#47 - Montpelier Station

Montpelier Station

6"x6" oil on birch panel

#46

Although I have thrown in the flag for my "100 Paintings in 100 Days" challenge.  I am counting to 50.  After that I will be posting some other paintings.  I like the idea of being challenged, I think I just bit off more than I was ready to chew.  There actually already is a #47, but it is a present, and so cannot be posted until after the holidays.  This little painting is from some photos I took while driving past the entrance to James Madison's home, Montpelier, in Montpelier Station, Virginia.  The station is really the railroad station across the road, but I liked this old "station" too.  The grounds of Montpelier are wonderfully wild and wooded.  The mansion is open and a great place to visit, along with such events as the Montpelier Hunt Races held annually on the first Saturday in November.  The Virginia Equine Artists Association hosts a booth at the races each year, which I invite (early) to attend in 2011.

#46 - Through Fog

Through Fog

11x14 oil on linen canvas

#46

This is a painting which I enlarged from an 8x10 plein air piece I did while in Acadia National Park, Maine, for an Artist Residency.  I feel like the original plein air piece captured a bit more of the feeling of that cold, damp, foggy morning.  But I am going to sit with this painting for a while and see if I need to do any tweaking to it.  I am going to donate either the original or this one to Acadia NP.  One of the requirements for Artist Residencies is that you donate a piece of artwork within one year.  I am leaning towards donating the larger one, framed, but, we'll see!

#45 - Mason's Ride

Mason's Ride

5"x5" oil on panel

#45

This is a little painting done from memory of a photograph.  Once I took the photo of the painting, I can see the things I would like to change when I do this larger.  I feel that the colors need to be a bit more intense, and the background more defined.  Not defined in the sense of seeing actual trees and such, but more thought out in my mind.  These small paintings become such wonderful places to work out ideas without the fears that creep in when we work on larger work.  The small ones can many times stand on their own, as well as work as previews of "things to come".  R.I.P. Mason.

#44 - Happy Cottage

Happy Cottage

6"x6" oil on linen panel

#44

$100

Thanks to everyone who voted for my painting, "Riley's River" on the Bold Brush Painting Competition. 

The painting above, is a 6"x6" oil on linen panel, titled "Happy Cottage".  It is a nod of thanks to a friend whose Cape Charles cottage I stayed in last spring.  It is really named "Happy Cottage", and it REALLY IS a happy cottage!  I think I painted it slightly wider than it really is.  It is a very tiny place, perfect!

There is still time, until the end of November, to vote!

Cast YOUR Vote!

Riley's River

40"x30" oil on canvas

I have just submitted my painting, "Riley's River" to the Bold Brush Painting Competition.  I would appreciate if you would like to go to the site and vote for my painting.  There are a lot of very talented artists who enter each month.  This is my first submission.  Just got to my painting's image, and click the thumbs-up "like" button.

#43 - Last of It's Kind

Last of It's Kind

oil on 6x6" linen panel

#43

Quite a profetic title I think!  This little jewel of a slice of Americana is on Topsail Island, North Carolina.  A put-put golf amd arcade kind of spot.  I took the photo inside, on a rainy day, so the quality is not the best, but you get the idea.  I have come to the conclusion that I am not going to get all 100 paintings done in the 100 days, but I'm going to keep track anyway, and drop it to 50.  Fun part is, it's my personal challenge, so I get to make/break the rules!  Cool!

#42 - Pink Gloves

Pink Gloves

6x6 oil on linen panel

#42

Switching subjects again!  I needed one more painting for the Montpelier Hunt Races, so this one flew off the brushes.  It now hanging at The Art Center in Orange.  

I am off now to work on several small woodsy paintings for an exhibition for which I was just asked to show my work.  James Madison University's Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens   is located in Harrisonburg Virginia.  They have started a new exhibition opportunity for artists, featuring different artists every couple months.  I was asked to exhibit, next week!  The show will go into December.  So, I will be quickly putting together several pieces.  They would like some framed reproductions, and smaller, less expensive originals.  So, woodsy, flowery, plant paintings will be on the easel, and being made ready for that.  Never a dull moment!

