Some paintings tell a story, and others are a story—this one is both. Commissioned by Judy and Marty, avid kayakers with a deep love for the mangroves, this custom piece celebrates their adventures and the wildlife they cherish around their favorite spot, Little Bird Key.
The Journey Begins
Bringing this scene to life started with a thoughtful conversation. When I visited their home to measure the wall space, Judy and Marty shared their vision for a painting that would reflect the “wild” beauty they loved about the mangroves. Judy pointed to the lush foliage visible through their windows as we discussed how the painting could echo the natural vibrancy of their surroundings while fitting seamlessly into their living room.
Gathering Inspiration "out in the Field"
With their vision in mind, I headed to the water to experience Little Bird Key myself. My friend Heath, always up for an excuse to hit the water, offered to take me out. Camera in hand, I immersed myself in the landscape, capturing the magic of the place through photos and videos. It was a perfect day—crystal-clear skies, a gentle breeze, and sunlight shimmering on the waves.
The scene felt alive with energy: pelicans roosted in the mangroves, their graceful formations filling the sky, while herons and egrets darted among the tangled roots. Along the water’s edge, ibises moved with purpose, their white feathers glowing against the greenery. These vivid details stayed with me, becoming the foundation of the "wild kingdom" I would bring to their painting.
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From Vision to Reality
Back in my studio, the painting process began. Using my field studies, photos, and videos, I developed a series of composition sketches and color palettes for Judy and Marty to review. On my next visit, we explored how different options would interact with the warmth and textures of their living room.
Their space was inviting, filled with rich wood tones, warm accents, and a striking dark leather living room set. The chosen location for the painting, above their piano, served as a focal point in the room. Together, we selected a soft palette of greens, sky blues, and warm browns to complement their Mediterranean-inspired decor while evoking the serene beauty of Little Bird Key.
From there, the painting came to life, layer by layer. Each brushstroke carried a piece of their story—the tandem kayak gliding through the water, mangroves brimming with life, and pelicans circling in the distance. The final piece didn’t just tell their story; it became a part of it, blending their memories with the character of their home.
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The Unveiling
The moment of unveiling is always magical, and this one was no exception. When I delivered the finished painting to their home, Judy’s reaction said it all:
“I love it. I just want to sit and look at this painting all afternoon. We’ll have to come up with a title with the kids. Merry Christmas to us!”
Marty, with a playful twinkle in his eye, added, “You really captured the whole place! Though, I was hoping for a little more muscle on that arm…”
Their joy and humor made the journey even more rewarding—a reminder of why I love creating art that connects people to their favorite places, passions, and memories.
A Tribute to Nature and Home
This painting is more than just a piece of art—it’s a celebration of Judy and Marty’s love for nature, their adventurous spirit, and the tranquil beauty of Tierra Verde. It was an honor to collaborate with them, merging their good memories with the warmth of their home.
Whether it’s the pelicans roosting in the mangroves, the quiet shimmer of the water, or the thrill of a day spent kayaking, this piece captures a slice of their life in Florida’s wild kingdom—a story that now lives on, gracing their walls and hearts.
Explore More Inspirations...
Check out another custom installation here for a luxury condo designed by Interior Designer, Julianne Hendrickson.
Read about the fun and serendipitous journey of finding art this collector and her interior designer had here.
Explore my curated library of framing options to find the perfect finish for your custom artwork—read more here.
For more information about how to commission a painting, visit my commissions page here.
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Thank you for being a part of this journey! I look forward to sharing more inspirations with you soon.
