Getting "out there" is what it's all about for me... to plunk myself down right on the beach with the wind and the sun, the sand and water all immediate and intense. I often paint on this beach.

There's a lovely trail from Highfield Road that even, in its short length winds through several different ecosystems, ending just before the beach in a skunk cabbage and thistle berry thicket. I love stepping out of the dark vegetation onto the brilliance of the beach with a beautiful expanse of water and sky. The island in the background is Hernando Island and it stretches lanquidly across the horizon bathed in sunlight and shadow.

I call this Hollyhock beach, but I doubt that's its official name. The trail is called Moon Road Trail, though with Hollyhock Retreat Centre right next door, somehow the Hollyhock name seems to apply all along.

Here's some photos of me at work. I'm on a little three legged stool that has sunk down in the sand, and my painting board is propped on a rock. My approach to plein air painting is simple and the less I have to carry the better.