#41 - Beach Colors

Beach Colors

6x6 oil on linen panel

#41

As much as I think that sticking to a particular subject really helps you understand and paint that subject better, sometimes life happens.  I needed to have several small pieces to take to the Montpelier Races this Saturday, so I have been going back and forth between my beach cottage paintings, and dogs.  Much easier to do with these small 6"x6"ers.  I have found that these small paintings keep me thinking and working on things such as color interactions, shapes, simplification, and a million other things more easily, because they are completed quickly.  It is so easy to get bogged down in tiny details, that I have to remember my reasons for working on different subjects.  On to the next one....

#39 - "Waiting"

Waiting

6x6" oil on linen panel

#39

This is a quick oil sketch of one of my daughter's dog, Tikka.  I had photos, as well as actually having her near me to paint from.  The position is a tough one to capture.  All legs it seems.  I don't feel that I stuck to my simplicity mode in this painting.  Each one is a challenge on some level, as well as a learning experience.  From every painting we do, we learn things that work, things that don't work, and they can give us ideas of what to work on in a future painting.  Happy November!

#38 - "Small Package" and Big Procrastination

Small Package

6"x6" oil on linen panel

#38

I am back and forth between the dogs and the beach cottages.  I'm enjoying both subjects.  I know I need  extra work to take to the Monpelier Hunt Races on November 6 for the Virginia Equine Artists Association booth.  I know, it is the equine artists' association.  But most horsey people also love their dogs, hence, small dog paintings!

But that really wasn't what I wanted to write about this morning.  Rather, procrastination has been on my mind lately.  I'll keep it short, don't worry!  I started the "100 Paintings in 100 Days" as a way of challenging myself to keep up with painting on a very regular basis.  I went along pretty well for a while, but lately have been pretty lax about it.  Sigh.  But, I decided to take my procrastination and look at it as part of the creative journey.  Below is a quote from the Robert Genn Twice-Weekly Letter :

"The game theorist and strategist Thomas C. Schelling suggested procrastination is not a personal weakness. It's more a function of the selves within ourselves who are actually at war with one another. For example, your long-term self says you're going to paint 100 paintings and get yourself a decent gallery. Next day your short-term self cuts in and has you alphabetizing everything in the spice cupboard or cleaning the lake. It's not you, it's your "divided self" that runs you off track and amok.

Interestingly, the divided self also gives powerful creative input. Putting things off may not be all that bad. Getting a second opinion is certainly part of our game. A work of art well sat on may turn out better than one completed to a hasty schedule. While experts identify university professors as the top procrastinators, artists cannot be far behind. "

So, I guess I will spend today having a conversation with myself about my challenge.  I'm not giving up, simply re-evaluating it.  I will keep on, perhaps not quite making The Date of when the 100 paintings should reach their end.  

I'd love hearing your comments on what you think about procrastination.  If you will, post your comments here on the blog, as opposed to email.  That way we can all share your opinions and comments.  Thanks!

#37 - Castaway

Beginning of "Castaway"

Next stage of "Castaway"

 Castaway

8x10" oil on linen panel

#37

Here is another Topsail Island, North Carolina cottage.  My sister-in-law particularly likes this little place.  It is old, tucked in next to the newer, taller, fancier places built around it.  It has a little house behind it also, which makes it seem like a little blue gem.  It's name is "Castaway", hence the title for the painting.  I am fairly happy with this little painting, although I squashed it in, so that it lost it's true shape. I think I will try it again.  This one was done from memory and photos, and so it lacks that little extra something that happens when you are actually in front of a subject painting it.  I wanted to show you a couple "before and after" shots of this piece in process.  I did opt to enlarge the house, taking out the bushes on the left.  I'm not sure I should have done that, or not.  I'd love to hear your opinions on that. Enjoy!

#36 - Take a Bow

Take a Bow

6"x 6" oil on linen panel

#36

It may seem like I am all over the map as far as subject go.  You could be right!  But there is method to my madness.  I will be part of the Virginia Equine Artists Association booth at the Montpelier Hunt Races on Saturday, November 6.  For that booth I take, you guessed it, equine paintings!  But in addition to the horses, I am planning on taking some dog paintings also.  Small paintings, framed in big, wide, hunky frames.  Fun, small, less expensive paintings for people, which feel like little gems.  I had fun with this dog.  I painted it in about 20 minutes, and wanted to play with the design aspects of the composition.

Tomorrow I hope to get one of the Topsail Island cottages painted and posted.  Now that I've said that, I had better do it! 

