Water, Water, Everywhere

After a break of several months, I have again returned to painting seascapes and landscapes of Florida and the Caribbean. My passion for painting revolves around the clear, transparent, aqua/turquoise water of these tropical locations. Many of my paintings display the movement of the sun's reflective patterns on the water's surface. The shimmering light, the variation of blues and greens, are all part of painting illusion of the water on a canvas. I also enjoy painting the illusion of seeing rocks and coral reef outcroppings below the surface. I could sit by the water's edge and be mesmerized by the crystal clear, shallow water for hours. Here are a few examples of my paintings that attempt to show these effects.

Taking Flight by Alan Zawacki - 36x48 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas

In my painting, Taking Flight, the scene portrays the illusion of partially submerged rocks and the focal point of the foreground seagull taking off to join his flock off in the distance.

Sand Dollar by Alan Zawacki - 30x40 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas

 Sand Dollar portrays the dance of the sea foam as it partially obscures the sand dollar on the beach. 

Low Tide Sunset by Alan Zawacki - 36x48 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas - SOLD

Low Tide Sunset displays the brilliant sun as it reflects off of the shallow water. The reds, golds and blues of the sunset also bounce off of the water to create an intoxicating spectrum of colors.
 
I will continue to appreciate the magic of the light and water where I live and as I paint my tropical seascapes. 
Until next time - Enjoy,
Alan

Re-Discovering Nature Through Plein Air Painting

It's been a while since my last blog post and also a while since I was out of my studio to create a plein air painting. On this sunny, warm morning, I drove 30 minutes south to The Bay Preserve in Osprey, Florida to join my fellow artists from the Light Chasers Plein Air group. I found a spot that caught my eye and set up my easel. 

For the next 1-1/2 hours, I tried to capture the essence of the scene -- tropical foliage framing the composition on both sides and the blue bay water in between. When I got back to my studio, I felt that the painting needed a stronger focal point so I added one more element, an egret taking off from the trees. There were quite a few birds flying though the area while I was painting but show me the super-person who can paint fast enough to actually paint a bird flying in real time! Plein air painters sometimes take a bit of artistic license and do a little "tweaking" back in the studio to finalize the painting. So I added my bird. I was now satisfied and felt that this completed my composition.

Besides the creative artistic results of plein air painting, I always re-discover that it just feels good to get out into the natural world to see, listen, smell and touch. There is something about being out in the elements that always feeds my soul. I'm absolutely sure that it's the source of my inspiration to paint as well as to gain a renewed perspective on life.

Have a great week,
Alan

5 Ways Art Can Improve Your Room Design

Contemplation by Alan Zawacki - 36"x72" acrylic on linen

I often come across articles about how art can enhance interior design.This article on Houzz by Ian Stallings caught my eye so I thought that I would share it with my followers. Ian talks about 5 major things that art can do for your interior home design:

1. Add movement
2. Provide color
3. Balance scale and texture
4. Introduce a rotating gallery

5. Make a statement

I would also add one more item to his list, as illustrated by my large original painting seen above. A large original seascape or landscape painting can also provide "a sense of connection to nature," bringing an indoor/outdoor feel to the room.

The full article can be found here: 5 Ways Art Can Improve Your Room Design 

Enjoy,

Alan

10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers - Article from Houzz

 Click on Image for Ten Design Strategies for Art Lovers Article

Travel Opportunities That Inspire

I have been fortunate over the years to travel throughout the Caribbean and to now live in the beauty of Sarasota, Florida. My travels have not only offer me rich experiences but also provide abundant inspiration for my paintings. Tropical beaches, lush foliage, spectacular sunsets, and crystal clear water engage all of my senses and contribute to the compositions that spring out of my mind.

The white sandy beach and warm, clear water of Magens Bay, St. Thomas, USVI provided many nuggets of inspiration for my paintings.

Negril, Jamaica, one of my favorite places to visit, brings out the "erie" in me.

The beaches and sunsets of Sarasota provide never-ending inspiration and entertainment for the senses.

Here's hoping that you find that same kind of joy and inspiration from your travels.

Have a great week,
Alan

Happy New Year!

Here's wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year! May you feel the warm sun shine on your shoulders and the sand between your toes.

Have a great year,
Alan

Caribbean Décor Ideas for Your Home

Summer is on its way. It will be especially appreciated by those of you living in northern climates. Maybe a summer vacation to a tropical island is in your plan. Wouldn’t it be nice, though, if you could capture that beachy, tropical feeling all year round? You may not be able to physically live in the islands year-round because of your job and responsibilities but you can bring the tropics into you home.

Here are a few ideas to help you fill your home or at least a room in your home with that warm, bright, tropical feel:

Rather than dark, heavy, ornate wood furniture or polished metal, go for some distressed lighter colored wood or fabrics. Keep the room light with shades of tans and whites. Accent your room with blues, greens and coral colors.

If possible change out your drapes or curtains for lighter ones or combine with light colored indoor shutters.

Add a touch of wicker.

Create more tropical atmosphere with a few indoor plants. 

Add a tropical ceiling fan.

Create a focal point on the wall with one or two large original Caribbean paintings, by me of course.

Cruz Bay Sunset by Alan Zawacki

Lido Days by Alan Zawacki

Here are some other areas to consider for your Caribbean transformation:

• Wood flooring
• Tile flooring
• Area rugs
• Sheer white curtains
• Bamboo Shades
• Bedding
• Mosquito netting
• Throw pillows
• Folding screen
• Bistro set
• Hammock
• Reggae music

Happy Caribbean decorating everyone,
Alan