Karen Ann Hitt - An Original Hitt - The Journey IS the Destination

The theme word given to this season, Restoration. For decades artists have been gathering at one of our most iconic landmarks here on the SW Coast of FL.  It's one of the few remaining all-natural shorelines that was donated by Mr. Caspersen in approximately 1942. He donated it wanting to keep its pristine natural beauty along this unique shoreline for generations to enjoy unchanged from its historical condition.   Well that all changed this past year, after back-to-back Hurricanes Helene And Milton slammed into it and forever changing this landmark - decimating it.  Even today as I write this, all the roads remain closed to this location.  Artists for decades have been gathering to paint at this piece of natural shoreline, seeking to reflect its ever-changing beauty.  Venice Plein Air, a small plein air painting group, that I founded back in 2003 has been gathering there twice a month for decades, and often pairing up with other painting groups and artist.  When the sad news that all roads are closed to Caspersen, I reached out to Aimee with Collectors Gallery also in Venice to see if she would be interested in helping me host a benefit exhibit to honor this hard-hit community and this beautiful place.  She said yes, absolutely!  I then put out a call to artists across the country to ask them to enter their works that they had painted over the years into the exhibit. Thirty-six artists and upwards of 70 paintings were juried into this national exhibit that is on display officially until 27 February 2025. If you have an opportunity to visit Collectors Gallery and Framery you will have the opportunity to collect a piece of history by many National Award Winning Artists along with local favorites who answered the call and offered their paintings, both new for the exhibit and from over the years of painting there, offered in a manor that seeks to benefit VABI.  There is something for everyone on display.  I personally have three Plein Air works, one studio piece, and one studio-form-study done for the exhibit on display.  Pictured above, Majesty- By Still Waters, was inspired by an actual scene that I experienced back in 2001, when I first painted this front moving onto Caspersen Beach.  That painting for years was my signature painting and I was honored when the Collector of that original designed and built their new home's fireplace around it being up above the mantel.  Such a honor! Here is that first painting, from 2001 titled Majestic Sovereignty painted in Acrylic. 

Here is the most recent depiction of that view, a 40x30 Oil on Linen, in my Signature Hand Carved Gallery Framing, which is hand carved for me by Travis at Gold River in Utah.Along with this original I am honored to have four additional paintings on display.  AND you even have an opportunity to win An Original Hitt, Plein Air Work that honors the exhibits beneficiary: Venice Area Beautification Inc.  The piece was named after it--Venice Area Beautification Inc's Touch.  A plein Air Oil on Linen, beautifully framed by Collectors Gallery.  Each patron collector of a painting in the exhibit has their name automatically entered into an exclusive drawing for An Original Hitt.  You have until the 27th of February to purchase a painting and be entered.  The drawing will be the night of the Artwalk on the 27th.  Also that night the three winning artists in three separate categories will be announced the People's Choice Awards.  Monetary voting is from 2/18-2/27 and each vote enters you into a separate drawing automatically to win a 1/1 Canvas Giclee of the Original Painting "Last Became First" Originally painted in 2015. Visit this historical exhibit, honoring Caspersen, and benefiting VABI!  

Artist Honor Caspersen- A Benefit National Exhibit

You may be a part, with your support, vote,

patronage of the community for this hard hit community in multiple ways.

It has been a busy week, month, season...

  Much is in the works and much transpired in these last few month.

February 20th, 2025 I was asked last minute to share at Eric Rhodes Lunchtime Learning that he has been doing since Covid, every weekday at lunchtime... with artists simply sharing their insight for a free opportunity to learn a technique from an artist.  I was honored to be asked, for the second time.  This session was titled "...Light Through The Clouds".  Now doesn't that perfectly suit this past weeks theme word of Restoration. Here is the link to that Video session if you are interested.  Sought to shed a little light on the subject of

  'Painting Light Through The Clouds'

In the theme of Restoration, also ahead I am busy in the studio preparing for a solo exhibit with the Hughes Gallery Of Boca Grande, which is set for March 31- April 4th.  I am thrilled to be able to be back in a beautiful space on the island of Boca Grande.  Boca Grande was one of the hardest hit islands of the back to back hurricanes this past year and is making a strong comeback.  I am beyond honored to have an exhibit with Barbara Hughes, who I believe is now in her 23rd year on the island of Boca Grande. A very special place. a very special part of the island is Barbara Hughes and the Hughes Gallery of Boca Grande.  I will be debuting some of my largest studio paintings to date, 60 x 48" paintings in my signature hand carved frames by Travis at Gold River in Utah.  All brought together to share how we all have been given a tremendous opportunity to shed a little light through the clouds. Stay tuned for more on the exhibit, again where the paintings for it will debut. Thank you for being a part of An Original Hitt Art.