The blade of the air boat made its slow turn over and over again. Then, with a loud roar and rush of morning air, a thunderous sound echoed across the Everglades. The air boat's pilot had named it "Cottonmouth" and for good reason. With a forward motion of the throttle, Cottonmouth slide off the grass bank and in moments the pilot and his passenger where gliding over the river of grass searching for an unknown strand of cypress trees. An unnamed island in a sea of motionless time filled with cottonmouth, gator, black bear and panther. Before the day was to end, this lonely place of beauty and foreboding would become known in the fine art world as "Panther Strand."

The search was not for a place known to anyone but the artist. He had seen it many times while the concept of his Everglades series formed within his mind. The air boat pilot, a true son of the Everglades, must have thought the artist a little strange. Armed with an easel painting kit and canvas they moved ever forward. The large canvas lay across the bow of the air boat and brushed aside the tall sawgrass as the air boat plunged toward their unknown destination. Once the place was found that matched the artist's conception, the air boat's pilot pulled back on the throttle and all settled among the waves of the river of grass.

The artist secured his easel, painting kit and canvas upon the grass and mud. As he held onto everything, the air boat's pilot pushed forward again on the throttle to swing the air boat around. With a deafening sound, the air boat lunged forward and soon disappeared beyond another strand of cypress and Spanish Moss. Except for the cry of a red-tailed hawk and the wind as it moved across the sea of grass, all fell silent with little regard for artist who sought to capture its soul on canvas.

Over half of the painting was completed that day with the remaining details to be completed in the artist's studio. Only one element remained missing. The next day, only a few miles away, that missing piece of research was completed. The Florida Panther was seen. This big cat, the shadow of the glades, would become forever etched in the minds of those who would view "Panther Strand."

The artist's adventure was not over once he setup his easel and the strokes of blues and greens mixed together began to tell their story. He had no place to rest but to stand in deepening mud and cautiously watch for the cottonmouth that moved with deadly silence around him. By mid- day, the January sun heated the glades and the artist had to remove his deep blue peacoat. As he straighten up, the artist must have looked like a black bear raising its head above the sawgrass. Immediately, water and mud was up above the grasses behind the artist. In the interim, a buck and several doe had moved in behind the artist. Both the deer and the artist where rather surprised to discover the presence of the other. With composure regained, the day settled into an intense painting effort and the sounds of great blue heron mixed with those of the ever-watchful hawks. The hour came for the air boat's pilot to retrieve the artist and his kit. Five o'clock came and passed without the sound of an air boat moving on the horizon. Six o'clock came and along with it, twilight. Still no air boat to be heard or seen. With the evidence of the trail laid down in the sawgrass by the boat's arrival earlier that day, the artist raised his canvas and easel above his head and dragging his kit behind, began an uncertain trek of return. He believed that the landing was that way. While internally complaining about having to drag his kit, he began to pray. Soon, he found himself hip, and then chest, deep in mud and water below the towering grasses and cypress. He knew that if he was lost he may never be found. The cold of the oncoming January night air was a comfort. He knew that fewer cottonmouths would seek him out in the dark and muddy waters. Before long, the landing was in sight. The faint sound of a thundering engine beat upon the cold evening air and became louder as the pilot observed the artist marooned on what seemed to be the only dry place to be found.

With safety assured on dry land and hound dogs surrounding him, the artist expressed his disappointment in not having seen a big cat. His concern was eased with word that one of the boys had raised a Florida panther from a cub. The next day was spent with that inquisitive cat as well as an air boat trek though Everglade mangroves that hid smuggler's wrecks, tarpon ponds and crocodiles.

The creation of "Panther Strand" reveals an adventure story on canvas that reflects what Mr. Barnett the artist must do to create a work of art. The original oil painting has been sold. And appraised. When the price of a painting is compared to the time, expense and the dangers of quicksand, snakes, wildlife and abandonment, the price is most reasonable. The works of art by Barry Barnett are derived from hidden adventure stories like these that lead to the creations you admire. This was the story of the creation of "Panther Strand."

There are three paintings and three limited edition prints in this Everglade series by Barry Barnett. The first is "Panther Strand." The second painting and print, "Deer Strand," features deer alone the edge of this strand of cypress. The third "Bear Strand," centers around a mother black bear and her cub.