Painting in Florida in the winter and early spring is always a welcome change. It was a bit chilly when I first arrived, but I really couldn’t complain since that meant only needing an occasional jacket for painting sessions and not my winter coat, jumpsuit, warm hat and gloves.
This year started with a few days in St. Augustine at the invitation of a couple I had met in Watch Hill in October. It was interesting exploring the waterfront and historic area, and I pulled out my paints and brushes to do some small pieces. From St. Augustine, I headed south for Palm Beach.
I had scheduled a yacht commission in Palm Beach for this trip so the first thing I had to do upon arrival was determining the time of day for that – and also finding out when the yacht would be in port while I was there. Then I could plan my other work — painting on Jupiter Island in preparation for the community’s annual Arts Festival – and painting in a superyacht marina in West Palm Beach. I would be busy.
Painting on a beach has its challenges such as needing to stay alert to the tide and being mindful of blowing sand. Any marina, big or small, also presents unique challenges, namely that of boats being moved around regularly. That can mean needing to scrap composition ideas altogether or working on only one area of the canvas, the only part not blocked by a boat that’s come in, hoping for a full view another day. Of course, I think it’s made me appreciate the times I paint buildings!
My days on Jupiter Island proved to be time well spent. I was able to complete three paintings on the island for the show, all of which sold, and I met several people interested in my work. I am already looking forward to next year!
March is also the time of the Palm Beach International Boat Show. With a huge number of boats at this particular show, it makes it fun to find unusual groupings for different compositions.
Taking a client’s idea for a commission to a completed painting involves several steps and countless hours, always with potential challenges, but I find the work quite rewarding. Each job challenges me in some way, so I am always learning, That in itself is a reward. — Peter
