Spring Break has arrived and the Keys are humming with visitors, sunshine, and that unmistakable vacation energy that makes everything feel a little brighter. We love sharing local treasures with visitors! If you are a visitor and want info on what to do or where to go while here- text Randall ! He loves giving people the scoop! One of my favorite local treasures to share is FRED! When driving down the Overseas Highway you can see Fred, the resilient Australian pine growing right out of the old bridge between Marathon and the Lower Keys.
Fred has weathered storms, survived Irma, gained neighbors, inspired books, and even made his way into film appearances. Around here, he’s a quiet symbol of Keys resilience. Recently, someone commissioned a coconut painting of Fred and his leafy companion as a gift, which felt like the perfect tribute, and I was honored to paint him!
Conchs… does anyone know the name locals gave the tree next to Fred? Tell me!
🎨 What We’re Painting
Sea turtle season may not be official just yet, but turtle requests are already swimming into our inbox—so expect to see that design popping up throughout the month.
You can find us painting coconuts every Tuesday at Robbie’s of Islamorada 3 ish til 7. Below are several design options to choose from at Robbie’s of Islamorada! It’s a drop in party so everyone goes at their own pace! You can sign up @paintingthekeys.com, text Randall or just show up!
Every Wednesday in March we are at Dockside of Boot Key Harbor- check website for the design each week! Also- stay for trivia after painting!!! It’s a very fun bar scene- usually hoppin - so parking can be a little scarce, and the bar is usually full! Look how cute the OctoFun design turned out-🎉
you can look on the web site for more info about these great public opportunities coming up! Plus, if you are at Fiesta Key Rv Resort or Grassy Key Rv Resort- check their calendars because we have some upcoming events there as well! If you want us to come to your resort- text Randall!
March 8 - BUOY PAINTING at Marlin Bay in Marathon. 12-2
March 9 - PET PORTRAITS at Double Tree Grand Hotel Key West (need your pictures by March 7th to prepare)
March 15 - Dolphin Coconut painting at Doubletree Grand Hotel Key West
March 26 - Turtle on canvas at Doubletree Grand Hotel Key West
Watch for our Batik class at the studio! I’m not sure of date yet- but it will be led by Dottie- (who also makes amazing jams and goodies!) it’s a limited size class so sign up quick when you see it!
🌊 February Highlights
Huge shoutout to our Dockside painters who showed up on one of the chilliest Keys nights and painted anyway. Dockside at Boot Key Harbor is a favorite gathering place for liveaboards, locals, and lucky tourists who find this gem!
🎨 Artist Tip of the Month
Try loading two colors onto opposite corners of a flat brush for natural blends as you paint. As the brush moves, the colors softly merge on the canvas. Notice the color blends in our waves painting, or the sky in the Fred painting!
Aqua + deep blue creates beautiful waves.
Yellow + blue turns into lush greens.
Purple + yellow… well… you get mud (sometimes helpful, but choose wisely 😄).
🥥 LET US SEE YOUR COCONUTS! WHATS THAT YOU SAY?
We love seeing where your art ends up after class. Coconut, canvas, Art2Go masterpiece… send photos and show us where your artwork landed. Your creativity inspires future designs and connects painters across miles.
Thinking about a gift with personality? Commissioned coconuts and Art2Go kits are always available and ship a little slice of Keys sunshine anywhere.
🎉 Private Paint Parties
Locals, if friends or family are visiting for Spring Break, a private paint party is a memory waiting to happen. We bring the supplies, guidance, and laughter. One of our favorite art-loving besties will be visiting us soon, hopefully you will get to meet her at one of our local parties! Ask her about her fancy pencils! She’s done a deep dive on watercolor and has found some awesome products, cool historical facts, and is now a “fancy pencil collector”.😂
Robin & Arana they crack themselves up💁🏻 also we made these in Dottie’s batik class!
BY THE WAY….
We absolutely love when you tell us what you want to paint because it helps shape upcoming classes, coconuts, and Art2Go designs.
Got an idea? Send it. Your suggestion might be our next paint night.
🌴🔑 Coconut Drops Continue
Keep watching for coconut drops around the Keys. If you have a favorite hiding spot to suggest, message us on Finders Keepers pages and help shape the next adventure.
👉 Book a class, request a coconut, or grab an Art2Go kit at PaintingTheKeys.com
PS: Some of our favorite friendships started at paint tables. You never know who you’ll meet next to the palette.
PEACE,LOVE & COCONUTS,
Painting the Keys
PPS. If you are still reading this- thanks! So we are trying out a new newsletter thingy and I’m not a techie-(thank God for Kel who fixes things when I get in over my head!) Anyway they have an ad feature that allows other companies to advertise on my newsletter if I want , and they pay me if people click on it- so I’m gonna try it and see what happens. You don’t have to sign up for anything that you don’t want to. I am not endorsing the product just letting another business have a link in my post. What could go wrong? 😂💁🏻 So click ,if you want , on the ad below- I’m saving up for a super cool Painting the Keys van so everyone click 2,000 times and who knows what could happen🥳Thanks! If you have any problems or complaints regarding the ad thingy just text Randall😏
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