This painting was inspired by the grounds of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, one of my favorite Florida state parks and a place that holds deep personal meaning for me. The first building visitors see when entering the property is the old barn, still lovingly maintained by volunteers who preserve the feeling of daily life from the time when the property was a working orange grove.

As I sat beneath the awning watching the chickens and rooster wander through the yard, it felt as though time had slowed down. The weathered wood, old farm equipment, citrus trees, and peaceful surroundings created a sense of warmth and history that I wanted to capture in paint. The women who give the tours, dressed in period clothing, truly make you feel welcome and connected to the era.

This park is special to me not because of beaches or hiking trails, but because it was also one of my mother’s favorite places. It was the last Florida state park I was able to visit with both of my parents before they passed away, and because of that it will always hold a place in my heart. Through this painting, I hoped to preserve not only the beauty of the property itself, but also the feeling of memory, home, and the quiet connection between people and place.