Blue Cypress Sunset, Florida Oil Painting of Cypress Trees, Lake and Vivid Sunset by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Blue Cypress Lake is in the middle of Florida. Large cypress trees are along the shoreline of the large lake. At sunset, the lake becomes vibrant with color. Truly Old Florida at its finest! This larger painting is now on exhibit at Leu Gardens in Orlando until July 9, 2014.

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

Old Florida, Original Oil Landscape of Palms and Lake by Judy Batterson

Take a trip into the heart of Florida along trails next to lakes and creeks. There is dense foliage along the edge of the water. The lake reflects the blue sky and palms. Patches of sand and reeds are dotted along the water's edge. This is "Old Florida", a vast ecosystem of marshes and lakes. This is the old Florida I remember as a child when my friends and I would "go exploring" in the woods. In this painting, Florida's wild beauty translates into color and light. 8 x 10" framed original oil.

Red Pagoda, Scenic Orlando Lake Eola Park Attraction by Judy Batterson

In downtown Orlando, the beautiful city park surrounding Lake Eola boasts a unique fountain in the lake's center and a red Chinese pagoda on the shore. This pagoda has become a place for weddings and other events. The red stands out against the lush green palms and oaks. Swans and ducks like to swim near the walkway by the pagoda. Lake Eola is always a hub of activity for downtown, and the pagoda is a charming attraction there. 5 x 7 " original oil painting.

Springtime by the Lake, a Florida Oil Landscape by Judy Batterson

One of the most beautiful trees to bloom in spring is the yellow tabebuia tree. The yellow color is brilliant and lasts about two weeks. As the flowers drop, they look like yellow snowfall beneath the tree. This tree is the highlight of spring in Florida. The color is so vibrant, it is breathtaking! I used heavy impasto paint to emphasize the blooms. Framed oil on masonite. 12 x 12" $350

Old Florida, a Florida Oil Landscape with Palm and Water by Judy Batterson

Take a trip into the heart of Florida along trails next to lakes and creeks. There is always dense foliage along the edge of the dark water which reflects the blue sky and palms. Patches of sand and reeds are dotted between the land and water. This is "Old Florida", a vast ecosystem of saltwater marshes and freshwater lakes. This painting captures the sunlight highlighting the edge of a Florida lake. The light beams into the shadows and highlights the palms and sand. This is the old Florida I remember as a child when my friends and I would "go exploring" in the woods. The good news is the beauty of hidden lakes can be found today not only down hiking trails but also in parks and preserves. In this painting, Florida's wild beauty translates into color and light. Original 8 x 10 oil on masonite. $395 Framed

Blue Cypress Sunset, sequence of painting, by Judy Batterson

The finished painting! This is the final sequence in a series of six showing a painting from start to finish. The burnt umber and ultramarine blue dark silhouettes of the cypress trees with aquatic grasses and reeds stand out against the bright setting sun. The shadows are reflected in the water along with touches of light. This is a 24 x 36" oil on masonite. And it's been a fun and challenging painting journey! www.judybatterson.com

Blue Cypress Sunset, sequence of painting, by Judy Batterson

This is the fifth photo in a sequence of six showing a painting from start to finish. The farthest part of the painting is done, so now it's time for the foreground. This is the start of the large cypress trees in Blue Cypress Lake. From the viewer's perspective, only the dark sides of the trees can be seen when looking at the sun. The shadowy darks are not painted in black but done in a mixture of burnt umber and ultramarine with variations of added oil colors. www.judybatterson.com

Blue Cypress Sunset, sequence of painting, by Judy Batterson

This is the third photo in a sequence of six that show the painting from starting brushstrokes to the finished work. Now the background of the sky and lake have been blended so it's time for the clouds. The clouds are alternating dark and light oil paint
which, when blended, will give depth and shape to the cloud formation. www.judybatterson.com

Blue Cypress Sunset, first step of painting, by Judy Batterson

This is the first step of a large oil painting of a beautiful Florida lake at sunset. If anyone saw this first step, they would never
be able to imagine the finished painting which is in my head. But, as with all things, the foundation is most important! I will be posting sequences of the painting until it is completed. Usually, it takes ten or so layers but I will post it in a sequence of six photos. www.judybatterson.com