January 25th, 2016
Rocks & Sea at Half Moon Beach
Stage Fort Park, Gloucester MA
Oil on Canvas, 16 x 20 in

It was a beautiful day to go painting. While the snow was the most logical subject, being a temporary treasure for an outdoor painter, water is my catnip. Particularly at Half Moon Beach, the colors of the water contrasts so beautifully with the color of the stone. It was a good day and I’m not displeased with the painting, though there are a few little patches to tend to tomorrow. I learned a pro-tip for winter Plein air painters – standing in one place in the snow for a number of hours will result in the snow turning to ice. If, (inspired by a recently circulating meme perhaps) seeking to emulate the mountain goat and opt to perch yourself on a pitch or angle, the inevitable and unenviable result is that you will slide ever further away from your work at that point when you most wish to be near it. A helpful trio of passing boys suggested cleats – real metal snow cleats, “Not the ones for soccer” as a solution to my difficulty. Wise beyond their years.