Tag: original oil paintings
Meet Florida Artist Lloyd Dobson Every Friday at Monk’s Steamer Bar in Sarasota
Meet Florida Artist Lloyd Dobson Every Friday at Monk’s Steamer Bar in Sarasota
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend your Friday afternoon in Sarasota, why not combine great food, friendly conversation, and beautiful original artwork?
Every Friday, I invite residents and visitors alike to stop by Monk’s Steamer Bar in the Gulf Gate area of Sarasota, Florida, where I display a collection of my original oil paintings inspired by Florida’s breathtaking beaches, coastal landscapes, and tropical lifestyle.
Whether you’re an art collector, a vacationer searching for a unique souvenir, or someone who simply appreciates handcrafted artwork, my weekly art display offers an opportunity to experience original Florida art in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
A Weekly Art Tradition in Sarasota
For me, Fridays have become much more than another day of the week—they’ve become a chance to meet wonderful people from all over the country while sharing my lifelong passion for oil painting.
Each Friday, visitors to Monk’s Steamer Bar can browse a selection of my latest original oil paintings while enjoying one of Sarasota’s favorite neighborhood gathering places. The relaxed setting makes it easy to ask questions about my artwork, learn about my painting techniques, and hear the stories that inspired each piece.
Many visitors tell me they enjoy meeting the artist in person because it creates a personal connection with the artwork that simply can’t be experienced when purchasing online.
Inspired by Florida’s Natural Beauty
#1130426 BUY $490
20″h x 30″w – FREE Shipping USA
Living in Sarasota has provided endless inspiration for my paintings. Florida’s Gulf Coast offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and I strive to capture those unforgettable moments on canvas.
My artwork often features:
Peaceful beach scenes
Colorful Gulf Coast sunsets
Moonlit ocean landscapes
Palm trees swaying in the coastal breeze
Sailboats gliding across calm waters
Tropical skies filled with dramatic clouds
Historic Florida landmarks
Seascapes inspired by Siesta Key and the surrounding coastline
Every painting is created using professional oil paints with careful attention to color, light, and atmosphere. My goal is to create artwork that allows viewers to relive special memories or dream about their next visit to Florida’s beautiful beaches.
Meet the Artist Behind the Paintings
I’ve been painting professionally for many decades, beginning my artistic journey at the age of eight. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of selling paintings to collectors throughout the United States and around the world.
Today, I continue creating original artwork from my Sarasota studio while sharing my passion for painting through books, blogs, videos, and live exhibits.
Meeting collectors face-to-face remains one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist. I enjoy hearing visitors’ stories, discussing painting techniques, and helping people find artwork that speaks to them personally.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or purchasing your very first original painting, I’m always happy to answer questions and offer guidance.
Original Paintings Available for Purchase
Many of the paintings displayed each Friday are available for purchase. Because every painting is hand-painted, each one is truly one of a kind.
Collectors often choose my artwork because they are looking for:
Original oil paintings
Florida beach scenes
Coastal home décor
Vacation memories
Gifts for family and friends
Investment-quality artwork
Tropical landscapes
Sarasota-inspired art
Original artwork adds warmth, personality, and lasting beauty to any home or office while supporting a local artist.
Custom Commission Paintings
Gayla & Skip Lyons
Palmer Ranch, Florida
#1129626 $490
20″h x 30″w
In addition to displaying my existing artwork, I also accept commissions for custom oil paintings.
If you have a favorite vacation photograph, cherished family beach memory, beloved boat, classic automobile, waterfront home, or special place you’d like transformed into an original oil painting, I’d be honored to create a custom piece just for you.
Commissioned paintings make meaningful gifts that can be treasured for generations.
Why Visit Monk’s Steamer Bar on Fridays?
Monk’s Steamer Bar has long been a favorite gathering place in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate community. Its welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, and friendly service make it the perfect location to enjoy an afternoon of art and conversation.
When you visit on Fridays, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Meet a professional Florida artist
View original hand-painted oil paintings
Learn about the creative process
Purchase unique artwork directly from the artist
Discuss custom painting commissions
Enjoy delicious food and beverages
Spend time in one of Sarasota’s favorite local establishments
It’s an enjoyable experience whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for something different to do while exploring Sarasota.
Supporting Local Art and Local Businesses
Supporting local artists helps preserve the creative spirit of our community. Every original painting purchased directly supports an independent artist while celebrating the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Likewise, visiting locally owned businesses like Monk’s Steamer Bar helps strengthen the Sarasota community by bringing together residents, visitors, artists, and small business owners in a welcoming environment.
Stop By and Say Hello!
If you’re in the Sarasota area, I’d love the opportunity to meet you.
Stop by Monk’s Steamer Bar every Friday to browse my latest collection of original oil paintings, ask questions about my work, or simply enjoy a friendly conversation while experiencing the beauty of Florida-inspired artwork.
Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind painting, looking for the perfect gift, or interested in commissioning a custom oil painting, I look forward to welcoming you.
I hope to see you this Friday at Monk’s Steamer Bar in beautiful Sarasota, Florida!
