The coasts of Maine long have been a Mecca for artists, especially those in the tradition of the French masters of “Plein- Air” (“Plenn-Air”) painting – painting landscapes while in the outdoors itself. Winslow Homer and the Wyeths (N.C, Andrew, and Jamie) were among the more well known Plein-Air painters of Maine landscapes.
The ruggedness of granite ledges and stone beaches; the swell of blue, green, white and gray waves, and the everchanging special light seem to evoke impressions that artists need to try to express in two dimensions while being within their subject. Before the invention of paint in tubes, such outdoor painting was virtually impossible.
Above, we see one of the artists who was taking a course in Plein-Air Watercolor Painting at the WoodenBoat School in Great Cove earlier in the month. Below, we sneak a peek at the work of another student’s quick impressions of the Cove on that foggy day.
(Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on September 6, 2021.)