In the village of Matlacha, where the dolphins play, you can watch them from the bridge as the bulls and cows lead their pods along the channel. Another favorite way to see the dolphins is simply by being out on the water in a boat or kayak. They often swim alongside, playing and rolling in the wake. On occasion, they leap from the water. It’s truly fascinating to have them come up to your kayak for a “chat”.
“Matlacha (Matt-la-shay) where dolphins play.” is a slogan you’ll hear all around the islands in Southwest Florida. This 4-panel piece was a joy to create and gave me opportunity to dabble in creativity involving art that is more crafty than painting. I love working with foils. It’s a real challenge to work with the thin membranes without tearing them so I have come to depend on tips and tricks learned from other artists.
If you would like to learn more about artwork, we have a collaborative on Facebook called Art Way Place. It’s a group of artists and photographers of all skill levels sharing their work, ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. We’d love to have you join us. We also do giveaways in drawings every once in a while in order to encourage others to get involved in expressing their creativity. Some pretty nice gifts are offered.
There is also a deal on my “inspired art” on my website for Subscribers. The newsletter is once monthly and I promise not to spam you or sell your email.
My next project includes coconut fish in Matlacha colors as well as getting my husband’s turned wood and resin pens up on the website at Gromit’s Lathe. Looking forward to seeing you there.
S.K. Nicholls 
When I visited the Florida Panhandle in 1995, I had hoped to see dolphins at some point. Instead I saw shark fins as I frolicked in the water and jellyfish off a pier. LOL!
Sharks are all along the Atlantic Coast here in Florida, around Flagler and New Smyrna Beach. Occasionally, we hook one when we’re fishing in the Gulf. The people in Cape Coral had problems with Bull sharks taking over their canals. Sharks a jellyfish do dampen the joy of frolicking in the waters.
I remember when you moved to Matlacha, which seems so very long ago. You seem to love it there and are obviously thriving as an artist/writer. Yay!
Not sure if it’s Covid or what, but time seems to pass slowly here. I’m enjoying it. Thanks for stopping in, Marian.
Interesting. We live at the beautiful North Norfolk coast and had a place at the Atlantic coast of Florida too. We saw the dolphins nearly every day. But we didn’t like Florida’s climate. Too much sun, too hot in summer.
Thanks for sharing
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for reading. I agree about the heat (and bugs). Thank goodness for air-conditioning. Love the winters here, though.