Mary Marjorie, from both sides
Posted: June 26, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized 31 CommentsThe views around the Rockport harbour are endlessly fascinating for me. What makes the scene so unique is that the harbour is walled in on all four sides, except for a small passage at one end where the boats go in and out. That means that it can be painted from all sides as well. I had hoped to paint all four views this week but ran out of time. I’ve already posted my first painting of the harbour, with the fishing boats and the parking lot in the distance, but added the scanned version here because it features the lobster boat Mary Marjorie in the back, on the left. Much to my frustration, this boat went out to sea before I had a chance to paint it, although my drawing of it was fairly detailed. Colour was added from memory, which is not that hard to do with a white boat and bright orange buoys.
I had a second opportunity to paint the Mary Marjorie a few days later from the other side of the harbour. This time it stayed in the same spot while I painted, allowing me to add in all the details on the dock and on the boat itself. It’s always difficult to know when to stop without overworking a painting. I couldn’t step back to evaluate the painting from a distance because my easel was wedged between the edge of the dock and a parked truck, but near the end of my painting time another painter walked by (there are so many painters in Cape Ann!) and we chatted for a while. She took a look and told me I was done — she was pretty sure that if I continued to paint, I would overwork the painting. That was good advice. When I got home I realized that it was pretty much finished, except for a few strokes here and there to tie things together. Much appreciated, Nellie! Both versions of the harbour are 22″ x 15″.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
This is stunning – you just keep topping yourself
And I’m living it right there
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There’s the word I was lookin’ for – stunning!
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Ah Soni, thanks so much!
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You always blow my mind. I feel like one of the voices on the Voice. I am at a loss for compliments.
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Stephanie, thank you!!
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You overwhelm me with your beautiful paintings of a place I know well and love so much. Your talent continues to inspire me
Lisa daniels
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Lisa, I didn’t realize you knew this place well… maybe you already told me but I forgot. Thanks!
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I don’t know what else to say! These are just beautiful!!! How long does it take you to paint one of these scenes? You manage to get so many details without it looking “picky”.
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HI Linda,
These half sheets take between two and three hours. I would say closer to 2.5 hrs. Sometimes I add a few details back home after I have stared at it for a long time. I don’t like working on the details for too long so I try to stop myself, or I listen to someone else telling me to stop!
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Wow…beautifully done ! You have totally captured the ” essence” of this amazing place …bravo! Nancy
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Thanks Nancy!
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As all before me have said, each of the paintings is wonderfully done. Each has something special and unique for the viewer to enjoy. I love the row of cars lined up in the parking lot knowing the drivers are enjoying the view, the day and maybe time spent on board a boat of their own. I also like the cluster of buildings in front of tall foliage.
The second painting shows us such a clear day with a blue that is exquisite. I am so drawn to the freshness…blue is my favorite of all favorites.
Wonderfully executed each one.
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Bernadette, thanks so much for writing. You can see why I love this place. The complexity of the scene is what I like best. It is so unlike anything we see here in Montreal.
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I really enjoy your larger format paintings. They are so lovely! And the reflection of the boat in the second version of the Mary Marjorie is a whole lesson on reserving whites. 🙂 I really hope you do a “Boats and Water” class at some point, online or in real life, or even better both.
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Janine, thanks for writing. I hope to do a boats and water class one of these days as well. It won’t be this fall though. I am just too busy at school…
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How great that the harbor is designed so that you can get so many views. This is lovely with the pops of color amid the blues.
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Thanks so much Joan!
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Wonderful as usual…..water looks so good with the reflections…. When you are painting outdoors on 15×22, how long are you painting? I’m sure your sketching is very quick. And I’m sure the light keeps changing. You are really in control of any situation!!
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Hi Donna. For a half sheet like this it takes over two hours to complete. Under three hours for sure. Yes, the lighting does change but I try to record the cast shadows all at once so it makes sense.
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PS: how long do these drawings take on average ? These half sheets
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Hi Soni. These take somewhere between two and three hours. And then a few minutes once I get home to work on the details once it is completely dry.
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Beautiful! What kind of easel do you use?
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Thanks. When I am outside I use an Eric Michaels En Plein Air Pro easel. Very light and easy to set up: https://enpleinairpro.com
I have been using it for years and I am very happy with it.
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My computer has been ill and refused e-mail–in or out. So I have fallen behind. I got it back a few hours ago and have been trying to catch up, afraid I had missed your posts. But I think I am caught up.
I love boats. Paintings of boats-yours are so wonderful. Don’t want to repeat what has already been said but ditto to all. Your water reflections are so fresh. I will have to work on that so as not to overdo.
Due to your paintings, I have decided to start planning our fall trip to Maine.
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Judy, so glad to hear that you will be going to Maine. I keep saying I have to get up to Maine but Rockport keeps drawing me back…
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Beautiful.
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Thanks!
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Amazing
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Many thanks!
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Love your colours
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Thanks Shireen.
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