Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I Could be a Florida Painter in a Different Life

 Naples, FL Sunset

After the BIG snowfall this year in Chicago (20 inches), my husband and I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to Naples, Florida.  It couldn't have come at a better time.  Sunlight deprivation starts setting in this time of year.  After digging out from under the snow and experiencing extreme cold, it was time to head south.  Oh yeah, I forgot how good it feels to walk without worrying about slipping on the ice.  I forgot how the air smells when all is lush and green in the landscape.  


Our back porch after the snowfall

I took this picture through the dining room window before we started digging out.  As you can see, getting out the back door was impossible.  Luckily the front entrance as a big portico, we we were able to go out that way.  The snow was incredibly beautiful.  Especially if you were one of the lucky few who didn't have to remove it. 

Gazing out over the mangrove forest, I took some pictures of the incredible Florida sunsets.  Oh yes, I could definitely be a Florida painter in a different life.  But my lot in life is live with the four seasons.  I do love the four seasons because there is beauty in each.  Here are a couple of WIPs.  Now that we're back in Illinois, I can settle down and finish them.  That is, if there is no more digging out.


16 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Florida Keys have been inspirational for me as an artist...But we moved back to the UK to be able to not only be ‘Home’ and nearer to family, but also to experience the four seasons again. Florida is lovely for a visit, but when you live there year after year in Hurricane season it gets old quick.
One year we evacuated (cats and all) six times in a row in the space of two months…and you never know if your house will be standing when you return! …..That and Hurricane insurance, skin cancer from the sun and mildew!!!!(lol)
Living and painting in Key West really inspired me to learn how to convey minimal compositional elements combined with atmosphere...just as your photo conveys. Love your second painting.... the river looks like its winding back into a special place.

Anonymous said...

wow, what a lot of snow you have been having! and those paintings are beautiful, it will be great to see them close up!

Betsy Brock said...

You really were buried in snow! That is just amazing!

Florida is sooo beautiful! Yes, I agree that you could paint those water filled landscapes just fine! :)

Marion said...

Oh, I love your work in progress, Janelle. That blue is amazing. I love my lack of 4 seasons although this year we've had ice storms and a bit of snow here in the deep South. We lived a couple of years on the beach in Florida in the seventies and it was amazing. I love that state. Beautiful post. Blessings!!

Celeste Bergin said...

Janelle, ironically, I was born in Florida, grew up in Illinois and then returned to Florida. I consider both my "home states". Both places have such different things to offer. I feel fortunate that I know both of them so well. I now live in my third home state, Oregon..and it is sublime. I love your new paintings...they are just gorgeous! Really pretty color and composition

Art with Liz said...

These are looking really good Janelle!

Caroline Simmill said...

I was thinking about you a couple of days ago wondering if you were still painting. I must say these two paintings are so beautiful, they have that quiet time quality of deep peace. The colours are really lovely too. You must be building up the layers very carefully to create such depth in the trees and water. Looking forward to seeing more when you get the chance to post. No snow here we had all of ours in a massive heap before Christmas. I hope you see some green land soon.

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Lucky you to have such a needed break. I agree with you that I would miss the changing of the seasons, that first smell of spring when the thaw starts. Winter can be difficult and tiresome, but it does have its beauty. Looking forward to seeing your finished pieces!

loriann signori said...

Hi Janelle, Glad to hear you enjoyed a much needed break in the sunshine state. Can't wait to see your new paintings up close.
PS spring is on the way!

Jill Berry said...

Janelle! These are wonderful works.
Next time you need a dose of *sun, just come on down.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Maggie, Oh, I've always wanted to visit the Florida Keys! Maybe next time. Yes, I think you read my mind, thinking of painting Florida in a minimal, almost abstract way. Maybe I'll try a memory painting and send it to Loriann!

Hi Rahina, The snow has been something else this winter, but today is sunny and the snows are almost gone. Yay! Not to finish those paintings. By the way, I love your "boots" painting. It says so much!

Hi Betsy, I remember your Florida trip and the beautiful photos you took. Isn't it great to feel the sunshine:)

Hi Marion, Living on the beach during the 70's must have been amazing. Lucky you! Yes, it seems the cold was everywhere in the country this year. Blessing to you!

Hi Celeste, So you've lived in places where there are the four seasons and then in Florida. It must be nice to have experienced both sides. I hear that Oregon is one of the most beautiful states. No wonder your paintings are so inspired!

Hi Liz, Thank you! I hope they turn out the way I have them pictured in my mind.

Hi Caroline, You're very observant. Yes, I'm using lots of layers and always hold my breath when putting on a new layer, hoping I don't mess it up:) Seems we're finally seeing the actual ground today. Sunlight and 60's. Yay!

Hi Catherine, You've found a way to incorporate the snowy season into your paintings with beauty. I love your purple and blue shadows.

Hi Loriann, I just ordered some new one stroke watercolor brushes. As soon as they arrive, it's back to the easel! Yes, I saw a robin today:)

Hi Jill, Ah, a dose of sun is just what we northerners need now and then!

Tess Kincaid said...

Our snow finally melted last week, after weeks and weeks of winter. I, too, forgot how it felt to walk without worrying about slipping on ice. Today we have a slow, steady rain.

Karen said...

I recognize that snow!!

The color in those paintings...is the memory or FLA creeping in? They're beautiful.

Anita Johnson said...

I just got back from Naples, too, and I was thinking to myself, "I could be a photographer down here." It was a wonderful break from the snow, wasn't it?

Diane Hoeptner said...

It's been a long winter for sure, Janelle! We have flooding here in Ohio right now. Yuck! I'm glad you got the chance to escape for a moment-- It's amazing the variety of colors in this new work, all colors we don't normally see from you!! You adapted to the fresh Florida influence very well!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Tess, It's still cold enough for wolly socks. Isn't that the best :)

Hi Karen, Ha, yes I bet you do recognize that snow! At least you have New Mexico (sigh).

Hi Anita, Yes, Naples is soooo beautiful. Just what we Northerners need!

Hi Diane, Hope the flooding wasn't too bad for you. Yes, it's amazing how different climates have such different colors. Florida is so vivid!