November 25, 2008

Finished "Red Barn Reflections" 10"x 12"
"John Olsen" 18" x 24" Oil on Paper

"Trapped" - 40" x 42" Oil on woodpanel

It has been a while, so I thought I'd post a few finished paintings. I have been researching local workshops in painting and drawing. I am looking at workshops in NYC, at the New York Academy for Art and the Art Students League. Of course, there is always the issue of finding dog sitters and finances, but I will try to make it work. I have been consistently going to the Union College figure drawing sessions and have found it to be helpful and inspiring.

Plans for a trip to Arizona are all in place. Plane tickets and 6 - 7 host familes are awaiting my arrival. I am looking to take a plein air painting workshop in Tuscon from February 23rd-27th. It is out of Scottsdale Art Academy, but the students will be traveling to Tucson where I will already be. I will meet them there in Tucson. Really looking forward to this.

October 31, 2008 - Updated Studio Work

Golden Red Grasses in Pond - near Oakland, Maine
"Crooked House" - near Belfast, Maine

"Waves at Schoodic Point"

Oil Sketch and Scene - near Mariaville

October 31, 2008

Pastel study of "Harley"

I think Harley is the "heart" of Maine. He represents hard work - loyalty - tradition.
I want to make a large painting of Harley in a similiar senerio, surrounded by ropes, traps and fading houses. The focus of our conversation was how tough it is to make a living, especially now, in lobstering.

I have been spending a good chunk of most days in my studio. My dogs get an abundance of attention now that I am home during the day. Then, if Emma(black mini-poodle) gets the least bit bored, or maybe just tired of listening to classical music, she starts twirling and growling to get attention. So, nonetheless, in between blocks of painting, I am walking the dogs. I have also been going to the weekly figure drawing sessions at Union College. I thoroughly enjoy this because I am most inspired by the figure and can stay focused for longer periods of time. Maybe the focus of my next journey to Arizona will be "figure in a landscape".

Anyway, I posted a few more paintings inspired by my trip to Maine as well as a drawing that I want to use as a study for a larger painting.

By the way, all of the photos that have been posted on this blog are taken with my camera phone. Please excuse the blurry, off color images with glare. (mostly with the paintings)

Friday, October 25, 2008 - Two weeks back home and happy!

"Reflective Barn" near Mariahville
Painting of "Haunted House"
This is sort of a montage. The house itself is glazed over and only the bottom is visible. I really like the shoe on the open window sill, so I enlarged it. I also just put in the foreground "weeds" so that the viewer had to look through to see the abandoned house. Basically, I was just experimenting with the image rather than just doing it straight forward.

Unfinished painting of Schoodic Point. (Sorry about the glare)

"Birches" in New Hampshire.

I have been back home in Schenectady for exactly two weeks. Every day a different aspect of my journey comes back to me, whether it be an inspirational scene, an aromatic scent (from salt water to balsam or fresh seafood to lobster bait), or a passing conversation with a friendly local. I have organized the 1,000 plus photos, sorted receipts and contact information of individuals with whom I hope to keep in contact. I have also organized my studio so that it is a comfortable and pleasurable place to work. I found and purchased four (5 drawer) sets of large and very large flat files for desperately needed storage on Craig's list. The price was incredible and too good to pass up. A little bit of elbow grease and paint to cover up the rust is all that was needed.

I can't say how incredible it is to have an opportunity like this. Every day offers new possibilities, whether it be finishing a painting, experimenting with techniques, or simply reading up on the artists that inspire me. Whenever the weather permits, I get out on the bike alone or with a friend. As a matter of fact, a friend and I went for a great ride this afternoon in Mariahville. The views were magnificent and the temperature brisk. Perfect for riding!!!

Thursday, October 9, 2008 - Studio early, then off to Southport Island

Before the first crack!
A lovely trail to the water


A lobster pound

Helga and Jody
Lighthouse on the point

I woke up very early and went to the studio around 6 am. It was raining, so I didn't feel bad about not riding to the Southport ( 55 miles) like I had originally wanted to do. I went back for breakfast at 8 am, then Helga and I packed the car with everything, except art materials and including my bike. There was more than enough room. Kay was in the studio and we had a pleasant few hours of conversation, laughter and silent focus. We ate lunch together outside, then said good bye, until possibly next year. Our final stop, before home, is Southport, an hour drive. A friend of Helga's lives there and invited us to stay. It is a very quaint, quiet and unbelievably picturesque island. This is also another "real" maine spot. We all walked a loop that went along the water and found quiet trails (actually summer homes that were now vacant). We had ordered lobsters to be cooked before our walk to have for our final dinner. Jody drove to pick them up while Helga and I continued to explore this beautiful place. This is the first experience in Maine of eating a whole lobster. The exerience is the most fun, and we did enjoy it. We had nice conversation for the remains of the evening. After an early rise, we took another short walk and departed for home at 8:30 am.

