Florida Appellate Courts Project

I was honored to be commissioned by the Florida Bar Association to create a series of original watercolor paintings of the Florida appellate courts. These pieces were featured at a special event celebrating the state’s judicial heritage, capturing the unique architecture and history of each court.

I was invited by the 2023 Trial Advocacy Workshop Committee of the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section to create art for the many judges, magistrates, attorneys, accountants, and mental health professionals who volunteer their time to help family lawyers throughout the State of Florida enhance their skills.

The series includes the Florida Supreme Court, First District Court of Appeal, Second District Court of Appeal, Third District Court of Appeal, Fourth District Court of Appeal, and Fifth District Court of Appeal. It was a wonderful opportunity to blend my love of art with a tribute to the legal community and their dedication to justice and family law.

A watercolor illustration of the Supreme Court building in Florida with four pillars, a triangular pediment, and a dome in the background. Flags of the United States and Florida are flying to the left. There are palm trees and street lamps around the building, with steps leading up to the entrance.

Florida Supreme Court

A watercolor painting of the Fourth District Court of Appeal building with tall columns and a triangular pediment. There are palm trees, street lamps, and a flagpole with the American flag and a state flag in front. The sky is blue with a few birds flying.

Fourth District Court of Appeal, Florida

A watercolor painting of the First District Court of Appeal building. The building features a dome, columns, and steps at the entrance. Two American flags are flying on poles in front of the building, with a small round flower bed with red flowers in the foreground. Green trees surround the building.

First District Court of Appeal, Florida

Watercolor illustration of the District Court of Appeal building in Florida with two flags, American and Florida, surrounded by palm trees and bushes under a blue sky.

Third District Court of Appeal, Florida

A watercolor painting of the Fifth District Court of Appeal building with palm trees in front and a staircase leading up to it.

Fifth District Court of Appeal, Florida

A watercolor painting of a historic brick building with a tower, arched entrance, and palm trees in front, set against a blue sky with a bird flying.

Second District Court of Appeal, Florida

Custom Dog Portraits

Over the years, I’ve had the joy of creating many custom dog portraits for a longtime client, Dave. Some of these portraits were commissioned as memorials — a way to honor a beloved pet and offer comfort after a loss. Others were created to celebrate dogs who are very much alive, capturing their personality and spirit while they’re still part of everyday life.

In both cases, the intention is the same: to create something meaningful, personal, and lasting.

Many of these portraits were gifted to friends and family, and I’ve received numerous heartfelt thank-you notes over the years. People often share how much it meant to see their dog represented with care — whether as a tribute to a cherished companion or as a celebration of the bond they share right now.

This ongoing body of work is one of the most personal parts of my practice. It’s a reminder that pet portraits aren’t just about likeness — they’re about connection, memory, and love.

  • Watercolor painting of a black and white fluffy dog sitting with tongue out and shadow behind on white background.

    Chewy

  • Illustration of a black and white dog with a red bandana around its neck, sitting and looking forward.

    Toby

  • Watercolor painting of a cute, fluffy brown and white puppy with a collar and name tag, sitting on a gray shadow.

    Indy

  • A watercolor illustration of a kitten next to a potted plant with pink blossoms in the background.

    Milo

  • A cute black and white dog standing on grass surrounded by yellow autumn leaves.

    Neeko

  • A watercolor painting of two dogs sitting outdoors with mountains, grass, and a sunrise in the background.

    Kai & Finn

  • Illustration of a happy yellow Labrador Retriever sitting on a light gray surface, wearing a red collar with a tag. The background is plain white.

    Leah

  • Watercolor painting of a sitting wolf with a mix of tan, black, and gray fur, looking forward.

    Wolf

  • A painting of a black and tan dog sitting on a green cushioned chair with a blue background and a small brick wall on the right side.

  • Watercolor painting of a fluffy, tan-colored dog with a black nose and dark eyes, standing on a wooden floor with a blue background.

    Sydney

  • A watercolor painting of a small black and gray dog with a pink tongue, sitting in a field of purple and red flowers with green grass.

    Neeko 2

  • Illustration of a small dog with large ears, black and white fur, sitting on the ground.

    Kiki

  • Hand-drawn illustration of a small, fluffy dog with large eyes and a fluffy tail.

    Luli

  • Drawing of a black and white puppy with its tongue out, looking directly forward.

    Luke

  • Painting of a black and tan dog with floppy ears and expressive eyes.

