ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END

 As we drove through the park on our last day, I wondered what I would take away from this wonderful adventure. I believe first of all, the cliffs and trees:

 the beautiful colors of the water as the sun shone on it,

 the rose colored granite rocks and the amazing mansions hidden in the coves,

the view from Cadillac Mountain, the neat little eateries hidden away in the tiny coastal towns:

 the eagles and the seals on the tiny islands offshore,

 the lighthouses, still functioning.

 and best of all the beautiful sunset on our last day.

 As we packed up and headed home, I was so glad we took this opportunity to see a part of America we hadn’t seen. Now I have 689 images to inspire me. I hope I can paint a few of them and do justice by them. So long, Downeast Maine!

DAY FOUR – INTO THE WATER

It’s really fun when I begin to see the painting resembling what I had in mind. Mixing the blue, yellow, red and burnt sienna, I create a sandy mix that I paint into the foreground.

Now I want to try to bring the tidepool in and show the reflection of the setting sun – something I haven’t tried before. Studying my reference photo, I realize I need to mix a light peach/brown color, so using cadmium red light, cadmium yellow medium, titanium white and lots of gel gloss medium, I paint the area where the waterline washes gently over the sand in the foreground.

 

I like that. I use the same light color mixture on the right side of the water, showing the sunlight reflecting on that side.

 

Mixing ultramarine blue, white and a little burnt sienna, I paint some cooler colors under the rock on the right side and working down, glaze more of the cool colors to blend with the warmer ones.

 

Now for the fun. Loading a 1″ watercolor brush with white, gloss medium and a little yellow, I drag the side of my brush across, creating some gentle wave action. I think the painting is beginning to take shape. Using the same white with a little blue and gloss medium I drag some cooler waves across from the left. This painting is easy and fun to do. Next time, we’ll work on the rocks. They look a little like sharks at the moment, but we’ll fix that. I think I’m going to like this picture!