An Edward Hopper dream

Rooms for Tourists (1945), by Edward Hopper

Rooms for Tourists (1945), by Edward Hopper

I sometimes drive down Maine roads and think to myself, “There’s an Edward Hopper house.” It will be sitting atop a rise, surrounded by old trees, paint peeling, nothing much changed since 1930.

My little room in Ocean Park, ME

My little room in Ocean Park, ME

I never imagined I might stay in a Hopper painting, but here I am. The owner of this rooming house—who might have modeled for Hopper in her youth—shakily signed me in on a small card after checking my reservation on a penciled ledger. No credit cards nor online reservations, but there is wi-fi.

My room has just enough space for a narrow twin bed, a battered dresser, and a club chair. There is a nylon curtain on the window, and the shower is down the hall. In short, this is absolutely un-ironic mid-century Americana.

Still, one can see Saco Bay from my window. The water’s hot and the boardwalk to the beach starts at the back door.

Surf on Saco Bay, 10X8, by Carol L. Douglas. Yes, the sand will brush off when it's dry... I hope.

Surf on Saco Bay, 10X8, by Carol L. Douglas. Yes, the sand will brush off when it’s dry… I hope.

Yes, I could sit in a narrow strip of sunlight and stare out the window, but frankly I don’t have the time.

Low Tide, Old Orchard Beach, 8X6, by Carol L. Douglas

Low Tide, 8X6, by Carol L. Douglas

I’m here for Ocean Park’s second annual plein air festival. I was able to knock out three small but workmanlike paintings yesterday before the sunlight and sand did me in. Who knew that painting on the beach would be so tough on the legs, or that the sand would end up everywhere, including my panel carrier?

Counselors' cabins, 12X9, by Carol L. Douglas

Counselors’ cabins, 12X9, by Carol L. Douglas

Today is set to be fair and lovely, and I have about a dozen paintings I’d like to do. I doubt I’ll finish them, but that’s part of the fun of these events: you can anticipate what you’ll paint next year.

Let me know if you’re interested in painting with me on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park in August 2015. Click here for more information on my Maine workshops! Download a brochure here.

Carol Douglas

About Carol Douglas

Carol L. Douglas is a painter who lives, works and teaches in Rockport, ME. Her annual workshop will again be held on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park, from August 6-11, 2017. Visit www.watch-me-paint.com/ for more information.