The Ancient City was founded by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés (a Spanish admiral and explorer) in 1565 and holds the distinction of being the Oldest City (continuously occupied European-established settlement) and port in the continental United States.
I'm a romantic, I admit it. I love the brick streets, Spanish Renaissance Architecture and ancient feel of the city. The Casa Monica Hotel, is my wife and my favorite place to call home there. And we truly enjoy wandering the streets taking in the sites. She enjoys the shops (so do I) but I am usually sprawled out on my stomach getting a unique low vantage angle of a landmark or tucked back into an often missed corner doing some detail sketches of a bit of wrought iron fence or texture of Coquina surface. She has had to warn me of approaching tourist trolleys or cars that I don't see due to my current state...
During 2015 I will be visiting and painting a series of works depicting the city based upon my inspirations there. Always looking for the "passed by" or "often missed" perspectives; these paintings will be a unique look at the city, its landmarks, character and textures.
I have created these pages on my website to help document and inform any who are interested in following the progress of these particular paintings and will add sketches and updates for all works as they develop. Enjoy!
I have the pleasure of sipping and painting with Jayells Coffee Company coffees for this collection of St. Augustine paintings. Thank-You Lynda, and all the folks at Jayells!
