The Coast is Clear

Amelia Island Lighthouse is Florida’s oldest lighthouse.

The “Coast is Clear” for a new breathtaking look at my lighthouse paintings. I’m celebrating the relaunch of my website elainemarieartist.com with a holiday sale. I’ve made my site easier to navigate. I relaunched it after finishing a series of businesses classes. 

Trinity Lightship is located at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London, UK.

I enrolled in SCORE’s (Service Corps of Retired Executives) free workshops on “Marketing Your Business.” I also took SCORE’s workshops on “Defining Your Target” and “Increasing Profitability.” Today I just completed the class “Selling Items Online” conducted by my local library. Besides the relaunching of my website, I look forward to implementing what I’ve learned and enhancing my community. What an exciting way to end the year! 

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Weird Perceptions of Artists

I know people have weird perceptions of artists. I never thought I’d feel like a race horse!I had 5 minutes to draw this lighthouse. It was an unscheduled stop during a tour of Ireland lighthouses. The other passengers cheered me on with “Go Elaine, go!” as I was finished the drawing. 

Wildlife Abounds at Apalachee Bay on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Wakulla Springs offers swimming, historic lodging, boat tours & more.

On the way to St. Marks Lighthouse I stopped by Wakulla Springs. For years I wanted to go to Wakulla to see the manatees. On the day of my arrival, I was told no manatees had been sighted. Still I purchased a ticket on the boat tour. Much to my delight a huge manatee swam beside me a few seconds after the tour began. Before the end of the tour, I saw 6 more manatees including 3 calves. 

This manatee outwitted the expert’s prediction.

The next day I headed to St. Marks. Once I arrived at St. Marks I realized I should have stayed at Crawfordville. Despite the name, Crawfordville is very lively and has much to offer like dining, shopping and pleasant hotels. There’s little see or do in St. Marks for landlubbers and the lodgings are subpar.  

A scenic view of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.

After spending the night at a Bed and Breakfast Inn, I headed to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. Besides the lighthouse, the Refuge has picnic areas, a beach, a welcome center and gift shop. I enjoyed a scenic and quiet drive to the lighthouse. The salt marsh, pine forest, egrets made for a picturesque backdrop. It’s a nature lovers paradise with eagles, alligators, bitterns, ducks, herons, ibises and more. 

St. Marks Lighthouse had two female lightkeepers.

The St. Marks Lighthouse recently reopened after being closed for renovations for 6 months. It is the second oldest lighthouse surviving in Florida. It is listed on the National Register. The keeper’s house is attached to the 88 foot tower. 

Reflections at St. Marks Lighthouse

My painting of St. Marks Lighthouse.

It was a time for me to reflect before the New Year began. I painted this lighthouse after spending a subdued day in quiet meditation.  In my moments of solitude, I thought of St. Marks Lighthouse. Quietly tucked away on Florida’s gulf coast it is a few miles and a world away from Tallahassee. Away from the hustle bustle of the capital,  Apalachee Bay is a reflection of what Florida is really about. Salt marshes, pine forest, egrets make for a picturesque backdrop. It’s a nature lovers paradise with eagles, alligators, bitterns, ducks, herons, ibises and more. 

A view from St. Marks Lighthouse.

A day from the hustle and bustle of life reminded me what life was really about. 

A lady pauses to take a photo of St. Marks Lighthouse.

The St. Marks Lighthouse recently reopened after being closed for renovations for 6 months. It is the second oldest surviving lighthouse in Florida. It is listed on the National Register. The keeper’s house is attached to the 88 foot tower. 

elainemarieartist.com

Winning Strategies For Art Basel Miami Beach

I saw a painting by Barkley Hendricks one of my favorite contemporary artists at Art Basel Miami Beach.

With over 200 galleries vying for attention at the Miami Beach Convention Center, it is easy to get lost in the maze of outstanding artwork if one does not have a game plan. When I went to Art Basel again, I came up with a winning strategy. 

A painting by Kehinde Wiley who recently painted the official portrait of Former President Obama.

First a few days before Art Basel, I surveyed a list of artists participating from information on the internet. I then made a list of the artists whose works I admired. 

Second, I went into a different entrance. I entered on Washington Avenue— shorter lines and indoors. Talk about a new approach! 

Third, I charted my course for the day’s venture by pairing my list of artists with their galleries. I received valuable assistance from the knowledgeable staff at the information desk. 

I had time to stop by the Salon to look at works by old Masters.

Finally, my visit was more focused and meaningful. I had time to look at other artists not on my list at the Convention Center and the energy to go visit the dozens of pop up galleries in Miami Beach. Simple strategies that work! 

Free Transportation and Parking for Art Basel Miami Beach 2018

Art and fun in the sun awaits at Art Basel Miami Beach.

Parking is always a premium in Miami. During Art Basel the competition and prices for parking will be at an all time high. Save yourself some cash, a headache and a parking ticket, catch one of the free shuttles.

See exciting installations at The Bass.

Art Week Shuttle offers complimentary service that provides free transportation to the Miami Beach Convention Center, Midtown, Wynwood, Design District and more. Visit Art Fairs located throughout the city during  Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach with a breeze.

Enjoy free shuttle service aboard the Miami Beach Trolley. Get four hours of free parking at designated parking garages with a voucher from the trolley driver. 
For information on maps, bus stops, schedules and more visit MiamiBeaches.com

elainemarieartist.com

Golden Memories for the holidays

My painting “Golden Memories. “

Recognized as one of the 20 most beautiful churches in America, Flagler Memorial Church lives up to its reputation. Located in St. Augustine, Florida the church was built by Standard Oil magnate Henry Flagler. It was constructed in 1889 in honor of Flagler’s daughter who died in childbirth. The Tiffany-style stained glass adorns this magnificent edifice. 

Buy affordable prints, greeting cards and more of my paintings on at Fineartamerica.com. Get free shipping now through November 25.
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