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!

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

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

"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

Safari Sunset, Tropical Beach Sunset Oil Painting by Judy Batterson

A movie called Endless Summer documented two surfers chasing the sun around the world while searching for the perfect wave. The movie poster had the huge bright orb as the logo for this surfing safari. Whether in Africa or Florida, when the sun sets as a flaming ball of light, it is awe inspiring! 12 x 24" original oil on canvas.

Tall Palm Tiny Island, Tropical Beach Art by Judy Batterson

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 x 36" original oil on canvas.

Moon Shadows, Tropical Florida Night with Full Moon Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

When a full moon is in the night sky , the reflection on the water sparkles like diamonds while the moonlight creates palm shadows. This painting captures the moment of night light tranquility. The whiteness of the moonlight and its highlights contrast against the darkness of the night. The value contrast has high drama and creates a surreal world. The full moon creates patterns of light while it illuminates the clouds, the water and the shoreline. The dark values keep everything still. Framed 16 x 20" Original Oil on canvas $1500 (Giclee available $325) Chosen by Orlando Magazine for "Paint the Town" 8th Annual Exhibition, Chosen for "Simply the Best" book by Timothy's Gallery, Available at Let Us Frame It in Orlando, FL.

Blue Cypress Sunset, a Tropical Florida Lake Sunset by Judy Batterson

“Blue Cypress Sunset” 24" x 36" original oil will be on exhibit at The Orlando Museum of Art Members Visions June 2, 2011.
Blue Cypress Lake was introduced to me by a man who loves to fish there. The lake is undeveloped except for a solitary fish camp. The rest is pure pristine Florida, filled with cypress trees and wildlife. When the sun sets, the lake turns into a sea of fiery color with silhouettes of cypress, reeds and grasses. I did not use black to paint the silhouettes but used a mixture of burnt umber with ultramarine blue or cadmium red. The effect of the darks against the lights is vivid. There are many layers of oil with the last layer consisting of grasses painted with individual brushstrokes. Blue Cypress Lake captivates those who explore it under the hanging moss of the trees! Oil on masonite. $2400

Serene Sunset, Florida Oil Landscape of Palm Islands by Judy Batterson

Islands of palms, trees, and mangroves cast shadows in the water as the sun sets. The clouds break the sun into shades of yellow, yellow-orange, orange, and rose while being reflected in the water. A Florida coastal sunset, alive with changing colors, can take your breath away. This is the Florida that the eco-minded seek, usually in kayaks and small boats. Moving in the still water between the islands, one can see wildlife of the air and water. Watching the sunset is a bonus. 16 x 20" Original Oil on canvas.

Paradise Found, original Florida oil landscape of beach, ocean, and palms by Judy Batterson

Paradise Found” If you could imagine serenity, it would be a quiet, uninhabited island of gently blowing palms. The white edge of the blue sea caresses the soft pink sand. The painting has a soft, quiet feeling. The pastels of the sand and sea soften the shadows under the palms. In the distance, there is another island. The afternoon clouds are building and billowing. Islands like this beckon boaters. Like in this painting, those who discover these islands experience the tranquility of paradise, if only for an afternoon. Blended color areas softened the feel of the painting. Original Oil on masonite. 20" x 28" $2400 (Giclee available $400)

Poinciana Path, a Florida oil landscape by Judy Batterson

A little bit of Florida now in Wisconsin! The owner of this painting has redone her living room to showcase "Poinciana Path". Originally from Florida, she wants to keep that tropical feeling while the Wisconsin snow surrounds her house. This painting shows a poinciana tree in full bloom with the wonderful red flowers that are so striking. The backlighting highlights the richly textured tree. She might be the only one in Wisconsin with a poinciana tree! For more Florida landscapes visit www.judybatterson.com.

Enlightened, a Florida Oil Landscape of Water, Boat and Palm by Judy Batterson

As I was walking along the Intracoastal Waterway after a storm, I stopped to look at a beached rowboat. The sunlight suddenly broke through the clouds, creating a cascade of light. I painted this coastal scene knowing it had a deeper level. Sometimes I need to beach myself like the boat, be still and wait quietly for the light to break through and bring hope to the soul. Original 16 x 20 oil on masonite. Chosen for Orlando Magazine's " Paint the Town" 8th Annual Exhibition 2010. For more Florida landscapes visit www.judybatterson.com

Sunset Palm, a Tropical Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

This 10x12" oil on masonite is an uncomplicated but effective tropical landscape at sunset. The dark silhouette of the palm in the foreground stands out against the yellow, orange, and red streaked across the sky. A warm palette predominates as the light is broken into a broader spectrum. www.judybatterson.com