Sanibel Island, FL Travel Sketching
Every year in March, I travel somewhere sunny to warm my toes. Sanibel Island, Florida is an inviting island nestled along the Gulf of Mexico. It has beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and charming island ambiance. The atmosphere is laid-back, the locals are friendly, and you can find the majority of its visitors enjoying the beach, riding bikes, or playing pickleball. Sanibel Island’s commitment to environmental preservation is commendable. Strict building codes and conservation efforts have helped maintain the island’s natural beauty and protect its delicate ecosystem.
During my visit, the impacts of Hurricane Ian were still evident. Many beachfront complexes were still completely vacant and gutted. Construction crews were numerous. It was apparent, however, that nature always finds a way. The beaches were more beautiful than ever and covered in more shells than I had ever seen. Sanibel is dubbed the “Shell Capital of the World” after all.
A place that I go to every year is the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 6,400 acres, it is a sanctuary for over 245 bird species, along with other wildlife species such as alligators, dolphins, and manatees. Every year I hope to spot the roseate spoonbill but she slipped past me again.
Nonetheless, I saw more birds than I could sketch. It was a pleasure to bring my sketchbook to the beach every day and feel so inspired.
Sanibel is a wonderful destination to head to for a break from a long North East winter. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Soon I’ll go into detail regarding the art supplies that I bring while traveling and what I have found to be the best practices.
