I Believe In Discovery I & II, Florida Coastal Paintings of the Discovery of Florida, by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

To celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon in 1513, I followed his route around the state. I also boarded a replica of his galleon which had sailed here from Spain. This was exciting to trace the history of the state I love! This set of two paintings form a diptych to represent the natural coastal areas where Ponce de Leon and his men came ashore. Sitting on the horizon is the galleon. The sand path goes inland and returns towards the ship. The tropical palms, sand dunes and azure waters are the discovery. The orange sunrise sky symbolizes what is dawning...a new land. 24" H x 36" W (diptych of two oil paintings each 18x24)

I Believe in Discovery, a Florida Oil Landscape of the Discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon, by Judy Batterson, Florida artist

This past year the state of Florida celebrated the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon. A replica of his ship, El Galeon, sailed from Spain to Florida to retrace where Ponce de Leon had gone around the peninsula. I toured this beautiful sailing ship while it docked at Port Canaveral. After visiting the coastal areas around the state where Ponce and his men explored, I painted a large diptych to honor them. This is the first part. 18x24 Oil on board.

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.