Love Your Neighbor: Painting Florida’s Wild Side with Love

My first painting in the Love Your Neighbor series, rightfully dedicated to the manatee.

When I moved to Florida five years ago, I knew the wildlife here would be something special. I was used to the typical wildlife in Northeast Ohio. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I’d fall in love with it. From the tiniest lizards that sneak into my apartment (and that I gently escort back outside), to the turtles I’ve literally stopped traffic to rescue, I’ve become completely obsessed with Florida's wildlife.

That love is what inspired my Love Your Neighbor painting series — a collection of original artwork celebrating Florida wildlife, each piece paired with the message “Protect Florida Wildlife.” It’s a way to bring art and conservation together, to honor the creatures that make this state so unique.

So far, I’ve painted an alligator, manatee, armadillo, and flamingo. And yes, I know it’s wild, but after five years here, I still haven’t seen a gator in the wild. Not once. Only at the Tampa Aquarium and that doesn't count. The armadillo has also managed to avoid me, but I think my lack of a gator encounter feels so wrong. I even got an alligator tattoo to fill the void. BUT, I have had the absolute joy of kayaking with a manatee for the first time in Weeki Wachee. It was peaceful and surreal and super exciting because it wasn't even manatee season! That moment definitely brought something special into the manatee painting.

This series is still just getting started, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s coming next. I’m especially looking forward to painting a pelican, a turtle (because I have personally saved quite a few), and a Florida panther. I know, I know — I’m a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, so that one’s kind of a betrayal. But I'll make an exception for actual wild panthers.

At the heart of this series is the idea that these animals aren’t just part of the scenery. They’re neighbors. They live alongside us, and they deserve our respect, our protection, and maybe even a place on our walls. Whether it’s a lizard in your living room or a manatee gliding under your kayak, every little encounter with Florida’s wildlife is a reminder of how lucky we are to share space with them.

Thanks for following along as this series grows. I can’t wait to show you what comes next.