Sometimes your mind wanders. Sometimes it just goes in a different direction - to something new and fun. It’s pretty interesting what other people’s “side” interests are. I hit upon the weekly show, BattleBots, some time ago. It’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea but for some reason, I just love it. Every time it comes on, I just smile and have a great time with it.

For those who haven’t seen it, it’s a show where 250 pound robots battle for three minute bouts, by remote control. They battle it to the death! (robot parts all over the floor!) There are “flippers” that toss 250 pounds into the air about 30 or 40 feet, there are rotating cylinders that chew up metal for breakfast, and so forth. Probably, for many, it might not be your favorite show, but every time it starts, I break out into a big smile and laugh. —-the best reason to tune in!

Here’s Al Kindle, losing a big battle but still verbal with confidence.

Woodland and Meadow

Acrylic on wrapped canvas 10" x 8" (Unframed) I’m excited to add some new colors to my palette - I guess only an artist would get so excited over that!  Anyway, this super place is a hiking trail in Wisconsin, near Eagle River.  The area had been cleared along the tree line and the baby trees had started to grow - all about the same size.  The grassy area made for a nice contrast.

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/woodland-and-meadow

Farm Shed

This shed is just up a short hill from a farm in North Carolina. I was there in mid to late summer. The air was clean and fresh with a slight breeze. It seems that we are surrounded by beauty if we just look to see it.

6” x 6” acrylic on panel

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/lp5x8riz1mjid99nl36se98c1rqoi4

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve Trail

Acrylic on wrapped canvas 8" x 10" (Unframed)  Deer Prairie Creek Preserve is close to my neighborhood here in Florida.  It has some 6,000 acres of natural habitat and is a great place for hiking, fishing, bird watching and photography.  This preserve also follows about six miles of the Myakka River.  Here is a trailside view that caught my eye.

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/deer-prairie-creek-preserve-trail

Jelks Preserve Trail

Acrylic on wrapped canvas 8" x 10"

Jelks Preserve is just south of my neighborhood here in Florida. It’s a 600 acre natural preserve with lots of different hiking trails. Parts of it abut the Myakka River so have great views. Here’s one trail that was so inviting. I’m pleased that this piece has just been accepted in the show, Totally Natural, here in Venice.

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/jelks-preserve-trail

Palms to the Right of Us

Continuing the Celery Fields series, this view is north of the path I chose to climb the Fields. There are so many paths, joggers as well as sightseers have a lot to enjoy.

11” x 14” framed

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/celery-fields-palms-to-the-right-of-us

The Approach

Actually the first piece I did of the Celery Fields, The Approach depicts the view of the Celery Fields as you drive toward it from the west.  Being the highest landmark in the area, it’s hard to miss!  One small section of the surrounding water areas is seen in the front, with the tip top palm trees in the distance.

11” x 14” framed

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/celery-fields-the-approach

Another Path

Climbing the “mini-mountain” at Celery Fields, I looked a little northeast and saw this alternate path. The sun was behind the view with sun and shadow along the grasses. For this piece, I took a little departure from my usual painting mode - and kind of like it!

(11” x 14” framed)

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/celery-fields-another-path

Almost Back Down

Celery Fields: Challenging the Standard

Having visited the Celery Fields in Sarasota, Florida, and taken quite a few pictures, I later became intrigued to paint a series of works showing the many views from there. I went back a second time with that in mind and really examined the land features as I climbed the hills to the top.

The Celery Fields originally was a vegetable growing area, including celery. It later became a wetland area and flood mitigation zone with canals and small lakes as well as a hiking and Sarasota Audubon bird viewing area.

The two paintings above were just accepted at the current Art Center Sarasota exhibition. Almost Back Down is the view as you start to descend back toward the Nature Center and parking lot-a great view! The road you see in the distance is the route from the west.

I looked up along one of the trails and saw the trees along a ridge shown in Challenging the Standard. Looking at the picture later, the lower trees seemed to be amusingly subservient to the tall palm at the right - thus the name. Hope you can get to the ACS show, it’s always fun.

each 11” x 14” framed

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/celery-fields-almost-back-down

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/celery-fields-challenging-the-standard

A brand new piece, Shallow Waters, has been accepted at the current show at the Venice, FL Art Center, Wide Open Spaces. This painting is from a great visit to North Carolina and her many gorgeous streams.

The sun shone from the front left creating a shadow under the tall pine and a highlight on the yellow grasses further along the shoreline. The water was shallow, it being late summer, and beautiful leaf rafts had formed in the water. ( 14” x 11” on varnished WC paper, unframed $195)

https://joanngolenia.com/landscapes/shallow-waters