"Split Tidal Creek" by artist, Brenda Hofreiter

This painting was done on location at Spruce Creek in New Smyrna Beach, FL. I love the tidal marshes along the coast! It was August and I was seeking the breezes along the coast to keep the intense summer sun at bay. I was painting a large 30" x 40" painting of the other side of this creek when I turned around and saw this scene. (You can view that painting by clicking the back arrow key. ) The bright yellows against the purple grasses were just blinding in their intensity in the summer sun and screamed to me to be painted. I knew I would be back to paint this one!

I loved the way the creek split and meandered through the marsh. Occasionally, I would see a raccoon wade through on his way to lunch or white heron fishing in the shallow water. You can see the ripples in the water where the baby fish were escaping larger prey.