It's been a while since my last post, many events of life have kept me away from this media including the passing of my wife Melody Gay, after 30 years that we spent together many of our best memories were times spent in the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Camping and fishing with family and friends, spending New Years eves in the wilderness where there were no fireworks, no falling or rising oranges, no TV's and no Time Square.

Memories that I want to record on Canvas and paper to the best of my ability and then share with others for posterity. The sounds and fresh smell of the wilderness will have to be imagined or if ever in the area contact me and I will tell you where to find those secret gardens of God's creation where I find rest and inspiration.
JZ December 31, 2013

Top to bottom:

Loop Road, Loop Road Pond, Cypress Fern, Little Blue Heron. Oil on Canvas 16x20

Bahamian Lighthouses

Is it the emerald water that makes me paint Bahamian Seascapes? Or the memories of the colorful Islands across the Gulfstream? I envy those artists that were able to spend time exploring those grounds, like Winslow Homer and many of today’s artists that I admire, specially the Abaco group. JZ October 6, 2011

Florida Keys Fishing Experience

On a recent fishing trip, some bad weather made us get close to a mangrove island in the north part of the Florida Keys, to find an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience. The Island was a nesting ground to about 5 species of birds that were also hiding from the weather. We were all there!!!!!!

The sights and sounds were engraved in my mind and I have created a few paintings to make sure I’m reminded of that great day. Too bad I did not have a sound recorder to go along with the artwork. JZ October 4, 2011

Laid Back Birds of the Florida Keys

I was always amused by the attitude of some birds where I fished in the Florida Keys, specially Pelicans. So I dedicated to them and others a few watercolors. An act of man to deal with pest Pelicans has turned out to be a very funny win for the Pelicans. The above painting shows the result of pointed pilings to keep the birds away, instead of poop on the pilings they now poop on the boats. HaHaHa who had the last laugh? The painting is called 'One man's Toy, another one's Toilet'  JZ October 3, 2011

Bahamian settlement in Coconut Grove

In the 1880's Bahamian laborers inhabited the Grand Avenue area of Coconut Grove (Miami, Florida) These watercolors depict some of the remaining frame homes that are now historical gems. These 8"x10" paintings were sketched and painted plein air. I have always had an attraction for frame homes and despise the story of The Three Little Pigs, that story has given frame homes a bad rap although they are beautiful, quaint and warm. Try some gingerbread porches on a concrete structure? JZ

Under Construction

Today, September 28,2011, I'm starting a new venture creating this Blogg. If you happen to run into this page, look around and come back another day, It's under construction. Thank You, JZ