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" Lighthouse Sunset "



An Original Acrylic Painting by Riley Geddings,
Florida Landscape Artist

Description by Maggie Geddings,
Writer, Author and Poet

Description of this Painting
"Lighthouse Sunset" ... Hhmmmm another Lighthouse ??
Yes ... indeed ... Riley's previous painting, last month, was entitled "Lighthouse Sunrise" - and now in this one we have the sun setting ... nice move, Riley .... The actual scene for this latest acrylic is in the Big Bend area of the west coast of Florida - and depicts the St. Mark's Lighthouse adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. An early settlement was established here by the Spanish, but in 1818, Andrew Jackson captured St. Marks and three years later, control of Florida was officially transferred from Spain to the United States. In 1828 this lighthouse tower was constructed for a mere $11,765.00. The first keeper of St. Marks Lighthouse assumed responsibility for the tower’s many whale-oil lamps. Later erosion necessitated the erection of a new tower with walls 4-feet-thick at the base tapering to 18-inches at the top - 65-feet above ground level. During the Civil War, this lighthouse featured many skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces - and it has also withstood many major hurricanes and accompanying tidal waves. The present-day tower received a new fourth-order Fresnel Lens and was extended an additional 10-feet, raising its focal plane to roughly 80-feet. The top provides a wonderful view of the St. Mark's Wildlife Refuge vista.
History lesson over .... we will now peruse the actual painting ....

Let us first study that beautiful evening sky as the sun sinks slowly in the west over the Gulf of Mexico. Riley has once more captured to perfection those lemony-orangey hues of a typical Florida sunset - whilst overhead we espy on center-stage several cumulus clouds reflecting the setting sun, and a few cumulus nimbus exiting stage-left and stage-right - remnants of another typical late afternoon Florida rain shower. Against the background of blue, the upper half of this painting is indeed a joy to behold. Silhouetted against this scenario, we see the St. Mark's Lighthouse - standing straight and tall as any sentinel should. The forefront of the tower is in the shadow, sheltered from the rays of the setting sun, whilst at the top we see the last glimmer of the sun shining on the tower just below the "cupola" containing the Fresnel Lens. A short walk's distance from the base of the Lighthouse, are the Keeper's Quarters - a rather small one-story cottage where the Keeper lives (and sleeps) during his tenure as Light Keeper. These two structures have been erected on a grassy knoll to enhance their dominance of the higher ground.

To the south of the Lighthouse one notices typical Florida foliage - specifically the clusters of Cabbage (Sabal) Palm - the state tree of Florida. Enjoying a late evening stroll is the Great White Heron wading knee-deep in the shallow, brackish waters of the back-water estuary. Portrayed to perfection are the reflections in this water of both the Lighthouse and the cottage .... nice job Riley !!! The foreground of the painting consists primarily of wild marsh grass on center-stage and a few wild bushes on the right, below which we espy the signature of this popular Florida artist.

Let us not forget Riley's hallmark - the inquisitive Black-headed Gull - claiming our attention as he - or she - hovers patiently overhead perusing this entire scene. As I conclude my study of this wonderful painting, I once more cast my eyes over the lighthouse itself - that impressive lighthouse structure - standing tall and secure - gives one a sense of safety and reminds me of that wonderful southern gospel song written by Ronnie Hinson :

"There's a lighthouse on the hillside that overlooks life's sea.
When I'm tossed it sends out a light, 'tis a light that I might see.
And the light that shines in darkness now will safely lead us o'er.
If it wasn't for the lighthouse, my ship would be no more ....
.... and I thank God for the lighthouse."

About This Artist

Riley Geddings is a self-taught, internationally-known Florida landscape artist who is keeping the old 'traditional Florida art' alive with his unique painting style, influenced in part by the now-famous "Florida Highwaymen" of the mid 1950's ! He has been painting professionally for about 25 years !

The artist is featured on many well-known art and international internet web sites. He is known internationally and has a large following of art collectors, many of whom have purchased over a dozen paintings ! This Art Cove website is the official source for BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS by Florida landscape artist Riley Geddings.

Sold, Sorry !

How To Order This Lovely Painting:

Sorry, The Original Painting Has Been Sold ! . . .
Genuine giclee prints are available on quality paper or canvas,
click on image below for details:

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