Scouting out the area on the back side of Sandy Neck for painting on location several times , I realized as the summer turned to fall it just got better and better. The day I brought my class there to paint was perfect. A little color starting. Crisp air, not too cold. They were up for the challenge. We set up with a variety of views to paint.
Now I did notice the tide was coming in but I just figured I would keep an eye on it. Starting my own study quickly so I could get an example on canvas for them. Within fifteen minutes I had covered my small canvas and went to start checking on the students. Make sure everyone chose a strong composition and had their easels set up sufficiently.
Quickly I realized the tide was not bad near me but it was swiftly moving in surrounding some cars and painters. “Everybody pick up and move out!” I shouted. “Quick quick.” I was impressed how fast everyone moved back up the dirt road to higher ground. They scrambled. I caught my breath and turned around to see that one student had forgot his easel and within seconds it was sitting in the salty water.
I went back and retrieved the easel and reset the class on safe ground nearby.
This gave me a chance to expound on the beauty of painting from memory. “Remember the clouds rolling past. Remember the distant dunes and the hint of color changes in the large marshland.” And they did.
All good studies produced from memory. Next time I could check the tide chart. Na, I would rather keep it exciting.
The tide was rushing in fast, but Loretta didn’t hesitate a second. Whipped off her sneakers and socks, rolled up her jeans and strode through the icy water to rescue the abandoned easel. How many well-known artists can add “easel retriever” to their impressive resumes?