It's been a busy summer. This work, "Hauled Out" was done as a demo for a class I've been teaching in Stonington through the summer twice a week. The whole class worked from some large ledges that look over many interesting scenes of the harbor and surrounding structures. There are many potential paintings at that one site. That is why Stonington is such a great area to paint. There are so many exciting visual effects everywhere. It's a coastal town with a very busy waterfront and a compact town that has a history of granite cutting and fishing that goes back over 100 years. The angles and architecture, the human activity, the boats and wharves, the bold rocky coast all add to the fun and create an almost story book feel, even though it is everyday life for those that live here.

In the last couple of weeks I've participated in two plein air events, one sponsored by the Blue Hill Library. Their program asked artists to paint in the morning and drop off their work by 1 in the afternoon for a silent auction starting at 4:30. The second event I participated in was sponsored by the Castine Arts Association. They had artists check in and have their paper or canvas stamped as early as 7:30 in the morning. Work was turned in by 5 PM for an exhibition and sale from 6 to 8. Both events had several hundred people attend and sold many works and raised money for their non-profit missions.

I am continuing to show at Isalos Fine Art Gallery in Stonington. Coming up I will be showing at the Deer Isle Artist Association All Members Show from Aug. 9-22, and in "Specifics", a 9 man show, from Aug. 23-Sept. 5.

It's been particularly busy for me since I am also a part owner of Sedgwick Storage which had a devastating fire on June 1 that destroyed a huge building and 60 customer’s goods. It's been a long difficult time trying to cope, sympathize, help, coordinate, and take care of the hundreds of details that this kind of event brings. Thanks to many of you for your understanding. Art work becomes even more appreciated in my mind when contrasted with such a disaster. The soulful efforts and mindset that art work encompasses are a healing influence on a stressful scenario.