A visit to Rockland, Maine
We stayed in the Turret Room on the second floor.
I wanted to go to the Farnsworth Art Museum, which features the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. What we could see was limited because they are getting ready to close for a week; one building was closed for the season. But even a short visit was enough to remind me how important Andrew Wyeth’s paintings are to my understanding and appreciation of art and of Maine.
I love that his watercolors use so few colors. And mostly dark colors.
I love how he depicts grasses and weeds.
I love how old (even abandoned) farmhouses are important subjects to him.
After the museum, we enjoyed some shopping. Well, I enjoyed it, not so sure about Sam. A shop called the Black Parrot was especially fascinating- so much to look at, most of it quite expensive! We also enjoyed marveling at the pastries for sale at Atlantic Baking Company. Although we just bought a sourdough baguette, a kombucha and a hot chocolate there. We had dinner both nights at Ada’s Kitchen, getting our fill of Italian restaurant eating that we can’t get at home.
Tomorrow – heading back home as a cold snap takes hold.
Catherine~ What a beautiful building! Thank you for the intro to Andrew Wyeth. I think I would like to see even more of his work. It really pulls you (the viewer) into the story of the painting. Glad you had a nice time, before the storm. Stay safe out there. Be well. ~Nancy
That’s a good way to describe his paintings – they really pull you into a story. And so atmospheric and full of feeling. I had a book of his work that I looked at a lot, wonder if I still have it.
I have long loved Andrew Wyeth … and my grandfather, who likewise admired him, endeavored to paint like him for many years. I remember him showing me how he used frisket to make individual blades of grass, one by one by one (which was not necessarily Wyeth’s MO, rather my grandfather’s work around for watercolor). I agree there’s nothing like seeing his work in person, which we have repeatedly sought out over the years.
The Turret room must have been amazing from the inside, judging from the outside!
I got two books on Wyeth from the library, one a retrospective, the other a biography. Looking forward to immersing myself! The Turret room was fantastic, so well done and with a huge pristine bathroom.