July 11 - 18 Monhegan

My first ever trip to Monhegan Island, Maine, describe as " a small, rocky Island ten miles from the nearest mainland and scarcely a square mile in area. It is accessible only by boat and there are no cars or paved roads on the Island. For more than 100 years Monhegan has been a summer haven for artists and others who appreciate its isolation, the beauty of its wilderness areas, its quiet relaxed atmosphere, and its unhurried pace."

I was so fortunate to be invited to join  15 other painters (self-named the Plein Air Heads) for a week of (miraculously) beautiful weather. We shared an incredibly funky converted fish house right on the beach. When looking out any window, all one could see is water and rocks.

July 7, 2009 - New daily oils

Some new 6 X 6" oils on masonite. One from a few weeks ago and one from last week. Have been working mostly on larger pieces (24 X 24 and larger) inspired by the Great Spruce Head Island experience.

First one: A coastal landscape...I just love the ochre colors of low tide. Second one: The Kenduskeag Stream not far from my home.

July 5, 2009

Just returned from the Turtle Gallery opening for my dear friend Linda Funk, showing her stunning botanical paintings through August 1.  I can't recommend this show highly enough. Showing also through August 1 is Larry Moffet's work: oil and pastel landscapes and his new jewelry work. Was great to see him again, and timely, as he is the first person to tell me about Great Spruce Head Art Week.

July 4, 2009, more Art Week work

These are two small pastels done on one of the painting porches at Great Spruce Head Island. The foggy islands are typical of the weeks' views and the other is my version of what I might see on a clear day. Maybe next time!

July 3- The one afternoon of sun...Art Week

I did get my easel and pastels out to the orchard during the brief period of sun one afternoon.

July 3- Island woods from Art Week

While the island offered wonderful coastal views, I found the woods equally colorful and intriguing. These are 3 small, 6 X 6 inch oils on masonite. Two were from views from the various painting porches and the last from memory of a wooded path that I walked the day I arrived on the island.

July 3 - Art Week food

The food was incredible during the week, thanks to our culinary artists, Barney and Kreston. I wish I had photographed some of the presentations. All homemade meals with locally grown fabulous produce, and desserts to die for. I did this little gouache of a bowl of peaches one rainy day.