Quincy 400 Marina Bay Festival Plein Air

On July Fourth weekend, I was invited along with other painters to create some live works of art of along the boardwalk at beautiful Marina Bay in Quincy, MA.   Quincy was founded in 1625, a mere five years after Plymouth, so its 400th anniversary is here and it was celebrated in grand style.   There was a full three days of programming including great music, patriotic parades, children's events and even John Adams made an appearance in vintage garb.  

The heat was a factor and remembering to drink while immersed in a plein air painting is always a challenge.   The event company who invited us took very good care of us though, and we were even treated to a gourmet lunch (albeit in a box).  I created two paintings that day which were part of a mini competition on Sunday.   Amazing artist Morgan Davis took the top prize with her painting of the clock tower.   (far left in the picture)  That's me with my eyes closed :).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The complex dock scenes below would have terrified me not too long ago.  I have since learned to let the details go and concentrate on the big shapes and concentrate on painting a few key elements well.   The viewers' eyes and brain do the rest as they digest the painting!   All the American flags were done with my palette knife with one very loose, long stroke.  

 

Marina Bay Boardwalk - West Q400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marina Bay Boardwalk - North Q400

Birthplace John Adams

John Adams Birthplace

I've painted the John Adams grand manor of "Peacefield" many times, so I thought it was time to check out our second president's earlier roots.  This small, antique, saltbox-colonial, Adams's birthplace, is also located in Quincy, MA on Franklin Street.   It was built in 1681 and purchased by Deacon John Adams, President John Adams’ father, in 1720.  We learned on a guided tour that it still stands in its original location, at that time, a 188 acre farm.

The 21st century noise and traffic on this street was a stark contrast to the bucolic setting I imagined when hearing the Guide's story of the property back in the colonial era. Well, the painting looks as rural as the original description of the Homestead, surrounded by trees, fieldstone walls and wild flowers.  This 11x14 inch painting will be on display at the Annual Quincy Art Festival Exhibit called "Best of Quincy."

Peacefield III

Peacefield III

Peacefield - Stage 1

The homestead of John and Abigail Adams is located in Quincy, MA and I've painted it several times now.   I just love this rendition which was done for a client with great admiration for John and Abigail Adams, similar to my own.   The formal gardens of the Adams estate reach their glorious peak in August, my favorite time to visit.   The perfectly manicured lawns and short hedgerows counterbalance the riot of flowers clamoring for attention.  Every color is accounted for, and so are the nectar loving creatures - honey bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Peacefield - Stage2

To the rear of the property is the presidential library.  It  is relatively small, but has a grand and graceful roof line and chimney, constructed of red bricks mostly covered in ivy.   Each time I visit, I walk to the back gardens to check on the rose bushes stretched out espalier-style on a rose arbor, originally planted by none other than First Lady Abigail Adams.  (Abigail's rose bush can be seen on the left on three black vertical supports.)

Peacefield - Stage 3

I've included photos taken during the painting's development.   I think it is apparent from the first stage that the composition was plain and easy, but strong enough to lead the viewer in, before the eyes return to studying the bright flowers in the foreground....at least I think that is the way most would scan the painting. :)

Raising the Flag II

Raising the Flag II

These Marines carefully raised this large American flag on a massive flagpole supported by steel girders.   No part of the flag ever touches the ground and it immediately balloons out and up, catching the first breezes of the day.   As it unfurled I thought about how beautiful and symbolic a brand new flag is, especially in the yellowish-pink morning light.

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