Born out of a Sunday plein air paint-out with the North Port Paint Posse, Salty AF captures the unbothered, commanding presence of Southwest Florida’s most iconic coastal character.
Executing watercolors on canvas is a high-stakes, technically demanding process. Upcycling a stretched 8'' x 8''canvas, I prepped the surface with Golden’s Watercolor Ground to create an absorbent foundation, then worked with QoR Modern Watercolors—a high-pigment line formulated by Golden that pushes color boundaries far beyond traditional pans. Working against the stubborn, unforgiving nature of watercolor ground required meticulous brushwork, patience, and layer-by-layer control to achieve the pelican's luminous eye, rich neck plumage, and vivid coastal background.
To bypass the need for reflective glass and heavy framing, the completed painting was permanently sealed with Jacquard Dorlands Wax Medium. This specialized finish renders the watercolor fully waterproof, UV-protected, and touchable, locking in the raw texture of the canvas while preserving every vibrant streak of pigment.
Housed in a sleek, premium black float frame, Salty AF balances technical grit with cheekiness, making it a standout, ready-to-hang piece of original fine art for any contemporary coastal collection.
About the Artist
Michele Moore is a North Port-based artist, educator, and community organizer known for her expressive studio work, public installations, and sustainable osteo art practices. She serves as a Casual Instructor at the Ringling College of Art and Design, co-founded the North Port Paint Posse, and operates her primary creative ventures through Images of Therapy and Bone Boutique alongside her husband and business partner, Phillip.
