Last Piece

A little lemon meringue for pi day, or any day!

Last Piece, 6 x 8 in, oil on panel

Porches

I love porches, that feeling of being exposed yet sheltered at the same time. This one happens to be attached to Monhegan House. Think of all the artists who have occupied this very chair. Maybe one of them was you!

On the Porch, 6 x 6 in, oil on panel

Change Happens

I love the way the early morning light illuminates this house and the upper branches of the birch tree behind it. Good thing I painted it when I did, because things have changed. The house is now in the process of being painted...navy blue. I guess red, white, and blue could work, but I liked it the way it was.

A Birch in the Morning, 6 x 8 in, oil on panel

Made in America

They don't make them like they used to, so there's no shortage of old barns in New England. The shadows across this barn seem to offer encouragement to stand up to another winter, and the flag in the window just makes it.

Barn in the USA, 8 x 10 in, oil on canvas

Early Snow

No one likes to see snow in October, but it's been known to happen. The cool blue snow complements the warm fall colors so beautifully though. That's life in New England, I guess.

Early Snow, 6 x 8 in, oil on panel

Praying for Grass

Last year on a trip to Monhegan, some people were busily reseeding the side yard of the Community Church. When they were done, the covering of hay added an unexpected spot of color in the late afternoon light. I was happy to see, that on a return visit this year, their prayers had been answered.

Praying for Grass, 8 x 10 in, oil on panel

OMG at the MFA

Last week I attended the John Singer Sargent watercolor exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

in Boston. OMG, it blew me away. The intensity of the colors, the delicate treatment of the women's faces, the complex simplicity of his technique! This was a guy who lived to paint. And 100 years later, we are all benefiting from the beauty of his vision. If you get a chance, go!

Detail of Villa di Marlia, Lucca: A Fountain
by John Singer Sargent

Also at the MFA that night, John Travolta filming a movie called "The Forger". Go see that too!

Watch Your Step!

This is a view from the top of Burnt Head on the other side of Monhegan. It was beautifully sunny, yet the waves crashing on the rocks below were both powerful and mesmerizing.
I bet you wouldn't want to get too close on a dark and stormy day!

Burnt Head, 8 x 10 in, oil on panel

Tent Sale

You know it's going to be a good day when you run across this. A yellow and white striped tent in the brilliant morning sun. Filled with rusty junk that hasn't been picked over yet. A painting waiting to happen.

Tent Sale, 6 x 8 in, oil on panel

Heavenly Blue

Morning Glories are one of my favorite flowers. I love the cool blue color, so different from all the other summer flowers. They just make me happy. I hope this one makes you happy too.

Heavenly Blue, 6 x 6 in, oil on panel

The Other Zeppelin

Not to be confused with the band, this Zeppelin is made of tin. The oblong shape, shiny surface, and bright red wheels made this a great subject to paint.

Tin Zeppelin, 6 x 6 in, oil on panel

Out to Pasture

Just like draft horses in the past, these tires look like they have re-tired (ha!) to pasture after years of service to the DPW where they were spotted. Who knows...they might even save the day in a snowstorm like Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel.

Out to Pasture, 6 x 8 in, oil on panel

Winter Coating

This road runs through an apple orchard at the very top of a hill. The trees seem to be standing sentry and offering protection from the elements. I like the way the snow clings in clumps to the shadowed side, while everything else basks in what little warmth the winter sun offers. This is one of my entries in the 78th Fitchburg Regional Art Show, a juried show for local artists.

Winter Coating, 8 x 10 in, oil on panel

Cold Storage

I drive by this barn every day on the way to work. Luckily, I had my camera with me on this snowy but sunny day. Awarded an Honorable Mention at the Westford Regional art show held May 11-19 at the Parish Center for the Arts.

Cold Storage, 6 x 6 in, oil on panel

Opening reception at the Westford Regional show

My First Post

Better late than never, I guess! Here is a painting I did during Tim Horn's workshop on Monhegan Island last September. I originally started with one boat, but just when I had everything blocked in, someone deposited the black boat next to the white one. I had to scramble to add it in, but compositionally I think he did me a favor. 

Monhegan Boats, 6 x 8 in, oil on panel, sold

Thanks to Bob Raser for my profile picture taken on Monhegan Island during Tim's workshop. He took some awesome pictures of people as well as places. Visit Bob's blog at Plein Air Bob.