    Tulip

Art Sea / Gift Chateau, Dana Point

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Art Sea & The Gift Chateau in Dana Point, where my coastal-themed artwork is featured across a wide array of products, including prints and greeting cards. This partnership has been incredibly meaningful, as it allows me to share my love for the local landscapes and vibrant coastal lifestyle with both visitors and residents. My artwork aims to bring a sense of joy, tranquility, and whimsy to the shop’s distinctive collection, making it a true reflection of Dana Point's unique beauty and charm. By offering my art in various forms, we’ve created a collection that resonates with beach lovers, art enthusiasts, and gift seekers, making each visit to the shop a memorable experience.

Collection of framed watercolor paintings of coastal landscapes and beaches, organized on a black table.
A woman standing in front of the Art Sea gallery, smiling. The gallery has decorations on the door and wall, with a sign indicating it's open. The scene is outdoors with a clear sky, nearby trees, and parked cars.
A woman smiling and pointing at a display of various scenic postcards on a wall.
Collection of landscape paintings and photographs depicting coastal scenes, beach views, palm trees, and iconic California landmarks, displayed in clear plastic sleeves on a wall.

Mikii’s On Del Mar, San Clemente

I've been delighted to partner with Mikii’s on Del Mar in San Clemente, curating an exclusive line of artwork that celebrates the town's coastal charm and vibrant spirit. My San Clemente-inspired designs bring a touch of whimsy, joy, and coastal serenity to the store's thoughtfully selected items. Together, we've created an artistic experience tailored to locals and visitors alike, offering my artwork as the perfect keepsake or thoughtful gift. Each piece captures the essence of San Clemente, turning a visit to Mikki's into an opportunity to discover unique treasures that beautifully reflect the town’s laid-back lifestyle and artistic flair.

Two people shopping at a store with shelves filled with gifts, home decor, and party supplies. Items include gift bags, books, candles, kitchenware, and colorful party hats.
Display of unicorn-themed and holiday decorations in a store, including a unicorn-shaped light, a pink and gold Christmas tree, and blue whale-shaped slippers.
Interior of a gift shop with shelves stocked with various items, colorful balloons, and children shopping.

Contribution to International City Theatre Fundraiser

In October 2025, I contributed an original watercolor of the Queen Mary to the Encore fundraiser hosted by International City Theatre in Long Beach. The piece was part of the event’s fundraising efforts supporting the theatre’s 41st anniversary season and its ongoing arts and education programs.

International City Theatre is a long-standing professional theatre company in Long Beach, known for producing contemporary and classic works and for its commitment to arts education and community engagement. Their programs reach both local audiences and younger students, making the arts more accessible across the community.

The Queen Mary is one of those subjects that naturally lends itself to ink and watercolor. There’s a lot of structure in the architecture, but also a softness in the setting that comes through with layered washes. I approached it the same way I do most of my work—starting with a detailed ink drawing and then building up the color gradually to keep it light and atmospheric.

This piece is part of my larger California collection, where I focus on coastal locations, historic buildings, and places people have a connection to.

SOME QUESTIONS FOR WEST COAST LANDSCAPE PAINTER MARIA LANGGLE

Jul 24, 2025 By COOL HAND FRANK

“Travel is its own reward” is a maxim I live by. Just over a decade ago, I was fortunate to visit San Diego, Long Beach, and Palm Springs and soak in some—but not enough—of that fabled Pacific Coast vibe. Whether it was the sound of the ocean and the saltwater air of San Diego and Long Beach, or the laid-back desert resort feel of Palm Springs, I understood firsthand why SoCal lured dreamers in search of fortune, fame, a future, and a never-ending supply of sunshine.

Maria Langgle knows this environment well. A first-generation European immigrant and Orange County, Calif., resident, Langgle paints her West Coast landscape subjects—beaches, piers, landmarks—with acute specificity and a relaxed, breezy style. There’s also a quietude: the occasional drifting cloud, frequent but spare palm trees, and few or no people populating the scene. Oh, and lots of sky and ocean blue.

My conversation with Langgle was as nice and easy as a cold margarita at the beach on a sweltering summer day. Picture yourself in that mode … Enjoy.

Your love for the West Coast is evident from the start. As a first-generation immigrant, what drew you to the region as your primary subject matter? 

