The Big Sable Light.
Sits quietly at the end of a 2 mile service road perched
on a rise over looking Lake Michigan.
Very late in the fall of the year, I stopped for a look. The
wind was howling and it was cold. Sun hanging low in the
sky with about 2 hours till sunset. Wasn't sure I could make
it there and back before dark. Not really fond of wandering
around in the dark in a deserted state park in early November.
I hustled up the road, (well lets say I walked at a quick pace)
and hoped the light would hold until I got there. About a mile
out I could begin to see the top of the light. As I trudged along
it grew in size and shape. It's an unusual black and white
color style, at least unusual for Michigan.
I kept thinking I could hear things rustling along the trail but
nothing was ever there. Just the wind. As I rounded the last
hill the sound was deafening from the huge waves as they roared
ashore. It was a strange feeling standing there on a deserted
stretch of beach looking at a lighthouse that was empty.
I did a few quick sketches and took a few photo's and got
the hell out of there. It was dark by the time I got back to
my car. Ironic I guess, standing there in the dark with
no light up ahead.
6 comments:
Doug, absolutely beautiful. You have such a delicate but powerful touch with watercolors...
such a beautiful watercolour Doug. The place looks idylic.
Jill, thanks. I've never been called delicate, but if you say so then I'll take it. My goal is to use larger bolder brush strokes. As you can see, I'm a long way from that.
Carole, thanks as always. It looks idylic, but that time of year and the time of day, it was a little spooky.
Doug, this is a wonderful painting and I much admire your use of warm colours. The composition reminds me a little of Edward Hopper's work. He also painted lighthouses occasionally in Maine and in all his works captured the moment either before or immediately afterwards. I cannot make my mind up whether the viewer of your painting is advancing towards the subject in anticipation, or taking one last fond look backwards at something which was truely special. Regards Roger
Roger, thank you for stopping by
and taking the time to leave a comment.
I appreciate what you said.
The view is going toward the lighthouse.
It was nearly dark on my way back. Viewers
however don't know this and can imagine which
they prefer. Obviously, I was drawn by the setting
sun and the golden light over everything.
Thanks again Roger.
The colors are fantastic in this painting!
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