I’d say I’m cutting this close . . . this is one of two paintings I’m doing for my husband’s birthday this Friday. Starting #2 tomorrow.
This place has a lot of meaning for us, it’s the summit of Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park of Maine that my husband and I would visit every summer when we lived in Maine. A great place to hike and hang out – the views are incredible (elevation of 1,528 ft.). The islands you see, Porcupine Islands go out as far as the eye can see until you get to the open Ocean (Atlantic) and then reach Canada. The rocks on the summit are very large somewhat smooth slabs, that can be incredibly slippery when the weather is misty up there – if you look closely at the painting you’ll see a bit of light green moss covering the rocks. Weather can change quickly up on the summit so often there’s a good bit of foggy atmosphere limiting the views, tip – go in mid-August if you want clear days. During the Fall and Winter, if the Park is open, folks venture up to the summit to see the sun rise in the United States – during this specific time of the year it is the place to be on the east coast of the US if you want to see the sun begin its rise.
Sorry for the graininess, took many photographs but think my hand shook – painting has a much smoother look in person.
This oil pastel painting (8×10) was done on a gesso prepared hardboard, starting with a black and white acrylic underpainting (mainly to establish my value ranges). Hope you enjoy the views!
Reference images were from my personal collection and one from Janet and Jill Bowden of pmp.
Oil Pastels by Mary 
I’m late but I hope your husband had a wonderful birthday. Joyeux anniversaire en retard!! 🙂
Lovely painting!
He did! Thanks so much Cha – much appreciated!!
So pretty as is the place you have painted 🙂
Thanks Eunice – it’s my all time favorite places.
🙂 I do adore New England and all the places you can fall in love with.
happy Birthday to your hubby! I am sure he is going to love them. This is a beautiful piece! 😀
Thanks Patricia – I’ll be framing later today. It’s such a great spot – being up high and looking out over the ocean, gorgeous!
It’s beautiful, Mary! And extra special when you have memories from there too. 🙂 Happy birthday to your husband!
Thank you Calee and an extra thank you for the b-day greeting! It’s the best spot, we are so overdo for a trip back East!
Nothing like working under pressure. I’ve hatched a plan: I should try to get to know people for the sole purpose of filling a whole calendar year with birthdays–new acquaintances with birthdays duplicating those already in the fold will be broken off, forthwith, since they do not serve the purpose, which is to have a constant, uninterrupted flow of colorful characters, each expecting gifts, requiring the artist to be in a constant state of heightened activity, thereby raising productivity to unfathomable heights.
LOL Ariels’ Prospero – you just crack me up. The thoughts, stream of consciousness that flows is so refreshing. Yes, I like your plan it would definitely drive the stress level straight up, a painting a day – whoa! The hardest part for me as a painter, is selecting the scene or subject – that takes a good amount of time and then once I have the subject I’m off and running. Painting is the easy part! Thank you, always a highlight to hear from you.
Beautiful painting, Mary: very serene. Happy birthday to your husband: he’s going to receive a beautiful present for certain!
Hi Stefano, thank you very much for your sweet comment and b-day greeting! You describe the place perfectly, it’s serene – quiet – peaceful. The views fills your soul.
Oh, I want to be there Mary! You’ve captured the wonder of the place. A beautiful work!
Hi Elena thanks – Cadillac Mtn continues to be one of those pristine corners on Earth.
Love the painting Mary. Place is such an important thing in life. You obviously have an affinity with this place. It shows in the work.
Thank you Don for your wonderful post – you are so right Cadillac Mtn is very special to us.
That’s a wonderful view, what a great birthday gift, Annie
Thanks Annie – it’s one of those places that I can never get enough of the view.
Always a treat to witness your artistry.
Sincerely
Benjamin
Thanks Benjamin for your beautiful comment, a wonderful start to my day.
Well you know your one of the only realistic painters I enjoy 🙂 true statement. Have a great day
Hi Benjamin, that is just about the nicest thing anyone could say. I really appreciate it coming from you, you’re a master artist, it’s a compliment that means a lot. Thank you! (the actual painting looks so much better – sometimes my photographs are just awful. I don’t know how you do it).
Thank you for the compliment. It’s funny because when people get to see my work in real life they are often surprised that the work is even far more vibrant the the photos. I hope your day has treated you well.
Truly
Benjamin
Ah, it’s beautiful, Mary! He’ll be very happy with this!! 🙂
Thank you so much Marina – I have a perfect spot to hang it so he can see the view everyday.
Mary that is a super birthday present and nice story to go with it. It looks amazing the place and of-course your work.. all left to say is Happy Birthday to your husband. I am sure he would love it and to be able to look at a place you both enjoyed.. wowww beautiful. not many people can paint beside taking photographs of a plce they love.
Thank you Doron for your wonderful words – I’ll be sure to pass on your birthday greeting. This place is gorgeous, the climb to the summit offers so many amazing views – it holds a lot of great memories. It is here that we are most relaxed and at peace.
I’ll also remember your last super words.. like a great poet. Have a super on Friday.
What a wonderful birthday gift that will be!
Hi Doron, thank you – I think he’ll be surprised. I’m hoping to get the second done between today and tomorrow, we have great memories of this special place.