Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Painting on the Coast of Maine

Watercolor Painting of Sagahadoc Bay, Georgetown, Maine

At this time of year, I swap my writer's cap for an artist's cap. In late summer and early autumn, the light sharpens, making the colors more intense. It's warm but not too hot to sit outside painting for hours. With my eyes trained on a distant horizon, instead of a computer screen, my vision improves (confusing my optometrist). I hoard sunshine to get through the long winter. Can you believe it's already the end of July?

This year my painting time will double count as book research: my next young adult novel will be set in coastal Maine. Once my kids are back in school, I'll head to Monhegan Island with my art bag and a notebook for a few days. I love my jobs!

The above watercolor of Sagahadoc Bay will be flying to a new home in London. The client is an ex-pat American with a summer house near my home, but we didn't meet in person. She found my blog through my book reviews. Her family wants to bring a part of Maine back to England with them. I'm pleased to see my painting go to a loving new home.

Even after six years of blogging, it still amazes me that two women with similar life stories (my family has lived in England too) can meet almost randomly in cyberspace. Blogging makes the world seem both smaller and bigger. We are part of a community that stretches beyond national boarders. And what a beautiful world it is!

Maine Artists: note that this year state tax returns must be filed twice. General sales tax in Maine is rising from 5% to 5.5% in October. One return is due October 15th and the other (October-December sales) is due January 15th. Sigh. At least this doesn't affect out of state sales.

13 comments:

A Cuban In London said...

I'm very pleased about your sale. It would be nice to hear more often about your success as a business person in the creative industry. I know, I know, it's not fashionable, but you should flag up your own, well-deserved success! :-)

I've always loved your watercolours. It's the combination of light and colour that kills me. Here's wishing you even more success.

Greetings from London.

Margie said...

Sarah, I love your painting and I can see why you say "I love my jobs"

I'm sure that painting will be much loved in its new home!
It's beautiful!

Take care.

Cat said...

What a beautiful reminder of their summer home. My favorite part of blogging is all the friends I've made - you make my world a happier place and I'm grateful for you.

Skeeter said...

Beautiful painting and how wonderful for you to find the perfect home for it to continue giving pleasure! Blogging is wonderful eh....

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I think I love your jobs, too! ;) I'm so glad you are enjoying the summer and creating gorgeous art.

Carol said...

Sarah, Now the beginning of August . . . I hope you have many wonderful watercolor days ahead along with continued vision improvement. Lucky person and all of us to have discovered you through your reviews. I certainly see/know why she would be captivated with both your lovely land/seascape paintings and intriguing book reviews. Congratulations to both of you on the exchange of your painting.

Kalyan Panja said...

simply beautiful...lovely!

Rose said...

A lovely painting! What a great way to preserve happy summer memories.

Sarah Laurence said...

ACIL, thanks for the feedback and encouragement! Okay, I’ll share a bit more art.

Margie, Skeeter, it’s nice to have a job that shares the joy.

Cat, I’m grateful for your friendship too.

Tricia and Rose, happy summer!

Carol, we have the best community of bookish nature lovers.

Kalyan, welcome to my blog and thank you! I couldn’t comment on yours without a Google+ profile. Yummy recipes, though.

☆sapphire said...

A beautiful painting, Sarah! It's so good to hear that you found a new home for it.
You say "I love my jobs" and I love your jobs too!

I've ordered "Ink" recently on Amazon. I can't wait to read it!! Thank you again for your review!!

troutbirder said...

Unfamiliar with art terminology I'd have to say that this one has a terrific "depth perspective". I can almost see the water flowing into that small inlet. :)

Heather said...

This is so lovely, love the colors and soothing landscape. Wonderfully done!

Sarah Laurence said...

sapphire, do share your opinion of Ink - I'm curious.

troutbirder and Heather, thank you!