Walking in my Painting

I went for a walk in my painting, 4 years after painting it.  And something miraculous happened.  Let me tell you the story...

The painting, "Megan Jill", is a commissioned piece from 2009.  It was to depict not only the boat, whose namesake would be the recipient of the artwork, but also the quaint Maine village of Friendship Harbor.  Several of the wharves and buildings were owned by the same family as the lobster boat.  I took on the project, using a photograph as a reference, as I had never been to Friendship, Maine.  

Fast forward to 2013...while on an trip up the coast of Maine, my friend suggested we visit the coastline north of Damariscotta.  We headed toward Friendship Harbor and I became excited to see it firsthand!  As we drove down the narrow, curved pavement (upper right portion of the painting) and onto the wharf and I felt like I was back in time.  Back to the days when I was sketching and painting the piece.  I recognized all the buildings, the bait shacks, the peaks of the houses...it was surreal and fascinating to this artist's brain!

 Of course, I wanted to find the Megan Jill!  So I explored each corner...but came up empty.  Walking down the last pier, one boat caught my eye, the Jill Marie, as I strolled past it.  But it was not the same color, so I kept moving.   When I came back from the end of the pier, I read the words "Jehovah Jireh" painted on the side of the Jill Marie.   I hadn't noticed them the first time I walked by!

Translated, this means "The God Who Heals".  Tears began to fall from my eyes.  I knew it was God speaking to my heart.  Telling me I am on the right path.  For back in 2009 I was diagnosed with a troubling illness within a few days of quitting my job and pursuing this artistic journey full time.  As I worked my way through the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanies any serious diagnosis, painting kept me grounded in the present moment.  Painting was, and continues to be, a tremendous instrument in my day to day peace.  Through the miracle of prayer (mine and those of my precious friends) I have continued to paint full time for nearly 5 years now.  It is my dream come true.  Being able to express myself through watercolor painting has truly brought great healing, to my soul, and subsequently to my body. I am grateful beyond words to my God and the special people in my life who lend loving support and encouragement to me as I walk this amazing walk called the journey of life!  

Friendship...the name of the place...and the name of so much more!

Reflections of a Water Lily

This time of year, when the skies are mackerel-striped gray, I tend to reflect back on the past 11 months...what I've done, what worked and what didn't, fun times, hard times, and sunny days.  Last June, some artist friends and I travelled to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to paint en plein aire.  When we were about to leave, I snapped this shot of the sun glowing behind the petals of the water lily.  Couldn't help but be inspired to paint it!

In 2012 I spent more time painting and teaching watercolor painting than ever...had more shows and exhibits than ever, and was able to reach out to more people than ever with my message of Light and Hope.  Being able to paint is so special to me...not necessarily the talent, but the opportunity:  spending time and creative energy to put brush to paper...to be able to impact the viewer...in my case, I hope to bring peace to the heart of the beholder.  As I put my trust in Christ, my Creator...I hope to continue this journey receiving each day, one by one, as the gift that it is. 

  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

The Happiest Day

Early September morning in Vermont...fishing on a little river up North.  It was one of those magical mornings where the sun hit the edge of the leaves to make them glow and glitter...with the water glistening as it rippled along.  A gift from God just for me.  I painted this scene while sitting on a rock...my foray into Plein Aire painting is producing decent fruit.  In the middle of it all, I was overcome  with pure joy...I felt so happy...like I was resting peacefully right in the palm of His hand.  The safest place for me to be.  Right where I'm supposed to be.

  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine~~Giclee prints available: Image size 10"x8" $60 unmatted/unframed.

Cape Porpoise Dories

Summer in Maine...couldn't ask for anything more in life!

The early morning sun dances off the hulls of these dories at the dock in Cape Porpoise. Waking with the sunrise in July is always a treat...soaking it all up before winter comes again!

~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.  Giclee prints are available...$40...image size 9"x6".

Reflections of Autumn

Crisp Fall days reveal our trees' true colors of crimson, orange and gold. In this work, they are reflected onto a still body of water evoking a sense of peace during this season of introspection. When we take a moment to look inside ourselves, are OUR true colors revealed? Are there any changes to our "hues" and "values" that could be considered? I believe that True Peace flows when the inner self is congruent to the public self. What do you think?

~~16"x14" $275 framed