Live Lobster! 3 pm

Oil on Linen
24 x 20″
2024

Live Lobster! 3 pm

Oil on Linen
24 x 20″
2024

Live Lobster! 3 pm is a larger plein air painting that required multiple visits to the Wallace Lobster Corporation docks in Friendship, ME. Each visit was an opportunity to plan the composition, observe the changing light, and carefully select the nuances of color that would best capture the essence of the scene. It was through these visits and the gathering of information that I was able to complete this painting in my studio.

The best part of painting outside is meeting the characters that make the place unique. My first visit was during the almost total eclipse. I had misplaced my glasses and was dog-sitting two of my favorite animals. They were not too excited about sharing my attention, so we cruised around. School was out, and many folks were out to experience this unusual day. I was introduced to the personality of this peninsula.

Choosing to paint at 3 p.m., I was able to capture the water’s incredible blue reflection, the crispness of the air, and the changing colors of the water as the breeze picked up. The relationships between the sky, the water, and the light glowing through the traps and onto the docks are what make this painting so special to me. It’s as if I’m still there, watching the lobstermen come in, cracking jokes, and celebrating the increase in lobster prices!

A big part of making memorable paintings is experiencing the noise, the conversation, and the spirit of a place. This takes time and attention. Each Peninsula in Maine has a different personality.

I can’t wait to explore and paint more places on the water in Maine!