Cypress of Brooker Creek

 

A sketchbook is more than a place to capture the beauty as I travel.  It can be a trusted friend for my hopes, dreams, and tears at the loss of a dear friend.  We were high school friends, dancing together as Shawnee Mission West Vikettes just yesterday, it seems, and now she isn't here.  She was a kindred spirit, and always the sweetest soul, ever kind and thoughtful.  We had so much fun back then, and she even stood up for me as my Maid of Honor as Mike and I married all those years ago. As our families grew, we had less time to talk.  I thought there would be plenty of time. I thought we'd grow old together, sharing family tales over hot tea and glasses of wine.  Susan was so young.  There was so much more life for her to live.  I can only lift her family up in prayer, and it doesn't seem like enough.  Live every moment with purpose, hug every family member each time you see them, and tell everyone in your life what they mean to you.  Cherish. Every. Moment.  Painting number 5117 in 5117 days. 

Cypress of Brooker Creek

I love returning to the Brooker Creek Nature Preserve to paint! The rich color of the Florida wildwood and the nearly black water of the creek are so inspiring.  This year, I've returned for their two day plein air event, with the work hanging until April 28th. I wish I could be there for the Artist Reception and Awards but I will be painting in Augusta at that time. If only I could paint multiple places at the same time!  Painting number 5114 in 5114 days. 

Afternoon at Brooker Creek

 

I'm honored this painting won the Brooker Creek Preserve Award in Tarpon Springs!  I loved spending the whole day here painting, watching the alligators in that water as I worked.  Still and silent, they glide gracefully through the water, barely breaking the surface.  The walkers along this trail assure me they do not walk the boardwalk, and so far as I've been here - they are right!  It's a beautiful place to visit, and paint!  I just couldn't resist painting another!  Painting 3697 in 3697 days. 

Brooker Creek Sunset

 

I kept an eye out for gators as I painted along Brooker Creek in John Chestnut Sr Park.  With only 30 minutes to sunset, I decided to go ahead and paint here, though I knew it was cutting it close on time.  The park closes right after sunset, and the trails get pretty dark when the sun goes down.  Standing by a body of water in Florida calls for caution, so I was aware of every movement at water's edge.  I did hear noises, and saw bubbles ripplev the surface, but kept in painting until i reached this point.  Loose and fresh, this one is a quick capture of the beauty, with enough time to pack up and get out before the gates close! SUCH a gorgeous place to paint, I'm so happy I chose to explore this south trail!  Painting number 3694 in 3694 days. 

Brooker Creek

Some paintings are a hard won battle - and this is such a painting.  After a walk along the boardwalk, I selected this location on the bridge for my preferred composition. It was in dappled shade with very little breeze, but I was in for the hot and humid conditions here in Tarpon Springs.  The giant resident alligator slapped the water hard while grabbing a fish - which we heard from the trail.  He then went on to glide through the water with grasses on his back, to lay like a log on the opposite bank.  Fish were jumping, a large white bird snagged food from a hole in a tree top, and it was a lovely afternoon of painting, until the sun came out and the biting flies found me!  I've never seen such large bee flies - looked like bees but have a hard bite! The only way to keep them off me was to keep moving, they did not mind my sprays in the least!  So I tried to work faster, dance around to avoid them, and yelped as they drew blood - but I did not leave that spot until I finished.  Plein air is not for sissies - I gave up a little blood for this one!  Painting number 3188 in 3188 days.