Florida-inspired oil painter McLaughlin strives to create ‘captivating’ landscapes

For centuries, artists have explored the delights of plein air painting, applying breezy brushstrokes onto canvases as they set up their easels in the warmth of the sun. As Florida’s temperate climate generally presents ideal conditions to do so, oil painter Dan McLaughlin takes full advantage, capturing the region’s beauty under the natural light of the great outdoors.

A native Floridian, McLaughlin grew up in the Tampa Bay area before heading up north for employment. After retiring from what he refers to as a “powder keg job” in Washington, D.C., working for U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson from Florida, he settled in Indian River County in 2019.

He had taken some plein air lessons at the Art League in Alexandria, Va., and notes that creating artwork provided an important balance to his professional responsibilities.

In Vero Beach, he began studying under the tutelage of accomplished oil painter and illustrator Rita Ziegler, a partner in the Artists Guild Gallery of Vero Beach, and also with Ray McLendon, a second-generation Florida Highwaymen artist.

An authentic sense of place is central to McLaughlin’s art, and it is that connection to the landscapes and seascapes of his home state that serve as a continual source of inspiration.

“The Florida landscape preserved in oil and skillfully done is absolutely captivating. It evokes special feelings and memories, and places and times. That’s why I believe Florida regionalist art is so important,” says McLaughlin.

That appreciation is seen in his enjoyment of artists such as A.E. “Bean” Backus and Highwayman Harold Newton.

“I collected Florida Highwaymen paintings in the early 2000s and at one time had work by all 26 of the artists,” he reveals.

McLaughlin is referencing the group of African-American artists living in Florida who painted “Florida scenery” in a distinctive style, primarily during the Jim Crow era. Collectively, the men infused their paintings with the marshes, poinciana trees and bright orange sunsets indicative of the area with a juxtaposition of vivid colors and stark simplicity.

McLaughlin’s oil paintings often reflect the influence of their works. Pieces such as “Jupiter Lighthouse” and “Moonlit Lagoon” showcase the beauty of the region and demonstrate an appreciation for the distinctive color palettes characteristic of the Highwaymen’s work.

But McLaughlin’s artistic inspirations are plentiful and voyage far beyond state lines.
“Sam Vinikoff, Emmitt Fritz, the mid-19th century Impressionists, especially Van Gogh, and also American Impressionist Childe Hassam, not to mention the Gruppe family of artists,” says McLaughlin, sharing just a few of his favorites.

McLaughlin’s paintings prominently feature rich countryside and coastal views, especially those reminiscent of the Old Florida landscapes of his youth.

In “Blackwater Bay” he showcases the brackish, coastal waterway of Santa Rosa County in the Panhandle, whereas “Round Island Beach” celebrates a well-known spot much closer to home in Vero Beach. From “Fishing the Surf” on the Indian River to historic St. Mark’s Lighthouse in Wakulla County, the characters in this self-described Florida regionalist artworks exemplify art imitating life.

Farther afield, other domestic locations have found their way onto his canvases.

In “Congressional Christmas Tree,” McLaughlin reflects on his career at the Capitol, viewing observers assembling around the impressive holiday display at the center of Washington, D.C. “Kailua Bay” reflects on a Hawaiian seascape, setting stormy skies against cotton candy pink clouds and ripples of light on the Pacific waters.

A more somber piece, “Grand Canyon Railway,” reimagines a remarkable tour of Arizona, the relentless brown monotony of the desert relieved by deep flashes of green. And another canvas, “Old Corner Store,” transports the viewer to the quaint, rural town of Rusell Branch, Ga.

At home, McLaughlin is an active member of the Vero Beach Museum of Art and the Vero Beach Art Club. The winner of numerous awards, McLaughlin has received first-place ribbons for oil paintings in the Art Club’s gallery exhibits, including its Spotlight on Art series exhibits, and a blue ribbon award for merit in the Art by the Sea show at the museum. Most recently he received a first-place ribbon in oil at the Pelican Island Conservation Society’s Indian River Bird and Nature Art Show.

He and wife Joanne, who was raised on the Space Coast, enjoy a blended family that includes six children and 14 grandchildren, all of whom are spending their childhoods in the Sunshine State.

The couple are also avid travelers.

“My wife Joanne and I have been throughout Europe, to China, East and North Africa, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Cuba,” McLaughlin reveals.

McLaughlin’s work can be viewed this month in the 20th annual 100% Pure Florida Juried Exhibition at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Melbourne. The show, which runs through May 31, features the talents of artists from throughout the state. He also displays his creations at local events such as the Art in the Park exhibits at Humiston Park, and on his website.