Saturday, March 6, 2010

Moorings: Finished

Well, it’s done. Finished size: 10"x 15" (Oh my aching eyes!)
It puts me in mind of a scene from my novel, Story for a Shipwright, where Sam Wesley is sitting in the local diner, looking out over the harbor on Sunday morning:

"It wasn’t truly the best seat, but the corner booth, partially overlooking the harbor and a few lobster boats suited me fine. While Billy perused his options, my attention wandered to the boats in the harbor—many of them were out for the day baiting traps, which is all they’re allowed on Sundays, from June through August. I thought about how consistent lobstermen are—they seem to recognize no distinction of day or season, heat or cold, rain or shine. Glancing around the diner, at old lobster traps hung from the ceiling, and picturesque scenes behind glass, I chuckled at how we who live here take their trade for granted. Funny, how tourists romanticize the industry, carrying it home in calendars or placemats, rarely appreciating the sweat that goes into the lobster on their plate."

…and thanks, again, to photographer Doug Wood

18 comments:

  1. Beautiful! Once again I'm impressed with your attention to detail. Not to mention the speed with which you complete your paintings. So, I'm curious... do you take time to sleep while you're labouring over one of these projects? :)

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  2. Thanks, Deb! The detail in this probably would have been suited to a much larger painting, but what can I say, I love my 00000 brush! Though my eyes sure don’t—they’re the ones who require the sleep.

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  3. The painting is really superb. And then I read the piece from your novel. I honestly don't know which is finer. I just want to do one thing well and that is write and there are many a day that I have serious doubts. It must be lovely have two things. I am feeling seriously envious. I am not sure I can follow you much longer. It is beginning to pain me.

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  4. Beautifully done Bridget. I see that you have your very own lobster boat now.

    -Doug

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  5. Robin,
    I have to admit that it is nice to have painting to fall back on, but believe me, neither are free of serious doubt. I’m not certain how one gets over those feelings, but to put them aside and try to improve (‘cause, can you believe?—I didn’t always paint like that!) I get scared whenever I start a painting, but I make myself do it. Sometimes I get really scared in the middle of it, but I make myself finish it—eventually. It’s the same for my writing, too. Just keep doing what you love Robin, and don’t quit stopping by here—I like having you around!

    Doug,
    So glad you like it—It helps to have something awesome to start with!
    …and, of course you’d notice the liberty I took with the boat name! I was wondering how long before someone noticed :)

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  6. Lovely. It has a strong moodiness despite the quite moorings. Thanks for sharing the whole process.

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  7. Thanks for following along, Sharon--it really is motivational to have a small audience. I do appreciate it!

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  8. My dyslexia strikes again... that should say "quiet moorings"...

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  9. I actually knew what you meant, Sharon--I hate the fact that we can't edit comments once they're up!

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  10. The lobster is definately on the plate, in this one.. such a feast.. I appreciate... Boat name, i saw..you were everywhere with this one..

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  11. Perhaps I should have incorporated a little 'me,' waving from one of the boats--on in the cab of the pick-up!

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  12. OH MY STARS! Both the picture and the lovely piece you've shared. Both are divine! Lady, I need to meet you in person one day. Just want to let you know how inspiring you are to met lately. So much.

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  13. Michelle,
    Just consider it pay back!

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  14. You are absolutely correct. No "crying in the beer" anywere. The appreciation was flowing in both directions..thnx for the visit...

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  15. may I mention you site in a near future blog.?

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  16. Cleaning the house and stuff. And trying to figure out what to paint next...oh yeah, and researching agents to query--that too...

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