Inspiration for Lowering Matanzas River Plein Air

As the name connotes, I completed Lowering Matanzas River Plein Air on location, from life. Located just south of St. Augustine, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park encompasses 21 acres. Although most often associated with bright, sunny skies, this day of painting carried the biting vestiges of winter. Since I hadn’t even remotely packed for cold, I had to persevere through a few hours’ painting in only shorts and a t-shirt. I think it’s for this reason the painting holds an ice-like moodiness in its depths. (And a note about the title: “lowering” should be read as a verb, “lower” rhyming with “hour.” For my linguistically-inclined friends out there. 😉 )

A Bit about the Park

Since I spent my time painting and not learning about the history of the park, I didn’t know a great deal about the location. Fortunately, the Florida State Parks website gives a good overview, so I’ve included interesting excerpts below!

A distant relative of President George Washington owned this property, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River. Louise and Owen Young established the gardens, purchasing the land in 1936. They built a winter retirement home and named it Washington Oaks: in 1965, they donated most of the property to the State. The gardens make remarkable use of native and exotic species, from azaleas and camellias to the exquisite bird of paradise. Visitors can picnic and fish from either the beach or the seawall along the Matanzas River. A number of short trails provide opportunities for hiking and bicycling. Visitors can learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources in the visitor center.

The name originated from a live oak  tree on the property, estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old. Live oak trees are some Florida’s oldest and sturdiest trees, able to withstand hurricane-force winds, fires, droughts and floods. Today, the majestic oak provides shade and beauty to thousands of park visitors. My love for this native Florida oak species can be seen in my many paintings that feature them! To view these pieces, go to either the “Available” or “Archive” portfolio and select the “Emerald Coast Life” series.