Blog

I recently returned from a few days painting at the inaugural Katahdin Plein Air Days. Marsha Donahue of North Light Gallery hosted around 20 artist who signed up to paint for three beautiful days. We had perfect weather. Many of the painters had never painted in the Katahdin region and it was fun to see them enjoy this unique area and describe it in their paintings. 

The first day I painted at the Cribworks looking up the river from a rock down low next to the water. The water was gushing and dancing in the morning light.

Rough and Tumble  12"x12"

The afternoon was spent trying to get into Omaha Beach on the worst ( and I mean worst) dirt road I have ever been on. My painting partner Diane Dubreuil did a wonderful job getting us in there. I had never been in there before and can't wait to go back again. There is a very long and deep beach with stunning mature red pines that the river has scoured the sand out around the roots. Very dramatic and a view of the mountains to boot. Many good paintings could be made here. 

Omaha Beach  7"x7"

The second day a group of us went into Katahdin Woods and Waters to the Lookout. It is a long drive in but worth it for the view. The mountain was so dark on this day. It is interesting to me that one day the mountain is solid and dark and another day light as air. Just a little bit of fall color was starting. Using my artistic license and remembering what I saw the year before, I added a rain shower coming from over by South Turner Mountain. 

Chance of Showers  13"x24"

The last day was a fine sunny day and was spent at Ledge Falls in Baxter State Park. I did a piece looking up the stream and then turned around and did one looking down the stream. It was a lovely and relaxing day.

Ledge Falls  8 1/2"x15"

Doubletop From the Ledges  8"x10"

On Sunday morning we got together for breakfast and then had a show and tell with all the paintings at the gallery. Thanks to Marsha Donahue and all the artists that made it a fun 3 days.