Album: Matt Starr Florida Watercolor Art

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of a vibrantly colored jellyfish floating in a clear ocean environment. Its delicate tentacles extend gracefully, surrounded by tiny bubbles. I was inspired to paint this jellyfish after seeing many over the years in Florida. They use venomous tentacles to catch prey. A purple flag at the beach will warn of dangerous marine life such as jellyfish and stingrays. We had a purple flag for a week at Navarre Beach, Florida when I painted this during my visit. This is part of my Florida watercolor collection.

Description: This is my detailed spiraling pattern with watercolor and ink painting of a shark eye seashell. The soft background highlights the intricate design. It is a predatory marine snail, commonly found along the Atlantic and Gulf sandy beaches. It has a distinctive “eye-like” dark center. This is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of a shark with its fin that cuts through the calm ocean surface as it circles an island. The horizon blends sea and sky seamlessly. I love seeing sharks and islands from my many visits to the ocean over the years. This painting is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of a pair of sandpipers in the surf. The birds exhibit detailed brown and white plumage against a soft sky backdrop. I was inspired to paint these small shorebirds from seeing many over the years from our Florida vacations. They have slender legs and often have a distinctive bobbing behavior. This painting is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of a detailed whimsical sand castle that has a moat around it on the sandy beach. The serene sea adds a calming background. I am inspired to paint this sand castle seascape from seeing many over the years in my visits to Florida. This is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting with a detailed depiction of an osprey resting on a branch that has caught a fish. The bird’s plumage is skillfully rendered, showing intricate details. Ospreys are a fish-eating raptor with white underparts and a distinctive dark brown streak through their yellow eyes. They can dive underwater feet first to catch live fish. I was inspired to paint this bird from seeing them in the Gulf Islands National Seashore and in Midwest lakes. This painting is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting study of a leopard shark. The tranquil scene highlights the shark’s sleek form and distinctive markings. I was inspired to paint this beautifully spotted leopard shark from seeing one in a large aquarium tank. These sharks have saddle-like markings and are common in shallow bays from Oregon to Mexico. They are harmless bottom feeders. This painting is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of two adult least terns standing on sandy beach with a fluffy baby chick. The scene is captured in clean, minimal lines and soft colors. I was inspired to paint these terns from seeing them on the beaches we visit in Florida. They are the smallest of North American terns. This painting is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of a double-crested cormorant waterbird. It has the habit of drying its wings while perched. They are expert divers that hunt fish in both freshwater and coastal areas. I was inspired to paint this cormorant from seeing them in the Florida ocean, bays and Midwest lakes. The crests on their heads are shown during courtship to attract mates. This painting is part of my Florida Watercolors Collection.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of an alligator which is lurking in the swamp. I was inspired to do this painting from my travels in the southern states where alligators live. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A detailed depiction of an alligator rests near a swamp, surrounded by trees with moss hanging from their branches. The background features a gradient sunset sky transitioning from warm yellows to soft greens.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of some baby sea turtles which are headed to the ocean. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Four baby sea turtles are depicted swimming against a sepia-toned background, showcasing intricate shell patterns. The signature "Matt Starr" is visible in the bottom right corner.

Description: This is my mixed media painting of a school of blue tang fish. I used watercolor, ink and acrylics for these common and popular reef fish. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Two blue tang fish swim amidst a school of blue tang on a light blue background. The fish are detailed with bold outlines and vibrant colors, and a signature by Matt Starr is visible.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of a mammoth grouper about to gulp a scuba diver. Groupers are known for having a large stout body and mouth. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A large grouper is depicted with its mouth open, surrounded by smaller fish, while a diver swims away nearby. The water appears to have a gentle blue tone, enhancing the aquatic theme.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink cartoon of two pelicans. One pelican is in utter amazement over the large fish the other pelican has gulped into its pouch. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Two pelicans are humorously depicted on a beach, one with a fish tail sticking out of its large open bill. Their exaggerated expressions add a comedic touch to the scene.

Description: This is my watercolor painting of a sailfish that is jumping out of the sea. These billfish are known for their impressive jumps, reaching 10-20 feet. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A vibrant sailfish leaps energetically, surrounded by splashes that mimic ocean waves. The dynamic movement and vivid colors capture the essence of the sea.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of some seagulls who have spotted the lighthouse along the coast of the ocean. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Two seagulls are perched on a wooden post by the ocean, with a striped lighthouse visible in the background. The calm sea and cloudy sky create a serene coastal scene.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of some sting rays swimming in a whirlpool. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Three manta rays glide gracefully in a circular motion against a swirling whirlpool blue background. The watercolor style emphasizes fluidity and movement, creating a sense of underwater harmony.

