Slept in the Bay Last Night

I have to get off major roads and drive the "back roads" instead.  I appreciate the limited access roads when I have to go somewhere in a minimum amount of time.  But, when I want to experience an area, I have to take the "forgotten paths."  Daneille and I did that on a trip along part of the Gulf Coast.  I didn"t have any particular painting ideas in mind.  I simply wanted to be someplace where a painting could find me.   Near Apalachicola, Florida, it happened.  I spotted this marvelous building where someone sold seafood fresh from the adjoining bay.  I"m not sure  what caught my eye first, the blue paint on the building or the variety of signs, but I had to take some photos for a painting.  In so many ways, it expressed the feeling of the area.

But, I became frustrated when I tried to paint it.  My brushes just couldn't capture what I wanted to express.  So,  I set the idea aside.  Then, in a class with a teacher I deeply respect, we began to discuss "repetitive patterns."  Immediately, I knew what needed to be done and I couldn't wait to get started.  "Slept in the Bay Last Night" was the outcome.  Hopefully, it will let you  smell the bay and feel the warm breeze coming from the Gulf.  Or maybe, it will cause you to find your local fishmonger so you can enjoy a seafood buffet of your own.

 The original is a watercolor on 11 x 15 300 lb cold press paper and is copyrighted by Gerry Grimes, the artist. 

The original has been sold, but we have a few framed giclee prints.