From Texas to Sarasota, established mixed media artist Jennifer Peck migrated to the Creative Coast of Florida to immerse herself in the tropical island life she daydreamed about back in the Lonestar State. The beaches, birds, flowers and gulf coast landscapes she’s surrounded by now provide endless inspiration for her playful mixed media pieces. 

Filled with bright-saturated colors and whimsical shapes, Peck utilizes acrylic paint on a panel as the background before creating the subject matter by collaging various decorative layers and pieces of patterned paper on top. “Through the paper, I can offer attention to detail with a playful twist,” she says. Also integrated through much of her art are carefully-chosen words, phrases, sheet music or even maps of Sarasota—ripped or cut from print, then carefully placed in the scene. “The paper often contains text that provides something thought-provoking,” she says, “while the threads of metallic shine and add life to the pieces.” Often, you will also find small pictures of people swimming, scuba diving or on rafts inside the images.

What starts as simply a painted surface, intricately builds up to become an inimitable, eye-catching and multi-dimensional giclee on canvas.

Having recently finished all four of the colored lifeguard towers on Siesta Key Beach, each piece tells a story of life at the beach with cherry-picked words placed within the structures and umbrellas. For instance, cut-outs of “99% Quartz Crystal” text, as well as "carried by rivers," are hidden in the yellow and red lifeguard stands of  'Positive Vibrations'—symbolizing the healing power of Siesta’s famous quartz sand, carried down by a river all the way from the Appalachians. 

Peck regularly participates in the Florida fine art festival circuit—exhibiting in shows from Dunedin to Naples, to Winterpark and the Atlantic side. Peck hopes to connect with the local community soon once Sarasota’s many outdoor art festivals are able to return again. In the meantime, you can shop her embellished giclees here.

Pictured: 'Positive Vibrations,' courtesy of Jennifer Peck Fine Art