Mangroves on the Calloosihatchi River

On Wednesday we painted at Gulf Harbour gated community on the Calloosihatchi R. When we had been approved by security, we drove to the yacht basin, where there were boats of all shape and sizes. There was no discrimination between huge and luxurious and small. It was interesting to see very big yachts side by side with a small day fishing boat. What a contrast. The homes were the same with estates nearby to apartments and garden homes. We walked along the docking to a pedestrian bridge over to an island which protected the yacht basin from the waves of the river. On the river side of the island the sandy beaches were hemmed in by the mangroves, with their interesting shapes. This is what I decided to paint. I set up quickly, since I travel light, and got started.

I enjoyed painting the mangroves with their interesting shape. You can see from the finished painting that some of the roots of the mangroves come down from the branches and usually reach the sand. They take hold and grow roots to anchor themselves. Also, if you look at the sand near the hanging vines you will see there are also black sticks growing up out of the sand; these are new mangrove bushes. I am certain that the mangroves will survive with these two methods to propagate. As well, the mangroves are protected in Florida because as they grow and spread they create new shoreline and as they thicken and mature, this is where the manatee raise their young. The shrimp also use these mangrove roots to rear their  young. 

                          For sale $175

All the paintings on my blog are for sale. The larger ones that are 16x20 are $250 and the smaller ones, like this one, are $175. If you are interested please contact me at hazelpleinair@gmail.com