MORNING GLOW ON MANANA

Manana is creeping into my dreams!! Summer is approaching and I am really looking forward to our return.  Keeping in the Manana frame of mind, this is what I was painting which Alex has now painted in her new painting of that wonderful glow on Manana in the morning.  

painting and model

Painting and Model
meet up at my recent Episcopal Academy show! Eliza stands in front of the painting she posed for on the cliffs on Monhegan Island. Recognize that inimitable Eliza hair? Well, maybe it is imitable...when this painting was first exhibited an acquaintance sought me out to ask if the figure was Eliza Auth? The face is turned away, it is a seated figure wearing baggy clothing...it is amazing how little information our eyes need to make recognition.

To the right is another painting of Monhegan, done from the porch of the Monhegan House hotel one afternoon.

New Monhegan Painting

Though I think about Maine all year, I notice a heightening of excitement in my thoughts as spring moves toward summer. I find myself reliving the outdoor painting experiences of last summer and planning new compositions. Here's one I just recently finished of my MLG friends Diana and Mary painting the orangey glow on the island of Manana from the rocks on Monhegan's western shore in the early morning.

It was composed from a photo I took, and the color information and the feeling of "being there" was inspired by a small oil sketch I had done on two successive mornings at the spot. In my larger painting, I made a direct reference to my process: the third (higher) easel in the painting is mine, with the sketch on it. At the top I've posted my oil sketch so you can see the relationship.

Can't wait for the summer and Maine!

PLEIN AIR PAINTING WORKSHOP on Mount Desert Island, Maine

PLEIN AIR PAINTING WITH ALEXANDRA TYNG
MOUNT DESERT, MAINE July 26-August 1, 2009

Thomas Cole and Frederic Church first popularized Mount Desert Island in the mid- 1800s. Their works inspired families from New York and Philadelphia to make the journey by steamer to "rusticate" and enjoy the untouched beauty of Mount Desert.

Artists will be painting outside in a group for approximately 3-5 hours a day. Sites will vary from the spectacular summit of Cadillac Mountain to the rugged shores and quiet lakes and ponds of Acadia National Park. The group will focus on plein-air painting techniques and strategies. Participants will stay in the Abraham Somes III house built in 1800. Daily critiques, individual instruction, and demonstrations will be provided. Alexandra Tyng and Diana Ansley will lead the group.

Tuition is $500.
Lodging and lunch is $575.

For further information on the lodging, travel arrangements, and daily schedule, or to enroll, contact organizer Diana Ansley at DianaAnsley@aol.com