Paint the Great South Bay - Part 1

I had a very busy weekend. One of the art organizations I belong to (South Bay Art Association) organized the "Paint the Great South Bay Plein Air Event and Show." From Thursday until Sunday the participating artists painted in locations of their choice on the south shore of Long Island. There were about 30 artists taking part, some painting solo and some in small groups. On Suday afternoon each artist was able to put in two paintings they had done for a show that will run from now to Sept. 20th in a gallery in Bellport.

I started on Thursday afternoon in West Sayville near the town dock. There is a marine repair company there that I have done several sketches of in the past, but never a full painting. Usually there is some rusty boat that they are scraping and sanding, but on Thursday it was a nice boat with not quite as much character...but I painted it anyway. I set up my chair, easel, and an umbrella behind my car. I didn't want to be in anyone's way so I stayed outside the fence.

This was the view I had.

I did attract the attention of the owner and the workmen, and some of them came over to look and comment.

Here is the completed painting.

I made plans with my friend, Rosamaria to meet the following monring for surmise at the dock in Bellport. I checked the schedule and sunrise was at 6:06, so we met at 5:30 AM hoping to catch some of the color before the sun came up. Here are a few photos of the sunrise.

Here I am all bundled up...it was quite cold down there in the morning. I had on a windbreaker, a scarf, and a heavy sweatshirt...and I was still a little cold.

Here is Rosamaria working on her painting. She was facing out towards the bay.

Here is the final painting from the sunset.

As the sky got light Rosamaria and I headed into town for breakfast. We definitely needed coffee!

I'll post Part 2 tomorrow.