Out back of Tipsy Turtle

I’ll admit, I don’t really like doing painting commissions because usually the subject is chosen in advance and it isn’t always something I might choose to paint on my own. But I DO love commissions when I can choose the subject. The instructions were “just paint something from Sanibel”. I had no idea what that would be when I set out on my bike with my sketch kit in the panier, but as soon as I saw the turquoise trim and the orange umbrellas of the Tipsy Turtle Restaurant & Bar, I had a feeling that might be the place. I’m not carrying a folding stool on this trip so I sat on the curb in the parking lot. Unfortunately I was there between lunchtime and happy hour so there were no patrons at the tables to model for me, but I did have a Wood Stork nearby to keep me company.


28 Comments on “Out back of Tipsy Turtle”

  1. tylaraduncan says:

    I feel the joy in this! what a lovely combination of commission and ability to delivery. Beautiful

    • It was a joy to sketch this one Tylara. Until it started pouring and I had to quickly cycle home, but fortunately I had a plastic bag for my sketch!! Hope you are well.

  2. Bernadette says:

    Great fresh washes….they will love it for sure! It shows no signs of the downpour.

  3. Kristin Johnsen says:

    Lovely! You capture the colors and the sense of Sanibel so well – sketches from this trip especially! This one is definitely a keeper! glad the rain didn’t get to it!

  4. De says:

    Looks like a place with a great vibe! Very beachy!

  5. Tim Ross says:

    Love this piece. I imagine your clients are thrilled with it? Question… which pigment did you us for that brilliant turquoise… WOW!

    • Thanks so much Tim! Yes, my client is thrilled. As for the turquoise, it’s a combination of Cobalt Green and Turquoise Blue. Both are opaque pigments, so use with caution!

  6. Linda Murray says:

    Whoa! This is so Floridian-love it! Everything! The subject, colors, the palms. You captured this perfectly!

  7. Yvonne Carpenter says:

    This looks fantastic! I always try to reverse-engineer your sketches to try to learn something, lol! I like how you did the shadow side on the turquoise building, it seems you used a thicker version of the building color instead of just slapping a gray on that side. I need to remember that, as I get lazy with my shaded areas more times than I care to admit!

  8. Cindy Wahlstrom says:

    Love this!

  9. Barbara Grace Post says:

    We’ve eaten there several times. I love those colors and I’m enjoying seeing your paintings of Sanibel and Captiva.

  10. Looks like the type of restaurant I could haunt for hours. I love patio restaurants, Montreal has some good ones too. I really like how the palm trees draw your eyes to the patio. Its also a welcome change to see a painting with so much blue, and aqua.

  11. Betsy says:

    Shari, would you say that the techniques you used to create this sketch are similar to what you teach in your “Sketching Structure in the Landscape” online class?

    • Betsy says:

      Oops, I meant “in the Garden,” of course.

    • Hi Betsy, These are exactly what I teach in that course. In fact, I used the same pen that I use in that course, I think. Ink and wash on the same paper I use in the course. And yes, I knew you meant « garden ». Thanks for asking.

      • Betsy says:

        Oh, how great. I’m going to sign up for that one now! It’s my day off and it’s time for a treat.

  12. JoanTavolott says:

    This is such a happy painting. Love the colors and the atmosphere!!

  13. Northern Traveller says:

    Makes one happy – looking at this! xoxo

  14. Yummy!
    My favourite part is picturing you on your bike with the painter sketch kit. 🙂


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