Ripples of Ascent

24" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas
Location: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Maine USA

 

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I was so happy to escape the influence that maroon had on me and finally get around to painting in blues. Blues are so peaceful. If the painting was done realistically it would be an artist's nightmare. The rock structure is so layered and in and out creating millions of tiny shapes. I GREATLY simplified the rocks which did add to the effect of perspective all heading toward the lighthouse.

The large rock formation at the right of the painting really wasn't there at all, I wanted the effect of the tall rocks to provide a frame for the lighthouse so I laid down on the ground and took photos from that angle.

I don't know who the mother and child are on the right but they add a point of interest to the painting.

Maine is on the border of Canada where people speak French. I noticed a group of young Canadians conversing. I had just finished a year of French classes at the university and was happy to get an opportunity to hear the language. I listened closely. I didn't understand a word but I got an A in French class.

Beyond the lighthouse there is a gift shop. I climbed over the fence and went in to buy a Mickey Mouse postcard with Mickey at the lighthouse. While I was gone my family was sure I had been washed out to sea never to be heard from again. But me and Mickey, we are okay. To the left of the lighthouse there is an art gallery, where I, of course, spent quite a bit of time.

What did I learn from this painting? That rocks have ridges and ripples and darn right complicated structure. The fact that I love blue. And the power of simplification to enhance perspective.

As we sat on the rocks and looked out across the Atlantic ocean, there were sailboats way off shore with waves crashing between us and the boats. I don't know if they were racing or not, but from our viewpoint it looked like the sails were leaning way over and that the waves were higher than the boats. It worried me. But I guess it just shows that viewpoint can be deceptive, the boats sailed on and on.

I really like visiting lighthouses and when I am by the sea that is the first thing I ask, "Where are the lighthouses?" I guess it is the lore of the sea. Danger, rescue. Memories of Pete's Dragon. You know the movie where a dragon uses his breath to start up the warning light in a storm. And Helen Reddy sang that song Candle on the Water. Well....doesn't everybody go to the kiddie matinee at the movies. It's only a dollar.