Six Artists Six Prairies: The Show at ACT

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Show at ACT

The big event this past weekend was a lot of fun. We had a steady group of people looking through the paintings and getting to see the fantastic facilities of the Alachua Conservation Trust. The paintings are available for viewing at the headquarters of the ACT through March 16. Check the link and call to make sure that there is no conflict, but they are planning on people coming and seeing the paintings. Remember they are all for sale and your purchase will benefit the ACT.

Everybody’s work was exhibited together and I think the work worked well together. (Can I say work worked?) I think that’s the best way to put it. There was a good harmony. I guess it’s not proper to talk about my own work, so I’ll mention my favorites from the other artists in the project.

Mary Jane Volkmann: I loved her large piece of the typical Florida jungle that must have been the edge of prairie. Beautiful muted grays and greens with the center of interest a palm tree lighted by sunshine and rustled by a gentle breeze.

Charles Dickinson: I really liked his painting of the old railroad trestle. Charles is a master of dappled light. His paintings are simple but intricate. There’s a neat story to that painting too. Apparently he painted it on location then came back some days later to finalize the work and whoever is in charge had cleaned and painted the trestle. All of the old patina was gone. So if you love the trestle your going to want to get Charles’ painting. Otherwise you’ll have to wait a long time to see the patina again.

Linda Blondheim: Linda had a bunch of great pieces. My favorite was a large almost square piece of a path to the prairie. Deep colors and lot’s of colors. Palms, Oaks, Spanish Moss, vines, leaves, branches all pulled together in a nice inviting and color filled composition.

Scott Hiestand: It’s hard to pick one of Scott’s. He has a great light touch. My favorite was a small piece titled, I think, “Early Spring”. Beautiful muted red grey background with a delicate small tree with whispery early springs buds the center of interest. The tree was beautifully painted with light grey green color and hints of the coming of spring.

So there you go. I hope that encourages you to get out there and take a look at the artwork. These are my favorites I would love to see some comments added with your favorites.

Scott Hiestand

My painting "Storm Comimg Hopkins Prairie"

Scott and Linda's Paintings

Thanks for looking

Steve Andrews

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Our Mission

We are professional artists working together to preserve in paint the beauty and importance of Florida’s prairies. Providing a home to a vast array of native plants and animals, whether resident or seasonal, the unique ecology and vistas of prairies have long been an important part of our culture in this county. Reflected in folklore, literature, music and scientific journals, prairies have stirred our sense of wonder and honed our sense of observation. Finding access to them is not always easy and this access is becoming increasingly limited through development. For twelve months we will be watching and painting six different prairies, observing their dynamic seasonal changes, exploring and discovering their exciting secrets and creating a unique historical record in the process. Working with like- minded organizations, we hope to add our share to the efforts they are undertaking to preserve these unique prairies for future generations.

The Artists

Steve Andrews
Tallahassee Florida

Artist Statement

I am excited to be involved in this project. I was born and raised in Florida and I love to paint the Florida landscape. Unfortunately, at times, that landscape seems to be vanishing before my eyes. It is great to be able to contribute to conservation efforts while at the same time getting to do what I love to do -- paint. When most people think of Florida landscapes they think of beaches and water, but the interior of this state is also amazing. I look forward to trying to show you my view of this part of the state. Thanks for taking the time to check out our paintings of these beautiful and little known Florida prairies and for supporting efforts to protect them.

Linda Blondheim
Gainesville, FL

Artist Statement

I have painted Paynes Prairie for thirty years and Fish Prairie many times. We Americans have a kinship and history with western prairies.There is a nostalgia about them. I want to make Florida residents and visitors aware of the treasures they have here in north Florida. This project is a way to combine my love for the Florida landscape with my desire to preserve the wild places in Florida for future generations.

My prairie paintings are available for sale on this link. Just click on the images:

Linda Blondheim Paintings

Charles Dickinson

St Augustine, FL

Artist Statement

The Florida prairies hold the natural beauty and timeless qualities that are the foundation of powerful landscape painting. Their skies, their flora and fauna, their compositional and atmospheric possibilities make for a beautiful painting experience that I am excited to share with the public and work to preserve.

Scott Hiestand
Ormond Beach, FL

Artist Statement

Florida Prairies--these are not the prairies reminiscent of Conestoga wagons slowly rolling over short grasses while pheasants scatter in all directions. Rather, these are Florida prairies, where Sand Hill Cranes and other wildlife walk among small wetlands, palms, and prairie stands. I look for atmosphere in my landscape subjects--low light or a soft mist of fog rising over a stump filled pond. It is this type of image I hope to bring to you in my acrylic paintings. The next 18 months of my life painting these prairies will be challenging and exciting. I look forward to painting with the other five artists in our group who are the cream of the crop and masters of their craft.

Mary Jane Volkmann

Gainesville, FL

Artist Statement

I have a nearby refuge from the sights and sounds of the city: Paynes Prairie. I enjoy its vistas and the beauty of its many moods. I go there to listen to the birds and critters, to smell the dust and plants, to watch the changing colors of the seasons and even sometimes to watch meteors. As an artist, painting the prairies of north Florida is a way I can share with others the peace, joy and curiosity I experience in them. It is my humble way to add my voice to the call to preserve these special places and their contents for future generations ~ not only of humanity, but also of the birds, critters and animals who take their own refuge in prairies.

Help Us With Your Donation or Sponsorship

This project is a marriage of art and conservation. As stewards of nature we will host several public events combining conservation education and art. Obviously as artists we need to sell our paintings to survive in our profession. To cover the additional items and expenses connected with this project and to help it succeed we are soliciting support, either directly or in kind. If you would like to donate to this project directly, please use the PayPal Donate Button. The in kind contributions we are looking for range from printing, signage, stationery and postage; tables, chairs, tents, lighting, food, beverages and insurance for public events; accommodation while traveling to and residing in prairie areas as well as financial help to cover these and other expenses we would not normally carry as artists. To become a business or corporate sponsor or to help with any of the above, please contact our acting treasurer, Linda, at lindasasp@gmail.com