Bridge Over the North River

Bridge Over the North River

Old Washington Street parallels route 53 at the Pembroke/Hanover line.  Although chaotic Route 53 is visible from where I was (next bridge over the North River), it was much more serene.    The trees were just starting to bud; some were pale pink and others just a dull gray-green.   It felt great to be outside!

North River Paint Out

 

 

 

 I was surprised at how many boats and kayaks passed under me given that it was only April and quite cool.  This is a tidal river and the flow was against most of the boats I saw.  Motor-less boats really had to battle the current and I confess I got a good chuckle out of hearing one couple's banter (aka - argument) as to who was working harder.    "I AM working hard!"  Followed by a stream of rowing instructions, "left, left, I said LEFT!"  "now RIGHT."  " GRRRRRRR!   Well, they made it through the "narrows" to the other side, and I'm guessing quite heated up!   I did wonder if, upon their return, would they ride this same flo-tide in, or struggle against an equally strong ebb-tide.  I''ll never know!  :)

Wooden Wonder - Powder Point Bridge

 

Wooden Wonder - Powder Point Bridge

 

 Red sky at night, sailors' delight...

It's not quite red but the thick overcast was giving way to clearer skies, and setting sun was catching the underside of the cloud bank at the Powder Point Bridge.   This marvelous bridge is special to many on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  It's unique length and structure has made it into documentaries and movies over the years, and of course, it is a favorite of photographers and painters.

The bridge is, in fact, the longest wooden bridge in the United States at 2,200 feet.  When the original bridge was built in 1892 it subtracted seven hours of travel from the trip from Duxbury Center to the Gurnet which is at the furthest tip of Duxbury Beach.  The bridge has been a topic in this blog several times if you'd like to know more and see my past paintings of it.

This painting is large at 18x36 which makes it the perfect living room piece for "over the couch."

Plein Air Hancock, NH

It took just under two hours to get to Hancock, NH for our February painting getaway. My husband and I were each able to get two paintings done in the three days.  The conditions were rough the first day as it was cloudy, freezing cold - and windy.  Additionally, I was standing in snow.   I was quickly chilled to the bone.  It did make me paint faster than usual, although the paint was quite sluggish.   Hahaha...it was great!   I sought hot tea immediately once we got to the Inn and happily let their elderly Golden Retriever rest his warm head in my lap.

Snowy Gate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By contrast, the next day was glorious. The full sunshine gave a brilliant glow to everything in sight. The black and white world from the previous day was now full of lively color, blue sky, yellow inn, red barn, and golden, sunlit pile of firewood.  I never did clean off my palette from the first day, so its no wonder that the snow colors look very similar.   The photo belies the bright color in the actual painting, especially the red, and now I'm thinking I should make things brighter still.  Paintings that reside in the studio are never really done!

Barn Out Back

 

 

 

Plein Air at Watch Hill Cove

Watch Hill Cove in Winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this era of keeping space between people, plein air painting is the perfect occupation.   We took a road trip to Watch Hill, Rhode Island all loaded up with our painting gear.  During the summer, I was told, the place is hopping, but it was early March and we were two of the few people who were enjoying the harbor and beach.  Photos of warm weather reveal that this location hosts dozens of beautiful boats that would be tied to the many - now empty - moorings.  

The paint was so cold that I had to mix oil right into the stiffer colors, like Naples Yellow.   You may notice how extra thick the sky and water are, an impasto look that I love; the stiff cold paint helped!