Daniel Webster Estate

Daniel Webster Estate

Daniel Webster (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852) was a prominent, regional figure whose legacy is apparent even today around the town of Marshfield.    He was an orator, lawyer and statesman.   He actually served as Secretary of State under three US presidents.

He bought the land (600 acres) on which the Daniel Webster Estate stands today, adding another 1200 acres to his holdings, which he decided to name "Green Harbor."

For much more on Marshfield's Daniel Webster and his estate (the subject of this painting), visit the following link.     http://www.danielwebsterestate.org/

What about the painting's development?   Last year I  had made an unsuccessful attempt to execute a plein air capture of this beautiful location which is very close to home.   I vaguely remember mosquitoes, not having any viridian green and the clouds opening up before I was done.    I grabbed that painting with the thought that maybe I could salvage it for this outing.   I forgot to take a photo of that starting point.   The drawing was close, but the colors screamed late summer.    This paint-out went much better which I attributed to having a full first pass at a complicated architecture already established.   Now I could adjust the light and angles, and also work on highlighting and strengthening the color.   For the pretty shadow patterns from the big, old, chestnut trees, I used various cool blues and purples for added interest.

Pretty Light on Assumption Church

Our Lady of the Assumption - Light and Shadows

Early Saturday afternoon in this shady church parking lot was quiet and private, a beautiful May day.   Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Green Harbor is a fairly modern structure and it is quite beautiful in its own way.   It is not a grand or majestic church like some of the cathedral-like churches of my childhood.   The interior is appropriately bright and airy, similar to Green Harbor itself.  The light was bright and warm on the white church surface, a contrast from the shaded, bluish driveway where I stood. This painting depicts the back of the church from the rear parking lot and the stained glass window is located over the altar.   Can you tell I love stained glass windows?   I pumped up the color beyond reality, cuz I wanted to.  :)