Stormy Russell-Lee | 12×16 | Oil on Linen Panel

Inspiration for Stormy Russell-Lee

I began Stormy Russell-Lee en plain air on my second day in Tarpon Springs during my Summer trip. This particular vessel, the Russell-Lee, lured me in with its delightful teal cabin. On a glowering day, that clean white hull juxtaposed against the stormy skies and dark industrial complexity called to me.

Tarpon Springs, location of Stormy Russell-Lee

The Tarpon Springs waterfront is located along the Anclote River, which is home to dozens of working and pleasure craft. On a trip to the Tampa area, I spent several days plein air painting in this small historical city. According to Wikipedia (the fount of all knowledge), Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the United States. This fact is amply demonstrated by the number of delicious Greek restaurants, cafés, and shoppes. (I feel like that particular spelling is more appropriate in this context, for some reason. 😀) I personally visit the Hellas Restaurant and Bakery on every visit for post-painting baklava and Greek coffee.