet Tree by Judy Batterson

The yellow tabebuia trees are blooming all over Orlando! These brilliant yellow blossoms are dazzling to the eye as they completely cover the branches. Also known as the yellow trumpet trees, they bloom and as fast as they bloom, the petals fall to the ground like yellow paint circling the trunk. This original 12 x 12" oil will keep the memory of springtime!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Garden of Eden, Original Oil Painting by Florida Artist Judy Batterson

When asked by the author to paint an oil painting for her book cover, I did research on the subject of the book, "The Little Book of Healing Prayers". Good places for peace and healing are in gardens where one can be still and pray. This thought led to the first garden. Then I discovered that archeologists think that the palm tree was one of the trees in the Garden of Eden. As a Florida artist, I love palm trees! That was my inspiration for the painting! The book is now available at The Glennon House in Winter Park, Florida.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Plein Air Morning, a Florida OIl Landscape by Judy Batterson

Plein Air Morning at Cypress Grove Park: The weather was perfect when I set up to paint in the middle of the field at Cypress Grove Park. The morning sunlight hit the large oak trees and the grass with intensity. This painting is all about the dramatic darks and lights that I saw before me. I loved mixing the oils and capturing the morning on canvas! I would call this style Contemporary Impressionism. Available at The Orlando Museum of Art. 9"H x 12"W framed Price: $ 225.0

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Paradise Found, a Florida Coastal Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

‎"Paradise Found"! This year marks the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's arrival to the land he called La Florida, The Land of Flowers. In 2013, it's time to rediscover Old Florida with palm trees, coastal views,and barrier islands. This 20 x 28 oil painting is my attempt to capture what Ponce de Leon discovered!