#268 The Burnt Coat Harbor Light

Once in a while I'll spot a lighthouse along the coast that gets to me. This one sits at the very tip of Hockamock Head, the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor on Swan's Island. It's been there for almost 150 years. I love the shape, so I thought I'd do a quick sketch!

We've been trying to get off the boat more and hike on island trails to keep our bodies from seizing up after a day of sailing. Our heads are  cocked in one direction for miles, and our butts are sore from grinding on the deck. I'm not complaining here, it's just that we're beginning to acknowledge a certain amount of stress induced rust in our joints.

This hike took us a half hour through woods that encompasses Hockamock Head. The island initiated a restoration project in the early 2000s. We enjoyed their hard work immensely.

The Burnt Coat Harbor Light • 8" X 8" acrylic framed to 12" X 12" • $250

#267 Eggemoggin Reach Regatta

We managed to make it to the start of the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta this year. Although it was not a dramatic start - there was no wind - some minor drama did occur. A big old black schooner actually began sailing backwards with the current before the wind finally filled in and corrected the vessel's course forward again.

It's not hard to see the beauty of old wooden boats - their lines are drafted with so much more grace than a lot of newer models. Even in light air they were enchanting to watch as they slowly inched along, silently rocking back and forth with the slightest little zephyr. But that day, as the breeze slowly built and filtered through the fleet, those elegant old creatures filled their wings and quietly took flight until they were in a full on charge to the mark.
Eggemoggin Reach Regatta • 8" X 8" acrylic framed to 12" X 12" • $250

#266 A New Groove

Taking the advice of my doctor, I am now working with a health coach. She is young, vivacious and enthusiastic, all the the things I'm not - a fact that I am fine with it.

My assignment is to find a new groove. Instead of grabbing Taza chocolate every time I hit a snag, I have to ask myself - is this nourishing? Magically, the groove to Taza gets blocked by the answer to that question.

So where does the new groove go - a glass of water, a deep breath? Today's groove was a peaceful place in my mind. If nothing else, it was reassuring that I could still imagine a place like this with all that's been happening in the world, and it helped. I see a new, more healthy groove in the making. I think I'll celebrate with some Taza chocolate!

A New Groove • 8" X 8" acrylic framed to 12" X 12" • $200

SOLD - Afternoon on Monhegan Island

A few years back I was on Monhegan Island for a week. While my cohorts painted their butts off, I cavorted around the village, an outsider but feeling right at home in the local cafe every afternoon after bashing my head against the rocks out there trying to paint the unpaintable.

It was during that week I realized I probably should have been a psychologist because I had way more fun watching and listening to everyone's story than I did painting the land and seascapes.

I'll go back to paint one of these days for sure. It is a beautiful island, and the ocean and the light is amazing, not to mention the people I encountered. In the meantime, this was something I saw on one of my afternoon walks. It's on the cover of my new 2017 Peaceful Places wall and desk calendar.

Afternoon on Monhegan Island • 8" X 8" acrylic framed to 12" X 12" • $250