Foxy Lady - 8"x10" oil on canvas panel

It’s fun to create small works for my galleries’ holiday shows. These little gems are popular this time of year because they make great gifts. As you can see, I had boats on my mind when I was putting together this group.

If you subscribe to multiple artists and gallery emails, you know there are paintings of many subjects available in many styles. It's almost overwhelming. So how do you, as a the gift giver, decide which painting is suitable for your recipient? That’s such a good question!

The Martha Gayle - 6"x6" oil on canvas panel

In order to make a good choice, you should know the person pretty well, or have good knowledge of the inside of their house or office. Because the most important thing is that the painting have meaning for that person. You can figure that out based on their interests and hobbies, how they spend their time, and what they support, be that a sports team or a charity.

Blue Boat with Gulls - 5"x7" oil on gessoboard

Hobbies are a good way to help figure out what subject matter would suit your giftee. We boaters are easy to please, we like paintings of boats. Golfers love golf course vistas, sports fans will be pleased with an action filled play, and, ... you get the idea.

Mac and Lucy - 6"x8" oil on canvas panel

Location is also a good guide. Nature lovers like landscapes of the areas they enjoy visiting, whether it’s a vista from a nearby hiking trail, or a mountain top view they were rewarded with after a tough climb. It’s best to stick to areas where your recipient lives, or that they have loved on their travels. And choosing the work of a local artist from the area is almost always a winner. They know the area and their work is most likely to evoke that sense of place that is important in a landscape.

Marsh From the Bridge - 8"x10" oil on canvas panel

I’ve recently delivered my "On the Water" small paintings to both galleries that represent me. Those shown in this email are available at Yarmouth Frame and Gallery in Yarmouth, ME. Next time, I'll show my new paintings available at The Drawing Room in New Bedford.

Goosefare Brook - 6"x12" oil on canvas panel - Old Orchard Beach, ME

You know how much I love to paint boats. But when I’m in the mood for nature, marshes are my go to subject. There’s something about the addition of the marsh grass to a scene with shoreline, water, and reflections, that makes for more composition choices. Fall is an especially good time of year, because the grass is at it’s tallest, but still green. 

 Edisto Marsh Sky - 5"x7" oil on gessobord - Edisto Island, SC

How ever you like to enjoy the landscape; whether you want to paint it, hang it on the wall, or photograph it, I can’t recommend a subject more than the marsh, especially if you live in a region where they’re plentiful. And it doesn’t have to be a salt marsh, fresh water marshes along streams and creeks are also beautiful.

Mini #13 - 3.5"x3.5" oil on treated paper - Westport, MA

My favorite marshes span from South Carolina to Maine. Actually, I can find one pretty much in any coastal region. What I look for is marsh grass, water, and some trees to give reflections. A bonus is a tide, which adds mud to the equation. And if the day brings a few clouds, even better. There are lots of compositional elements to play with. 

Mini #3 - 3.5"x3.5" oil on treated paper - Freeport, ME

Here are a few tips for finding your favorite marsh. If you’re on the coast, using the map on your phone, look for places where roads cross streams or rivers near the shore. Look for nature walking trails that do the same. Then go on a scouting trip. I can spend a lot of time doing this… And take a photo of the map when you find a good spot so you don’t loose your research!

Rachel Carson Marsh Early Spring - 6"x12" oil treated paper - Kennebunk, ME

If you’re inland, walking trails that run alongside or cross streams are a good bet. Westford, MA, where we used to live, has a book showing all the trails, and I found a number of beautiful marshes while checking them out. And what a treat it was to come around a corner and see swans in the water!