Lesley Powell: From my Easel: The Maine Event

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

The Maine Event

"Sea at Ogunquit"
Oil on Canvas, 24 3/16 x 29 1/8
Edward Hopper, 1914

I have just returned from a painting trip to Maine. I was graciously hosted at the family home of a good painting buddy. She invited three other painters to join her for the week's adventure. We had great weather, and there was no shortage of painting motifs. I think I could stay on Bailey Island for months--or years--and still not tire of painting there.

"Across Linekin Bay, Maine"
Oil on Panel, 8 x 9 3/4
Robert Henri, 1903

Maine has attracted more than its share of artists through the years, Edward Hopper spent nine summers painting in Maine, early in his career. His luscious landscapes from that period are a wonder to behold, and are a far cry from his later urban scenes. If you enjoy such things, the Wall Street Journal just published an article
that describes the spots Hopper painted, and tells you how to follow in his footsteps. The article notes that this landscape is remarkably unchanged over the hundred years since Hopper was there.

"Road in Maine"
Oil on Canvas, 24 1/4 x 29 1/4
Edward Hopper, 1914

Among others who painted in Maine with Hopper was Robert Henri. In fact, Henri was probably the ringleader of the group. Painters today may know Henri for his book The Art Spirit, which remains very popular. Henri's credo was "It isn't the subject, but what you feel about it." Henri painted rapidly, in direct response to visual stimuli, as compared to Hopper, who was far more deliberate. Regardless of the difference in approach, both men produced masterpieces.

It is embarrassing to mention my own paintings in the same post with these masters---much less to include images of them. But faithful readers know that I am always seeking instruction from the masters. Not mimicking them, but rather learning from them. For the curious, I will close with a couple of my canvases from last week. These will soon be up on my website, so stay tuned!