The seven hour car ride went very smoothly. Helga and I relived the last week and each discussed our artistic goals. She is such an inspiration to me in so many facets of my life. We will continue to get together and discuss our work as well as life in general.

I have reached the first goal of my journey. Countless people have made this an amazingly special and memorable experience. Some were planned and some just a brief moment of light. Everyone I have come into contact with has inspired me with thier individuality and spirit. I send out a word of thanks to all of you. Thank you for following me on this part of my journey. I will now use my memories,notes, photos, and new found resources as inspiration to create. I will continue to post work, ideas and experiences during the next few months.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 - Port Clyde Tour

"Freddy the Pig" on the way to Port Clyde
Docks in the fishing harbor
The cafe where we had wonderful soup
Harley's Dock
Our friend lobstering Harley

Today will be our last full day in Rockland. It was recommended by the chamber of commerce to visit Port Clyde, another one of the finger points off the mainland. The weather was again fabulous, so I planned to bike, while Helga drove. Our plan was to meet in the village by 1:30 pm. It was only 15 miles from Rockland. Before we left, however, we strolled again over to the studio and the Eric Hopkins Studio/Gallery (a very well known local artist). The timing was right for both. We first noticed Eric outside his studio, talking with a friend. He invited is in to look around and to talk with him. Hi space is a huge, remodelled warehouse, all painted white. His work is primarily of aerial view, abstract landscapes, of bright intense, beautiful colors. He has a signature style, but also throws in inventive techniques. We found out that he was an instructor at the Haystack Center for Crafts two weeks prior. I was very impressed with that place and would really like to be a student sometime. He is also in the second edition of a book titled, "Maine Painters". This book includes all the well known painters including Wyeth, Nevelson, Hartley, etc. It is a book that I will be purchasing soon. After a nice long chat with Eric, we walked towards the studio and saw a woman leaving. I immediately ran to her and asked her name. She was Kay, the student who had decided to come and work even though the workshop was cancelled. Finally, we met up and it was great. We planned to all meet at the studio the next morning to work together for a few hours before Helga and I departed.
All of this happened before we actually set off for Port Clyde. We each left around 10:30 and had 3 hours to stop along the way and sketch or do whatever. I took a few detours where the road looked as if it went towards the shore. One was Bridges Point Beach Park and another was a small wharf. Both were very quiet and picturesque. We both arrived in the very small working fishing village at 1 pm and each had a large bowl of homemade squash soup from the popular cafe on the water. We then walked towards another wharf where a young man was setting up lobster traps. He didn't mind that we sketched on his dock and was actually very talkative and informative. His name was Harley and he would have made a great model for a painting. He said he is in some paintings, since it is a popular place for artists to come. His was the premier, hardworking maine lobster man with a thick accent and lots of tales. We spent a lot of time with him, and I think he enjoyed the company as much as we did. The best part of this trip is meeting "real" people like Harley. He had been up early and pulled up many traps already before attending to this monotonous task. Helga and I sketched a bit and I took a photo of Harley. We then left to go back to Rockland. I went back on the other side of the finger and found it to be a more interesting route. My total distance was 40 miles for the day, and was to be the last riding of the trip.

Just for the record:

*750 total miles

*No Flats!

*No Spills!

*No mechanical issues!

*Only 5 miles of heavy rain!

*I LOVE MY BIKE FRIDAY!!!!!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - Farnsworth and " Christina's World"

Sassy in the front doorway
John Olsens' clothes line
Christina Olsens' grave site
The friendly blood hound
John Olsen


The Olsen House
The red geraniums in window, painted by Andrew Wyeth
The kitchen - Christina sat in the chair to the left.

We plan to spend today at the Farnsworth Museum and the Olsen House (where Andrew Wyeth painted Christina's World and many other great pieces). Before the museum opened, we walked main street, then once again, past the studio to see if anyone was working there. It was still locked and there was no evidence of anyone. We entered the museum at 10 am and spent a good two hours there. This was the first time I had ever seen Andrew Wyeth's paintings in person. I am in awe of his impeccable deign, detail, but most of all, the ability to convey such strong emotion and feeling. I am most impressed with the watercolors. The techniques are fresh and loose, yet seem so specific to the subject matter. He paints only from life, but edits and adds elements to suit the composition. His draftsmanship is amazing. He does many drawings and studies of the subject(s) before committing to a final piece. I purchased a book from the museum that is an autobiography of most of his work. In this book, he talks a bit about each painting, sharing insight into its development or the people/places he represented. There were also other exhibits such as Nevelson, Katz, Indiana (all former or present residents of Rockland).


