Tropical Storm Ida, Laguna Beach, Florida

I painted this piece in Laguna Beach, Florida the morning after Tropical Storm Ida came to shore a few miles to the west. White, choppy surf was coming in with a loud roar and double red flags danced violently against the wind as braced my easel and defied the cold drizzling rain. Once again, I felt "alive!"

Camp Helen State Park

Lately, I've been visiting local beaches doing some plein air painting. There are some magnificent state parks here in the panhandle of Florida that have preserved the natural landscape. This particular one is Camp Helen State Park.

The weather has finally started cooling off, making my beach excursions much more pleasurable. In addition, the light seems a little softer and colors more crisp--truly one of the best times of the year to paint this area. I'll be posting more beach pieces in the weeks ahead but for now, I hope you enjoy this one.

"Camp Helen State Park" 6" x 8" original oil on linen. Click on painting for purchase info.