Aurora oil painting about South Florida light by artist Elizabeth Reed

Capturing the Spirit of People and Places

My paintings and drawings capture the spirit of people and places. I work from life to experience momentary impressions of light, gesture, and personality. I want you to be present in my landscapes and know the person in my portraits.

My current home in Florida lies between The Everglades and the Atlantic ocean. I paint en Plein air during the sunrise and sunset of the day. Water is everything here. The great expanse of water sets the stage for dramatic light shows in the sky. Thunderstorms roll in every afternoon in the summer pounding the timpani to remind you how insignificant you are compared to mother nature.

Off the Atlantic coast lies multiple reefs and shipwrecks. Another planet exists just 50 feet below the surface. This part of the Atlantic coast is second in the world for wreck diving. You release yourself from everyday life when you go swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kite sailing on the beach. Just a long walk will give you a new perspective.

In between these remarkable bodies of water lies a spectrum of color, culture, language, and food. South Florida’s diverse culture is like a color study of a sunrise or sunset. The stunning complementary colors of light blend into a neutral you cannot find in a tube. Everyone is welcome at the waterfront. Nature has a way of bringing attention to what is important. The natural majesty reminds us of our insignificance on this planet.

Recent isolation was a reason to reach out on the internet. Artist friends and models who had moved away joined together to draw from a computer. We ignored the distortions from the camera and lighting to enjoy the fellowship of artists. These small figurative paintings are 3 hour studies. Loose and luscious.

Practicing for Nyeopi in Bali

"Art hurts,

art urges voyages,

and it is easier to stay home."

Gwendolyn Brooks

 

 

Join me while I fly on the trapeze of life!

The greatest tricks are performed mid-air.

Follow my artist's journey

as I capture the spirit of people and places.

Alright! Let's Go! Andiamo!