"Morning in Islamorada" is more than a watercolor;

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It is a personal response to the breathtaking yet fragile beauty of the Florida Keys. This 28x22-inch piece captures the serene tranquility of dawn by the sea, a moment both peaceful and profoundly evocative of the delicate balance of this coastal ecosystem. The creation of this artwork is intertwined with a deep concern for the preservation of Florida's coastal resources, a concern directly addressed by initiatives like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Beaches Programs. The Department states, "Florida's beaches deserve this status because they serve several important functions; they are all vital to maintaining the health of Florida's economy and environment." My artistic endeavor, therefore, aims to celebrate the beauty of the Keys and inspire action toward its protection, emphasizing the delicate balance at stake.

The inspiration for the painting stemmed from a personal experience:

A quiet dawn spent on an Islamorada beach. The swaying grasses, the soft sand, and the vast ocean created a profound sense of calm, but the sight of a roseate spoonbill, wings outstretched in flight, truly ignited my creative vision. This bird, symbolizing the ecosystem's delicate balance, became the painting's focal point. The composition is designed to lead the viewer's eye on a journey from the foreground grasses, symbolic of "calm and continuity," to the vast ocean, representing "boundless possibilities."

The foreground details, meticulously rendered, highlight the beauty inherent in seemingly simple elements. The deliberate rendering of each grass blade underscores the importance of capturing the intricacies of the natural world. The middle ground, the expansive ocean meeting the horizon, conveys a sense of vastness and freedom, contrasting with the textured foreground. The sky, a harmonious blend of soft blues, pinks, and oranges, further enhances this tranquil atmosphere. These pastel hues emphasize the "subtle beauty of the dawn," highlighting delicate shifts in light and shadow.

The inclusion of the roseate spoonbill is significant.

This bird, as the Department of Environmental Protection notes, "is home to many species of plants and animals, for all or part of their lives, dependent upon the beaches, dunes and nearshore waters," including spoonbills themselves. Its presence signifies a healthy ecosystem rich in biodiversity and worthy of protection. The spoonbill's graceful flight is a powerful visual symbol of freedom and interconnectedness.

The artistic style combines a detailed, almost photorealistic rendering of the foreground with a more impressionistic handling of the ocean and sky, achieving a balance that draws the viewer in while maintaining serenity. Watercolor's transparency allowed for a luminous quality ideally suited to capturing the ethereal quality of a sunrise. The delicate blending of hues mirrors the ever-changing nature of the coastal environment.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal,

"Morning in Islamorada" carries a vital message of environmental stewardship. The Florida Keys face increasing threats from climate change, rising sea levels, and human development. The Florida Beach and Shore Preservation Act acknowledges that "beach erosion is a statewide problem." The painting serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of this unique ecosystem. The "beach and dune system is the first line of defense against storms," underscored by the Department's commitment to "identifying beaches that are critically eroded to develop and maintain a comprehensive long-term management plan for their restoration."

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's efforts, including the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCCL) Program and Beach Management Funding Assistance, are crucial in protecting these valuable resources. The CCCL Program, with its "special siting and design criteria," aims to minimize impacts on the beach and dune system, which the Department rightly identifies as "one of Florida's most valuable natural resources." The Department's extensive data collection, including its Regional Offshore Sand Source Inventory (ROSSI) database, enables informed decisions on sand resource management for beach restoration projects. These projects, which often require joint coastal permits, underscore the intricate planning and coordination needed for practical coastal preservation.

"Morning in Islamorada"

Is not simply a picturesque rendering of a Florida Keys sunrise. It is a visual testament to the urgent need for coastal preservation, inspired by the beauty and fragility of this unique ecosystem. The painting acts as a call to action, encouraging viewers to contemplate their role in protecting these invaluable natural resources. The serene beauty of the artwork serves as a potent reminder of what we stand to lose and what we must actively protect for future generations. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's ongoing efforts and individual actions are essential in ensuring Florida's precious coastlines' long-term health and vitality. The artwork hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation and commitment to this vital cause, reflecting the interconnectedness of art, nature, and human responsibility and each individual's crucial role in this collective effort. - Shel St Clair

"Beaches." Florida Department of Environmental Protection, n.d., https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches#:~:text=The%20department's%20Coastal%20Construction%20Control,or%20interfere%20with%20public%20access. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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