Mill Cove Sketch by Poppy Balser

Details:

I took part in the Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy paint-out in St Andrews NB on June 9 and 10, 2012.  This is a view of a quiet and secluded cove on the shore of Passamaquoddy Bay.  There are two islands in this view as well as many tidal reefs which are uncovered when the tide goes out and submerged once it comes back in.  This is a low tide view.  I really liked the line of rocks leading my eye out to the islands farther out.  The nearer island, which is treeless, is Dick Island and the farther one is Hardwood Island.  Off to the right was Hospital Island, but I did not include it in my sketch.  I do plan to revisit this scene when I get home to my studio as I think that there is potential here for a great picture.  

I saw all kinds of interesting things while I was painting here.  A loon was fishing near shore when my sister and I arrived.  The loon soon moved farther out, but we could hear it calling at times.  It came up with a fish in its beak and the ever present seagulls promptly swooped down and tried to steal it.  (If you have seen the Disney move Finding Nemo, it was a moment right out of that, I can swear I heard the gulls saying "Mine Mine Mine Mine Mine!!!")  An osprey flew by.  Two lobster boats were out in the bay doing their thing.  I got lots of photos of them and hope to incorporate one in a future painting of this view.