Running in place

"Spring pruning," 12X9, oil on canvas, Carol L. Douglas

“Spring pruning,” 12X9, oil on canvas, Carol L. Douglas

Yesterday Bobbi Heath asked me if I want to go to Stonington next Friday to deliver our work for the Penobscot East Resource Center’s 7th annual buoy auction. I’ve participated in this event for several years, since it’s an organization I believe in.

“Are you finished with yours yet?” she asked in an all-too-perky tone. I had to admit I hadn’t actually started, although I do have a plan. Dawdling seems to be part of my process for these buoys, but even I could see it was time to start.

The sawdust-and-glue combo had the consistency of tuna fish.

The sawdust-and-glue combo had the consistency of tuna fish.

I’d collected some sawdust at the North End Shipyard and was in the process of cramming it into the crack in the buoy when a loud crack outdoors caught my attention. The light outside my studio had just shattered in the wind. If it was blowing this hard and cold in the shadow of Rockport harbor, how blustery would it be at Port Clyde? Reluctantly, I admitted it was a good day to work inside.

"Portrait of Dean J. and Karolina Fero," 14X18, oil on canvas, Carol L. Douglas

“Portrait of Dean J. and Karolina Fero,” 14X18, oil on canvas, Carol L. Douglas

I have too many mostly-finished plein air pieces in my studio that need a bit of mark-making to finish, plus a portrait I plan to deliver next week. I also have a bit of inside information that makes me less panicky about catching all the schooners in drydock: the last of the windjammers will be up on blocks for nearly the whole week. That means I don’t have to rush down there to finish.

Either there aren’t enough hours in the day, or the weather is too darn nice in Maine. As another gorgeous day dawns, I’m leaning toward the latter. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. Make hay while the sun shines.

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.