plein air, studio, educational and inspirational

Day 30: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic" - My final tally, I painted 26 paintings for this challenge.

I would love to go back to "Berlin".  I just didn't have enough time to explore this fabulous city.  Helen & I took a mini-break and stayed right in the heart of the city, within walking distance to many of the historical sites. The steps lead to the canal, a dangerous crossing to freedom before the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. 

Day 29: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

This challenge wouldn't be complete without a stop in Scotland. "Stirling Castle" is majestic; sitting high on the steep cliffs of Castel Hill overlooking the valley with reminders of the modern world. We drove from Glasgow where we were staying with our friends, Karen & Iain, and spent a beautiful morning stepping back in time.  

Day 28: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

It was a "Dry and Dusty" drive on the off road trek we took through the countryside north of Mijas Pueblo, Spain. Our tour guide was full of information about the local crops, flowers and local history; taking us to locations that we would not have seen touring on our own.   

Day 27: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

In September we traveled back for another UK visit with friends & family.  We also spent a week in Spain with our friends Helen & Patrick. It was glorious in Mijas and surrounding area! Steve & Eli went golfing several times and when I started this challenge Eli wanted a painting of one of the golf courses. So, here is Eli's choice,"Mijas Golfcourse", doesn't it make you want to be a golfer! 

Day 26: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

"Rugged Coast" takes us back to Ireland as we traveled along a winding road when we cut through the mountains on the Berra Peninsula.   This painting has a different appearance than the other posts. It was painted on a gatorboard that was primed for a highly textured surface by applying both pumice ground and matte gel medium.  I have been experimenting with various ways to create textures for a couple of years, and recently taught a workshop for the Pastel Painters of Cape Cod to share some techniques, fun & challenging! 

Day 25: 30 Paintings in 30 Days- "Traversing the Atlantic"

Our family took a side trip to Ireland when we went to Wales several years ago, 11 to be exact, frightening how time flies! We squeezed a lot into a few days; touring along the "Seaside" lanes, golfing for Steve & Eli, exploring for Zoe & me and a stop in Killorglin, the town where Steve's grandmother was born.  Looking through these vacation photos, makes me want to visit Ireland again!

Day 24: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

We were finishing up our snowshoeing hike and the sun was so strong it was hard to look at the sky.  "Snowy Sun Glow" captures the feel of winter with the warmth of the sun spreading across the snow.  

Day 23: 30 Paintings in 30 Days- "Traversing the Atlantic"

It snowed on Cape Cod yesterday so after shoveling out Steve and I rewarded ourselves with an "Afternoon Snowshoeing" at Frances Crane Wildlife Management Area. It's a real treat when we can go snowshoeing not far from home. Looking at the weather forecast who knows how long the snow will remain, a few warmer days this week and the snow will be gone..or nearly! 

Day 21: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

Welcome to Maine! Love winter along the coast, and Cape Porpoise in Kennebunkport is a favorite place to stop.  This time it was frigid, wind was whipping around, and not a soul was out! The colors of the snow are always a delight to paint, they pick up the colors of the surroundings and the final swift strokes tie it all together.

Day 20: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

This week I had a mini-break in Maine with my adult children, Eli & Zoe. As we drove north there was more snow & ice,  the temperature dropped and the wind picked up.  Along the coast "Winter Light" spilled from the sky onto the road & snow.  We scouted out some spots to see the sunset, never did get a great view but we had fun trying!

Day 17: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

It was a lovely day for an "Autumn Stroll" in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We typically visit Portsmouth in the autumn when the Pastel Society of New Hampshire has their annual National Pastel Exhibit at the Discovery Center. Filled with amazing pastels, quite a treat!  This lane was very inviting with the t-shirt store on the corner and the colors of the trees at the end of the lane, you just wanted to see what was between them.

Day 16: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

"Mist Rolling In" New Hampshire is painted on dark grey sanded pastel paper. Painting on a darker colored surface creates an immediate moody feeling. The sky is dimming and the clouds have a bit of illumination capturing our attention as we travel along a quiet country road. 

Day 15: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

Driving a car " Down the Lane" can be quite an experience and in some cases not for the faint of heart!  Hedgerows, stone walls and roads the width of what appears to be a single lane. Insider hint: As you are approaching a bend or an obstructed view, just honk your horn!  When I lived in Wales I was given this very sensible suggestion to make your presence known!

