I painted this one in the field while looking across a typical Maine scene. The sky took on a wonderful feel as the sun slowly sank in the west but the focus here was the distant water and headland. This study spawned a few larger paintings of the area and one day, I would like to go back to do more. There is something about this state that speaks to me as an artist and I can fully understand why Andrew Wyeth did so many paintings there. This oil on canvas as about 7 x 12 in (18 x 30 cm).
Some time ago I designed, carved and printed a white tiger woodblock print. This time I wanted to do something similar and the way I usually approach woodblock printing is to first draw out my idea and if that goes well, do a full-size watercolor study to see if it would work in color. This one seemed to come together okay so the next step will be carving the blocks. I estimate there will be 5 blocks for this one but maybe another one will have to be carved depending on how it looks at the end. Below are the series for this one from original drawing then on through the watercolor layers, just as I would create an actual print.
I was walking through the wood one evening when I saw this scene before me. The sky had taken on an amazing clarity (as is often the case in winter) and the lower sky merging into the horizon as the light diminished. The woodland floor quickly faded into dark but water from recent heavy rains reflected both the trees and the sky. I painted it almost exactly as I saw it - perhaps deleting some of the branches to allow more of the sky effect to come through but keeping much of the mystery that I saw and felt. This watercolor was painted on Arches paper, size 11 x 7.5 inches (28 x 19 cm).
Standing on the edge of the marsh, I watched with avid anticipation as the sun slowly set over the water. Somehow I knew it would be a magical evening and as I stood and watched, I managed a few smaller studies until there was no light left to see. Some of the remnants of light were cast on the rippled water and was the inspiration for this painting. I did a larger version back in my studio after going through my studies and if I remember correctly, this one was 12 x 16 oil (30 x 40 cm). Setting out to capture something of what I saw and felt that evening, I adapted the tonal range to a mostly dark foreground with only lighter patches in the sky and water. This one was a favorite of mine and I hope to be able to do more like it.
As I sit here on this cold new years' day, I look out my studio window to see light snow drifting down. It has started to coat the ground now. As heavier snow rolls in, I can't see the river any more. Earlier I had got up very early when it was still dark hoping to see the sun rise but it has been cloudy all morning. There are the occasional break in the sky so I'm hoping for perhaps some sun and a warmer day than yesterday when it didn't rise above freezing! Here is hoping that it is warmer in your part of the world and it remains for me to say thank you for visiting my blog over the years. Wishing you a Happy New Year! Hoping that 2026 brings you everything you desire including health, wealth and happiness!
