Tuesday, September 09, 2008

The Ocean State

The great thing about New England is that the entire six state region is about 70,000 square miles which is only a bit larger than the State of New York. You can drive to destinations by the ocean or to rivers, lakes, mountains and forests in a matter of hours . It's all here. Yesterday was a picture perfect day to paint in Rhode Island, about an hour South of my home. Tiverton and Little Compton are located along the Sakonnet River. which abounds with rolling farmland with river and ocean views, incredible stone walls of yesteryear, old barns and sheds, Farm stands, harbors with boats, lots of livestock and rolled up bales of hay. We spent the day like tourists exclaiming over the light, the views, the animals, the water! I managed to get this small (2.75 x 2.75) sketch done before the boat pulled away from the dock and later on I managed to just catch the sunset over the marsh using a real cigar box palette that I picked up at a tobacco store. No set up. Put your stuff on the trunk or open hatchback and stand there. I keep it in the fridge in between uses. This was a perfect day.

17 comments:

Paula Villanova said...

I love the cigar box concept and always being ready to paint! Because I paint in acrylics, I'm afraid that exact concept would not work for me, however, I do always keep a set of paints in the car and at least one canvas! It took me awhile to complete a 2nd set of paints, but I'm glad I did. We've had some great painting weather!

Jeffrey J. Boron said...

Sounds like a absolutely grand day Mary! Nice sketches too.

Jeffrey

Anonymous said...

A perfect-sounding day, indeed. Very nice!

Paz

Cara said...

Great painting Mary and I enjoyed your post. Now I will make a confession - I have an unusual attraction to "boxes" Everyone at work will stop by my office before throwing away a box. After I inspect it I make a decision as to the qaulity of the container and whether I want it or not. Its just a thing with me - I can't stand to discard a good box. And give me a gift in a gift box and guess what I secretly love the best...the box. So here's the point, sometime back I went to the tobacco store to buy a cigar box for painting and you guessed it; I left there with a car full. I just couldn't leave those perfect little boxes behind. Ha!

Janette Jones, Studio California said...

Nice work, Mary! Good idea for the cigar box/painting box. Fast and quick when you just need to jump out and paint!

Paula Villanova said...

Hi Mary....Me again, this time with award in hand! I am passing along the "Brilliante Art" award to you for all that you bring to this on-line community, beginning with your wonderful painting and processes. As your quote states,"Life is short, art is long!"
Please check out my blog for the details of this award...and btw, I am not only a big fan of "Just Painting," but also "Not Really a Cleaning Lady!"
Thanks!
--Paula

lyn said...

I like ALL your blogs. "I am always looking at the world through a painter's eyes. If I'm not painting, I'm thinking about it or reading about it." < rings true for me too! Thanks for the comment on 100 horses.
continued success

Roxanne Steed said...

What a handy-dandy paint box idea....I really like this ( I keep looking for ways to getsmaller & light when I travel...)

Lorna said...

You can buy empty cigar boxes, or are you a heavy smoker?

Nini said...

You hit the nail on the head about New England! I love that you are ready to paint at the drop of a hat!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I live in Warwick RI. saw your comment on Karin's blog and thought I would check yours out. I love the Ocean State also. Moved here from Ohio. Never going back. Love your paintings by the way,

Rebecca Hickman said...

Gorgeous. Your really captured the spirit of New England. I can practically smell the salty sea air.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

I love what you write almost as much as what you paint! You did a great job capturing the light at the marsh. It WAS amazing. I'm going to send you a picture I have of you standing with your cigar box painting this scene! And please do paint the sketch of the turquoise boat, it'll be a good one, too.

Sylvia Jenstad said...

Had a to stop... what a relazing beautiful painting... love your colous...

rob ijbema said...

great mood and values in this one mary
looks sweet in the paintbox too!

Barbara Pask said...

I really like your painting and the idea for the cigar box is great. Thank you

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your good comments --I'm glad to discover your blog. Nice work on the marsh piece. There is a strong composition in the sketch too.

It's also nice to see you're carrying on the tradition of the cigar/pochade box. How are you working with yours? Just holidng open in your hand or laying it in your lap? Does the top stay up or do you have to hold it upright?

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