Florida artist John Ketley captures the beauty of Florida and its habitat in his bright, sunlit paintings. Visit his website to view more of his portfolio.
![beach scene painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Crab-Boats-1-oil-on-canvas-24x52-1.jpg)
“Crab Boats 1″ oil on canvas, 24″ x 52”
I created my Collection of Florida paintings based on a personal study of the visual delights I found in and around Florida. I then creatively presented them in the settings I felt they deserved.
![coastal painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Gingerbread-Cottage-oil-on-canvas-52x16-1.jpg)
“Gingerbread Cottage” oil on canvas, 52″ x 16″
The painting I named Gingerbread Cottage was based on a little place I found in the Keys. At the time, it was used as a nursing home!
![Florida coastal painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Island-Getaway-Yellow-oil-on-canvas-44x35-1.jpg)
“Island Getaway Yellow” oil on canvas, 34″ x 11″
I had such a wonderful reception that I went on to investigate places known for the perfect Florida lifestyle.
![Florida seascape by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Pappas-Place-oil-on-canvas-44x35-1.jpg)
“Pappa’s Place” oil on canvas, 44″ x 35″
I started by finding the Florida homes associated with Earnest Hemmingway and based my next creation on the waterside venues he used, painting Pappas Place.
![coastal painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Bluewater-Beach-oil-on-canvas-54x28-2.png)
“Bluewater Beach” oil on canvas, 54″ x 28″
Bluewater Beach painting is a creation of my ideal beach home that I would love to own. It has all the features I want in one setting.
![Florida homes painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Key-West-Cottages-oil-on-canvas-52x28-2.jpg)
“Key West Cottages” oil on canvas, 52″ x 28″
I then found the homes built for transient workers years ago—which still exist today, each with its own character—and presented them in Key West Cottages as a trio of Keys delights.
![Florida golf course painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Pitch-Putt-oil-on-canvas-52x16-1.jpg)
“Pitch & Putt” oil on canvas, 52″ x 16″
Pitch & Putt is a painting created with all the golf lovers in our state in mind. Island Getaway features a waterside home with the balcony I often wish I had. I painted the historic boats used by the Crab Fishers in charming settings ready to go to work with all their tackle.
![Heron painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Waverunners-oil-on-canvas-54x28-2.png)
“Wave Runners” oil on canvas, 54″ x 28″
Wildlife is such a special aspect of Florida. I had to create a painting of some of its beautiful winged stars, naming it Wave Runners. Pelicans have also given me many amusing moments as I fished my way around Florida. I painted them as they settled down for their evening in Happy Hour.
![painting of pelicans by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Happy-Hour-oil-on-canvas-54x28-1.jpg)
“Happy Hour” oil on canvas, 54″ x 28″
Finally, as a thank you to all the amazing creatures underwater, I featured turtles in my painting titled Reef Encounter.
![Sea turtle painting by John Ketley](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/John-Ketley-Reef-Encounter-1-oil-on-canvas-54x28-1.jpg)
“Reef Encounter 1″ oil on canvas, 54″ x 28”
I have been successful with my classic oils of Florida. Now I am offering a new range of contemporary acrylic paintings about visual ideas and fun phrases. Our current world seems to need cheering up and a reminder to be glad for all we have. Hopefully my work will help achieve that.
These are all so well done. I think I like the cottage ones best.
I love these. For some reason I start thinking about rum and coke and Jimmy Buffett tunes when I see these. I put myself into the picture. LOLOL
Thank you for your kind comments on my paintings.
How do I buy one of these works?
Contact the artist through his website at https://www.ketleydecorart.com/