I’ve wanted to paint the Lighthouse at Saint Augustine, Florida, for along time. Unfortunately, the Lighthouse is not situated on the water edge and is about 300 yards away from any of the three bodies of water near it. It is surrounded by huge live oak trees and is difficult to see anything but the top at any normal viewing point. At least not any that would present it in a pleasing pose for a painting. I was able to take a series of digital photos from near the bottom about 100 feet away. Then recreate the image on the computer in one photo. From there I used every trick I know of to draw the preliminary sketches without too much perspective distortion. I think the painting turned out well considering the time it took to figure out how to accomplish the view of the lighthouse and solve the perspective problems. Then I was free to study the value patterns, shapes and local color as well as complete the composition. I had first visited the location in August and it was quite hot. But the weather patterns allow for afternoon thunderstorms to pass by almost daily. They make an excellent vehicle for drama to be introduced and set the background values and color keys to balance the painting as well. …“Saint Augustine Lighthouse”. Acrylic on canvas board 18”x14”.