My wife and I had arrived in Cape Cod with our daughter and her husband. We were on a trip to our ancestral home – Barnstable Massachusetts. We checked into the fabulous Ashley Manor, the best bed and breakfast in Cape Cod. We were so thrilled to be there . . . we felt the spirit of our ancestors so strongly!! The owner suggested we go to dinner at the Mattakese Wharf Restaurant. We did. We got there just as the sun was setting. The restaurant overlooked Barnstable Harbor. The view absolutely took my breath away! I had to paint that amazing scene!
I’ve tried to portray the feel of the air, the smell of the water and the glow of the sun. Note the complimentary colors of the orange sun and the blue shadows. There is a strong contrast with shadow and light. With these techniques I hope to have expressed the feelings we felt on that enchanted August night.
Comments on Mattakese Wharf
Sarah @ 6:09 pm
I love how you captured the sunset. Magical.
Jennifer @ 6:38 pm
Wonderful memories, and you captured it perfectly! It was a magical night and the lighting on the water and boats and in the sky was amazing.
Todd @ 7:06 pm
OK, I now have a new favorite of yours. 🙂
Angie @ 11:28 pm
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I don’t know what else to say. Wow.
Gayle @ 1:04 am
Your picture is beautiful!!! It must have been a great evening. Love your other paintings. Hope all is well.
Russ @ 9:27 am
One of your very best water/landscapes. The use of light and shadows is subtle, but, striking.
Nicole @ 10:36 am
That is absolutely amazing. I love any painting you do with water in it! The sun looks like you could feel the sun’s rays touching you. Great job, Daddy!
Margaret @ 11:02 am
It’s almost unbelievable that you brought that scene alive with your amazing gift of creating beauty with inspired color and form. Love it!!
Christine @ 12:48 pm
Beautiful!
Susie @ 11:52 am
How beautiful! You are a master at painting water and reflection. Just gorgeous!
Jan La Bard @ 9:40 pm
Tom, if you ever decide to drive up to Rhode Island, you should go to Wickford, RI. In November 1971, right after I was newly married, we ended up going east because my husband was in the Navy and he was headed overseas for the VietNam War. The first place we lived was in a Victorian house in Wickford, one of the most picturesque towns in America. It is located on a bay with many boats and even Yachts. Back then, there were some adorable shops on the boardwalk. New England is so beautiful with its scenery as well as the architecture. We took a lot of little trips while living there and Salem, Massachusetts is another place that everyone should visit. This picture brings back very fond and happy memories of Wickford, RI.