We decided to drive directly to the Olsen House, since we were in the "Wyeth zone". It was 15 miles to Cushing (one of the fingers off the mainland). The house was near the point. We first had out bag lunch outside, and were entertained by a large horse grazing on the property as well as a friendly blood hound. We were told that they belonged to a neighbor down the road. The Olsen House was very intriguing and was left undisturbed. The little bit of furniture left behind was so descriptive of the time and the family that lived here. Andrew Wyeth frequented the house to paint Christina and Alvero (brother and sister), as well as the house itself. There were paintings in the house hanging in the location where Andrew painted them. I found this all exciting. We took our time going through the house, taking many pictures. As I was walking towards the main door, I saw Sassy (horse) standing there. She was standing on the front stone step and her head was inside. This was hysterical. I was then told that in the afternoon, when she gets tired, she likes to stand in the doorway and rest her head on the frame.


Helga and I then got into the car to head further towards the point and the water to sketch. The bloodhound followed us as we made our way down past a few barns and large fields. At the point was a working wharf and lots to draw. We were both interested in a line of clothes blowing in the wind. A man came over to me and said "Now I've seen everything!" I chuckled, and made sure it was okay to be there. He was very friendly and accommodating. When I asked him his name, he said it was John Olsen. Well, that started a line of questions. It turns out, John is the nephew of the infamous Christina and the last born in the Olsen House. He is 87 years old and has lived and worked there his whole life, with the exception of years as a marine. He has been a lobster man for 50 years. He just wrote a book with the help of his daughter Virginia, documenting the history of his life and his family. This was such a great opportunity that we just walked into. He had just been at a birthday party with Andrew and family at one of the private islands. This segment of out afternoon ended with a memorable vision. As Helga and I were walking back to the car on the dirt road, a truck was coming towards us, pulling a trailer. As the truck passed, we saw Sassy running furiously behind the trailer (Sassy doesn't usually run). She was so excited that her buddy, who was in the trailer, was returning home. One had to be there to see the "expression" of Sassy. Helga and I burst out laughing and our hearts went out to that horse. After a long, slow day of grazing at the Olsen House, Sassy was now overjoyed that her buddy was back with her. This was truly a "Andrew Wyeth / Norman Rockwell" moment!!

Monday, October 6, 2008 - Another summit view and Rockland

Trail for Lake Megunticook summit

Mount Battie is below this summit
Helga sketching

Helga and I had a great night sleep to prepare for a day of touring. After breakfast, we set out to do the same hike in Camden State Park. The sky was just as clear and the conditions were calm and warm. We made it to the summit and both did some sketching. We the drove up to Mt. Battie Summit to eat our packed lunch. The rest of the day was touring Camden and galleries in Rockland.

Sunday, October 5, 2008 - Camden to Rockland and Vinalhaven Island

One of many monarchs on the nature preserve trail - Vinalhaven
Vinalhaven - Ride around the island

Tradewinds Motel

Ferry to Vinalhaven - My bike is on the front left.
Vinalhaven
Friendly acquaintance - walking the nature preserve

I had to leave at 7:30 am to get to The motel in Rockland, drop off my bags, then ride to catch the 8:45 am ferry to Vinalhaven. I did it with 15 minutes to spare. The ferry ride lasted 1 1/4 hours, but time went quickly. I stood out on the deck and talked with four other women who were the only others taking bikes over. They were traveling in pairs. Three of them were teachers, one who was retired. We had great conversations and was given some advice of what to do in Rockland. I joined two of them and went to a nature presereve for a walk/hike. It took over an hour, but we strolled along the coastline and studied the plantlife. They were both very interested in this, so I learned some things from their conversations. I went my own way after the walk. I first got some lunch, then took a ride around much of the Island. I stoppped some and did some sketching. There were sections that were very isolate, and did not know the direction I needed to go to get back to main street and the ferry. I finally got on track and made it back to get on the 2:45 pm ferry to Rockland. It was funny because all of us rolled in on our bikes at the same time, but from different directions. While on the ferry, a brief storm came through, but stopped as we arrived at the dock. I went directly to the motel, showered and strolled town until I met Helga. I was now at the end of my cycling journey, sad but true. I was now in the comfort of a companion and four wheeled, gas powered transportation. It is hard to believe that my bike is no longer "my life" and that it is parked in a motel room on the third floor! I can only look forward to the next solo adventure in a different place and season.