Description: This is my acrylic painting for the phrase Life’s a Beach! I loved painting this beach seascape. A serene beach scene features a wooden boardwalk leading through sand dunes with tall grasses, towards the vibrant blue ocean. Fluffy white clouds dot the sky, adding to the tranquil coastal atmosphere.

Description: I was inspired to do this watercolor painting of an egret in a swamp of cypress trees, moss and weeds after traveling through and visiting in the state of Florida. A serene scene showcases a white egret standing in a swampy area surrounded by tall cypress trees. The word "Florida" is prominently featured above the landscape. An egret stands gracefully in a serene, green swamp surrounded by tall trees. The tranquil setting features lily pads floating on the water's surface, creating a peaceful ambiance.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting on paper of a fierce shark in the ocean waters. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A shark swims gracefully through a serene, blue-green watercolor sea. The simple, black ink lines capture the shark's form with smooth precision.

Description: I was inspired to do this watercolor on paper painting of some flip flops taken off at the beach after doing so many times on my visits to the beach. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Two pairs of flip-flops, one brown and one pink, are set against a backdrop of sand, sea, and a partly cloudy sky. The scene evokes a sense of relaxation and a beachside atmosphere.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of some lizards in a yin yang symbol. The yin yang concept is of opposite but interconnected forces. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Two lizards are intertwined in a yin-yang pattern, each contrasting in color: one is light and the other dark. The circular composition emphasizes balance and harmony between the creatures.

Description: This is my watercolor pop art version of a tattooed sea turtle. I used salt to create the special effects in the saltwater of the watercolor painting. I used ink for the tattoos. Sea turtles symbolize longevity, resilience, good luck, poise, patience, reliability, stability and wisdom. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A sea turtle swims gracefully with intricate ink tattoos such as flowers, stars, and peace signs adorning its shell and flippers. The background is a calming blend of light blue hues, enhancing the turtle's vibrant green and brown tones.

Description: I was inspired to do this watercolor and ink painting on paper after seeing some manatees on a trip to Florida. The manatee mom is protecting the baby calf. They swim slowly in the water with their paddle-like tails. Centuries ago, manatees were mistaken for mermaids. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. The scene conveys a sense of calmness and affection.

Description: I was inspired to do this watercolor painting of some pelicans resting on some piers after seeing such scenes in the southern states over the years. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Three pelicans are perched on weathered wooden posts against a backdrop of warm, earthy tones. The scene captures a serene sunset, highlighting the birds' distinctive plumage.

Description: This is my watercolor painting of some magnolia flowers that I was inspired to paint after seeing these beautiful trees in the southern states. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. The leaves are different shades of green, adding depth to the composition.

Description: This is my watercolor painting study of a marlin fish. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A blue marlin is depicted against a light blue background, showcasing its long, pointed bill and vibrant colors. The fish's distinct stripes and sharp fins are highlighted to capture its dynamic essence.

Description: I was inspired to do this watercolor and ink painting on paper of a palm tree grove with a beautiful sky after seeing scenes like this in coastal states. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A row of palm trees stands against a vibrant watercolor background, blending shades of blue and pink. The silhouettes create a striking contrast with the sky, evoking a serene tropical scene.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting on paper of a fierce shark in the ocean waters. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. A shark swims gracefully through a serene, blue-green watercolor sea. The simple, black ink lines capture the shark's form with smooth precision.

Description: I was inspired to do this watercolor painting of an egret in a swamp full of cypress trees, moss and weeds after seeing such scenes in the southern states over the years. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. An egret stands gracefully in a serene, green swamp surrounded by tall trees. The tranquil setting features lily pads floating on the water's surface, creating a peaceful ambiance.

Description: I was inspired to do this watercolor painting of some cypress trees in the swamp after seeing so many in my travels in the southern states. Rising from the dark, murky waters, the cypress tree is a stately symbol of the swamp. I love the winding root system of these trees. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. Tall cypress trees with bare trunks stand in a wetland area, their reflections mirrored in the still water below. Lush greenery forms a backdrop, suggesting a serene swamp environment.

Description: I was inspired in seeing many egrets over the years to do this painting. This is my watercolor and ink painting of an egret wading in the wetlands. This painting is part of my Florida watercolor collection. The scene captures the tranquility of a wetland environment.

Description: This is my watercolor and ink painting of the lifeguard station at the Ft. Walton Beach pier. The Island Pier, formerly known as the Okaloosa Island fishing pier. The pier is 1,262 feet long. This painting is part of my Florida Watercolor Collection. A serene beach scene features a wooden lifeguard stand nestled in the sand dunes, with tall grass swaying nearby. The ocean is calm with gentle waves, and a long pier stretches out into the distance under a cloudy sky.