Today the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest Regatta took place. Down along the river behind the shopping area is the town dock and that is where all the pumpkin races are held. I don't know who hollows out the pumpkins...or how, but somehow they are turned into pumpkin boats that do actually float. Some are very tippy but that adds to the fun and the challenge of the race. There are solo paddle races, two-person relay paddle races, and motored pumpkin races. People get to the dock really early so they can get a good spot to view the race. My concern is always to find a new spot to sketch the event from.
This year I was able to get pretty close to the dock so I started sketching as the contestants started arriving. There was a guy dressed as a Viking and one dressed as a Gnome who were there long before their races were starting...in other words perfect models who would be there for a while.
I used the original ink sketch for my Day 8 Inktober sketch.
Here are a few photos from some of the races. There were several boats that capsized and had to be brought back to the dock to be bailed out for the next race.
Once I took a photo of the sketch above I decided it needed some color, so I finished it with my watercolors.
Yesterday after I finished the Inktober sketch I posted, I headed over to the gift shop that is near the lighthouse. I sat near the edge of the cliff where it overlooks some of the rocks. In my younger days I would have climbed down on the rocks either by the gift shop or by the lighthouse itself, but I know nowadays I would have some difficulty getting down to the rocks and back up so I did it the easy way. Instead of using my watercolors I did what is probably about a 5 x 7 gouache painting.
Hi Joan, I can't believe how long it is since I've visited your blog! I see your work is a beautiful as ever. I have just had a look at your sketches from when you visited Australia. I can't believe the bad timing of me being in the UK while you were here in Perth. I would have loved to have you around for lunch and do some sketching together. I hope you had a great time over here.
ReplyDeleteSorry it's taken me this long to look at your posts - life has been ridiculously frenetic and surreal since August 2016. I'm finding it hard to get back to my art and writing but I will do so sooner or later.
Hope all is going well.
Very impressed to see how prolific you remain with your beautiful work!
Love,
Wendyxxxxx
Thanks so much, Wendy. It is so great to see you here again. I have missed you! I had such a great time in Australia and still can't believe that you were out of the country when I was there. I had such a great time in Perth...and all of the places there that we visited.
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DeleteFun event! Good you were able to get pretty close to the dock for your sketching fun. Very nice gouache painting!
ReplyDeleteLOL My sister couldn't believe I got so close to the dock either...I just snuck my stool in front of some people that were standing. It was fun. I was happy with the gouache painting...maybe I need to do more of them.
DeleteHa, ha! Looks like lots of fun …. to watch and sketch! What people do for fun, eh? You portrayed it all so well. The ink sketch is beautiful and then the color adds zing. Thanks, Joan.
ReplyDeleteThanks. They do get a bit pumpkin crazy up there and each year the event draws more and more people.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous event to have for you Inktober sketch and what a great job you did Joan. The pumpkins used for the races must be huge for those men to fit in them - the whole event is super! Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Val. The pumpkins are huge. They have a contest for the largest one and I know this year it was over 1,600 pounds.
DeleteJoan went back to your previous posts and enjoyed your ink sketches. The photos of the Pumpkinfest were truly lovely. Looks like the town where your sister lives really gets into the fun of autumn with a nice parade. Love your above painting. It is so beautiful and peaceful. Hope you are having a nice visit.
ReplyDeleteThe town really does get into the pumpkin spirit. I enjoy getting there before the event starts and seeing some of the artists while they are working on their pumpkins. It is nice to visit with family too. Thanks, and have a great week!
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