This was the third day heavy tropical air surrounded Monhegan Island in Maine. So I thought the far side of the island might be cooler with 1000 miles of open ocean crashing into the 150 foot cliffs. My intention was to walk to the back side of the island and paint the high cliffs. Along the way, I came across this view from a rock outcropping. Since it was way too hot to be hiking with all my gear, I decided to paint here at Christmas Cove instead. The atmospheric conditions of the Atlantic Ocean surging, portrayed by the seaweed covered rocks and breaking surf guided my brush. The high cliffs will have to wait for another day.

Christmas Cove

9x12 Oil on linen

Painted en Plein air