Rocks & Foamy Surf

 The Maine coast is a few miles from my house.  I  recently realized how much time I've spent near the ocean... walking on the beach, along the rocks or up the York River walk. Often, I would go for a walk every day after work.  Before dinner was the time for my husband and I to get out of the office or studio for some fresh air and exercise.  

During those walks I looked at the land, sea and sky. Not with focused concentration but enough observation to notice changes in mood and light every day... and the colors of things... 

Sea Foam, Pen & watercolor. 6x8  on 80 lb. sketch paper.

When I started to sketch waves in en plein air I realized how much I was really observing those days I was walking.  I know much more about a wave and what it does than I thought I knew. When I set up in a spot to paint them, they were familiar!

Marginal Way Rocks, Oil on panel 5x7

 And when there is big surf I know just how connected it is to the recent weather that just blew through or is off shore... 

Looking Toward Ogunquit, Oil on panel 8x10

FRESH PAINT, FRESH AIR ~ POSTCARDS FROM MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Schoodic Point Granite

  Oils were the first thing I took outdoors when I headed out to paint.  I've painted with acrylics, pastels, colored pencils, watercolor pencils...and just about anything else that crosses my path. 

One thing I discovered was that after understanding the properties/limits of the behavior of a medium it isn't difficult to work with it.  

With watercolor I find I can get it to look like something if I don't get in my own way, don't ever try to correct anything, think a bit before I put that color down, commit to it, do it and just leave it be.  If I don't like it -I just do another one .  Its only a piece of paper.  

Hey, I know what I'm talking about I've sculpted marble and granite, that's another story...

Schoodic Point , 8x8 watercolor on Rives BFK

Loaded with Traps

The fishermen are hauling their traps out or putting them in according to season. Now as winter is heading our way I see more of this activity. This boat was ready to lay the traps out. 

Cape Porpoise 8x10 watercolor, Rives BFK 

PLEIN AIR IN MAINE, VERMONT &  NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Lobster Boat in Cape Porpoise, ME

I have sketch books I travel around with.  When I'm setting up to paint  I first  do a bunch of sketches.  This helps me make a decision on what subject & design to paint. I parked my car in a tiny pull-off on the way to the harbor where the clam diggers and kayakers park. 

The view across from me to the west was the deep water channel where the lobster boats are moored. Its a great place to see sunsets on the water. This sketch was late in the day. 6x8  Gray marker &  watercolor on Fabriano aquarelle.

A Herd Of Chickens

Sanctuary Arts in Eliot, Maine has a charming herd of chickens with a rooster or two. They come right up to you when you are sketching them and want to know what you are doing. They hope you just might have some food for them... This sketch was made while they were running all around me !  I painted their colors in afterwards.  

8x12 Watercolor on Rives BFK

In response to a question I was just asked...  Please note all the sketches are for sale. Originals are $125 - $ 225 each (unframed).  Prints will be available soon....For information please go to My Website.

Thanks everyone for visiting !