When people visit Thomas Landing, one of the first things they notice is the 8ft x 8ft seaplane mural on the dock. One question comes up almost every time:
“Who painted that?”
The answer usually surprises them… Me.
Now, before anyone gets the wrong idea… I have never claimed to be an artist. I don’t paint for a living. In fact, before this project, I’d never painted anything remotely this large.
This mural started as a simple idea and a little bit of curiosity. I wanted something that captured what Thomas Landing is all about. Something that would make people connect with the Seaplane Base theme the moment they arrived. I figured the worst-case scenario was pretty simple… if it looked terrible, I’d just repaint the wall its original color and pretend it never happened. LOL
Sometimes the best projects start with nothing more than, “Why not?”
So I grabbed some paint and started experimenting. It started as a sunset and slowly but surely the planes started emerging. There were plenty of moments where I questioned what I was doing. Some sections were painted more than once. Others changed completely as the mural evolved. Every seaplane taught me something new about perspective, color, and patience.
Little by little, the blank wall transformed into our aviation journey. Each airplane represents a real aircraft that has visited Thomas Landing or holds a special place in our story. My hope was that when friends fly in, they will stop in front of the mural looking for their airplane or recognizing someone else’s. Watching people point and tell stories has become one of my favorite parts of the project!
The mural has also become a backdrop for photos, gatherings, and our annual Splash-In. It ties together everything Thomas Landing stands for: aviation, friendship, adventure, and sharing this little corner of Florida with people who love flying as much as we do.
Will an artist find things they would do differently? Absolutely.
Do I? Every single time I look at it.
But that’s part of the fun. It wasn’t meant to be perfect. It was meant to tell a story.
Looking back, I’m glad I took the chance. Sometimes the projects that mean the most aren’t the ones you’re qualified to do. They’re the ones you’re passionate enough to try anyway.
And who knows… there may still be a little room left on that wall for the next seaplane that flies into Thomas Landing. So, next time you stop by, be sure to check it out in person!
– Cristie
Thomas Landing 
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