In the 1960's - early 1970"s there were still some "Southern rustic" houses near the University of Miami campus. They are long gone having been replaced with condos, malls, etc.
A South Florida landmark since the early 19th century, the light has been restored several times, once after being burned down by raiding Seminoles, the latest being after Hurricane Andrew in the 1990's. The stair climb to the light room is arduous but affords an unsurpassed view, At the time this painting was done, Stiltsville, a community of houses on stilts in Biscayne Bay, was still extant. Biscayne Bay is now a National park.
Another alla prima, done plein air over several hours. Macaws stand still longer than puppies and babies. The Parrot Jungle attraction apparently still exists, now in an urban area, not rural as it was in 1969.
An idyllic view of a rapidly vanishing national treasure. Farming and suburban development are daily encroaching on the Everglades while state and federal politicians quibble about plans to save it.
An attempt to capture backlighting at sunset, the painting depicts bonefishers off one of the Florida Keys.
(See the rendition of this painting- BONEFISHING AT DUSK, FLORIDA KEYS II )
Is the outer frame "real" or painted?