It's very soothing to me." His canvases burst with vibrant ocean scenes, lush landscapes and serene island getaways. "I just really loved art and also loved the beach and the ocean," said Zawacki.

Villa Giardino owners Elizabeth and John Jeffry Louis worked with landscape architect Mario Nievera on the award-winning project in Palm Beach.

In 2005, he and Johnson established their landscape-design firm — Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design — in Miami Beach and later added a location in Palm Beach. They have homes in both places.