I love it when a painting names itself. From the moment I pulled out the canvas to start work, I knew this piece was called CHILL SEEKERS! Sometimes naming the painting can be the most difficult part. Really!
Polar Bear Dip
Once upon a time, a few years ago now, a few family members decided to join the Polar Bear dip at Mispec Beach. For those of you who may not know what a Polar Bear DIp is – and for those that live in warmer climates and I’m sure never heard of this – it’s well, when normally sensible people decide to take a quick plunge in freezing waters. This traditionally occurs annually on New Year’s Day.
There are a few things to think about here:
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Mispec is ALWAYS cold. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and is fed by the Atlantic Ocean. The tide water moves so much daily that it never, ever has a chance to warm up – at all.
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For example today the water temp is 4.6 degrees Celsius or 40.2 degrees Fahrenheit
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In the summer, should you be brave enough to get into the water, by the time you are up to your knees you can no longer feel your feet. Not kidding here.
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MIspec will always be one of my favourite beaches – I actually learned how to swim there as a child. So it really is possible to enjoy the water!
The Chill Thrill Seekers
As an observer only, I loved the electric energy on the beach as people stripped down to their swimsuits to dash and plunge. The beach was alive with chatter (and chattering teeth), and laughter.
Then it was time. Participants ran towards the surf with excitement. The squeals and screams filled the frigid air when they reached the water. It was thrilling just to be there and hear the sounds of the shock and splashing. Then the happy sounds when you handed them towels and blankets to wrap up in afterwards.
We have witnessed this in other years as well and at different beaches. I liked my photos from this day best.
The process
I combined people from two photos for this painting – adding in a few and eliminating a few others . Artistic license. Originally I thought I would paint the water first and then add the people after. This would have been a sensible approach. But I seldom take the easy path. I was too excited to start painting the people.
My intention was not to create mini portraits but rather images that captured the expressions. This was for a few reasons. FIrst the faces are quite tiny and the brush I had to use was so very fine. And I think it is more fun for people t wonder if that may be them or someone they may know. Mainly, because I would be painting this for months if I tried for actual likenesses.
New appreciation for life drawing
I am an avid fan and ready participant in life drawing whenever possible. I have learned so much about anatomy by drawing from life. The skills I learnt were applied when painting the forms of the people. I drew them as blobby placeholders (because I was too impatient to take the time to render them properly) and refined them when I started to paint. I like a good challenge!
So why paint this now you may ask?
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I am working towards two exhibits this summer (and hopefully not cancelled by Covid) that are based on East Coast Beaches.
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I wanted something light and fun to paint.
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And really, seeing peoples happy faces without masks was refreshing. Hopefully again soon!
Until next time, cheers!