“Guana River II: The Outpost Painting”

“Guana River II: The Outpost Painting”,
by Robert Leedy, 2007,
watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold press paper,
16″ x 22″

I’ve spent the last two mornings painting at the Outpost, a unique little spot on the Guana River that is managed by the Ponte Vedra Club. It is used as a place for weddings, parties, etc. Homer was able to contact some people to help me get in there. Luckily, no functions were scheduled and I had the entire place to myself.

It is also a nature preserve. The place is absolutely beautiful. There are all kind of birds out there and as I sat painting, I enjoyed a symphony of sounds. No iPod needed here!

Yesterday, I set up a video camera and trained it on my painting and let it run while I painted. I hope to do a video podcast with the footage I have. I worked on a 14″ x 20″ watercolor yesterday. I liked the scene so much, I came back this morning and completed another painting – an 18″ x 24″.

This morning when I arrived, I was greeted by a large, wild turkey. Instead of flying off as I approached him on the dirt road, he did a speed walk away from me and kept me in his view. As I got out of the car, he increased his walking speed and bolted into the woods. A few seconds later, I saw about three more wild turkeys across the clearing – about 80 yards away from me – on the south end of the property.

Both paintings need a bit more work and will be finished. I was struck by the dark tree canopy that formed a silhouette against the bright sky. I love the “curvyness” of the oak trees and think they are so typical of this type of marsh landscape. This view is looking east across the Guana River towards the ocean. I am not sure what the development is immediately across the river….

I also trekked out to the Guana River Preserve a few days ago which is open to the public. I had never been out there and thoroughly enjoyed walking along the trails. Again, I had the entire place to myself. As I started back, I was looking at the dark, tree forms (I think I’ve been in a silhouette mode before I began painting) and marveled at the deep, dark rich colors against the bright sky. All of a sudden, a deer came dancing through the scene; A second one followed and together, they made up a fauna & flora ballet. They seemed to enjoy their little romp through the woods. I don’t think they ever saw me. It was an amazing sight. One of those moments that happens so quickly and makes you stop and think about the many wonders of life….

The painting went well. I would have stayed longer but the deer flies finally ran me off around 12:30 p.m.

Purchase “Guana River II: The Outpost Painting”.