Stonington Fishermen Series
A few summers ago, I explored the Penobscot peninsula and traveled down to Deer Isle to stay in the quaint fishing village of Stonington, Maine. Stonington seems frozen in time, with old, colorful houses and fishing shacks perched on steep hills overlooking the busy fishing harbor.
One of my favorite experiences was getting up early to watch the fishermen ready their boats and head out of the harbor. I stood alone on a small dock across from the commercial fishing dock, sipping coffee and pointing my camera through the dark. I felt this sense of Down East tradition and history as the light became stronger, finally revealing a quiet, empty harbor.
I have more paintings planned for this series, so keep on the watch for them!
Taking on Bait: Stonington Fishermen #2: oil, 16x20"
SOLD:
This second painting in the Stonington Fishermen series captures the pre-dawn ritual of taking on bait before heading out to sea, but has different light and color than the first. I love how the first two paintings in this series are the same size and orientation, but have a totally different look. The boat light on the rail is showcased against the rocks in the background, and the the light and color are beginning to change as dawn approaches.
4am: Stonington Fishermen #1: oil, 16x20"
SOLD:
This was the first boat I photographed, standing in the dark, across the harbor. It had just gotten to the huge commercial dock to load up, needing the lights as the fishermen worked.
Late Start: Stonington Fishermen #3; oil 16x20"
Available at Small Wonder Gallery
This is a smaller dock located in Stonington Harbor. After the bustle of the fishermen and boats at the commercial fishing pier, I walked down the road to other parts of the harbor as it was getting lighter. About the time I took in this scene, it was probably 45 minutes later than the majority of fishing boats that scrambled to leave in the blackness. The lights on the boats and dock still contrasted beautifully with the early dawn blue-violet haze, as these fishermen seemed a little more relaxed about their time of departure.