"Lake Woodruff Bench" by plein air artist, Brenda Hofeiter

I created this painting at Lake Woodruff Wildlife Preserve near Deland, Florida. I fell in love with the area and created several pieces in this series. This is one of the larger format pieces. This is one of my favorite vistas in the Preserve, and I couldn't wait to paint the wonderful blue shift and the haze of the distance. I liked the way the jutting palms in the middle ground repeated the shape of the bend in the water and all the wonderful changing colors in the foliage. I was walking around trying to find the best vantage point when I spotted this bench. Perfect! It was just the spot to sit and contemplate the beauty and peace of the area. There were many visitors to the park while I was painting this piece. Winter is tourist season in Florida and the best time to take a hike in the woods. I met folks from France, Canada, and Germany as well as other states in the USA. It was comforting to know that people all over the world also appreciate Florida’s natural places. I received all kinds of wonderful comments on my painting, including my all time favorite: "You made it look even more beautiful than it is!" It seemed to be the best compliment an artist can receive, since the location was already breathtakingly beautiful to me. I am reminded how fortunate I am to have "artist eyes" and to see beauty all around me!