#507 • The Beach

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When I was living in Portland I didn't have air conditioning in my ghetto apartment. My computer would stage a mutiny and start smoking after a while, so I'd shut it down and head to the beach with my chair, towel, lunch, and a good book. I'd read a while, take a dip and fall asleep while drying off. When I woke up I would sit back in my chair to watch the afternoon show.

Making up stories about people strolling by was one of my favorite past times, but it was the people and their dogs that just plain fascinated me. I found it to be true that people and their dogs took on certain qualities of one another, whether it be physically or in character - the way they carried themselves for instance.

Over the years the beach got crowded, the people louder, and the scene began to remind me of why I left my home state over 50 years ago. The ice on the lollypop was a $40 gift from the Scarborough Police Department - didn't see the newly minted NO PARKING sign hidden behind a big SUV in my regular parking spot on a side road. It left me with a bad taste in my mouth and an ice cream headache. 

I never felt good about the scene down there after that. So I took up surfing instead, but that's another story.

The Beach  • Acrylic on wood panel trip triptych • $550

#506 • Summer House, North Haven Island

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I'd like to say this is a new painting, but it's from a few summers ago. We've been sailing in between trying to fix one of the heads on our boat. It's ugly, stinky, thankless and gross work. But a must. So not much time to sit a sketch.

I have determined however, that sketching is a must too. So I'm bringing materials aboard for our next adventure. In the meantime, this is one of several lovely summer homes on North Haven Island that we see on our walk ashore to stretch our legs. 

I focus on the flag here. It's a reminder for me that the fight for Democracy is alive and for me, starting to really kick back up again. Many of us have no idea what it's like to fight for civil rights. We haven't had to. We're learning now.

Summer House, North Haven Island • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

 

#505 • Hope

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This year more than any other, I will sit, thank and think about all of those men and women who sacrificed their minds and bodies to protect a new idea called Democracy. For those of us who have studied US history, it's hard for us to imagine they believed in something so strongly that they were willing to put their lives, livelihoods and everything they owned and loved on the line.

Though one could argue this country never quite achieved a real democratic society, there are a majority of us who believe it's still possible, that there is always hope people will come to their senses and find a way to live together, to be a real community, to have the courage to stand up to injustice for ourselves and those who can't, to speak out for the right of everyone to live free, love free, be who they are, and to believe in whatever higher power gives them the strength to be a better, more loving person.

As those of you who continue to push ahead for a more just and inclusive community know, it's a tough job putting yourself out there. But don't give up. Keep going. Find support. And try to do it in the name of Love.

Hope • 12" x 32" acrylic triptych framed • $1500

#504 • The Day We Could Hang Our Laundry Outdoors

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For all of my fellow sun-starved Mainers out there, here's a representation of what a sunny day somewhere on the planet looks like just in case you've forgotten. It's one of those days so perfect after weeks of dreary, wet and drab sunless weather, that for some of us who don't ask for much quickly wash our laundry and get it outdoors to dry on a line just to remind us what sun and wind-dried bedding smells like. For me it's another one of those signs that spring has finally arrived.

I was prompted to post this after hearing a recent and alarming stat thrown at us this morning by the Maine weather folks. Maine has had three full clear days of sun out of 20 this month so far. If I had known I would have started taking Vitamin D sooner, but in the meantime thank heavens for indoor pickleball.

The Day We Could Hang Our Laundry Outdoors • 8" x 9" acrylic framed to 12" x 13" • $300

#503 • When Orioles Show Off

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When orioles show off you know it's spring and hook up time. I would imagine it's happening right now in every Birdland Jazz Club (named after the iconic jazz saxophonist, Charlie Parker), in Maine and on the east coast.

The courtship starts off not so slowly with the Lindy Hop, which originated in Harlem by the way, and was inspired by aviator Charles Lindberg who "hopped" the pond in 1927.

Anyway, the male will Lindy around his dance partner like a lunatic, then trick her with a chivalrous bow forward that is followed by a wingspread finale revealing what she's been waiting her whole life for - his brilliant bright orange back. I have one friend that I know of who would definitely fall for this one - the brilliant bright orange that is. But in my opinion, any guy who shows me his back during a Lindy is saying something to the contrary!

When Orioles Show Off • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

#502 • March's Blood Moon

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Oops, I just found this painting in a pile of stuff on my work bench - I forgot to post it back in March during the blood moon. But by the way the weather is acting today it might as well be March. Besides, the Derby is being held tomorrow and though these two critters have a much more relaxed life up here in Maine than their fellow mounts down south, let's pray that the jockeys and their fleet-footed steads have a safe race this year.

Have a great day out there folks!

March's Blood Moon • 8" x 8"acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

#501• Antidote To Grim

 

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Well, it's looking pretty grim out there. Today it's overcast and foggy up through the valley.

 

But on the bright side it's the high season for mud lovers. This most recent wet snow and warming up will make a fine batch of the stuff for a variety of fun outdoor activities. Leg-lengthening-post-holing through the snow on walks across fields, ankle twisting and an occasional shock-busting surprise to the front end of vehicles trying to navigate this year's crop of potholes as our roads begin to yawn open.

 

In the meantime, here's one last pretty wintery scene to remember the good times by.

 

Antidote To Grim • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300