A retreat, even one that’s two nights away, can be quite nourishing. I traveled to Wells Beach, Maine last week with Kirsten Cappy to step away from our usual, thanks to the generosity of Lyn Smith‘s family. Each of us starting new picture book projects was the main goal.
We arrived under foul weather, but that didn’t stop us from walking to the shore where Lyn got a windy weather report from Kirsten.
Back at the Cottage, a little blue bedroom became my work and dream space.
I found a nature journal by Lyn’s son, Eric, from when he was 9. It proved the best prompt as I began to storyboard Lyn’s new manuscript, about a boy visiting a cottage in Maine.
We took a break to walk in the sunshine, finding our “resting beach face” like the cottage sign we passed.
These wide beaches inspired a pastel I later drew.
There’s certainly magic in the air.
We returned to the cottage for lunch on the porch and brainstorming with Lyn.
The porch became THE spot for discussion, drinks, and first drafts.
The interior has plenty of treasures, too.
I illustrated Lyn’s first book, A Porcupine’s Promenade in the summer of 2016. Her latest manuscript features an opossum. I love getting to learn about wild creatures! A sketch done last fall focused me on the task at hand, despite a cottage filled with distractions.
This is Wilbur, a wildlife ambassador at the Center for Wildlife, who visited my illustration class at Maine College of Art last October. He’s gone now, but he made an indelible impression on everyone who met him. I brought ample photo reference of Wilbur to get my thumbnail sketches going.
I cluttered a windowsill with nature objects from Lyn.
After showing Lyn my storyboard, I made a book dummy to fill with more detailed sketches.
I sequestered myself in the blue room for drawing. Yet there are visual delights everywhere.
I drew this bather into my sketchbook after my last visit.
Did you know taking walking breaks is good for creativity? Ayuh. I will be drawing these clouds soon.
We bought seafood at the Wells Beach Lobster Pound on the walk back. After making dinner, I took more reference photos. Lyn’s husband, Brian, is at the sink in this one.
The heady fragrance of lilacs sent us off to slumber.
In the morning, Kirsten worked on her picture book story while I sketched. Another walk was soon in order.
It may look sunny, but it was blustery. We dined on lobster rolls inside, thank you.
I drew Kirsten making a call to the Curious City hotline.
Now I’m back in my own studio, finishing that picture book dummy. Thanks to the Smith family for the chance to dig deep into story, history, and place at Moody Point!
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Jamie, you ALWAYS help me call up my CURIOUS. Thank you Jamie! Thank you Lyn!
Thanks for the inspiration on all levels!
Sounds, and looks, like a wonderful work / friends get away… Your blog posts always inspire. And: your hair looks Fabulous !!! xo
Thanks, Diane, I’m still getting used to my “new” look.
Jamie, it’s always so much fun coming along on your trips.
I collected two gems this time.
The first one is the pastel with walker on the beach, the other one is the gentle blue evening with the golden window (- man at the sink -) A REAL GEM !!!
Gunnel, thanks for finding gems here! I can’t wait to draw all the blues I discovered on this outing.
What a great post? I loved following along on this journey. First, I adore your pictures and drawings. Very talented. Second, I’ve always wanted to go to Maine because I love lobster. Some day I’ll make it there. Thanks for sharing.
Denise,
Thanks for reading and commenting! Maine is not that hard to find, hope you make it someday soon.
Magic, Jamie. All of it. Objects. Sketches. Blue sky. Blue water. Blue Room. Wilber. Everything all wide open and inviting us to enter.
Nicole, You remember Wilbur, so glad we met him together!
Looks like an amazing, productive time was had by all at a spectacular venue with friends & cohorts in crime. Glad you all had fun in a sweet spot with each other. Doesn’t get any better!
Peg, thanks for following along. Looking forward to seeing you Wednesday!