Day Two Artist Challenge

Day Two of the Artist Challenge brings back more memories of plein air painting in the 90's on the Bud Adams sprawling cattle ranch in St. Lucie County.  Bud kept his property as close to "natural" as possible, instructing his cowboys to eliminate any plants not native to Florida.

No hunting was allowed on the property so wildlife was abundant.

White tailed deer, flocks of wild turkeys, egrets, herons, ibis, alligators, etc. could be seen on every trip onto the ranch.

These are three paintings from those "good ole days".

5 Day Artist Challenge

If you enjoy seeing original art of all types now is the time to be on Face Book.  A challenge is circulating throughout the arts community with individual artists challenging artists of their choice to post 3 of their works each day for 5 days, then that artists challenges other artists to do the same.

What makes this so exciting for everyone is that all on Face Book get to see and enjoy art that they otherwise may not have had the opportunity to see.  New artists may be discovered by collectors and friendships forged.

My friend and artists Susan Koon has honored me with this challenge.  This is day one and these are my three paintings.

 

Wishing All A Wonderful Thanksgiving

As I plan my Thanksgiving meal and think about both of my sons and their families joining Harry and me for the day I am truly grateful.  I am fortunate to have dear friends and family filling my life with joy.

I send warm thoughts your way as we all give thanks for what we have and the love that surrounds us.

Three New Ornament Designs

My first attempt to paint a Christmas Ornament was when I created an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree that represented the State of Florida.

As a result, my series titled "Florida Native Birds" was born.  This year I have added two new images to my original series: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Kingfisher.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird 

Although the Humming Bird migrates through Florida I decided to include it in the collection because it is seen in so many parts of the state.  

Quoting from Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson,

 "They are the smallest of all birds; iridescent, with long needle-like bills for sipping nectar from flowers.  The wing-motion is so rapid that the wings look like blurry gauze.  Ruby-Throats are metallic green above; males with glowing red throats; females with white throats.  Range: Breeds from Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saskatchewan to Gulf of Mexico; winters from Florida south." 

Kingfisher

Again from Peterson:

"Hovering on rapidly beating wings in one spot above the water in readiness for the plunge, or flying with peculiar uneven wing-beats, rattling as it goes, the Kingfisher is easily learned by the novice. Perched, it is big headed and big billed, larger than a Robin, blue-gray above, with a ragged crest and one (male) or two (female) broad breast-bands."


My brother and his wife are Florida natives (like me) but spend part of the year in South Dakota. They have shared stories with me about the abundance of Ring-Necked Pheasants in that area, their graceful flight and beautiful plumage.  So, I am beginning another series starting with the Ring-necked Pheasant, but have yet to come up with a title.  If you have a suggestion please let me know.

Ring-Necked Pheasant

Peterson:  "A large chicken-like or game-cock-like bird with a long, sweeping pointed tail.  The male is highly colored with a white neck-ring.  Established in farming country mainly north of Mason and Dixon Line and north only as far as deep snows will allow."

All three new ornaments are available along with: Roseate Spoonbill, White Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tom Turkey, White Ibis and Sandhill Crane.

Christmas Ornaments-Time to order

I hate to say it but.........time to order Christmas ornaments!  Last year got crazy close to Christmas so I thought I would get started early in order to get them all finished on time.

Go to my web site to see the collection.   Www.jackieschindehette.net

No Fine Art Festivals This Year

I have had a wonderful time participating in Fine Art Festivles these last 20 years from the great Coconut Grove festival in south Florida,  Chain of Parks in Tallahassee, Under the Oaks in Vero Beach and Gasperilla in Tampa to name a few.

So, I have decided to take a break from festivals this year.  Anyone expecting to see me and my work at a particular show can see new paintings and fine art giclee reproductions on my web site or contact me to arrange a visit to my studio in Ocala. 

You cam also follow my blog to see all that is new and what I am up to. You may be surprised cause change is in the wind!

Third Group of Five "Cedar Key Sunset"

This third set of five miniature oil paintings was inspired by a trip I took to Cedar Key.  I stayed longer than planned and was treated to a wonderful display of evening color flooding the marsh.

If you have not been to Cedar Key on the North West side of Florida put it on your bucket list.  This little fishing village is right on the water and filled with quaint shops and restaurants serving fabulous seafood.