When I first moved to California, it was like visiting another planet—everything was vastly different from what I was used to in Europe. The people, the landscape, the weather—everything. So, I had a hard time adjusting in the beginning. What really captivated me was actually the palm trees—they are so unique and different from the trees I’ve grown up with, and I am very much drawn to nature, trees, and birds in particular. So really it started with an interest in the palm tree-lined streets in L.A. and then translated to painting more beach scenes and local landscapes and I always try to sneak in a palm tree even if it is not there in real life. 

You write in your artist bio, “My art is inspired by my love for travel, coastal landscapes, and the beauty of nature.” What other inspirations arise in the moment while you’re painting? 

I love simplicity and the idea of capturing a subject with minimal linework and color. Simple doesn’t mean easy, so sometimes I have to repaint a subject several times before landing on the right mix of clean design, emotional tone, and color harmony. I am very much influenced and inspired by the Japanese woodcut masters and their use of lines and color. 

Watercolor and ink is your primary medium. What excites you about it compared with acrylic or other painting styles?

As much as I appreciate simplicity, I also enjoy a fast pace of work—watercolors enable me to work very fast, which means there is no time for the inner critic to show up. The ink pen is my absolute favorite tool—I like the fluidity of a confident ink line. It also means I can’t erase anything—I think it is another way to bypass the inner perfectionist because a clear, confident line is way better than a perfect one, in my view.

“I like to ask the subject to direct my brush...”

When you paint, what’s happening in your headspace—does it go quiet, are there songs playing, memories surfacing, daydreams drifting in—or something else entirely?

My mind never stops and that is the case when I paint—I think about all sorts of things. Philosophical musings, the latest article I read, business ideas, what I’m going to cook later…

I like to listen to music to get into a flow state—I love electronic, dubstep-style music with no lyrics and that helps my mind settle down and I can actually think about the subject I’m painting. I like to ask the subject to direct my brush, I ask it what is important and how I can bring its energy forth in the painting. It works very well if I can stop the constant thoughts from interrupting my flow and music helps me do that.

What’s your process for choosing and securing a location to paint?

I am on a mission to paint the entire West Coast so choosing a location is not difficult—I have a huge folder of photos I’ve taken on my visits to those places. Right now, I’m working on Newport Beach, so I open up my inspiration folder and choose an image that I’m excited about. Usually, I get excited about either a particular color contrast or some details that would be fun to draw with an ink pen.

Your paintings mostly feature clear, sunny scenes. Have you ever painted at nighttime or in bad weather? What was that experience like?

Yes, actually I love to paint nighttime scenes and have done a couple. However, I do prefer the sunny scenes because my art is about being positive, whimsical and maybe a touch nostalgic. I want people to be uplifted and happy when they see my work, maybe put a smile on their face. Life is very hard, and I feel the more positive moments we can create, the better it is for us and everyone around us. So, my focus is always to be positive, whimsical and maybe a little funny.

I started painting during the worst time of my life— a very serious autoimmune illness, which I am still dealing with today. Art was my outlet and the one thing that I was able to do when I had to quit my job and be home for years before starting to recover. I could paint my pain and frustration, but I don’t want to do that, I want to show that beautiful things can be made even in the midst of a horrible situation.

How do you handle interruptions while you’re painting in public—especially well-meaning ones, like when someone wants to strike up a conversation?

I usually only do preliminary sketches in public and in secluded areas where I am not interrupted for the most part. I need 100 percent focus when I paint so I would have to choose—interact with someone or paint.

“I love the color contrast, and they are all done with a Japanese fude brush pen.”

Tell me about your favorite piece you’ve created just for yourself, for your private collection.

I love my “Landscapes with Wildlife: A Study in Deep Green and Red” series—there is a lot of contrast, nature and birds. I love the color contrast, and they are all done with a Japanese fude brush pen. For my beach landscapes, I use a much finer-tipped pen; in contrast, the fude brush is a lot more expressive and I love that.

When you're painting, what’s your beverage of choice?

Unfortunately, I can’t drink alcohol due to my illness (major sad face). So, my mind-altering process is listening to music with my noise-canceling headphones.

Last one: What’s one place in the world you haven’t painted yet but would love to—and why?

Hawaii. One, they have lots of palm trees. Two, there is something special about that island—I want to go and experience it.

Visit Maria Langgle’s Etsy shop to purchase her work or browse her collections here.

 

This interview has been edited for clarity and fully approved by Maria Langgle.