Framed oil painting

14 x 18 (image size) oil on canvas

Live Oak Along the May River ~ Palmetto Bluff’s Water’s Edge!

As I gazed along the shoreline of the May River, I marveled at the large, Live Oak standing so sturdy, deeply rooted so close to the water’s edge. Possibly centuries old, the tree has survived enumerable hurricanes and flooding, and continues to thrive in this beautiful Lowcountry setting.

My painting, entitled Live Oak Along the May River, depicts the big oak tree out on a point, surely used as a reference guide for boaters and kayakers. The meandering waterways carved throughout the Lowcountry grasses can become maze-like and ever-changing with the tides. But, the mighty oak remains, serving as a navigational beacon and a reminder that some things never seem to change.

It was a sunny day in the Lowcountry, with a dramatic blue sky. The breeze was blowing in the clouds, but moving them along quickly with no threat of rain.

I painted in the underpainting with brushes and then reworked the surface with a palette knife. I wanted the painting to have some texture. I also find that a palette knife can create some wonderful clean color effects that sometimes is hard to achieve with a brush.

Palmetto Bluff has done a wonderful job at conserving the wetlands and coastline, while creating a secluded paradise for many. It is a special place and I loved the short time I spent there.