This painting was a demo for my Plein Air Watercolor class. Having grown up near the Ortega Bridge, I have a lot of stories with this iconic Jacksonville landmark as a backdrop. Over the years, there have been threats to close it down but despite its sometimes inconvenience, I don’t think local residents would allow its closure. “Ortegan” (pronounced, OR-tah-ghan) is my word I give to those who live in the neighborhood. Though there is another access into Ortega from Highway 17 (Roosevelt Boulevard) I think most Ortegans prefer this route and probably even secretly hope the bridge is going up so they can take a small break in their day and appreciate the view.

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