Painting Florida

I had taken some Bob Ross classes and I loved them!
When I was ready to retire, painting and teaching seemed like something good to do, so I got certified to teach the Bob Ross method.  
Around 2017 I started managing an art gallery in Crystal River. 
During that time I met several "Florida Highwaymen", African American landscape artists from the Fort Pierce area. This group formed back in the 60s and 70s when they couldn't get their paintings into galleries, so they took their artwork up and and down A1A selling to business like hotels, banks, and hospitals, sometimes selling them wet out of the trunk!

Florida River Island

Back then there were several members of the Florida Highwaymen group alive, and I met most of them.
We talked back and forth, they taught art to anybody willing to learn. 
R. L. Lewis and James Gibson, who loved painting palm trees, were some I enjoyed seeing their work the best. 

Small Beach - Big Moon I

Kevin Hill is the best landscaping artist in the country.
He was so inspiring to me, I started travelling to go to his workshops.

I enjoyed the teaching part a lot, so now I help him with his workshops!
We worked together, painted together, Kevin is a fabulous instructor. In fact, he is coming to Ocala soon!

Florida Beach Trail

I love when people say "I can't do that" and I say yes you can!
Painting is fun but I would rather teach all day. 
The participants tell me how much they appreciate what they've learned, and how they are going home with their own painting. 

Small Beach - Big Moon II

Sometimes I tell my students "if you don't like what you've painted I will swap it for one of mine" but nobody has given one up yet :)

Florida Swimming Hole

Other times students are stressed and nervous but by the end of the class they are laughing.
This change is the most rewarding part to me!

Florida Rainbow Springs 

First time students do well. They are learning how to use the brushes and how to paint, and that's why so many keep on advancing to new classes. 

Florida Suwanee River

This is a famous blackwater river that cuts through Florida all the way to the Gulf. It offers scenic beauty, springs, swamps, and limestone banks. 
Trees are a very forgiving subject, they won't look bad if you make them a little crooked. 

Sharing the Love of Painting Florida

I strive to be patient with my students, encouraging them, being easy-going in a structured sort of way. 

Florida Sunset

Amazing artists are not necessarily good teachers. I guide but I am not strict: if you want to paint purple trees, go for it!
People look up my classes not because of my artwork but because they like my style of teaching.

Florida Marshy Sunset - painted on wood

During the week I still do sawmill work. 
Every once in a while I will find a nice piece of live edge wood which I save for my artwork. 

Florida Sunset Study I

Florida Sunset Study II

Florida Sunset Study III