View from Turtle Mound
Linda Blondheim
Acrylic on Panel - 18" x 24" $1700
Painted from the summit of Turtle Mound at Canaveral National Seashore, View from Turtle Mound captures the expansive coastal landscape where land, water, and sky converge along Florida’s east coast. From this elevated vantage point, Blondheim depicts the winding waters of Mosquito Lagoon, native vegetation, and clusters of sabal palms illuminated by the region’s distinctive light.
Turtle Mound is one of the largest prehistoric shell middens in the United States, created over centuries by the Timucua people who inhabited this area long before European contact. Rising prominently above the surrounding landscape, the mound serves as both a significant archaeological site and a reminder of Florida’s deep cultural history.
Known for her dedication to painting Florida’s natural environments, Linda Blondheim combines expressive brushwork with careful observation to convey the character and ecological richness of this historic coastal setting. The vibrant foreground and sweeping horizon invite viewers to experience the beauty, history, and enduring sense of place found within Canaveral National Seashore.
Coming Together
Cathy Berse
Oil on Canvas - 12" x 30" $1500
In Coming Together, New Smyrna Beach artist Cathy Berse captures a familiar coastal vista at the end of the road near Parking Lot 5 in the Apollo Beach section of Canaveral National Seashore. The panoramic composition leads the viewer through a landscape where dune vegetation, shoreline, sky, and roadway converge, reflecting the unique intersection of natural and human-made environments found along Florida’s undeveloped coastline.
Berse’s use of soft light and atmospheric color evokes the tranquil character of the seashore at day’s end. Sea oats, palmettos, and native coastal plants occupy the foreground, while the winding road and distant horizon guide the eye through the scene. The expansive sky, animated by shifting clouds and warm tones, emphasizes the ever-changing conditions that define the barrier island landscape.
Canaveral National Seashore preserves one of the longest stretches of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida, offering a rare opportunity to experience coastal ecosystems much as they have existed for generations. Through careful observation and a strong sense of place, Berse celebrates the quiet beauty and enduring appeal of this treasured natural environment.
Doris Leeper House
Ruth Squitieri
Watercolor on Paper - 11" x 14" $450
Graphic designer and self-taught artist Ruth Squitieri captures a historic landmark within the Canaveral National Seashore through expressive watercolor and ink. This painting depicts the Leeper House, the former home of artist, environmental advocate, and preservationist Doris Leeper, who lived on the property during the 1960s.
The Leeper House served not only as Leeper’s residence but also as her art studio and the site of tennis courts that welcomed visitors and fellow artists. Through loose brushwork, vibrant color washes, and energetic linework, Squitieri conveys both the architectural character of the house and the lush coastal landscape that surrounds it. The soft purples, warm brick tones, and verdant greenery evoke the tranquil setting that inspired Leeper’s artistic and conservation efforts.
Today, the Leeper House remains an important symbol of the region’s cultural and environmental heritage, reflecting the legacy of a woman whose vision helped preserve much of Florida’s natural coastline for future generations.
