Painting the Varied Boats in Maine Harbors

Martha Gayle - Port Clyde - watercolor on paper, in my sketchbook

It's almost summer and I'm starting to think about this year's annual cruise down east on our boat. And of course, that reminds me of previous cruises, and the beautiful boats we've seen on our travels. (If you're wondering where down east is, check it out at www.bobbiheath.com/blog/what-does-down-east-really-mean.)

Sleeping In - Southport Island - 10"x12", oil on canvas panel

It’s a special treat to be able to do this on your own boat. You get to decide the itinerary, and we like to alternate between quiet nature spots, often on islands, and pretty harbors, often with lobster boats. You know I love those! We also enjoy heading out with friends on other boats or meeting up with them at various times during the cruise. 

Friendship Sloop - Southwest Harbor - 8"x10", oil on canvas

We see lots of boats on this journey, and I focus on them, taking photos, sketching, and painting, usually with watercolor. What catches my eye is color and style. And I prefer to be on the sun side, which sometimes means maneuvering our boat to get there.

Red Sailboat 3 Times - Boothbay Harbor - watercolor on paper, in my sketchbook

I’m particularly attracted to lobster boats. Drawing them is challenging and rewarding. And you get a different view as they move around on their moorings with the wind and the tide. Sailboats are fun too, showing the wind with the angle of their masts and sails.

Diligence - Freeport - 6"x6", oil on canvas panel

All of this is wonderful reference material for larger paintings in the studio in the months when the boats are no longer in the water.