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On Saturday, Michael Vermette and I traveled from Bangor to Machias to participate in the Plein Air Paint Out and wet paint auction, part of that communities celebration of their 250^th birthday.  Both Michael and I decided to paint at Bad Little Falls, in the heart of downtown Machias.   Sun and wind, punctuated by occasional mist from the falls, and the powerful sound and feel of water billowing past were the characteristics of the day.  Occasional visitors stopped to see what we were painting and to enjoy the view and the park.  In my painting I wanted to capture the complex feeling of the place:  the the colorful and bright buildings one sees driving into town, the church spire behind the buildings, recognition of the amazing architecture and rich history of Machias,  and the powerful falls for which the community is named.    I understand that the word Machias derives from the Passamaquoddy word for ‘bad run of river’ or ‘bad little falls’.  One can easily understand how that name came to be.

This was the first time I had painted in such a public forum.  I had mixed feelings about it from the start.  In the end it was the
power of being outside in such a captivating place with the opportunity to create that defined the day.  Folks who came by were interested, gracious, and happy we were painting.  The wet paint auction in the evening, although sparsely attended, was a wonderful way to connect with other artists who painted that day and to see their fine art work.  I was pleased that Michael’s painting received ‘Best in Show’ award.  You can see it at his web site:  www.michaelevermette.com