Dyke Marsh III: Five Times is the Charm

Dyke Marsh III, c. Patricia Miller Uchello 2014, for sale

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Some landscapes are really special. For me, my favorite place to paint is the edge of Dyke Marsh, which is right by my home in Alexandria, Virginia.

Dyke Marsh and I have been friends for the last 30 years. I have painted it covered with ice, as a background for a portrait, as well as two summer versions and a fall version (above). I think that this one is possibly my favorite, although it is fairly small, at 10 x 10".

I originally hail from the marshy world of Louisiana, known for its wetlands. Muddy bayous and the Mighty Mississippi are my roots. So these wet lands at the edge of the Potomac River suit me just fine. As a matter of fact, my step-father proposed to my mother about forty feet from this spot, giving it even further significance.

Your favorite swamp creature,
Patsie

Swamp Critters

What comes with swamps? Gators! Cypress tress with knobby knees.
Spanish moss. Skeeters.
But it is worth it to tour the otherworldly beauty of Southeastern swamps. Hairlike Spanish moss reminiscent of the spiderwebs of haunted houses laces from tree to tree in the swampy cypress pond at Middleton Gardens.
Atmosphere is everything!

Your fellow traveler,
Patsie

Gators in Charleston

Cypress Bayou in Middleton Gardens

Jacques-Imo's, Cher!

Dear Imaginary Friends,

What says New Orleans more than Jacques-Imo's restaurant on Oak Street ? It is the flavor of the Big Easy, with joyful decor, based on swamp scenes and Mardi Gras.

Seen above are Susan, Patsie and Beth, the three Miller girls, dining on Saturday night.

Patsie snagged some big Barbecue Shrimp. And don't forget the yummy cornbread with green onions on it.

See you there next time, y'all!

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie

Lake Okeechobee

The marshy edges of Lake Okeechobee in South Florida are pictured above. We saw a gator and some beautiful birds in the marsh grasses. We were looking southward from the town of Okeechobee; the lake has a 30 foot levee surrounding it. The lake is the headwater of the Everglades, which is technically a river, as opposed to a swamp. It was a hike from Jupiter, but worth it for the sunset views.

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie