daily painting diary

Day 17: Lobstering On Vinalhaven

2010-07-26T04:41:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

Lots of commercial fishing/lobstering on Vinalhaven, and a surprising number of women now involved in the daily "going out." Each fisherman has buoys painted with his/her own particular color scheme, so the theory is that lobster traps don't get mixed up--I think it's a pretty serious trespass if you haul in a trap that isn't yours.

Day 16: Yellow House Vinalhaven

2010-07-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

Most of the painters I know paint this house on Vinalhaven at some point. It's just so "in your face" on this island where financial disparity is the name of the game. We have many of these kinds of problems--rich people come here and buy their "summer" homes, while the people who live here can hardly afford to live. Anyway, social inequities aside, I took my shot at the yellow house!

Day 15: Tying Up

2010-07-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

5"x4"

Once again on 5 Islands--this fisherman just brought in his catch--we watched him clean up his big boat, with hundreds of gulls swarming him for scraps! He then came ashore in his little dory and tied up at the dock. I love what I have begun to think of as the "fisherman's pose"--bent over in the throes of work!

Day 14: Father's Day

2010-07-20T15:11:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

5"x4"

Well, here's an iconic scene--but nice to see. A big guy showing a little guy how to fish. We need more of this kind of thing in our lives--let's just forget about the economy for a day and take a little kid fishing! (This is my beloved 5 Islands, by the way.)

Day 13: Abandoned

2010-07-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

I came upon this scene when I was in Tenants Harbor--I don't think the little boat was really abandoned, but it certainly looked that way. Tenants Harbor can be a lonely place.

On Saturday, we participated in a sidewalk art show, which was a lot of fun. If you just happened to see my work there (Waterville), don't forget to think about commission ideas. If you send me a picture, I will probably paint it!

Day 12: Sunday Afternoon

2010-07-15T08:56:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

6"x6"

Another afternoon at Popham Beach--don't forget we're entertaining a 10 year old grandson this summer. This couple sitting next to us were good sports--they sat still for an hour! I liked their umbrella, which had a flower thing going on...they had a developmentally challenged child with them, and they were lovely with her. Reminds me to be thankful for my own life.

Day 11: Gulls On Monhegan

2010-07-13T13:31:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

Monhegan Island is a virtual artist-magnet--some of the most famous American painters have spent time working on Monhegan--so, it has a rich history. If you are lucky enough to visit (by ferry from Tenants Harbor) you will see what the attraction is. Just so dramatic and picturesque! The Gulls are always swarming around--some people don't like them, but I don't mind. Monhegan is a nightmare in the summer, but after Columbus Day, it goes back to its fishing village status. There is a little school on the island for kids through middle school, then they must leave the island for high school--a real hardship for most families. Anyway, now you know probably more than you ever wanted to know about this island. I love it.

Day 10: Fish House Vinalhaven

2010-07-12T05:25:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

Back to Vinalhaven, and my seeming obsession with fish shacks. They just look so intriguing to me. We take the ferry from Rockport, and then we have to be careful to get back to the ferry in time, since we're always on foot. This was a beautiful, sunny day, but still, that heavy mist is in the air. I love the islands.

Day 9: Potential Picnic

2010-07-12T05:18:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

5"x4"

We're at Pemaquid Lighthouse today--it's been so overdone, I decided to do a quick little painting of this picnic table on the lighthouse grounds, with just a bit of the ocean peeking through in the background. This is a wonderful place to visit, with dramatic rocks and views of the famous lighthouse--I'm sure I'll re-visit and paint a more traditional scene--but now, on with the picnic!

Day 8: In The Surf

2010-07-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

My grandson, Max, in the waves at Popham Beach. I guess you can see by now that we have our favorite places! Max is a scientist in the making, like his Uncle Max, and loves finding little creatures and observing the natural erosion that occurs in this most beautiful of locations. Me--I just like sittin' in the sun!

Day 7: First Sail

2010-07-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

5"x4"

As the summer people arrive in Maine, we begin to see an amazing number of sailboats--always beautiful with their white sails against the blue water. This is a quick oil sketch of just such a scene at 5 Islands. The little boat is a tiny skiff--probably just 6 feet long--this provides transportation to land for the de-boating sailors. It reminds me why I am not, nor will I ever be brave enough to attempt sailing!

Day 6: Ferris Wheel

2010-07-07T15:05:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

6"x6"

Every summer, Smokey's carnival comes to small towns in Maine. I'm fascinated with the overnight set-up and some of the nefarious characters who seem to find sanctuary with the carnival--anyway, it's part of our "stay-cation" this year. My grandson won a little stuffed animal at one of the games, so he's really excited.

Day 5: Vinalhaven Parking

2010-07-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

Parking problems are of a whole different nature on Vinalhaven--no cars, just boats, and of course, the ferry. In the summer, it can be so congested as to be scary. Vinalhaven is a real Maine fishing village--pretty hard scrabble when the summer people go home. Not as friendly as some of the other islands, but very beautiful.

Day 4: On The Dunes

2010-07-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

We're back at Popham Beach today. This is the walkway to the beach--over the gorgeous dunes. I love this walk, with the fence, beach roses and the dune grass. You can imagine, just over the end of the walk--a vast expanse of beach and ocean, an island about 3 miles out, with a lighthouse. Perfect. Where will we go tomorrow?

Day 3: After Work

2010-07-03T09:28:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

4"x5"

This is a view of some fishermen's skiffs tied up at Five Islands--one of our favorite "stay-cation" places. You can always see these little boats (they leave the big fishing boats out a distance from the docks and piers for obvious reasons) especially in the late morning or early evening hours. They always look like companions to me--like they know each other. You can eat the freshest Maine seafood available right on the pier at Five Islands--it gets two thumbs up!
Watch for this and all the other 29 paintings of Maine to be available for bidding on e-bay.

Day 2: Fish House Low Tide--Tenants Harbor

2010-07-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

5"x4"

Tenants Harbor, Maine, is a fishing village and a major place to get a ferry to the various islands, including Monhegan, which is a virtual gathering place for painters in the summer. I like it especially in the spring and fall, when there are few people, and you really feel the hard life the fishermen/lobstermen lead. I liked this beaten up shack at low tide--the ultimate isolation. But, during the summer, this is a hoppin' place. I believe the Wyeth (as in Andrew) family often summered here in the early years when N.C. Wyeth was in his heyday. If you come here, please note that there are not many places to park, and the locals can be put quite out of sorts if you park in their driveways, or in front of their mailboxes, etc.

Day 1: Cool Shadow

2010-07-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

5"x4"

I'm back in the daily painting routine--finally. This year I worked on a series of large paintings, and they took lots of time! I have really missed doing these little guys. My project for the next month is to do 30 little paintings of Maine--vacationland! So, if you have been reduced to a "stay-cation," come along with me. I'll take you to my favorite places here in Maine!

This painting is of my young grandson, Max, at Popham Beach. It was a really hot day, so he was providing himself with some shade. I think he was wondering where his shadow went! My husband and I have been going to Popham Beach for 15 years--we love it. And, it somehow always offers a sense of renewal. This painting will be available to bid on e-bay in the next day or so. Enjoy!

Juice King

2009-10-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

6"x 6"

On a "leaf-peeping" trip a couple of weeks ago, we stopped at a little antique store and found this great juicer--I'm sure it still works. I love the look of it--I'll try it in several different compositions before I decide on something bigger.

Small Pitcher

2009-10-14T11:19:00.001-07:00

oil on panel

6"x 6"

I like this one best of the 3 reflective surfaces so far. I love the fabric--the folds are great to paint.

Toaster

2009-10-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

6"x 6"

A good lesson in composition. I really should have added some interesting folds in the cloth to add interest to the picture. Well, this is the wonderful thing about these little paintings. They are instructive!

Aluminum Perc

2009-10-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

6"x 6"

I'm taking a detour into painting reflective surfaces. I have tremendous respect for people who do this really well. It's a little difficult, but I really like it. I went to Goodwill to find all sorts of shiny things!

Sections

2009-10-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

An effort to be as economical as possible with the number of strokes, etc. Well, I think I'll try this again. I'm not entirely happy with this one.

Southeast Corner

2009-09-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

oil on panel

8"x 10"

This is the southeast corner of the Pownalborough Courthouse--that beautiful 1761 colonial building I've mentioned before. We've been having wonderful, clear blue skies, and vivid light for the last couple of weeks, and this view of the third floor windows and pines in the background captured my attention. (The photo is a little skewed--sorry. The painting is nice and straight!)

Clay Pot

2009-09-14T16:07:00.001-07:00

watercolor

9"x 12"

A view from inside the Pownalborough Courthouse. The shadows are so intense, and the patterns of the windows are really wonderful. I'm still not sure what my project is going to be at the courthouse, but as I look around, I keep painting these little pictures in hopes that something will start to gel.

I may miss a couple of postings, because I'm a little against the wall with a painting that needs to be finished by Friday--but maybe I'll be able to squeeze a small painting or two into my day--we'll see exactly how disciplined I can really be!

