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 

Big Wave, Ogunquit

This is the time of the year is when we often get a good amount of storms.  I am delighted by them, place myself on the edge of the granite bluffs and get to work sketching and painting!  I'm in my element.  Would you believe long before I painted in plein air I would choose storms as the perfect time to go for a walk?  Once when my sister and I were walking in a blizzard on York Beach (in runs in the family) a car slowed down to stare at us in disbelief... we were covered head to toe in white flakes !  It was great to go  home to hot tea!    

And who helps me with my storm/surf watch?  Why its those guys in those dry suits....

who are out there just like I am....BIG WAVE WATCHERS...

MARGINAL WAY, 8X10 OIL ON PANEL