Awe Sanibel.... Almost There!

I chose to paint this scene that I passed by many times using oils. My original plan for this painting was to paint the first span of the Sanibel Bridge as it arches toward Ft. Myers as seen from the first Sanibel Causeway Island. However, my plan quickly changed when I got out of the car and 25 mph winds just about ripped my canvas out my hands. Luckily I remembered a spot on the second causeway island closest to Sanibel where mangroves would shield me from the wind. Due to its size, I wasn't able to finish the painting so I took lots of photos to refer to and complete it in the condo. Unfortunately I noticed the photos missed so much of what I remembered seeing on site. So, a few days later had my husband take me back and he took a long bike ride while I spent another afternoon painting. Both of us enjoyed our day! Located on the gulf side of southern Florida, Sanibel Island is a favorite destination for many who enjoy its span of shell spewed beaches, bike trails, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, kayaking, shore birds and its many restaurants. Many who cross this bridge and watch as Sanibel gets closer and closer understand and can relate to why I named this painting “Awe Sanibel… Almost There!