#35 - "The Sub" House

"The Sub" House

8x10" oil on linen panel

#35

I have been wanting to paint this house for 5 years!  Finally I've done it.  It is a house just down the street from the house we rent on Topsail Island.  It is a wonderfully fun little house, painted yellow, aqua shutters and rose colored doors (and chair), it just exudes happiness.  It also has a wonderful plaque which names it as "The Sub".  Looks like it could be in Bermuda or Florida, but it fits in just fine here in North Carolina.  I have taken pictures from all angles, and I want to paint other sides of it.  Painting this house has started me on an idea of painting "beach places".  Mostly Americana beach homes from days gone by, but also some funky places that you seldom see anywhere except at the beach.  Can't wait to add that to my 100 in 100 challenge, and hopefully a series to-come!  Life is a beach!

Palmettos Revisited - #33

Palmettos Revisited

11x14" oil on linen panel

#33

Here we are, at the beach, on Topsail Island, NC.  We're on beach time, with family and good times.  This is the fifth year, in the same ocean front house that we all share.  Two years ago I started the painting above, but didn't finish it.  So, finally, I finished it this year.  The trees had changed a little, and the shadows needed to be changed some, but basically it was the same.  I fussed and fussed around with it, and finally let my intuition have its way.  I played with the colors, the shapes, and finally decided it was as done as I wanted it to be.  There are still things I could do to it, but then these plein air pieces are not always finished products.  Some are, but some aren't.  I'm fairly pleased with it, so let it be!

Wipe Out!

Wipe Out!

8x10 oil on linen panel

#32

The title of this one, "Wipe Out", doesn't refer to the surfing term, it refers to what I should have done to this one!  The surfer, who is actually my daughter, became way too large in the piece, and the pier became tiny.  My mind wasn't into the painting time, and it took all of about 10 minutes.  I wasn't into the painting time.  But the mere fact of showing up to paint, whether I was into it or not, became the journey.  So, I didn't wipe it out, even though that is really what I should have done.  On to the next one!

More Wave Action

Lone Wave

8x10" oil on line panel

#32

We are on Topsail Island, North Carolina, with wonderful weather, great family time, wonderful beachy time.  I decided that I am going to work on water, since we are so surrounded by water here.  This was a 20 minute painting.  All I wanted to work on the wave action.  I think I should have made that central, without the background water.  I will work on more of these while we are here.  The colors in the waves are different according to the thickness of the wave, with the light going through it.  I am hoping to work on learning how to get the luminosity of the wave where it is the thinnest.  This will be an ongoing project.  

#31 - "Piggin' Out"

Piggin' Out

6"x6" oil on linen panel

#31

Keeping on with the farm theme, here is a Maine pig.  Don't suppose he is that much different that a California pig, or a Virginia pig.  He was quite the interesting guy, but more interested in eating than looking my way, other than a short glance.

I keep working on painting more, doing less, to say more.  If that makes no sense, here is a translation: I want to paint as much as possible.  By painting more, and getting better, I will be able to simplify the subject down as much as possible, to be able to show the most of the essence of the subject, rather than just a reproduction of the subject.  Now, you may think I've taken a step off the edge, or that my "little grey cells" (so says Hercule Poirot via Agatha Christie), have gone on vacation.  Could be.  I wouldn't completely rule it out.  But I know where I want to go with my painting, and what I want to say, which is a step in the right direction.  Hope you follow me on the journey. 

#30 - Strutting My Stuff

Chicken Stut

6x6" oil on linen panel

#30

Silly play on words, I know!  I photographed this chicken up in Maine, on an organic farm we visited.  I took some artistic license with her, to make her a bit more flamboyant.  I am headed off to the North Carolina beaches in a couple days, and I know exactly what I want to paint, for starters, when I get there!  So I will keep posting and keeping up, as best I can, in-between all that fun beach stuff!

#29 of 100 in 100

Time Warp

6x6" oil on linen panel

#29 

I am finding that many times painting small, on square panels is a big challenge for me.  I do it partly to do faster daily paintings, but I haven't always found it easy.  What I wanted to do, was paint the entire car, and the entire truck from yesterday's post.  I've also been making myself stick to larger brushes, usually #8 for the paintings.  I am finding that many times I lose the ability to put down in one or two strokes what I have in my mind, and then I end up with some mush going on!  Ahhh!  Keep on truckin' as they say.  Today I am headed in to work on the whole vehicle on the small panel.  Any suggestions or comments?  I fee like I need a little imput on these.  Thanks!

