From April 7-9 the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens (located just east of Florida 9A near the Monument Road exit) played host to “A Brush with Nature.” The 3 day event enabled an inspired group of local and regional plein air painters to record their favorite views from this marvelous 120 acre floral/arboreal treasure. This photo along the banks of Jones Creek taken by Arboretum Executive Director, Carlton Higginbotham, shows Larry Jon Davis at work on an oil painting entitled “Paradise Found.”
The splendidly organized paint-out resulted from months of planning by Arboretum members and volunteers. This coordination apparently even provided for 3 consecutive days of perfect North Florida spring weather. Participating artists benefited from over a dozen distinct eco-systems contained in this picturesque landscape resource. After the initial day’s work the group of at least 37 painters were treated to a festive artists’ dinner at the Arlington, river front residence of Melody and David Schacter. “A Brush with Nature” hospitality continued to the end of the event with Sunday evening’s Gala Reception and Sale staged at Riverplace Tower.
