Papa Gators everywhere. Do not step out of the truck

ESCAPE TO THE EVERGLADES

In search of inspiration and fresh air, I took off MLK day into the wilderness of the Big Cypress National Preserve to find that every Alligator and Bird in the Everglades decided to do the same.

In the cool morning we were all basking in the only sunny area of the thick cypress forest which was Loop Road and adjacent openings. The sunning creatures cooperated for the photo shots and sketching escapade which will soon be preserved in oils and watercolor paintings. JZ Jan. 20, 2014

This entry is just to show a few of the cast:

Blue Heron and Ducks

Egret on the hunt

Ibis keeping an eye on me

Green Back Heron and White Egret sharing fishing spot

BIG PINE KEY NEIGHBORS

As an ex-home builder and Architecture admirer and practitioner along with Jimmy Buffet, the sprouting of trailers (or tin cans) along the Florida Keys are as offensive to the landscape as trashed out front yards with the usual old trucks, cars, lawnmowers etc. Although never as offensive as some other architectural creations by pseudo Architects pretending to practice the art, those structures in the Florida Keys are uglier than the trailers, therefore not deserving the craft of artful preservation.

In trying to find the romantic side of those tin cans and front yards I am dedicating some watercolors to them before the next category 5 hurricane takes them away to the Gulf of Mexico and then we will only be left with those concrete monsters that will hopefully, eventually some day be swallowed by the native Giant Gumbo Limbos and Buttonwood trees. JZ January 13, 2014

'Waterfront Single Wide with Guest Quarters' Big Pine Key

 

 

'Neighborhood Tin Can' Big Pine Key

 

'Coconuts' No Name Key (not a qualifying Tin Can)

In my quest for art creation, I went on a subject search and inspiration outing at Big Pine Key and neighboring No Name Key, saw a group of commercial boats that attracted my attention, I opened the truck door to get a closer look and forgot the newly inherited pooch that spotted 3 or 4 Key Deer. The dog went on to chase the deer and raise enough hell to bring out a neighbor and end a very quiet morning at No Name Key.

Apologizing to the neighbor for my intrusion and breaking the law by bothering the protected Key Deer, excused myself by letting her know that I was in search of inspiration for watercolors, not hunting for the small critters, she quickly remarked "are you an artist?" Yes Mam I responded, well, "my son writes Art Columns for the Keys Weekly and he will be interested in talking to you" ...........

Here's the result of that encounter:

Welcome 2014, what surprises do you bring? whatever is new it was before, for "there's nothing new under the sun"

Today I will compile a few paintings of beautiful birds that inhabit South Florida's marshes and shallows. It's hard to believe that not long ago they were on the way to extinction as millinery adornments. I want to thank all those involved in saving the species including the creators of polyester and synthetic hats. JZ January 1, 2014

                             Roseate Spoonbill in Mangrove Shallows. Everglades National Park

American Egret

Blue Heron

Florida Everglades Fauna watercolors