67. Progress in Maine

An update on the our progress in Maine.  The renovations on our farmhouse are ongoing!  Here is an action shot taken on October 7.  We removed a window in the wall (you can see the new infill framing behind me) It should have been such an easy project!  Unfortunately we discovered that the the window had been installed without flashing and that someone had covered over rot with new siding.  So we uncovered, re-framed, re-sheathed and re-sided the wall, pretty much the entire wall,up to the top.  I have no idea why we did not discover mold. 

We took out the lower window (in the basement) and insulated that wall.  We rebuilt the door and added a layer if insulation in it as well.  We also poured two new grade beams replacing portions of a rotten perimeter beam.  23 bags of concrete!   I am very good at mixing concrete now...not a skill that I was really seeking!  In the photo you can seek that Lee spot primnes over the nails, but we ran out of weather warm enough to paint the exterior.  While it is still getting up into the 50's, it is not warm enough to paint.

We have also installed new kitchen cabinet - the counters will be delivered on Friday.  It will be very nice to have a sink and functioning range again.  As I write, Lee is framing the master closet.  This afternoon we will hang sheetrock.  Needless to day, I have not had much time to paint!

66. Boothbay Harbor Painting event

A few weeks ago, I painted at a 7 day plein-aire painting event in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.  It was a great event!  I painted several paintings a day - it was so beautiful there, inspiration was around every corner.  

I was not sure that I was ready to participate in such a demainding painting event so soon after moving, but I decided that I would regret it if I didn't.  So I dove in!  I had set several deliberate goals for myself.  I wanted to find beautiful places to paint, maybe even some that I would be willing to drive back to once the festival was over.  Ocean Point definitely fit that bill - I painted there 3 different times and sold one of them!  I wanted to meet other artists in the area and hopefully find a group to paint with.  I did meet a lot of other artists and have found 2 groups that I can paint with - so happy!  I wanted to paint thing s that I normally don't paint - so boats, rocks, and houses.  As you can see - I did paint some rocks and houses!  Here are some of my favorite paintings from my week in Boothbay Harbor!

Fog at Ocean Point, 11x14  

Before the Rain, 12x12

Rising Tide, 8x10

Afternoon with Zinnias, 7x12

Wisteria Welcome 11x14

65. MAINE

After years of planning, dreaming and saving, we have moved to Maine!  We have been here about 7 weeks now, and while there is still so much to do, I am starting to feel lighter.  We bought an old farm house (1850!) that definitely needs work (a lot of work!!) but is habitable.  The renovations on the house and barn have begun!

My goal for this new life is to paint more than I was able to in Maryland and to focus on the business side of being an artist.  I had planned to start slowly, but I found several opportunities to participate in art events and to exhibit my work here, so I decided to jump in!  Some events have been more successful than others - but I have sold paintings at every event, found beautiful new places to paint and have met other artists.  So I am glad that I found the courage to step forward and join in.

Here are some of my favorite recent paintings!

 Golden Light 11x14

Ready for Ice Cream  8x10

Perennial Border 8x10 SOLD

64. Poppies on a June Day

"Poppies on a June Day"

30" x 30"  

I just learned that this painting has been accepted into a juried show at the crystal Moll Gallery in Baltimore - ad the image will be on the invitation!  So exciting!

 This is one of my favorite paintings ...it has the looseness that I am striving for in the my paintings (but don't always achieve).