Daily painting #89: The canal from Rehoboth to Lewes

I painted this exact scene two years ago, but I did not look at that painting again before stepping up to the easel and trying again. I didn’t want to be influenced by the earlier picture. One thing that changed was my canvas: I chose a wide surface this time. Another difference is that this time I painted it all in one go, in about two hours; last time I worked on the painting for three full afternoons! So the “old” one is somewhat more detailed and refined, but the “new” one has its merits too. Here’s today’s effort:

Geoff Watson, “The Canal from Rehoboth to Lewes,” oil on linen, 6” x 12,” 2019.

Geoff Watson, “The Canal from Rehoboth to Lewes,” oil on linen, 6” x 12,” 2019.

And here’s the painting from two years ago. I blogged about it, briefly, here: https://www.geoffwatsonart.com/blog/2017/8/2/boat-on-the-rehoboth-lewes-canal?rq=Lewes

Geoff Watson, “Boat on the Rehoboth-Lewes Canal,” oil on panel, 11” x 14,” 2017.

Geoff Watson, “Boat on the Rehoboth-Lewes Canal,” oil on panel, 11” x 14,” 2017.

Daily painting #85: Canal

Our rented house in Rehoboth Beach looks out on the Rehoboth-Lewes Canal. It was raining all day, but that didn’t stop me from setting up under an awning and painting the scene. I wanted a better view of the canal, so I “pruned” a few bushes with my brushes.

Geoff Watson, “Rehoboth-Lewes Canal,” oil on linen, 6” x 12,” 2019.

Geoff Watson, “Rehoboth-Lewes Canal,” oil on linen, 6” x 12,” 2019.

A windy day at the canal

It was a cold, blustery, windy day down by the Potomac River today.  That didn't stop me from getting out there and painting!  Alas, I got cold, so I didn't really finish this piece.  I still had fun with it.

Geoff Watson, "A blustery day," study, oil on canvas panel, 11" x 14," 2018.

Geoff Watson, "A blustery day," study, oil on canvas panel, 11" x 14," 2018.

Waiting for the mules

I spent a couple more days at Great Falls National Park in Maryland, and this time I painted the "towpath boat," which historically was towed along the C&O Canal by mules walking on the path to the right. The Park Service still operates the boat this way Friday thru Sunday, which meant I had to try to finish today. I didn't finish; many things still need work. But it's a start. 

Geoff Watson, "Waiting for the Mules," oil on panel, 9" x !2", 2017.

Geoff Watson, "Waiting for the Mules," oil on panel, 9" x !2", 2017.