Docked in Tarpon Springs

 

It's SO fun to paint at the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs - and the weather is glorious once again.  The sun felt so strong as I stood in it to get this vantage.  A boat to my right loaded for sponge diving tours each hour and a half, so I had no choice but to stand forward, in the sun.  This may be the most iconic strip in the area, with cute shops and Greek dining lining the streets, and I just HAD to capture it in oils.  This painting and 8 others will hang at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center through next Thursday.  Painting number 3689 in 3689 days.  

Brooker Creek Preserve Morning

 

I am so honored to have won this morning's Quick Paint at the Brooker Creek Preserve with my painting of the creek.  On the back side of the trail that winds through the preserve, the bridge over the creek is a favorite spot to paint.  With a gorgeous, clear day, the blue of the sky reflected deep into the water.  I moved my easel 3 times on this bridge, landing on this spot right at go time.  I had to have this framed and turned in by noon, making this less than a two hour paint.  My painting companions today were a mama and baby young alligator, who kept popping their heads up and gliding through that water.  It's not every day I paint with alligators! I loved this place so much that I stayed to paint another! Painting number 3688 in 3688 days.