Western Maine

So I know what you think, I gave up on this blog stuff well, not exactly.  Like all things life seemingly gets in the way for a while but I'm back at it again, this time more regularly, hopefully...

So I know what you think, I gave up on this blog stuff well, not exactly.  Like all things life seemingly gets in the way for a while but I'm back at it again, this time more regularly, hopefully..

I've recently settled up in the western part of Maine for the summer right at the doorstep of the Bigelow Preserve, a perfect backdrop for hiking and painting adventure. 

This brief period of blog inactivity was in part due to my settling in here.  I've taken a job as "hut-master" at Maine Huts and Trails.  An organization dedicated to preserving and exploring Western Maine.  This opportunity has allowed me to support myself and my painting while living up in Maine.  

This REALLY is hiking country (or skiing) and people here are (among other things) trail people.  You can't really go to far any direction without hitting the A.T let alone countless other side trails.  The hiking here is rough and rugged, one cautions step at a time, especially as you near the summits.  At time one would do anything to just put one foot in front of the other normally.  A big difference between hiking the trails of Western Maine and lets say the trails in the Smokies, is that up here it really is a "prepare for self rescue" type of deal.  While the A.T. gets its fair share of traffic, other nearby trails don't and you'll be hard pressed to find a ranger on the look out for you or anyone else.  This all culminates in a 'special' feeling when one is out there exploring.  

This brings me to my point of how different settings, moods and experiences affect the paint.  A clear example is to paint something when you’re sad and to paint something when you’re happy.  The differences will most likely be endless.  So if I see a striking landscape while I'm driving and I stop to paint, it's already going to have a different feel than if I was atop a mountain painting.  Then add to that myriad of other variables such as, how rested I am, time of day, weather conditions, personal mood etc…

Additionally, I’m feeling more and more as though a work is ‘truer’ if I’ve experienced first hand what it is I’m painting.  For example the stunning Bigelow Range sits right at my back door and I can paint it at any time I choose as easily as Monet and his gardens and lilies in Giverny.  However, I hadn’t yet immersed myself into that landscape as Monet had done with his home and his landscapes.  So for me, the painting constantly felt like a guessing game. 

Now I’ve recently come back from a three-day hike in the Bigelow’s traversing some rough terrain camping out and summiting several peaks.  Now as I go to start a new work, looking out upon the range I just came from there will be less guessing and more of a relationship between myself and the forest and mountains and a dialogue can now take place as the painting develops and a real truthfulness can hopefully be reflected. 

First Painting Down

I've been apprehensive since I started this trip as to when my first painting would happen.  I thought it might be on my first cave along the Raymer Hollow trail in Mammoth Cave NP.  But no, nothing struck me at that moment.  I thought it might happen driving along the Kentucky highways cruising with the rolling hills and wooden fences.  Alas!  A sunny day in Tennessee no less.  Why not.  It was perfect.  Although the painting may not be the moment was.   Out of the 20 cars that may have passed, at least 5 people slowed down to ask if me and my gal who was sitting next to me if everything was okay or if we needed help... my folks in TN are quite nice.  Thank you southern hospitality!!  Here are a few pics from that occasion.  Finished work yet to be posted... stay tuned. 

Beef Jerky Recipe

Just a week a way from starting my trip.  Can't wait to see how this whole thing unravels.  I've pretty much stopped planning and am just going to go with the flow.  I think the worst thing I can do at this point is over-think things          s o                         j u  s   t         s h  u   t   t    i     n     g             t h   e          b  r    a       i        n                         d o  w    n                          n      o        w


I do have a jerky recipe for you though!!!

Choose a flank steak or london with minimal amounts of fat about 1.5 - 2#

1 whole bulb garlic
1/2c         salt
1/2c         sugar
1/4c       coriander seed
1/4c       mustard seed
1/4c        peppercorn
3T          allspice
2T          paprika

Blitz the garlic a few times in the food processor
Add remaining spices and blitz until a uniform size.

Rub down the steak with the spice mixture and allow to cure in the fridge for 48 hours.

Slice 1/4in think.  Arrange pieces on a cooling/drying rack and dehydrate in oven @ 150degrees for 4hrs.  flip half way through at hr2.   You'll know it's done when it resembles JerkY!!