Abell to Art: Impressionist Paintings

Where is your favorite escape place? Is there one place that just thinking about it brings a smile to your face?

If  you are like many people, relaxing on a beach may be your favorite place. Whether watching the incoming the surf or padding along the sand, beaches offer the kind of retreat we often need. 

The particular day on Florida's Gulf Coast that inspired this work was no different as my husband and I settled in for a quiet, beach morning. Or so we thought. The sun was shining brightly on this mostly cloudless day as the waves gently lapped at the shore. Among my favorite beach activities on days like this is bird watching. Little did I know, a real show was about to transpire before us.

Suddenly, I noticed a pair of shore birds right in front of me engaged in some kind of dispute. Apparently, one of the birds had found a tasty morsel and was not eager to share with his pals. A third bird decided to get in on the action as well and quickly headed to join the beach debate. The squabble somehow seemed very familiar as I snapped a few pictures. To this former elementary teacher, a playground conflict may not be much different. Fortunately, these birds resolved the issue, or at least the fellow with the treat escaped his buddies' clutches. Sometimes you just don't want to share!

Capturing the amusing scene first required painting the light blue sky and the beautiful blue-green waters of the Emerald Coast as a backdrop. I knew I wanted the two birds as the main focal point as the surf rolled in. Including the third bird added to the playground dispute scenario. Layering in the beach sand and waves completed the scene.

For me, observing  birds in a coastal environment is a fun way to relax at the beach. I'm also left with a little painting inspiration. All in a day's work. :)