This paintings is called the Oar House.  It is a tiny miniature 3x4 oil on copper finished on location at Fishbeach on Monhegan Island.  I was sitting in the shade on a hot August day painting away for four hours!  I sold this painting and three others last night!  An art collector of mine from this last year called me up last night!  On a cold February night Lisa calls and asks, "Renee I want to buy three of your paintings!".  I don't think people realize how amazing this makes an artist feel!  It is such a validating feeling.  Especially in the middle of Winter here in Maine.  The population of Maine decreases by over 50 percent.  Probably the percentage of Maine residents decrease even more than 50 percent.  Most people leave Maine for warmer climates in September or October.  Once when Robert and I were hiking in Lubec one Winter, a Lubec resident claimed there were only 5 people who remained in Lubec this year.  So it is extra amazing to make a painting sale in the Winter.  Thank you so much Lisa!  I am going to send Lisa an extra surprise!  I bet she won't believe her eyes when she opens up the box with her paintings inside!  I am going to send Lisa a little Valentine's present! 

    This is "Fishhouse"  another 3x4 miniature oil on copper painting I sold last night.  I painted this one on location at Fishbeach on Monhegan Island.  These little houses on Monhegan were used by lobsterfisherman to store their herring, buoys, ropes, and other important gear.  Love these houses and will continue to paint them each Summer.  I can't seem to paint them from photographs.  I can only get the feeling of these houses on location. 

  This is "Winter Fallen Spruce"  6x8 Painted in Acadia National Park on Park Loop Road.  It was only 30 degrees when I stood on location and painted this painting.  I was testing out my painting equipment and Winter attire geering up for a Stapleton Kearn's snow camp workshop.  I wanted to show you the paintings I sold to Lisa.  It is interesting to other artists what paintings sell.  I also think it is very important to share the joy involved here! 

   I have two other ideas to share:   Women should purchase paintings from women artists!  What better way to show another woman you appreciate her efforts!  If you buy one painting a year, in twenty years you are going to have one fantastic collection of paintings!  Each of these paintings will appreciate in value and enrich your life!  You may sell off couches or chairs or throw away clothing, but a painting you will keep and admire for the rest of your life!

      Here is a picture Robert, my husband took of me the first Winter I was here.    I had fallen down these little steps a few times in Lubec.  So here I am climbing like a little bear.  Robert laughed his head off!  I was not used to my LL Bean Wildcat boots.  I did make it up that hill eventually.

  Here I am in Lubec, Maine my first Winter here.  It was snowing although you can not see this!  It was freezing cold!  We hiked for five hours or so.  Anywhere in Maine is so beautiful!  I am so greatful to be living in Maine.  I am also so thankful to make three Winter painting sales!  Yahooo!  Have a great day!  Get out there and paint!