A Memorable Place
Visit to Maine brings out the artist again
By John C. Harbold
SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The family choice for summer vacation this year was Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where we had visited once before. Our two children, now teen-agers, looked forward to going back.
A new motivation for me emerged after the decision was made. After getting a college degree in studio art, I spent several years drawing, painting and exhibiting while supporting myself as a furniture mover. But after I got married, I went back to school and got into graphic design. The moment I entered this new career, I stopped producing fine art, for reasons that are not completely clear to me. This year marked 20 years without picking up a pencil or a brush in earnest.
Many times during the past decade, my children, having seen my previous work and the fun drawings I did for them, asked why I didn't draw anymore. I had been carrying some guilt over this, but recently it had begun to feel more like shame.
I didn't want my daughter, a talented artist, to leave for college without ever seeing me create a piece of art. So I decided that now was the time, and the coast of Maine would be the place.
With a certain amount of fanfare for the benefit of the kids, I sorted through my old art supplies for usable materials, and bought fresh pencils, pens and drawing pads. Would I find inspiration in Maine?
When we arrived at the cottage on a wooded hill, I was captivated. In the clear light of early evening, the view from the deck and glass-walled living room reached past Inner Heron Island to the storied island of Monhegan and the ocean.
The next morning, I walked to the water's edge with my son, where we found waves, rocks, tide pools, lobstermen checking their traps, and sailboats scudding along.
I started tentatively that afternoon, sketching trees and boats from the deck, but the next morning found me back on the rocks, this time capturing the scene in pencil and pen. Other days took me with drawing board and campstool to a secluded, light-dappled cove, the quaint village of East Boothbay and back to the ocean's edge.
Meanwhile, my son searched with rod and net for native aquatic species, and my wife and daughter shopped in Boothbay Harbor.
I've continued to draw since our return -- scenes of Maine and the landscapes of Carroll County. I will move toward color at some point, but I'm in no hurry; there is plenty yet to explore in black and white. My daughter offers criticism and encouragement.
East Boothbay and the Maine coast accomplished their task -- they got me back on track. I feel like an artist again.
John C. Harbold lives in Westminster.
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