Picking Up the 100 in 100

Ready to Rumble

6x6 inch oil on linen panel

#28 of 100 in 100

Back in the swing.  After getting back from Maine, I have been catching up on things, and let my 100 in 100 challenge slide.  I'm back to it now, which does mean I had better get going to catch up!

This little one was done from a photo of a very cool restored truck that I found in Maine.  I asked the owner if I could photograph it, and he said he would pull it into a better spot for photos. He also told me it was a 1930's truck.   I am going to work on larger pieces from this, as well as other antique cars and trucks I have found.  I'm not an old car fancier, but I have become interested in antique trucks and some really old cars, to paint.  This owner had another old car, a 1920's car that looked like it could have been a bank robber's car.  That will be coming up tomorrow.  

I don't feel like I got what I was working towards on this one, so I will be doing it again.  Maybe again, and again, and again......!

Personal Flag-Waving ... Just a Tiny Bit

I am REALLY excited, and had to share, that right after I got home, I sold three (yup, 3!!) paintings through Art Quiver !! Art Quiver is a very nice online gallery I belong to.  Since it is run right here in Virginia, even closer, right out of Charlottesville, it makes it even better.  If you haven't ever visited their site, check it out.  They do a very nice job of creating a virtual gallery.

Last of Maine for Now

On The Ledges

8x10 oil on linen panel

#17/#27

Our last evening on The Ledges

Unless I have missed one, I think this is all of the paintings from Maine.  What a great experience.  I am corresponding now with one of the other AIRs that was there.  If you're an artist, and can do it, this is a great opportunity.  Many of the parks allow your family to come along, and as long as they are ok with you taking off to paint, it works really well.  Just check it out on the Artist in Residence section of the National Park Service site.

This last painting isn't one of the best, but gave me a feel of what I wanted to paint.  I think too, my mind was already starting to wind down from the Acadia experience and I was starting to detach and head home.  Nice to leave home for a while, and really nice to get back home.

A show at The Art Center in Orange is being set up with three different artists who have painted scenes from Maine.  Tentatively scheduled for June 2011.  Myself and two others are in at this point, all of us with very different styles.  It should a very nice show with something for everyone.

Something else I learned from my trip to Maine was what kinds of supplies I need to paint what I want to paint.  I almost didn't take the small pochade box, but was glad I did.  I wouldn't have had the chance to paint a small oil on my lone hike.  Dragging the French easel up and down hills would have been impossible.  I love painting a little bigger, so the French easel worked when I could either paint right next to my car, or didn't have to go far.  I also have REALLY learned that I need to have ALL the paints I want in both the French easel AND the pochade.  That way I don't get out somewhere and find I don't have what I need.  One last lesson learned, among many, was that you can usually do without most of what you think you need.  If you have the basics, you'll be fine, and probably have an easier time in the long-run.

Light

Ledges Pine

10x8 oil on linen panel

#16/#26

Part of the same Pine tree, totally different lighting

Light is the main subject of most naturalistic painters' work.  Doesn't really matter what the "subject" is, light is still the main subject, because without it, there would be very little on our canvases, boards, papers and panels.  Consider a painting done in the early hours when the light is creeping up.  Or consider differences between the golden late evening light, a nighttime painting, a foggy, rainy day, or a bright, middle-of-the-day painting.  All very different, all very unique unto themselves.  Each moment of light gives a different feeling to a painting.  

The top painting here was done on a cool (chilly actually!), damp, grey day.  I was cold sitting on the rocks painting.  I was having a terrible time getting values right, while keeping things simple.  It gave me the feeling I wanted to keep, and will go back and work on one from this little plein air piece to create a more finished piece.  Part of plein air painting is all about the experience of being outdoors.  Here, I was cold, and finally gave in to going back to warm up, even though I didn't really "finish" the painting.  Enjoy!

Keeping the Feeling Alive

Low Tide at Little Moose

8x10 oil on linen panel

#15/#25

Sign as you drive into the SERC campus, or head to the point.

