Park #72 – Blackwater River State Park

We visited Blackwater River State Park just east of Pensacola after a long day of driving from central Florida. It was mid-afternoon and a few families were enjoying the cool water on this sunny day. I have seen photos of this river with large sandy banks along the edges, and I expected to paint something like that. But recent rains meant the river was high and flowing, so I set up to paint on the small beach and painted a little cove with some lily pads.

The water here is “black.” Not dirty, just stained a dark tea color from the trees.  Rick fished right next to me and caught a nice bass too.

To learn more about this park, please visit their website

Blackwater River State Park – painting en plein air 8×10″ oil on linen panel

river view

Bridge of the river

Entrance sign

Dark water of the river

Rick’s Bass

Bass jump!

Boardwalk along the river

Blackwater River Sign along the boardwalk

Blackwater River Cypress trees

Blue tail skink

Families enjoying the beach

Pretty Green Metallic Damselfies

Tea stained water

Set up on the beach