Painted Pathways by Meghan

10/27/2026

Thank you all so much so much for coming out to the Fine Arts Festival of Ocala! It was a smashing success and Im so excited for upcoming festivals! 🎨🖌

10/22/2026

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀!

The FAFO Emerging Artist Program gives artists who are beginning their professional careers the opportunity to gain festival experience, showcase their work and connect with the community in a professional, supportive environment.

We’re excited to introduce you to the artists participating in this year’s program. Be sure to visit them on the brick street in front of the Marion Theatre during FAFO’s Ocala Fine Arts Festival and discover some of the exciting new talent in our arts community.

Meghan Cucinotta | Sponsored by: Classic Kitchens Inc

10/21/2026

10/21/2026

I'm so honored to have been selected to showcase my work as an Emerging Artist at this year's Fine Arts Festival of Ocala!

I'm super grateful for this opportunity and for all the support FAFO has provided along the way. It means so much to have the chance to share my artwork and be among so many talented artists!

I'll be set up on the brick road in front of Mutiny and Tipsy Skipper on October 24th and 25th, from 10 AM to 5 PM, showcasing my original oil paintings. I'll also have museum-quality fine art prints and other goodies available for purchase!

Come say hello, enjoy some beautiful artwork, and support the arts! 🎨

08/20/2026

As I was sorting through my photos and deciding what to paint next, I came across this baby barred owl—and that sweet little face immediately made me smile. I was so excited to spot him in the tree that day! What do you think—should I paint a baby owl? 🦉🎨

08/13/2026

I almost missed him. 🐸

🌿 From a second glance to an oil painting—in 25 seconds.

This 2' x 3' painting will be at the Ocala Fine Arts Festival. :)

08/06/2026

The way this white-tailed doe stood there reminded me of a kangaroo. Does anyone else see it? 🦘🦌

I’m originally from Michigan, and the size difference between the white-tailed deer there and here in Florida is dramatic! Florida deer commonly weigh around 90–125 pounds, while Michigan deer can range from roughly 90 pounds to well over 200, with some large bucks approaching 300.

My friend calls the Florida deer “big brown dogs,” and I can see why!

07/30/2026

🦋 I spotted this Gulf Fritillary butterfly delicately feeding on the peacock flowers in my backyard. 🌺

These vibrant butterflies only spend about 2–4 weeks in their adult form after living 2–3 weeks as their spiky caterpillar counterparts. As caterpillars, they're best known for munching on passionflowers.

They absorb toxic compounds from the passionflower, making themselves much less appealing to hungry birds. What an incredible survival strategy!

07/28/2026

🐛Is this To***co Hornworm about to light up a ho**ah and chat with Alice in Wonderland?
I know I've just made every gardener cringe by posting this since they're one of the worst nightmares for tomatoes, peppers, and other garden plants. After a month of devouring leaves, they burrow underground to transform into pupae. A couple of weeks later, they emerge as impressive nocturnal sphinx moths. Nature has a funny way of turning a nuisance into something beautiful.

***coHornworm

07/23/2026

Florida's most recognizable spring residents: the Peninsula Cooters.
They're famous for basking in the sun (in true Florida fashion), can stay submerged for hours before coming up for air, and can weigh up to 35 pounds.

At Silver Springs, some of the regular turtle residents have even earned names from park staff and frequent visitors. One of the most recognizable is Jane, thanks to a noticeable gash on her shell. I'm not sure whether these two have names yet, but they certainly looked like they were enjoying the Florida sunshine.

📍Silver Springs State Park, Florida