Exploring vignettes of Port....
As I create this collection of work I am inspired by the energy, excitement, lines, and vibe that all these lakeside views embody.
These new paintings are only loosely beholden to my photo reference. My goal is to capture the impression these locals have on me and then trying to convey that using a sense of color and line to reimagine the underlying spirit of these places.
“This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
Welcome to my 'Lakeside Portals'
The idea for this collection came from the photos on my camera roll. My hubby and I often take walks around Port just enjoying the scenic views of the lakeside village where we live.
More times than not, lots of photos happen. The photos don't have a particular goal, I just like to capture scenic views for contemplation sometime down the road.. and some of them turn into paintings.
“Of all the paths you take in life make some lead to the lake.”
Lakside Portals Collection
Collection Details...
-Release date, Thursday April18th, 2024 at 3pm est. to the general public (11am est. to my email list)
-A collection of 11 original paintings based on lakeside views.
- Paintings range in size from 8"x8" to 14"x18" and are acrylic paint on gallery wrapped canvas.. (so no framing needed)
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It starts off with a group of blank canvases and some ideas that I've collected as inspiration. The act of painting canvases orange feels like part of the ritual that gets me in the mood for the paintings to come.
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I started with some sketches of ideas for compositions that I wanted turn into paintings. I then sketched the idea out on one of my canvases. I'm still unsure at this point what the whole collection will encompass.
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Some photos along the way as I created this painting based on the sketch. The sketch was based on a view of the harbor here in port. Originally I was drawn to the trees lined up on the harbor wall. I let this painting sit for a few days while I considered what I thought of it.
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After 'finishing' the painting I was unhappy with the composition. The red tree in the middle which was distracting and stopped your eyes from exploring the rest of the painting so I made some major changes to the composition to add more design interest.
“A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” – Henry David Thoreau
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The idea for this sketch was based on a path that leads from main beach to the pier. A clump of trees were very expressive in shape and line which is what drew me to the view in the first place.
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This painting changed from the sketch idea. I simplified it by taking out the pier. The straight pier lines seem to be ad odds with the lovely lines of the trees. I love how this one turned out!!
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This sketch is based on a view from 'LittleBeach'. I've painted this beach many times, but there's still angles to explore. I liked these expressive branches against the rolling lake waves, making for a very dynamic view!
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The little beach painting in progress. At one point I thought I was done... but have since gone back into this painting a few times adding more color and changing shadows.
“My recollection of a hundred lovely lakes has given me blessed release from care and worry and the troubled thinking of our modern day. It has been a return to the primitive and the peaceful.” – Hamlin Garland
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First few steps of the 'Seagull Shore' painting. I took the photo this painting is based on last summer while doing my plein air project. I am a huge seagull fan!!!
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A view of the finished painting. I love how this one turned out!!! This is a smaller painting but it packs lots of dynamic punch!!
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Working on the new paintings for the collection. When you get in the zone, painting is like meditation, where you're magically transported into the world of the painting.
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A view of the lift bridge garden looking towards the harbor. this one is developing an almost tropical feel with turqouise water and red blooms... I like that lol
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I really got into the shapes and lines of the lovely fat rope in the garden by the lift bridge. I'll have two paintings that feature them.
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I love the crazy lines of the grass. As I painted them they took on a life of thier own lol.
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Lifeguard tower here on the main beach in Port. Noy fully summer as the winter fence is still up in this view. This is the quiet view the local see before all the tourists come in the summer. I love the sun on the sand and the yellow beach grass.
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Fishing tug in front of the bright red fish market building. Sadly the building will be torn down soon, so this painting will be a historic rendering of what once was. I love the colors in this view!
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This painting is another one based on a photo I took while at the beach during my plein air project last summer. Seagulls are such an integral part of the lakeside vibe. I love spending time at the beach watching their antics along the shoreline and soaring in the seaside breeze, while hearing their high pitched calls above the roar of the waves.
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I took this photo this painting is based on from the lot that looks out towards the pier gateway to the lake, and includes a lighthouse in the distance. This seagull was on top of a post and scrunched down against the wind, while the waves created some interesting action... I am a wave and gull fan, thank goodness I live near the beach!!!
Lakeside Portals Collection
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