Fresh Flowers in the Parlor

Fresh Flowers in the Parlor

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

Inside Out. Outside in. Summer is in full bloom.

Orange Rock Ripple Effect

Orange Rock Ripple Effect

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Last night we had dinner with a favorite family on the island. Three generations gathered around a big table sharing fine food, conversation, and the camaraderie of being on an island. 

This morning brought a heavy rain, and the news that an old friend had died, leaving a huge gulf in our ranks. Ebb. Flow. Tide in. Tide out. Like the orange rock around which water swirls, memory of him is firmly planted in our hearts and souls and will forever be part of our island landscape.

Orange Rock in the Surf

Orange Rock in the Surf

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Our day on the island begins and ends with a walk on the beach, with trips in between to go for a row or walk the dog, or throw old food to the sea gulls.

Everything moves but the rocks, props on a stage around which water dances creating new choreography with each wave, the change of tide, time of day, and passing cloud.
Always the same. Always different.

I can't get enough of it.

Orange Rock Mid Tide

Orange Rock Mid Tide

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

The beach is a new landscape every hour of every day. Low tide, mid tide, high tide. Rocks uncovered, pools created, ebb and flow, waves and wake. Endless opportunity for new discoveries. Always changing, always new. Metaphor for life? 

Back to the Beach

Back to the Beach

Oil on Wood

12"X24"
Available from Serena and Lily.com

A fresh wind blew in this morning bringing with it cool, dry air. After a long weekend of hot weather and socializing, I am back to the beach, rocks, water, and paint, right where I want to be. 

The Sailors Return

The Sailors Return

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

The sailors came into the harbor flying their bright yellow spinnaker on a perfect afternoon. Before they arrived home, I scurried over to the studio to paint, holding on to the enthusiasm of the last few days. And then I did this. . .

Beach Rocks

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

...which seems like a good idea. Thus ends a week of solitude. 

Confused Sea

Confused Sea

Oil on Wood

10"X22"

Thursday morning looked like blue sky potential, so Rosie and I rowed to the dock to do our daily mail run. By the time we got home, the fog was in thick again,  and the weather and my mood was deteriorating. Much as I cherish my time alone on the island, the combination of gray skies, cold, and mosquitos was finally getting to me.  Thinking I could use an infusion of human contact,  I invited  the two Heliker LaHotan Artists in Residence, Kathi Smith and Jennifer Rosengarten,a few other visitors, plus several friends from the end of the island to come for cocktails at 6. What a great idea that was. Two hours interacting with interesting, enthusiastic, fun people. What a tonic. And today, like magic, the sun came out and obliterated the angst that has been hanging around me this week.