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I painted outside three times this past week.  Explosions of sun called me out!  It felt as if the days were filled with constant gifts of light, warmth and crisp air.

The first day of painting took me to Bailey Island on a peninsula in Casco Bay.  The trip was organized by Plein Air Connect, a group of folks who love to explore the far and near reaches of Maine.  That day the painters included Becky Whight, Michael Vermette, and Eric Glass.  We all chose to paint the Giant Staircase, a rather complex area of rock and surf.  Although the day was a long one with lots of driving, it was special to be at one of Maine's coastal attractions before the summer visitors started to arrive.  While painting, I immersed myself in the feeling of the water's energy and the rock's solidity.

Having been challenged by the Giant Staircase, two days later I decided to go to a quiet place on Newbury Neck in Surry to develop a watercolor painting of the long view to Mount Desert Island and Acadia Park.

Above is the painting which I completed while sitting on the back deck of my car on Newbury Neck Road totally enjoying the sun, the bird song, the bicyclists passing by,  a magnificent view, and - happiness - no blackflies!  The easel I used came from the estate of Bob Coe, a wonderful artist, mentor, and Friend who passed on at least 15 years ago.  I loved being able to find the easel 'up-attic', bring it out, clean it up, and  use it in my work.  Bob's joyful Spirit painted with me in Surry.

Yesterday the Plein Air Connect folks went to Asticou Azalea Gardens on Mount Desert Island in search of color.  Although the Azaleas were not in full bloom, color and reflections in the pond were abundant.

Thus went my week.  The last of our vegetable garden didn't get planted until today, but my garden of joy was fully indulged with the plethora of painting experiences. 

This coming Tuesday The Plein Air Connect group will be painting at Goodell Brook Falls, a waterfalls located just north of Monson Village in Piscataquis County.  Our intent is to create paintings which can be submitted to an art show and fundraiser to be held in Northeast Harbor in August to raise funds for the group working to stop the East-West Corridor in Maine.  My friend, Ron who lives in the Monson/Shirley Mills area assures me that the black flies will carry our painting gear and us from the car to the falls in appreciation for the new meat which we bring to them.  Note to self:  time to get this year's supply of bug repellent.