Life Guard

2009-09-11T15:34:00.001-07:00

Oil on panel

6"x 6"

This is a life guard on Popham Beach in Maine--it's the end of the beach season, and he's heading off to school. Notice the reflection in the left lense (his left) of his sunglasses. That's me taking his picture!

2009-09-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

Oil on panel

6"x 6"

A change of pace from fruit and so forth--a little portrait of this young woman in Belfast, Maine. It was 90 plus degrees, and terribly humid. I asked if she would pose for some photos, which she reluctantly did. I almost always ask, just to be polite, and people almost always cooperate--only once did someone let me know that he was absolutely not interested! I am trying to accomplish a portrait a day, as well as my other daily painting--maybe a little too ambitious, but I actually find it kind of energizing.

2009-09-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Oil on panel

6"x 6"

I love painting cans--wish I had more time for this one, but I had other things pressing this morning. It's always fun to paint reflections in shiny surfaces.

Tomatoes Everywhere

2009-09-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Oil on panel

6"x 6"

It's that time of year for gardeners. We have had so much rain that everything got off to a soggy start--but the last few weeks have been great growing weather, and so here come the tomatoes. Now, we have to get on with freezing, canning or otherwise using them!

Pownalborough Shadows

2009-09-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

watercolor

10"x 14"

I have spent part of my summer at the Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden, Maine. It was built in 1761, and sits on the Kennebec River. Not many people know about this beautiful, historic building, as it sits pretty far back from a secondary road. It's full of history, and deep shadows--12 over 12 windows, etc. I'm learning more about the building and the area all the time. Don't know exactly what attracts me to this place, so I'm kind of waiting to discover something--hmm.

Cane Seat Chair

2009-09-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

watercolor

10"x 14"

This is a chair upstairs in a bedroom in the courthouse. I loved the pattern of shadows on the floor--the sun shining through the cane seat. This place is full of interesting nooks and crannies.

Pear, Plate and Grapes

2009-09-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Oil on Panel

6"x 6"

Not wanting to waste a perfectly good pear, I set up another still life--I like the saucer--it's one of those grocery store sets. Still getting back in the daily painting groove.

Pear and Friends

2009-09-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Oil on Panel

6"x 6"

This is my first time back to daily painting in quite a while. So, it's September, and the pears are ripe--beautiful. It's a good way to start.

Recycling

2008-03-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

I was going through the recycling this morning, and this empty soup can caught my eye. I like the way it catches the reflections in so many different ways. I think I'll use this again, to gain some skill at reflective surfaces.

Morning Reflections

2008-03-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

6"x 6"

Oil on panel

Reflective surfaces are a real challenge--but mostly just something in the mind that says it's difficult. It's just another image--but it seems like more than that--so, it seems difficult. I think it's best to approach these things like I don't know what they are--then they seem less daunting.

Cast Iron Kettle

2008-03-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

This is the cast iron kettle we set on the wood-burning stove to add a little humidity to the dry winter air. I thought the wedge of grapefruit looked nice with the blue spatter-ware. I like the looseness of this painting. I'm getting better at understanding what paint can and cannot do.

Green Grapes Red Bowl

2008-03-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Green grapes--beautiful! And the red bowl--I love it. The interesting thing here was to try to get the almost amorphous shape of the grapes and the hard lines of the bowl working together--I don't know. Doesn't make a lot of sense, unless you're the one doing the painting. Anyway, I enjoyed the experience.

Whole and three quarters

2008-03-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Well, I think this is the end of the tomatoes. I bought 5 of them on the vine last Saturday, and I've really used them--now they become salad! I'm proud of venturing out a little more today, into color. I'm working at it. I'm happy with the tomato wedges.

Three Essentials

2008-03-06T16:19:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Since I couldn't post my picture yesterday, I'm posting 2 today. I don't know what happened yesterday--some sort of computer crisis--so frustrating.

I continue to learn. I'm trying to be looser--it's a challenge.

The Real Thing

2008-03-06T16:07:00.001-08:00

5" x 4"

Oil on panel

I found this little glass bottle at the store--8 ounces, y'all. This is what I remember as a kid--no 64 ounce super gulpers, or whatever--just 8 ounces. Oh, the good old days...

Ratatouille

2008-03-04T13:40:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

It's what's for supper. I thought the eggplant was beautiful--so glossy, and what a great color. I'm really pleased with the cloth--very understated, but some nice shape going on. Well, now that I've said I'm going to cook this, I'd best be getting to it...by the way, those are 2 garlic cloves on the left.

