The not-so-perfect day

A norā€™easter was moving in, the light was hazy, butā€”oh, the colors!

Approaching Nor’easter,Ā 12X16, oil on canvasboard, Carol L. Douglas, $1159 unframed.

I met Eric Jacobsen and Bjorn Rundquist on Monday and Tuesday of this week, but on Wednesday, nobody was willing to paint with me. Not that I blamed them; the forecast was awful. Anyway, I wanted to try out my new backpack by hoisting my gear up Beech Hill. Itā€™s the most expensive backpack Iā€™ve ever boughtā€”a Kelty Redwingā€”but Iā€™ve been using a crossover bag thatā€™s neither big enough nor good for the back.

I have an ultralight pochade box that I made myself. However, itā€™s fallen out of favor with me in the steady high winds along the Maine coast. It vibrates. So, instead, I took my smallest wooden box and hoped for the best.

Pretty fancy… and heavy.

It would have to be a fast painting. They were already setting snow records in Buffalo and Rochester, and the same weather disturbance was pushing its way to us.

The light was hazy and the clouds were barreling across the sky. It was ā€˜not a great day for painting,ā€™ butā€”oh, the colors! Thereā€™s something about subdued light that makes the color of early spring just glow. Thereā€™s also something about painting something you know. The glimpse of the sod house on Beech Hill makes me happy every time I round that corner in the trail.

Iā€™m so happy to finally be outdoors without pounds of foul-weather gear. Which means itā€™s time for me to talk seriously about registering for this yearā€™s plein air workshops. Last year was a mixed bag, as my boat trips were canceled. However, I did teach in New Mexico, Florida and Maine. ā€œIt was the first time I felt normal since the start of COVID,ā€ one painter told me.

Beach at Friendship, ME, 9X12, oil on canvasboard, $696 unframed.

This year, registrations forĀ Sea & Sky,Ā Pecos WildernessĀ and the SeptemberĀ Age of SailĀ boat trip are all running ahead of normal. Thereā€™s still room in the June boat tripā€”I assume because itā€™s so close to Maineā€™s go/no go date. But Captain John says, ā€œweā€™re a go for sure for 2021,ā€ and heā€™s the captain, so his word is law.

Iā€™ve addedĀ additional workshopsĀ this year, so that, no matter what landscape you love, thereā€™s a place for you in my schedule. All of them can be accessed through this link.

And this handsome old tree… maybe I can get back there this afternoon to finish.

AGE OF SAIL, June 13-17 or September 19-23, 2021

Learn to watercolor on the magical, mystical waters of Maine’s Penobscot Bay, aboard the historic schoonerĀ American Eagle. All materials, berth, meals and instruction included. Captain John has reduced the number of guests, which puts the schooner well within the stateā€™s COVID guidelines. Beginning May 1st, people traveling to Maine from all states will no longer be required to provide a negative test or quarantine.

SEA & SKY AT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, August 8-13
Five days of intensiveĀ plein airĀ in the quiet corner of America’s oldest national park. Lodging and meals included at Schoodic Institute. All levels and media welcome. Schoodic InstituteĀ did an exceptional job of facilitating social distancing during last yearā€™s workshop, and I am confident this one will be just as good.

AUTHENTIC WEST: CODY, WYOMING, September 5-10, 2021
Study in an authentic western ranch setting in Yellowstone Country. Five days of intensiveĀ plein air, all levels, all media welcome. Iā€™ve reserved a block of rooms at theĀ Hampton Inn, Cody, for guests. Thatā€™s just a short distance from the ranch, and the restaurants, museums, and resorts of Cody.

GATEWAY TO PECOS WILDERNESS, September 12-16, 2021
High plains and mountain wilderness, in historic, enchanting New Mexico. Five days of intensiveĀ plein airĀ instruction, all media and all levels welcome. This year, Iā€™ve reserved a block of rooms atĀ Our Lady of Guadalupe AbbeyĀ in Pecos. Meals are included, and itā€™s a quick jaunt to ā€˜downtownā€™ Pecos.

RED ROCKS OF SEDONA, ARIZONA, September 26-October 1, 2021
A geological wonderland, with world-class restaurants, galleries, and accommodations. Five days of intensiveĀ plein airĀ instruction, all media and all levels welcome. This workshop is offered through theĀ Sedona Arts Center.

And last but certainly not leastā€¦

MOSS-DRAPED OAKS IN TALLAHASSEE, FL, January 17-21, 2022.
Iā€™ll be returning to gracious Tallahassee for another great session of painting through Natalia Andreeva Studio. We had a great time last year!