Day Two of Solomons Plein Air 2015

It took a little while to find my first artist this morning. I tried some of the marinas on Solomons proper, but came up empty. Patrick Lee was just getting set up as I drove in to the Calvert Marina. He had a beautiful view of the creek with masts of sailboats reflecting off the still water. Can I say it yet again? The artists are wonderful. Patrick, like the rest I have met, greeted me with good cheer and welcomed me to his milieu. I’ve noticed that many of the artists have moved to light weight easels, often formed of a photography tripod with a special adapter. They are quick to set up and level, and make for easy traveling. Patrick is old-school though, preferring the traditional French easel. I was told this style has been around for literally ages. The French easel is constructed of wood and has a box that rests between the legs that holds all the supplies. In this case the box is a custom piece made by Patrick himself. 

What a view!!!

Patrick Lee

Mick McAndrews

Mick McAndrews was busy painting a marina scene near the Comfort Inn when I caught up to him. Mick enjoys a minimalist set up. He uses the photography tripod setup that I mentioned which is finished with a small metal box and paint tray. Mick travels lightly. The boat house and boats in slips were interpreted in his watercolors in a way that feels very light and serene. We talked about the joy of the arts, for him it is the watercolors and for me photography. We agreed that if we weren't having fun while creating we would be missing the point.

Dennis Young

Dennis Young was nearly finished his image of two docked sailboats when I found him at Zahniser’s Marina. Dennis too is very engaging and willing to talk a little. I have to say too, that I love his straw cowboy styled hat. I guess I’ve asked most of the painters about their stands and talking with Dennis was not an exception. This morning Dennis was using a light weight style, but has another heavier option for when he chooses to work with pastels. You can see it in the photos from his afternoon session at the Calvert Marina. Dennis was scouting the area yesterday when he noticed a woman sitting under a tree reading a book. Janet became a willing participant in the drawing today, sitting for a couple hours reading her book, which she told me she does every day.  I thought this was just another perfect example of how engaging Dennis is. I was amazed at the selection of pastels he had on hand – at least three trays. He also had classical music playing on his phone while he worked. The mood was perfect for capturing the vision.

How do you find the EXACT color you're hunting for?

Elissa's stand, old but topnotch

Elissa Gore was at the very end of Solomons Island taking up position in front of Solomons House. I’ve lived in the area for 15 years, and I had no idea this was the oldest house on Solomons Island and paved the way for an Oyster Cannery. Of course the vinyl siding kind of detracts from the rustic look of a truly “restored” home, so you can’t blame me completely.  Neal Hughes was also painting the house from a different vantage point – more from the end of it. The coolest thing was that Elissa took a break and went over to talk with Neal about his painting; just another example of the community these artists share. Neal spent virtually all day working his piece. I was there as late as 5:50 PM and he was still working it – can’t wait to see the finished canvas.

Neal still painting late in the day - can't wait to see it!

Eileen Eder at work

Returning to Harbor Island Marina I found my mystery painter - Eileen Eder. She was finishing the workboat painting I spoke about yesterday. I also ran into Diane Liard again in front of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church; I always trip over that name! Diane was doing another nice watercolor of the boat rental building on the Riverwalk. I also found Ray Ewing doing a painting of an old truck, and John Caggiano finishing a piece with his take on an old tractor. 

So, day two is in the books - at least for me. I know at least a few artists painted last night by whatever available light there was. I'm sure there will be some amazing night scenes for sale come Saturday evening. So in summary, it was simply another gorgeous day. Feeling very blessed.

More to come tomorrow - it's the evening quick draw. This sub-event has all the artist painting from 6 PM to 8 PM, with judging immediately thereafter. I'm not sure I'll get the blog out tomorrow evening - it may be a late one!