Bay Preserve in Osprey, Sarasota, Florida

This week the class went to a new park that has been purchased by the Sarasota Conservancy. The park at the present time is open to the public by appointment, but they are allowing artists to work there on an appointment basis. Our pastel plein air class was fortunate enough to be allowed for several hours on Tuesday morning. What a treat.

Presently they have moved the Sarasota Scullers to a location there, which is beautiful. They are hoping to have one of the building converted to an artist gallery with a retreat above. Wonderful plans for the community, and we were so fortunate to be able to go there before it has been revitalized. The main house is beautiful and next week I hope to be able to paint it if the light is right.

This is the old boat house on the bay and is so cute and relaxed. I loved every minute of painting this picture.

Paintings from Sleeping Turtle Preserve

Our pastel plein air class recently went to Sleeping Turtle Preserve in Venice, Florida for two sessions. These were the pastels that I did on those days. The preserve is along the Myakka River and has nice hiking trails and many live oaks and palm trees as well as luscious greenery in the trees. The last picture is of these gorgeous bromilides in the trees. At least that is what I was told they were, anyway, that morning the sun just shown through them like gold. It is a very overwhelming place to paint, and this is the third time I have tried to paint there. The first was a total disappointment, but these are not too bad. I have not used pastels for 40 years so this is a new learning experience. Hope you enjoy them.