Breaking Away

2008-03-03T11:48:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Another set-up of the same tomatoes as yesterday. This little bunch cost more than $5, so I'm going to use them!

On The Vine

2008-03-01T12:40:00.001-08:00

5" x 5"

Oil on canvas

These tomatoes are like gold!!! Price-wise, that is. I like the fact that they're on the vine, and can't wait until I can paint them straight out of my garden. I'm afraid it's snowing again. We can't decide where to actually put the snow we clear away--the snow banks are ominous this year--I would worry if I had pets or small children! You'd want to equip them with location devices!

Artist's Lunch

2008-02-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

My friend and fellow painter, Bruce, came over today, and we had chili in these red bowls. When we were finished, we stacked them, and placed the crumpled napkins inside the top bowl--voila--the perfect set-up for the daily painting.

Espresso

2008-02-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

It's a humbling experience to sit in front of all these reflective surfaces and to remain calm, cool and collected. But it's OK, because I learned tons! I love this little espresso pot--once again, a gift from one of my kids. (Here in Maine, it's an expresso pot.) I need to venture into some new subjects, so starting tomorrow, I'm going to be a little more daring!

Tomatillo

2008-02-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

5" x 4"

Oil on panel

No doubt, this is a "3000 mile" tomatillo! But it got me to thinking about the garden for this summer, and my little corner dedicated to salsa! Can't wait. And did I mention that it's snowing--again, or still!???

Black Seedless

2008-02-26T13:13:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

These grapes were so beautiful--and I continue to use the same wine bottle over and over. The brand is Familia Cara--dear family--which I love.

Moxie and Oyster Crackers

2008-02-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

5" x 4"

Oil on panel

I've been looking for things that really say "Maine," and here are a couple--I think these would accompany chowder--especially at this time of year, when the weather is so raw. Moxie (a caffein-loaded soft drink) used to be manufactured here in Maine. Oyster crackers aren't all that unusual, but everywhere you go--even fast-food restaurants--seem to serve them. Go figure.

Lochlin's Grub

2008-02-22T11:45:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

This is some food from my pantry, reserved for my little grandson, Lochlin. I don't remember baby food packaging being so appealing when my kids were little. Anyway, it served a good purpose this morning--my mind was a blank when it came to items for a still life.

By the way, it's snowing again!

Olive Jar

2008-02-21T14:21:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

This is an olive jar given to my by my daughter. It's one of my favorite things, but, alas, I dropped the lid and broke it! But I still love the jar. I like this painting--I think it turned out more like my plan for it, if you know what I mean.

Salsa and Chip

2008-02-20T13:59:00.001-08:00

5" x 5"

Oil on canvas

I like the salsa colors, and I served chips and salsa to my kids last night, so--anyway, I think I really prefer painting on the little panels, but this canvas was pretty nice. It's still really cold here in Maine. It's easy to get discouraged when the weather is so daunting.

Coffee and Orange

2008-02-19T13:40:00.001-08:00

5" x 4"

Oil on panel

I saved this coffee cup from a favorite coffee roasting place in beautiful downtown Portland, Maine. It's called Coffee By Design, and we buy our beans from them and roast them ourselves. Anyway, I think it came out well--I really am struggling to loosen up, even though it's not in my nature.

Red Pitcher/Painting Tools

2008-02-18T11:27:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Well, after the debaucle with the bananas, I decided to really focus and do my best. I set this up in the studio and got busy this morning. It's a foggy, rainy, sleety day. I'm ready for spring!

Looking Down on Breakfast

2008-02-15T13:17:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

A quick view of the kitchen table this morning. Bananas are elusive, difficult things! Hmmm. No wonder they so seldom show up in still lifes! Anyway, the point is to quit painting after an hour with these little pieces, so that's what I'm doing. I'm still not moving along as quickly as I'd like--but I'm patient, and will get it, eventually.

Pump Number 5

2008-02-13T13:29:00.001-08:00

5" x 4"

Oil on panel

This is a little study I did for an urban painting later on. It was a rainy evening when we pulled in to an Irving station to fill up--I just thought this was a neat view.

We are in the throes of an ice storm this afternoon and evening. Yikes.

Two Limes

2008-02-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

This is a red pot I keep my brushes in. This morning, all I could think of were these limes, and I liked the contrast with the red--so here it is. We are expecting another snowstorm, so I'll be splitting kindling, and keeping the fire stoked--and, of course, painting.

