A plein aire piece painted on location at Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida, ICON BEACH combines some deep significance for the artist. Nathalie rounded the turn on the path to this beach and recognized it from a dream she had had where this beach was strewn with artifacts, hence the name. The location is mystical and majestic, a specially reserved piece of nature in a mostly residential area of St. Petersburg. Indian Mounds and ancient sacred lands are here, and Nathalie senses the spiritual significance of the land. Its history and the strong emanations of life energy inspire her to show what she sees about this beach.

Nathalie carried her Stanrite easel (not a small plein aire set-up), the 36 X 36" hand-stretched canvas, and her paints, water, brushes, pallet and water pot for rinsing brushes... to the beach and set up for an afternoon of painting. This would become several afternoons, visiting the same spot and setting up to complete the painting. Her dog, Oreo is her constant companion.

She has enjoyed these excursions to several local favorite spots -(see Abercrombe Park painting titled "Slip Through the Palms")