Gifts of love

"The Green Camp" 12x12 " 1.5 inches thick, Acrylic on Gallery-wrapped canvas.

This year I decided to make my brother a painting as a gift for his birthday. We have many fond memories of this camp we used to rent on Togus Pond in Maine when we were children; it had been built by my great-grandfather and was handed down in the family. My Mom would rent it from her uncle for a week in the summer (and my Dad's parents would rent it too; so we would stay there!). All of my formative summer memories are of this place; it's also the place where we tearfully found out my sweet Grandmother had passed away on the night of July 4th when I was about to turn 5. 

Anyway, eventually those who cared for it passed away leaving it to relatives who DID NOT care for it. It currently sits in ruin by the lake...the lawn filled in with trees, brush, and poison ivy. The house is rotted and caving in. It is truly so heartbreaking for us. I often have dreams about it in it's former glory; it weighs on my heart like a cold stone. I wanted to capture it as I remember it and share that with the one who understands. I'm happy to report he loved his painting and I couldn't be more thrilled. It's not the STUFF in our life; it's the MEMORIES that make meaning. Nothing can take that away.

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 4

 

Hi friends! Here is today's painting I created...a nautical painting for sailing fans or lovers of nautical style. I love how this is a fresh take on what could have been a more stodgy looking affair. Thanks for visiting!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 3

Hi friends! Here is my daily painting! This is Nubble Light in York, Maine. I had to do another coastal scene; summer isn't over yet! I am happy with the loose strokes of color in this one; I just sort of "WENT for it!" I must admit, though, that it wasn't as "fun" for me to create as the florals were. That may be a clue toward the direction I'm going. But, I'm going to keep experimenting! 27 paintings to go! I have another floral on the horizon (this one is to be more abstract) and I've got a sailboat planned as well as a lake scene. It's nice to have an outlet for all the ideas swimming in my head! I can sort of dump them out and share them with the world. I love what I do!