The Salt Marshes Are Coming to Life!

Truro Marsh     5"x7"    oil on cradled gessobord - available  $185

​Marshes are one of the most popular subjects for coastal landscape painters. The edge of the sea is so appealing, and marshes especially so to artists, because the shapes are constantly changing. 
​

Marsh Scene    8"x10"   oil on canvas panel - available $340 - demo for the final exercise in my online beginner painting class

Marshes, having a low gradient with the ocean, are strongly affected by the tide, and thus the water to land ratio varies tremendously during the day. There are three components: the water, the mud that is uncovered as the tide goes out, and the marsh grass that grows in the intertidal region.  And in some cases, there is also a reflection laid over the water. These give the painter many shapes to use to create a compelling composition!
​

Tidewater Clouds    8"x10"    oil on canvas panel - available $340

Another appeal is the large expanse of sky you get over a marsh, because there are no nearby trees and buildings to get in the way. Clouds come and go and bring infinite variety in themselves. Add a sunrise or sunset, and the possibilities are endless.

Wells Marsh Sunset    5"x7"    oil on linen panel

Saltwater cord-grass is what we see in New England salt marshes between low and high tides, with salt-hay in the area between mean high tide and the spring high tide. One of my favorite plants is sea-lavender, which we see at the edge of protected areas in Casco Bay in Maine.
​

My first plein air experience of 2022 - Little Harbor, Wareham, MA - mid April

​Here in Wareham the salt marsh grasses were just coming out when I went out for my first plein air session of the year. I enjoyed how the grasses added a beautiful green to the blues of the water and sky.

​