Lessons Learned

Yesterday, I joined a 'meetup' group for plein air painting in Rockport, MA.  It was a great group, but the weather was very challenging with temperatures in the mid-50's and  amazing wind gusts- even some sprinkles now and then.  The group was a hardy band of artists, all of us decked out in warm winters coats and hats.  Quite a visual.  One thing I learned was that I really must replace my easel with something lighter but also far more stable.  Twice mine toppled in the wind, spilling tubes and brushes and canvas. It would have been smarter to set up with the wind at my back- but I'd miss the boats anchored in the harbor.   The best lessons of the weather related to needing to think quickly, sketch quickly and put colors down before the light shifted or the wind blew again.  The painting is not my best, by far, but I like it.  It captured the day - the clouds were a beautiful deep blue gray and the orange in the trees really popped.  It was fun, and fun should be what painting brings us.  It's a great journey!

Nantucket Morning

6x6 Oil on Panel

It has been a very busy week already.  We spent a nice weekend on the Cape and returned to our daughter's senior week field hockey game - and a goal!  I finally made it back to the studio this evening and decided to paint this summery scene from a bike trip last year.  A bit out of practice this week, but still painting!

Gloucester Morning

6x6 Oil on Panel

I have had a photo of this little grocery in Gloucester, MA in my studio for quite some time and have always liked it but never painted it.  Today is the day!  I had sketched it out the other night and just decided to play with it early this morning.  This may become a larger piece at some point.  I'm getting ready to 'go bigger' now that I am back in the swing of working regularly.

Friends Gone Home

24x24 Oil on Canvas

I don't do abstracts often.  I think they are far more difficult than realism, requiring emotion and thought and balance.  This one was painted for friends I've lost to cancer.  Tonight I think of Stephen Gerber who died one year ago this week. An extremely talented composer and conductor and musician and friend- sorely missed.  I painted this one in a year when three friends died within month and I think of them every time I see it.  So tonight- here's to Stephen and Tony and Andrew and Janet....

Autumn Woods

8x8 Oil on Panel

It is SO beautiful this week in New England.  All of the leaves are at peak color now near Boston.  Every drive is a delight.  The temperatures have been mild-in the 70's.  I really love this time of year!

Lighthouse

11x14 Oil on Canvas

I decided to post one that I did some time ago just because I really love it.  I caught a photo of the lighthouse at Race Point near Truro on Cape Cod last summer and wanted to capture the sense of warm sunlight that day.  I've slowed down a bit since the September 30 Day challenge but am still painting regularly and have 2 on my easel now that I am working on.  The daily pace doesn't allow time for larger pieces or complex subjects.  More to come.

Boat Study

8x8 Oil on Panel

Harbors are one theme I return to.  The shapes and forms and reflections are fun to work with.  I seem to be jumping around a bit lately from one subject to another - whatever catches my enthusiasm on a given day or evening.  

Roots

6x6 Oil on Panel

Barns are so majestic.  They are huge and full of interesting objects. They represent a family's hard work, usually through generations.  I am always drawn back to them.  I managed to spend a little time tonight painting after a glorious fall day-warm and sunny and full of good news.

Sunny Days

12x12 Oil on Stretched Canvas

This sturdy wooden rowboat is a nice sight among the newer fiberglass dinghys that are common.  I like the way the sun caught the wood tones and the calmness of the water on this particular morning.  

Waiting

6x6 Oil on Panel

I like these little Sunfish sailboats racked and waiting for the next day's adventure on tHe lake.