How a Cloudy Day Can Be Inspiring

I’m passionate about Sister Island.  For me, it’s like Monet’s haystacks–inspiring in all kinds of weather and light.  I see it every day from my studio on Maquoit Bay in Freeport and I kayak around it several times a week all summer and fall.  It has a beautiful ledge which is revealed at low tide.  At high tide, the north side has floating rock weed which gently undulates with the waves and current.  The lee side (away from the wind) is silent except for the sound of lobster boats, seagulls and ducks. This side has the best opportunity to see reflections which are the theme of most of my paintings.

The day that inspired my painting began with gun-metal gray sky and water. It was completely uninspiring.  I decided that I would just enjoy paddling without expectations of finding anything I might be interested in painting.  I’m usually interested in sun-dependent vivid colors and patterns based on light and shadow, not the cool, gray values of a cloudy day.

I was fortunate as I approached Sister Island.  The sun broke through the clouds creating some beautiful yellow tones against black patterns in the water reflection and a sky that I couldn’t resist with a warm whitish yellow sun. I grabbed my camera out of the deck bag on my kayak and took several shots before heading back to the studio to sketch some ideas.

The original painting had a much bigger sky which wasn’t working so I cut off the top 6 inches and re-stretched the canvas.  As I share this experience, I’m reminded that there’s always something amazing to experience if I remain open and receptive–sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes it’s profound, but it’s always a gift for the taking. I wish I could maintain this awareness every day.  It’s most likely to occur when I’m kayaking with all senses open.