Even though it was last week that I got home from Maine, from the artist residency, I am still feeling the glow.  I haven't gone through the paintings I did yet, other than to be sure I had photographed them all while up there.  That was a lesson in organization.  I will slowly be deciding which paintings I might like to enlarge in the studio.  I will probably be enlarging the one that will be donated to the Acadia National Park.  I have up to a year to get one to them.  Since the SERC campus is being totally redone, there will be new places to hang AIR paintings once it is finished.  Great PR, as well as nice knowing one of your pieces is hanging in a location you enjoyed painting in.

I am also working on some shows/galleries to take some Maine paintings.  I am working on one show of my Maine paintings, and another artist's Maine paintings for June 2011 at The Art Center in Orange.  I may be sending some paintings back up to Maine, to the Chapter II Gallery.  So the feeling stays alive, and moves into another realm and life of its own, making up shows, galleries, blogs and websites.  Like ripples on a pond, artwork moves out to, hopefully, have an effect on many more people.

Seeing

Cormorants

8x10 oil on linen panel

#14/#24

painting along the loop road, Schoodic, Acadia National Park

"Drippy" trees and moss

The painting above was done on the same foggy day as #13.  I found the shapes of the Cormorants sitting on the rock interesting against the foggy background.  The photographs above show a really interesting way that some trees and moss seem to be dripping down over a rock.  I would drive past these trees and was fascinated by their shapes.

It is interesting how people see things differently.  When we had put out our paintings (the other AIRs and myself), I mentioned these interesting tree shapes.  The interns and teaching assistants, who also would drive past this spot, hadn't noticed.  I think as artists we are attracted and notice colors and shapes of things around us, that many people may not see.  Part of it is training ourselves to see things in a more "artistic" way.  But part of it is also the way that many of us are made up.  I firmly believe that people can learn to be more mindful and cognizant of our world around us.  When I teach classes, and workshops, that is something that I stress.  So many beginning painters particularly, paint what they think they "know" is there, not so much what they see.  Many have to slow down to really learn to see what they are painting.  Seeing is one of those things we keep developing as the artistic journey goes on. 

Sunny Days and Not So Sunny Days

Lies Below

16x20 oil on canvas

#12/#22

Fog

8x10 oil on linen panel

#13/#23

I've had a bit of all sorts of weather here in Acadia/Schoodic.  Although most of it has been bright and sunny with gorgeous pre-fall Maine weather.  The first painting above, #12 "Lies Below" was one of those amazingly clear days.  I sat on a cliff above some rocks and worked to catch some of the colors of the rocks below the water, and the water sliding by on top.  The second painting, #13 "Fog" was the opposite kind of day.  Foggy, so much so that at first I could just barely see this little island.  What great weather to paint in, as you could hear the fog horn in the background!

It is interesting how an artist needs to be able to shift gears and go from those bright days, to the more subtle color days, such as the foggy day.  Both are fascinating.  One for the wonderfully bright colors, the other where the values flatten out, and dull down.  Both make you think about color interactions and how everything works together.

Learning From Doing

After The Storm

16x20 oil on canvas

#7/#17

Below

20x16 oil on canvas

#11/#21

I have found both the frustration and occasional  successes that go along with plein air painting.  Painting here in Acadia, on the Schoodic Peninsula has brought both of these.  The waves and rocks have been an ongoing frustration for myself, and the other artist in residents.   We laugh about painting "more rocks!!"  At times I find the way to simplify the shapes and feel that I am making headway.  Other times I think, "oh no, one more rock!"  The one above, titled "Below", I found that there is a cinnamon bun masquerading as a rock!  That will need to be fixed.  The painting above that, "After The Storm", isn't finished, but I know that I want a wave to be coming towards the rocks.  I haven't had an indoor location to paint in why here in the park, but I will fix that painting when I get home.  I have more paintings which I have "finished" on-site, but I am still working hard to simplify shapes!

                                                             

Show & Tell

Birch

20x16 oil on cotton canvas

#8/#18

Lone Rock

16x20 oil on cotton canvas

#9/#19

Acadian National Park - Schoodic Eduacational & Reseach Center

Artist in Residence Show & Tell!

