New Panoramic Photograph of Tall Cypress Natural Area
By John Potter
The 66.4 acres that is Tall Cypress Natural Area was slated for development when Coral Springs High School environmental group, “Save What’s Left” managed to convince officials to save one small scrap of the natural environment of the region.
Jointly managed since opening in the early 1980s by The City of Coral Springs and The Broward County Parks Department the area features a lengthy board walk from which to observe the habitat. The tree canopy is dense throughout most of the area and large, luscious ferns blanket the ground below the boardwalk. The foliage is exceptionally lush and green in comparison to other natural areas I’ve visited in the area. I suppose that can be attributed to it’s low, swampy elevation.
Tall Cypress Natural Area Park is located at 3700 Turtle Run Blvd., Coral Springs, FL, not too far from Fern Forest Nature Center.
New illustration added to the gallery
By John Potter
I was recently approached by a company in Miami Beach to create an illustration based upon some photography that they supplied of Ocean Drive with my own interpretation.
I started with a very rough pencil sketch of the buildings with a distorted perspective. From there I started establishing some perspective guides in Illustrator and then just started going for it starting from the hotel in the center and working out. Once I was done in Illustrator I brought it into Photoshop for some final, but critical effects.
I was going for something so deco it was almost cartoon like in style. I also did my best to make the clouds part of the art deco design. The “moon over Miami” was a last minute addition. I felt that some center of focus was needed in that area and it just kind of hit me.
The client was pleased. I hope you like it as well.
Or how to draw a grid with one point perspective
By John Potter
If you want to know how to diagram a tile floor for installation you should read “How To Layout Tile” instead.
Most people understand at least part of this process. Unfortunately most don’t understand all of it and that’s when you end up with a strange looking floor in your drawing. So….here’s how to do it right.
This only explains one point perspective so it wont help you if you want to draw the floor perpendicular to your line of site (like if you were standing in a corner).
(more…)
New Panoramic Photographs of Long Key Nature Center
By John Potter
Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area, not to be confused with Long Key State Park in the Florida Keys, is Broward County’s largest natural area at 157 acres. Termed as “the best preserved archaeological record of 19th century Seminole life in Broward County.” this area used to be a series of islands before the local canals drained away the water. The park just opened on March 14, 2008. If you use the Google Earth file from Escape Key Graphics you will see that the land for the nature center had just been cleared the last time the satellite photographed the area.
(more…)
New Panoramic Photographs of Tree Tops Park
By John Potter
Tree Tops Park is a Broward County Park located in west Davie, Florida. The 243.3 acres were purchased in 1980 using 1978 bond issue funds. A true multi-use park, this place has two trails and an observation tower plus equestrian trails, shelters, boat rentals, three playgrounds, and a multipurpose building used for weddings and such. There are actually more features than that including a sculpture dedicated to the Seminole leader Sam Jones (Abiaka), Pine Island Ridge which is the highest point in Broward County at 29 feet and an archaeological site. The park is also connected to Pine Island Ridge Natural Area which is a nice natural area (open to the public and sporting a paved bike path) managed by the county.
(more…)
step by step process of a book cover from concept to completion
By John Potter
A little over a year ago I was approached by a first time author interested in having me develop a book cover for him. I think it’s time to share the results.
(more…)
