'I Believe in Going Towards the Light", Florida Oil Underwater Scene by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

On exhibit currently at CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando, this show is titled "I Believe". Each participating Florida artist was asked to step out of the box and be inspired to paint with feeling. I thought in the dark places, we need to go towards the light. Inspired by John 1:5, The light shows in the darkness, I painted kelp and sargassum seaweed growing underwater towards the light. The Light is there for us if we look up! 12x24"framed oil on canvas.$400

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 Coastal Landscape with Palm, Dunes, and Ocean by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

This paintings is a compilation of what Ponce de Leon saw when he first discovered the peninsula of Florida 500 years ago. This is also part II of a complete diptych tying the sailing explorers together with the land they discovered. Bold in color, it emphasizes the boldness of Ponce and his men. I hope this encourages others to keep Florida's natural beauty the way they found it long ago. 18x24 oil on board.

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.

St. John's River, Plein Air Florida Oil Painting by Judy Batters, Florida Artist

This is a small framed 5x7 original oil painting of the St. John's River which is known for its pristine wilderness, birds, fishing, and wildlife. I painted this while on a houseboat in the middle of the river! Now for sale at the Orlando Museum of Art gift shop. $75.

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.

Rollins College, The McKean Gate, a Winter Park, Florida Landmark in Oil by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida is one of the finest private colleges in the South. At the entrance of the campus is a stately archway honoring a past president of Rollins, Mr. Hugh McKean. It is a symbol of stepping into a world of higher education surrounded by palm trees, lakes, brick streets, and beautiful architecture. 11 x 14" Oil on canvas framed in a burnished gold floater frame.