All I can say is that if you are an artist of any kind, the national parks are a great place to do a residency. So far I have done about 18 paintings, and met some wonderful people.  Today the three artists in residence had a little show of our work for the interns, volunteers, ranger, and educational assistants.  They are great people, of a wide variety of ages, and from all over the United States.  The Schoodic area of Acadia National Park is a wonderful place to do an artist residency.  I am learning, through doing this residency, that it is not just the act of creating many works of art, related to this location, but it is meeting and interacting with many other people, and feeling like a member of a community within the national park system.  You are learning on many different levels, in many different ways.  We had a small going-away dinner tonight with the three of us who are artists here, and my husband and one daughter.  One of our artists, Donna will be leaving tomorrow.  Sad to see her leave, but wish her well in art and life, and hope we meet again.

HIking on Schoodic

Schoodic Head

8x10 oil on linen panel

#10/#20

I took a hike the other day.  I really wanted to get into the woods, and explore some of the trails here on Schoodic.  I decided to take my backpack and put my pochade box in, just in case I wanted to paint.  I read how far the trail was, but wasn't quite aware how up and down and rooty it would be.  Still, it was a gorgeous day, and so much fun!  The views on top and along the ridges were spectacular.  I stopped and did a 10 minute painting looking off the top.  I am quite please with its simplicity and how it caught the feeling of the moment.  I need to do more quick paintings, and stress the use of simplification.  I know, I've talked about that before, but I have to keep reminding myself of it!  The trail turned out to be about 3 miles total, with lots of climbing up and down steep places.  It was truly a magical trail.

            

Fast Post

After the Storm

16x20 oil on linen canvas unfinished

#7/#17

Birch Study

8x10 oil on linen panel

#8/#18

I promised I would get these posted today, and it IS still today.  We had a really fun night hike, and evening learning about night creatures.  Mostly for the teaching assistants who will be leading the night hikes when the Schoodic Education Adventure (SEA) kids arrive.  All of us Artists In Residence (AIR) people (3 now) get to tag along and have fun.  Then we drove down to the point to take in the fantastic night sky which is amazing!  So, finally got back in and decided to quickly post a couple.  Neither are really finished, but then maybe they will stay as they are as learning experiences.  Enjoy.

Getting into the Rhythm

Looking towards Schoodic Point, from the Anvil Trail

Marks Island Lighthouse

As you can see, I didn't get any photographs of my paintings done today.  I painted this morning on the Schoodic Point, then took what turned into a rather long and medium intense hike.  By the time I got back, via the grocery store in Winter Harbor, the light wasn't right to photograph paintings.  I have a growing number lining the floor and leaning against things.  So I will work on getting pictures posted tomorrow.  I am intending to get up early tomorrow to go out to paint in the early light.  I am struggling with the whole idea of simplification when it comes to the waves and surf.

Met another Artist in Residence this evening, so now there are three of us.  That's fun.  We are like ships in the night though, passing here and there.  I talked to a man this morning who had taken a workshop with one of my favorite artists, Carol Marine (http://carolmarine.blogspot.com)!  Small world.  I looked up his website again, and found that Bruce is quite the author, check it out:  http://brucemcmillan.com/.

I will post paintings tomorrow.... promise!

Welcome Tropical Storm Earl!

Day's Beginning

8x10 oil on linen panel

#4/#14

Off Sundew

8x10 oil on linen panel

#5/#15

Fun times!  These paintings were done yesterday before the storm arrived.  Everyone was greatly anticipating the arrival of Earl, and wondering what it would be like.  Those NPS people in the know say that the waves can go right over the low roads, over the parking areas on Schoodic Point, and generally wash things and people away!  So, great precautions were made, with signs up, the staff out at 6:00 to keep the public wave-gaukers (is that the right spelling for that?!) safe from themselves.  

These two paintings were done off a trail known as the Sundew Trail.  I packed everything in my backpack and headed out. Not a long trail at all, but fun to get out into some spots best seen by foot.

Today, I walked out to Schoodic Point in the pouring rain, about 7:30, high tide.  The road there was closed, and our trusty NPS men and women in green were out patrolling the roads keeping people from going to close to the BIG waves.  (Fun having met most people last night at the Hurricane Party!).  When the road was opened, I drove out, and painted in the car while the waves slammed into Schoodic Point and the rain pelted down.  Now, back inside, having had tea, I'm ready for the next adventure of the day.  The sun is coming out, so maybe more painting here, or possibly over on MDI (Mt. Desert Island).  Tough life....someone's got to do it!

I never could get pictures of the REALLY big wave!

But these were much larger than they look here.

                            

                                Where waves crashed last year                   Everyone was ready