Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Finishing up Niles Beach!






I finished the painting I started of Niles Beach in Gloucester, MA yesterday! Whoo hoo! Very pleased with the result. I tried to keep things loose and keep the focus on the morning light coming onto the beach. As with all of my pieces, I do sell directly out of my studio, so if you are interested in the piece, just let me know!!

Until next time....

joli

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Morning at Wingaersheek Beach















After hearing promises that the sun might show itself later in the week, I decided to extend my visit by another day. I was not disappointed. I headed to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cape Ann area, Wingaersheek. Nooked in an area along the Annisqaum River, it has beautiful sand, some marsh areas, large, granite boulders, and a sand bar at low tide that extends out towards the Annisquam Light. The sky was cobalt blue and only outdone in color by the blue tide. I arrived early and got a good parking space. It was still quite a hike to the beach. I set up back towards the dunes and was rewarded by battling sand ticks hoping into my art materials all afternoon. The sun was strong, but a nice breeze and cooler temps allowed for a pleasant time.

I chose a small canvas, including views of the boulders and the lighthouse beyond. The biggest challenge was blocking out the noise of the crowd, but quickly I became one with the view, the smells and breeze, and then I was in the art zone. :)

The perspective came fairly easily, and the challenge was getting the contrast and colors on target in the bright sun. I had lots of visitors. Some enthusiastic young ladies ranging in age from 6-10 watched for a while, asking questions. A couple of local artists came and introduced themselves.

Overall, I got an amazing start of a great little painting. After cleaning up, I took a walk down to the sandbar and checked out the tide. A great ending to a wonderful week.

Thanks for checking out my posts! Until next time, keep those trees happy!

joli

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Painting the Fog on the Essex





































I headed out to West Gloucester one day to see a place owned by a relative of a friend. It is situated at the mouth of the Essex River, with beautiful views of the end of Crane Beach and the sandbars. The weatherman had said that the fog would probably lift. Well, it didn't, and after waiting for the sun and warmer temps, I finally gave in and painted the sandbars in the fog. The finished product is a departure from my normal pieces....more abstract. Although I am not finished with it yet, I am happy with the start. It was a very cool day, and I had on everything I could get on, plus my new fingerless painting gloves knitted by my best friend Mary. (they rock!) I was able to capture many photos, complete some good sketches, and I have a studio piece in mind for the dory/kayak. Overall, a great painting outing. Needless to say, I went back to my room and partook of a hearty red wine to warm up!


Thanks so much to Aunt Scoopy for the use of her beautiful summer home! Hope the summer actually arrives for you soon!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Opening Day - Niles Beach Outing
















I woke up on my first day in Massachusetts and it was beautiful. I somehow knew it wouldn't last, so I sprung from my bed, packed up, and headed out at dawn. I headed to a familiar area of town, and unloaded my materials at Niles Beach, overlooking Gloucester Harbor. I had painted a view from the beach previously, heading towards town, but today, the view looking towards the nearby residential area of East Gloucester caught my eye. The sun rising behind the trees struck sharp shadows across brightly green trees and lawns, and the sky glowed with a crystal quality. I set up quickly and was able to capture the clearness of the morning. Soon, the fog rolled in from the northeast. I met a nice couple on the beach who gave me directions on how to get to Brace Cove. Thank you! I'd been searching for the cove for years!


After breaking down my setup, I headed to breakfast in town at Lee's. Very tasty. Then back to the room for a much-needed nap!

Painting Trip to Gloucester, Massachusetts


I've just returned from a wonderful week of painting along the coast of Cape Ann, Mass. Just north of Boston, it is a beautiful area full of small fishing towns, friendly people, and scenic harbors and shorelines. The weather was a little unpredictable, however even in the fog it was beautiful.


I was able to paint on location 4 times during my stay, getting some good starts to take back to the studio. Overall, I was able to capture the light, which was my goal. I will list each of the outings here separately, with some insight into what I experienced.


I hope to completely finish these pieces soon with all available for sale in my studio.


joli