Blog

I know you have all been waiting so I will begin to tell the story of my Grand Adventure from the past two weeks as Baxter State Park's Visiting Artist 2012. First I will say that I completed everything that I set out to do. Each day except the first and last ( that was packing and traveling) and the two days that I held programs for the public I completed a quarter sheet watercolor painting. I also did a small 5" x 7" watercolor study of Katahdin from the porch of the library at Daicey each of the 14 days I was there. The small studies were done to show the many moods of Katahdin. The first day when I arrived the clouds were rolling over the table land and dropping into Witherly Ravine. By the time I had unpacked the truck and made my bed the clouds had closed up and I would not see the lovely Katahdin again until morning. I also kept a daily journal of my impressions and experiences. 

The first person I met was Ranger Andy. Andrew Vietze is his full name. When I told him I grew up in Island Falls he told me he had written a book with Island Falls in it. As it turns out he is the author of Becoming Teddy Roosevelt! I am a fan of this book and have passed it out to other friends to read. It is the story of a young Teddy Roosevelt and the life long friendship he has with his Maine Guide William Sewall of Island Falls. The book tells of their hunting and hiking and the impact it had on the man who would become President. This is the first of a string of Island Falls connections that I had during my trip. You will have to stay tuned to my blog to learn the others. 

My quarters are the cabin that is attached to the enclosed porch that the Rangers use for their office. The Ranger lives in a newer cabin down the road. It was built around the turn of the century with log timbering for the framework. 

Journal entry 8-11-12

"My quarters are rock star. I have a good looking mattress, running cold lake water in the sink, a gas stove and a rocking chair. I am in heaven."

My first full day I am down at Nesowadnehunk Stream working on a painting when I hear a pick up slow down and someone says " We're stalking you!". It is my first cousin Annette Stevens and her daughter Hannah. I am so flattered that they wanted to come see me in action. They visit a bit and then take a hike into Big and Little Niagra Falls. 

This is the painting I did on my first full day ( 8-12-12). I call it " Fly Fishing Only" because after all that is what the sign said.

It will take some time to settle in, settle down and put my daily world to the side for awhile. I do. Stay tuned.