Friday, May 20, 2011

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.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Garden of Eden, Oil Painting with Palm and Stream by Judy Batterson



The Little Book of Living Prayers with Garden of Eden cover: "Garden of Eden" is an 18 x 24" original oil on canvas..
The Little Book of Living Prayers by Doris M. Matthews has just been published! My painting "Garden of Eden" is the cover. Author Doris has prayers for people from all walks of life and in every sort of need. Truly inspirational words about Christ's love and healing power!
Doris commissioned me for the cover painting. I chose Eden, the garden of God, because it is full of symbolism. The description is in Genesis 2. Abundant fruit bearing and beautiful trees grew there while a stream watered the Garden. Archeologists believe that the date palm was one of the first trees in the Garden. It was a place of peace and serenity. This is my glimpse into the Garden of Eden. May this picture bring peace to those who view it, especially as they read the prayers.
The book of prayers is now available from The Healing Ministry at The Glennon House in Winter Park Florida for $6 (or $7, if mailed.) More information through All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park, Florida.
It was a blessing to be a part of this year long project.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

A Magnolia Memory for Niki, a large Magnolia Blossom by Judy Batterson


My friend commissioned me to paint a large magnolia blossom for her home. This flower has much meaning for her. The good news is that my neighborhood had blooming magnolia trees at the time of this painting. I studied the bowl of each petal and the way the light hit the curl. I used warm colors for the background to bring life to the bloom. And I have more appreciation for Georgia O'Keefe now. A large blossom makes a dramatic statement. And I let my friend name her painting!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Perfect Day on the Lagoon, a Florida Oil Painting of Waves and Palm on a Balmy Day, by Judy Batterson


Mosquito Lagoon on the east coast of Florida opens out to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a natural ecological haven surrounded by many small uninhabited islands. Sand bars appear at low tide. When the sun is out and an ocean breeze is blowing, this lagoon can be nature at its finest. Clouds seem to be a mile high. It is a beautiful place to be, whether to paint or fish or enjoy the scenery. I had to paint this in many layers to portray the sand and depths of the water. 12 x 18" Original Oil on masonite. $800 Framed

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

poinciana and Oranges, a Florida Oil Landscape of Orange Grove, Poinciana Tree, Old Florida by Judy Batterson


A large poinciana tree is in bloom with brilliant red blossoms. Across the path is an orange grove laden with fruit. The interplay of light and shadow is shown by the sunlight on the bright colors of red, orange and green while billowing clouds stand out against a dark sky. Florida heat leads to afternoon thunderstorms, and the painting tells this story. Large and colorful, this is a painting of Florida the way it used to be and can still be found down sandy back roads. In the tradition of the Florida Highwaymen. 21x36" Original Oil on masonite.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Eco Trip, Beach Art Florida Oil Landscapes with Kayaks by Judy Batterson


This work combines all that I want to express in a painting, and I am very excited about it. On a boating trip to the Mosquito Lagoon, I passed an island where four kayaks were pulled up next to a beached old rowboat. The bright colors of the kayaks were dazzling against the white sandy beach. I captured it in photos and sketches, compelled to put a composition together to paint the scene. Discovering the beauty of Florida is an adventure. What a joy to paint this, even though it took much longer than I ever anticipated! Exploring coastal Florida is a celebration of an ecological treasure...a real eco trip! 24 x 30" oil on panel.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Indian River Sunset, Beach Art and River Art in a Florida Oil Painting by Judy Batterson


Sunsets are like snowflakes. No two are alike, and they are all beautiful! I love to watch the sun set over the Indian River with the palm silhouettes against a vivid sky. The ball of light drops fast behind the horizon, and the clouds determine how the light is dispersed in the sky. Always a breathtaking sight! I love to paint sunsets! 6" x 12" oil on 3-D board.