Trees Turning

Trees Turning 2
Oil on Wood Panel
3"X2"

Trees Turning 1
Oil on Wood Panel
2"X3"
If it weren't for the boats being hauled and people packing up, you might think summer would never end. It's hot. So hot I didn't want to do anything but sit in the shade reading a book, or stick my feet in the water which was almost warm as the tide rolled in over the hot rocks. Painting small was all I could manage. Applying paint while holding the little wood panel in the palm of my hand gives me so much pleasure, I wonder why I don't just paint tiny all the time. My neighbor's maples are on the verge of changing color, shadows are longer, and days are noticeably shorter. I am relishing the peace and quiet that blankets the island when everyone is gone.

Sutton Island

Sutton Island West
Oil on Wood Panel
2"X3"

Sutton Island East
Oil on Wood Panel
2"X3"
It was clear from first light that yesterday morning was meant for rowing. Calm, sunny, smooth.
Rosie and I set off across the bay to Sutton Island. First around the west end of the island where an abandoned Osprey nest sits up on a high rock. A substantial bush has taken root right in the middle of the nest. Nature doing it's tenacious thing. I thought about circumnavigating the whole island, but instead I came back around and rowed, hugging the shore, all the way to the east end where birds were sunning themselves on the rocks. By then the breeze had come up so I headed for home, feeling as if I had been in a different world. Slow. Calm. Peaceful.

On the Rhodes Again

On the Rhodes Again
Oil on Wood Panel
2"X3"
Finally. The sun came out. The wind was just right. And the sailors were on the water again.

Studio Window

Studio Window
Oil on Canvas
24"X18"

After 23 hours, the sailors were back with a faulty engine and mysterious leak. Weather has moved in as well. A taste of island life no one was expecting. I spent the afternoon in the studio as rain fell and the sky darkened. This week was to have been spent trying new things. So I did. Do I wish I had centered the window? I think so. Might I obscure the view even more with additional surface paint? Maybe tomorrow. It's gotten cold and damp, and I want to be in the house. By a warm fire. With the dog curled up on my feet. Hoping for sunshine in the morning.

August Window 3

August Window 3
Oil on Canvas
24"X20"

Queen Ann's Lace

Queen Ann's Lace
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X6"
For my friend, Ann whose optimistic enthusiasm showers goodness all over this island and beyond. In celebration of her birthday for which I am grateful today and every day.

The Sailors Set Off Again

The Sailors Set Off Again
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X8"
The morning began with a big breakfast cook-out on the beach. All our neighbors were there. Some came baring grudges left over from earlier in the summer. But everyone left feeling good about getting together on a crisp, sun filled August morning in Maine. Nothing like good weather and native blueberry pancakes to put petty grievances in their place.
The sailors had packed the boat and were ready to go. As soon as breakfast was over, they sailed off the mooring and headed East, giving me back to myself for another week of solitude.

At The Sullivans Again

At The Sullivans Again
Oil on Canvas
24"X30"
Storing up friendship and sunshine for the winter.

August Window 1

August Window 1
Oil on Canvas
24"X18"

Last week family came. We did a lot of nothing together every moment. Like a dream, the days flowed by effortlessly. This island takes you back in time. A little nostalgia set in. Remembering when...we were a young family and procuring and preparing food, finding treasures on the beach, and playing games took all day. Then they left and I had to reflect on it all for a few days. Back in the studio this afternoon I promised myself I would start painting on bigger canvases. It's now or never. Summer's end is on the horizon. What have I got to lose?

Early August Afternoon-2

Early August Afternoon
Oil on Canvas
6"X8"
I spent the morning cleaning the house. It was definitely time. As my mother used to say, "to clear out the old energies." Today was also the day to scoop up some old paint sludge that has been accumulating in the bottom of the brush bath jar and use it in a painting. It is a beautiful rich gray that comes from the mixing of every color I've used all summer sloughing off brushes being cleaned. It has a great texture unlike any other paint I use . And there is a certain satisfaction in using a material that is, after all, garbage.

Breeze in the Bedroom

Breeze in the Bedroom
Oil on Canvas
12"X12"
When an August breeze blows through the bedroom window I just want to sit down with a good book and call it a day.

August is Here

August is Here
Oil on Wood Panel
10"X10"
The last several days I was busy framing and hanging paintings to show at the island library. Always a challenge for me, especially here without proper tools. Then yesterday there was food and drink to prepare for the reception at 5. Thankfully, my husband was back from his sailing adventure and did the lion's share of procuring from the mainland. I always resent taking time away from painting in the studio, but once all the people arrived, I have to admit, I loved watching them peruse the paintings and read the accompanying entries from this blog. Old friends showed up who I hadn't yet seen this summer, and I was glad to see them there. It felt like a harvest party. August is definitely here.