Smyrna Dunes, a Florida Coastal Landscape of Palms and Sand Dunes by Judy Batterson

On the Florida east coast at New Smyrna Beach, the Intracoastal flows into the Atlantic by the jetties. The area there, known as Smyrna Dunes, has sand dunes punctuated by clusters of palm trees. People love to walk around the dunes, going from the ocean side to the river side and back. As I was walking there, I studied the brightness of the sand against the palms. The sunlight made every detail of the palm trees stand out as it reflected brilliantly off of the hot sand. I used lights and darks to show the contrasts. Original Oil on masonite. Chosen for "Best of America Oil Artists Vol. ll" book by Kennedy Publishing. (Giclees available $120, matted prints $65)

Rock of Ages, a sequence showing oil layering, by Judy Batterson

The finished painting! In the woods in Arcadia, Florida, there is a dry creek bed that serves as a trail that goes deep into the palmettos, palms and trees. When the sun is high, the light hits a clearing and highlights a rock where a person can rest while hunting or hiking. The rock marks a special place for all who walk through these woods. It never changes like the shifting shadows, thus the title. This painting was a commission and a joy to paint every layer. This commission was painted in memory of a very special man who loved to hunt in these woods. 11 x 14" giclees and prints available on request.

Rock of Ages, a sequence showing oil layering, by Judy Batterson

Photo #3 showing the oil layers in developing this painting of the woods in Arcadia, Florida. The middle ground palms are painted and the dry creek bed which forms the path that leads into the woods. The path leads to the rock. The patches of sunlight are also painted between the dark shadows of the foliage. Although the sky was bright blue, some clouds are added for balance.

Rock of Ages, a sequence showing oil layering, by Judy Batterson

Photo #2 of the oil layering sequence of "Rock of Ages". These next layers paint in the palms and other trees in the background of
the Florida woods. The ground in the foreground is established along with the focal point which will be the rock. The dappled shadows of the light streaming through the trees are painted also. www.judybatterson.com

Rock of Ages, a sequence showing oil layering, by Judy Batterson

This is the first photo in a sequence of the painting, "Rock of Ages". The painting is of the Florida woods in Arcadia, Florida. The first few layers are the foundation for the composition. The sky and shadow areas are put into the first few layers of oil. The rest of the painting will come forward from this stage. www.judybatterson.com

Swampy Road, A Florida Landscape by Judy Batterson

Off the beaten paths, sandy roads lead back into untouched areas of coastal Florida. Palms, pines, and mangroves grow in abundance. In the hammocks and lagoons, brackish water reflects the blue sky. Very refreshing in a back to nature way!
16 x 20" oil on masonite www.judybatterson.com

Coastal Escape, a Florida Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

This is a scene along the Florida Intracoastal Waterway which flows along the coastline next to the Atlantic Ocean. The barrier islands make up the true beaches of Florida, and the waterway is on the other side. Captured in oil, the Florida sky adds so much dimension and movement to the overall landscape. The palms, palmettos and mangroves show the land in its natural form. And the water is like the anchoring factor which brings it together. Many layers of oil went into the depth of the painting. This painting was chosen to be in the "Simply the Best" book by Timothy's Gallery and Art-Exchange.com. It is an 18 x 22 original oil on masonite. Although the original has been sold, stretched, hand-embellished and numbered giclees are available for $400. For more Florida natural landscapes, visit www.judybatterson.com.