Oil Paintings, Plein Air, Prints, Hand Drawn Tessellations

This little scene is the iconic Motif No. 1 on Bradley Wharf in Rockport. It really needs no introduction. Its been painted by thousands of artists and holds the distinction of being the most photographed building in the world (so I am told). We visited Rockport in May after my daughter graduated from Tufts. I made another painting of Bearskin Neck and we strolled around looking at shops and art galleries when we were there.

I stopped by and visited Scott Tubby Fine Art during our walk. He has several very interesting paintings of fish tessellations. I loved them. We ate a late lunch and enjoyed the views of the Harbor.

So this painting is a 16×20 inch Oil on Linen and is my attempt at Motif No. 1. There were two lobster boats in the harbor and I took advantage of them in framing the scene. Thanks to the owners of Risky Business and After Five for the perfect placement to bookend the fish shack! The markers were also perfectly hung to connect the white and blue boats and the fish shack.

I used many colors but main colors for the red shack was a complex mixture of manganese violet, cad red medium, alizarin crimson and titanium white. There are multiple glazes. Sky was also built with multiple glazes. I’ll post some intermediate steps and a reference photo.

I’m pleased with the outcome. It pales in comparison to the master painters that have taken their hand at painting it since 1884.