Painting of the Week- Cape Cod Lighthouse

I am a Watercolor Artist and Surface Pattern Designer. One of the coastal images i love to capture are lighthouses. When I was a kid growing up in Connecticut we would visit friends on “the Cape”. That’s New Englander’s lingo for Cape Cod Massachusetts. I remember this lighthouse from our vacations on Cape Cod. There are 14 lighthouses on the Cape. Some of the lighthouses I have painted are ones I’ve visited but occasionally I will paint one from reference or a photo that a friend has taken.

I’m preparing for a solo art show at First and South in Greenport. This piece is one that I am planning to use in the space. It’s a depiction of Nauset Lighthouse. You may also recognize it as the lighthouse on bags of Cape Cod potato chips. It’s history is interesting “Nauset Light, officially Nauset Beach Light, is a restored lighthouse on the Cape Cod National Seashore near Eastham, Massachusetts, erected in 1923 using the 1877 tower that was moved here from the Chatham Light.” You can read more about this lighthouse on Wikipedia .

I plan to share this piece with my students to work from in an upcoming watercolor workshop. Last summer I taught a class on How to paint lighthouses to a sold out audience. The popularity of lighthouses in Coastal decor is amazing. You can be sure I will keep on painting these coastal beacons in the future. I’d love to travel and see as many lighthouses in this country as posible, then paint then all in watercolor. I love to dream!

This image is available on my website as a Giclee print. If you’d like to see it and more of my work. Here’s a quick link to my website . Thanks for following along on my creative journey!

Painting introduction of the week- "View from Goldsmith's"

I wanted to feature one of my paintings each week and tell you about my inspiration and process. The first watercolor painting I'd like to share is a landscape called "View from Goldsmith's" This piece was done En Plein Air which means painting in the open air. It's not easy to paint watercolor out in the elements as I learned in doing this one, my first piece created in this manner. The beaches here on Eastern Long Island provide this watercolor artist so much inspiration. So to be sitting on the beach painting was truly amazing. I signed up for a Plein Air painting class with the Southold Recreation Department for 4 sessions painting in various locations in town. This was our first spot, Goldsmith's Beach in Peconic.

I decided to face east and paint the point of land that Horton Point Lighthouse is located on. This also included my neighborhood beach in the distance Kenney's Road Beach. When you paint outdoors it's all about chasing the light. You need to sketch and move quickly as the sun is moving, the wind is blowing, drying your paint and the clouds are constantly changing as well. While I was painting this piece a little sunfish sailed into view so I included it in the composition.

This painting also holds a special place in my heart as it was the first original watercolor I ever sold. I vividly remember the day the shop owner contacted me, and half of my heart was heavy I thought OH no what have I done! I will never see it again but the other half of my heart was happy that someone will enjoy my piece for years to come. Each painting is a piece of me, like a child and part of my soul. I love to paint and share my art with the world.

The View from Goldsmith's" is currently available as a print in my shop and has proven to be a best seller. To see more about this piece go to my Shop

A watercolor supply list for beginner's and any artist!

I am a watercolor artist and surface pattern designer. Over the years I have taught in many capacities. I was an adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, taught collage and painting for pre k through 6th graders at my church and local schools, been hired by many clients to create logos, fabrics, and commissioned artwork.

I have always wanted to teach workshops where I share my love of watercolor painting. I am happy to say it's happening! In December I had my first workshop at Love Lane Kitchen where my art was on display for 2 1/2 months. Instead of having an opening party I suggested a watercolor workshop at the restaurant. It was so much fun! I had 15 attendees ranging from novice to those with some painting experience. We painted leaves. the results were fantastic so varied and beautiful I will share those photos in a future post. I then hosted a smaller more intimate workshop in my studio where attendees learned about painting wreaths and greenery. I have 2 upcoming sessions in January and plan to do more at least once a month for 2018.

I wanted to share my suggested supply list. Several attendees asked for my recommendations at the events. Even if you are already a watercolor artist it's a good to have a suggestion for new art supplies. I love to buy art supplies all the time! I am an affiliate with Dick Blick so if you shop via the link here or on my sidebar I get a small commission.  If you need additional reccomendations email me!

Happy Painting!