Day 13: 30 Paintings in 30 Days- "Traversing the Atlantic"

We spent "A Morning in Town, Trowbridge, England" with our Welsh family last autumn.  Short walk from the house and we were wandering around the town center and the park.  I love the town centers when they are closed to traffic, its so much nicer and relaxing to meander without cars! I began this painting today as a demonstration at my Wednesday pastel class at the Cultural Center in Yarmouth. Another quick painting I'd like to revisit as a bigger painting.

Days 11 & 12: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

Our British family lives not far from "The White Horse" in Westbury, England.  It's quite a sight as you are approaching but it's the view from the crest of the hill overlooking the valley that is just amazing.  You can see why this spot is a favorite for walkers, hang gliders and photographers; the views are panoramic, the breeze seems constant and there aren't too many places like this! As for size, you would need a telephoto lens to see a person standing by the hooves of the horse!  

Day 10: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

"Mist on the Mountains" captures a memory of a peaceful spot in Maine where we could hear loons calling, branches creaking softly and the melodic lapping of water over the rocky shore.  I love the challenge of painting misty, grey days.  There is something calming about choosing close value colors and softening edges as I paint peace & quiet. 

Day 9: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

Busy day today but I was determined to squeeze in some painting time. With a short window of time I completed  this view from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. I can picture this one as a large painting, capturing the expanse that lays before you from the top of this mountain, but that will take me lots more time to paint!

Day 8: 30 paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

Took a break from studio painting and heading outdoors to paint "Quiet Winter on Cape Cod". Couldn't resist the sun and snow, and the temperature was feeling kind of nice.  Once I was standing still it definitely felt a bit colder; hand warmers in my fingerless mitts, alpaca wool liners in my boots, standing on a car mat.   Good day to work quickly!

Day 7: 30 Paintings in 30 Days "Traversing the Atlantic"

One more day in Wales.  I couldn't move on without painting the greens of the Welsh countryside. Ogmore by the Sea was a place we visited when my mother came to stay with us. The ruins of Ogmore castle are not far from here and when Zoe was little she was dubbed the "Princess of Ogmore". What lovely memories!

Day 6: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

I never tire of our visits to Wales, there is always something new to discover. This past September we enjoyed a day on the Gower Peninsula. In "Doorways" the remnants of this building stood in contrast to the new and very modern Mumbles Lifeboat Station situated below the cliff. Royal National Lifeboat Institution ( RNLI)

Day 5: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - "Traversing the Atlantic"

"Footpath along Langland Bay" is just one of many beautiful walks along the south coast of Wales. The day was sunny, the surfers and stand up paddle boarders were taking advantage of the surf. We were in heaven, and I would agree with anyone who says that Wales really is heaven on earth! 

Day 4 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days - Traversing the Atlantic

 My family is used to me having my camera ready for that elusive shot that will inspire a painting. "Traveling a Vermont Road" is from a series when we were traveling along a twisting road, the mountains loomed in the distance, peeks of fall foliage added a glimmer of color.  But it was the house, a beautiful building along the road, that intrigued me. I think I might even paint it again someday! 

Day 3: 30 Paintings in 30 Days - Traversing the Atlantic

Vermont in color is an amazing sight. We happened to be there at the end of the height of the season but the colors were still glorious!

I was painting a different view, and it began to rain so I retreated to the cover of the porch.  Decided to go for a short walk and came upon this hollow in the terrain covered in bracken, with the mist on the mountains and colors ablaze I knew would be ideal for a future painting.

Day 2 of the "30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge"

I loved our short visit to Geneva! Couldn't resist this view from our hotel room, looking out over a residential section towards Lake Geneva and the Alps. A short walk down the street we found a corner store that had the most delicious croissants, this became our breakfast place! Trolley stop was right out front, easy ride to the Untied Nations and the Botanical Gardens.

"Traversing the Atlantic- New England and Europe", my  "30 Paintings in 30 Days" Challenge theme

Day 1-  "Geneva Waterfront"  Switzerland

We had a 3 day city break in Geneva a few summers ago.   We wandered the streets, gardens, museums. Hopped on the city transport- boats and trolleys, and spent time relaxing at the waterfront bars & restaurants.