Florida artist-Relives history on the cross-state Florida Cracker Trail Ride
Artist Keith Martin Johns and his wife join approx.120 riders as they set out to ride the historical horseback trail to draw attention to Florida's horse and cattle heritage
Bradentonto Ft. Pierce, FL - Sounds so romantic - to reenact a glimpse of Florida's historical horse and cattle legacy, mainly because this year's 21st annual horseback ride marks a tradition of keeping Florida History alive. The fourth generation Floridian, Keith Martin Johns has a rich family heritage of his own from his great grandfather Jody Anderson who forged a new frontier in Englewood, FL in agriculture, fishing and the cattle industry. The grandson of this Florida pioneer family was abundantly blessed and indelibly marked by a sense of Florida's beauty and the ability to express that worth by recording its natural and cultural history in his paintings. Johns has painted the state professionally for over 27 years with over 300 painting titles. Keith's desire is to help preserve by promoting Florida's natural beauty, culture and heritage through the visual arts. He is doing this by an eye on Florida's present ever-expanding growth and development and on it's past history and heritage. This cracker artist will tackle the enduring 120 mile ride and pass through five counties with paints, brushes and easel at his side to capture in oil the rich heritage of the Floridahorse and cattle industry with those who are also concerned with its survival.
side of SR 64: 27.5
Twilight's Last Glow
Late afternoon gives way to evening as the grey-violet stratus clouds rush in like the front line of a football team and begin to crowd the horizon. Some shadows turn their faces away from the dazzling rays of the glowing sun, while others look frantically for a place to hide. Twilight, as fast as an Olympic runner, moves ahead of the blanket of clouds that will soon drop like the curtain when the play is over. Cattle graze on impervious to the drama taking place before their soulless eyes. Over hearing the whispered hush coming from the Laurel Oak's boughs nearby, ditch lilies strain to see through the silhouetted barbed wire fence line. Like the last burning embers of a fire twilight glistens and flickers its orange translucent light. From its elevated view the lone bloom of a lily blushes as it applauds the splendor and glory of the sun's fading beauty. A multitude of entangled vines like volunteer helpers hold up the aged fallen branches so they may see the light show even though it is past their bed time. Small braches rhythmically move their feet with delight and joy as they join hands with their companions who cannot join in the dance of the pasture because they are heavy laden with moss. . In just a few short moments the fire in the sky will be no more and twilight's last glow will burn out, then darkness will come as swift as a thief in the night. Keith Martin Johns
"Twilight's Last Glow"
Giclee Canvas Print 30" x 21 1/2" Reg. $390.00
The Watering Hole
"Cattle ranches embody the heritage of Florida. Environmentally, they protect some of the best wildlife habitant, wetlands and native landscapes in the state. many ranches have changed little in the past 100 years. Culturally, they host important rural economies and lifestyles. Florida is home to four of the top ten beef ranches in the US. Yet each year nearly 200,000 acres of rural Florida are being consumed by development. And with approximately 1000 new residents moving to Florida each day, the soul of the state is being forgotten. LINC us coordinating a communications program to celebrate Florida's ranching heritage, from both cultural and environmental perspectives." For more information about LINC Legacy Institute for Nature & Culture, please visit www.LINC.us
Giclee Canvas Print 30" x 22 1/4" Reg. $390.00
Contact information: 800-457-5768 or email linda_johns@verizon.net