Baking Day

2008-02-11T13:22:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

What a struggle today--who knows why. Some pieces come together so easily, and some just fight for their lives! Well, this is a pretty truthful experience--another reason to keep up the discipline. Some days are better than others for all of us. There are some things I like about the flour bag...

Lapsang Souchong

2008-02-09T13:09:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

A cup of tea is just the ticket today. Hubby and I have been shoveling snow, and now we're awaiting another storm! I'm really pleased with the spoon! Also, the tea and the tea bag.

Two Tangerines

2008-02-08T14:24:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Another tangerine set-up, but I think this one came out better--each little painting teaches something.

Shaker Interior

2008-02-06T18:08:00.001-08:00

9" x 11"

Watercolor

This is from the Hancock Shaker Village again--a bright November morning. I have mixed feelings about this kind of thing--the Shakers were so spiritual and untilitarian, and it seems a little disrespectful to me sometimes to go into these spaces that have been occupied by such hard-working, faithful people and just kind of poke around. I loved the shadows being cast through the windows, anyway.

Three Radishes

2008-02-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

6"x 6"

Oil on panel

The radishes are fading fast. We're in the middle of a huge snow storm here in Central Maine, so it's a good day for painting. I'm having some issues with my digital camera, which is frustrating, but I'm still excited about keeping the "diary" going. In addition to these little pieces, I'm working on an urban series, which is going well, although slowly. Not everything can be pushed, as far as time goes, so patience is the key...

Radishes

2008-02-04T15:58:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

I love this bunch of radishes--not my favorite veggie, but cheerful, nonetheless. I will be working with them until they become sadly wilted.

Pumpkins and Cornstalks

2008-02-02T16:30:00.001-08:00

6" x 9"

Watercolor

I do like to keep my finger in watercolor, as it were. In many ways, I prefer watercolor, but I'm so challenged by oils--so, a bit of both seems to fill the bill. I painted this little picture from a photo I took in November at the Hancock Shaker Village in Massachusetts. It was early on a Sunday morning, and no one else was about.

Two Red Pears

2008-02-01T18:03:00.001-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

What's the deal with red pears in February? Where are they coming from? Everyone seems to have them--even in Maine. Anyway, they have a wonderful color and shape--at this time of year, they seem especially cheerful.

Red Pear

2008-01-31T18:17:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

The last day of January. I thought this pear looked festive on the windowsill--it's quite cold and snowy outside, so I look for little bursts of color wherever I can find them!

Nap on the Wharf

2008-01-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

9" x 12"

After Labor Day, things quiet down in Maine, which is such a summer tourist destination. This lobsterman and his wife take a much-needed break on a beautiful afternoon.

Dog Walk

2008-01-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

A quick sketch from beautiful downtown Portland Maine--a very dog-friendly place. I will work this into a larger piece for my urban show in the fall.

Beef Bourguignon

2008-01-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Some of the ingredients for tonight's dinner. Beef Bourguignon--organic, grass-fed beef, onions, carrots, potatoes and a bottle of good red wine. Anyway, I did this in an hour, and it has its problems, but the exercise is so good--you just have to keep moving. Somehow, I think the dish will be more successful!

Fish Monger's Lunch

2008-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

I was in Portland last week (it's our "happening" town) looking for images for an urban series I'm doing for a Fall, 2008 show, when I happened upon this guy, eating a hot dog. I asked him if I could take a photo (actually, I already had, but just to be respectful...), and he was all about cooperating. He invited me to come down to the fish market where he works. I may include a couple of other images of him--I liked him a lot--full of himself.

Tangerine

2008-01-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

It's what's for breakfast! With the intense winter sun coming through my kitchen window, I thought this little wedge of tangerine looked beautiful on the white plate. I'll be switching over to a little urban scene tomorrow, and then maybe back to some still life subjects. I think it might be fun to stick with whatever is going into the evening's dinner for awhile (or suppah, as we say around here).

In and out

2008-01-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

6" x 6"

Oil on panel

Day 2 of my diary, and two more Spencers. One is in a little green ramekin given to me by my daughter a couple of Christmases ago. There's something about adding these little elements of ourselves that I like so much. No one else would know, or care about this little green dish, but it adds meaning for me--ultimately, we painters are in the business of offering the viewer a look at our "insides," as it were.

Two Apples

2008-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

5" x 4"

Oil on panel

This is the first little painting in my "diary"--two Spencer apples. In Maine, which is apple country, we're still buying Spencers at our favorite farm store--they're good keepers! I'm not super interested in still life painting for myself, but I admire others who are. I did find the shapes of the apples interesting--and I did my best to stick to pure color, not going to white too fast. These two apples became part of last night's curry. Yum.