If your schedule won’t allow you to visit Monk’s Steamer Bar on Fridays
NOW OPEN – You’re Invited – PRIVATE STUDIO GALLERY VIEWINGS – BY APPOINTMENT!
Experience my original coastal oil paintings up close and in person at my private studio gallery in the Gulf Gate, Florida area.
This is your chance to see the texture, colors, and detail that truly bring each piece to life—something you just can’t fully experience online.
🖼️ By Appointment Only – A Personal Viewing Experience
Take your time, ask questions, and find the perfect painting for your home or office in a relaxed, one-on-one setting.
🕙 Studio Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Gulf Gate, Florida Area
🌐 www.LloydDobsonArtist.com
Send me a FB message or email at ll***************@***il.com to schedule your private viewing today—I’d love to meet you and share my latest work!
WATCH MY WALK JOURNEY TO MONK’S STEAMER BAR on FRIDAYS
My Art Journey From 8 Years Old To 86 Years Old
My Art Journey From 8 Years Old To 86 Years Old
Every artist has a beginning. Mine started at the age of eight with a simple pencil, a blank sheet of paper, and a dream that would shape the next seventy-eight years of my life.
Looking back now at 86 years old, I can honestly say that art has been one of life’s greatest blessings. It has introduced me to incredible people, taken me across the country, opened gallery doors I once only imagined, and allowed me to leave behind a legacy of creativity for future generations.
Discovering My Passion
Growing up in Independence, Missouri, I found myself constantly drawing anything that caught my imagination. While many children eventually moved on to other hobbies, I never did.
My parents quickly realized that I had an unusual passion for creating artwork. Every opportunity I had, I was sketching, painting, or experimenting with colors. Those early years became the foundation for a lifelong career that continues today.
Even then, I wasn’t simply drawing pictures—I was learning how to tell stories through art.
Learning From Great Teachers
As I grew older, I knew that if I wanted to become a professional artist, I needed to continue learning.
I had the privilege of studying under the late Missouri artist Andrew Thoman, whose instruction helped me understand composition, color harmony, and the discipline required to become a successful painter.
Later, after moving to California, I continued my education by studying with renowned artist Bert Carter. Every lesson expanded my understanding of oil painting and reinforced one important truth:
Great artists never stop learning.
That philosophy still guides me today.
A Detour Through Baseball
Many people are surprised to learn that my life nearly took a completely different direction.
I was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and attended rookie training camp with dreams of playing professional baseball.
Unfortunately, a severe ankle injury ended those aspirations before they truly began.
At the time, it felt devastating.
Today, I see it differently.
Sometimes life closes one door so another can open.
In my case, that door led back to painting.
Opening My First Gallery
Returning to art full-time eventually led me to open my own gallery in beautiful Laguna Beach, California—one of America’s most respected art communities.
Later I opened another gallery and studio in Canoga Park, where I not only painted but also taught oil painting classes to aspiring artists.
Teaching others became one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. Watching students discover their own artistic abilities reminded me why I fell in love with painting as a child.
Art has always been about more than creating paintings.
It’s about inspiring others.
Finding Inspiration Along Florida’s Gulf Coast
In 2013, I relocated to Sarasota, Florida, where the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf Coast provided endless inspiration.
The sparkling waters, white sand beaches, colorful sunsets, swaying palm trees, sailboats, and peaceful shorelines became central themes in my artwork.
Today, many collectors recognize my paintings for their vibrant coastal atmosphere and calming sense of peace.
Each painting represents more than a beautiful location.
It captures a memory.
Whether someone vacations on Siesta Key, owns a favorite boat, or simply loves the ocean, I strive to create artwork that brings those cherished moments back to life.
Collectors Around the World
Over the decades, my original oil paintings have found homes throughout the United States, Canada, England, Germany, France, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Slovakia.
I’ve also had the privilege of creating artwork for well-known collectors, including Art Linkletter and Debbie Reynolds.
While those accomplishments have been meaningful, every collector is equally important to me.
Whether someone purchases a small coastal painting or commissions a custom piece to commemorate a family vacation, I approach every painting with the same commitment to quality.
Continuing To Learn At 86
People often ask why I still paint every day.
The answer is simple.
I love it.
At 86 years old, every new canvas presents another opportunity to improve, experiment, and grow as an artist.
Creativity has no retirement age.
In fact, experience often allows artists to see beauty in ways they couldn’t when they were younger.
Today, I also enjoy sharing my knowledge through books, YouTube videos, blog articles, and educational resources that help other artists improve both their painting skills and their marketing strategies.
Helping others succeed has become just as rewarding as creating my own artwork.
Looking Ahead
When I painted my first picture at eight years old, I never imagined where this incredible journey would lead.
Seventy-eight years later, I remain grateful for every lesson, every painting, every collector, every student, and every friendship made through art.
My hope is that my story encourages others to pursue their own creative dreams regardless of age.
Whether you’re eight years old or eighty-six, it is never too early—or too late—to begin creating something meaningful.
Every masterpiece begins with a single brushstroke.
Mine started when I was eight.
And the journey continues today.