ArtFest Fort Myers is this weekend

Artfest Fort Myers — this weekend! VIP Opening Night: Friday 6-9pm. Saturday 10-5 & Sunday 10-4. Booth 384 — the far east end of the show along Edwards, very close to Jackson St., facing the water.

20th Anniversary Coconut Point Art Festival: February 14th & 15th, Saturday and Sunday 10-5, at 23181 Via Villagio Drive in Estero, FL.

"Best Fronds Forever"

Here's one for all you lovers out there! Whether it's your best friend or a love connection, reaching out for connection is in the air for Valentine's Day.

I learned that plants can talk to each other when they touch, and it makes them stronger! Lone plants don't fare as well, which is probably a good takeaway for us humans.

In this piece I wanted to continue working in the same navy and turquoise palette as my recent "I'm a Big Fan". Over the cool gray background, I drew layers of surrounding plants in a light and airy white.

I studied many of the masters getting my fine art degree, and creating these palm fronds over the last summer has reminded me of something Monet once practiced in his series "Haystacks". He was painting things that were right there in his environment, over and over, in different light and with different moods. In my environment, I see all kinds of palm trees and each species is so unique! This new piece celebrates the bushy and wild Foxtail palm. My other palm frond pieces were inspired by the Alexander palm I have right outside my studio. Other recent pieces show the more graceful leaves of the Queen palm. I've allowed myself to study one thing, over and over, and each time I discover something different. So, thank you Monet, for helping me understand that making the same thing a number of times is not boring duplication, it's a practice where I can explore my subject matter more fully.

Look closely and you'll discover parts of sentences like: I was rediscovering something in color... and you are my sunshine. Who is your sunshine? And what are you rediscovering? You get to fill in the blanks.

Find some thought-provoking text like: Islands of the Sun to spark your imagination. Spot an image of a girl on a raft in the open sea to bring back a memory. I hope these details help you to connect to my work through your own story.

Upcoming shows

• February 14/15 — Coconut Point Art Festival, Estero
• February 21/22 — Naples National or Stuart, TBD
• February 28/March 1 — Venice Art Classic
• March 7/8 — Lakewood Ranch, Downtown
• March 14/15 — Bonita Springs, Riverside Park
• March 21/22 — Hyde Park, Tampa or Naples Downtown, TBD
• April 10-12 — Delray Affair, Atlantic Avenue

For details on these shows visit Jenniferpeckfineart.com.

You can now find my work in Sanibel!

Island Pearl — The Village Shops at 2340 Periwinkle Way A-2.

Clients and friends, Jamie Jacob and Sherry May recently opened this beautifully curated store. I hope you'll give these lovely ladies a visit!

Island Pearl, located on Sanibel Island, is a collection of hand-selected pieces that bring the beauty, tranquility, and warmth of the coast into your home. Every item in our shop is chosen with care, blending artisanal craftsmanship with island inspiration. From thoughtfully designed home accents to breezy island fashion, our boutique is a reflection of effortless island living.

If you are not able to make it to a show, you can browse all works at www.Jenniferpeckfineart.com. I am always adding new pieces to the collection! Delivery on framed giclees is about 3 weeks. Orders for original embellished giclees will take around 8-12 weeks. Originals can be shipped within the week.

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life" — Pablo Picasso