Had fried shrimp lately?

I'm thinking about a big platter. With sides of hushpuppies and cole slaw. Maybe a large sweet tea...

Probably won't indulge until we return to St. Augustine for a visit. Northeast Florida is the birthplace of modern shrimping and still somewhat home to shrimp boats and the industry that they provide for. It is nothing like it used to be but you can still get some of the best anywhere.

Shrimper on the easel...

Return to Solomons

From 1988-1993 we lived in Solomons, Maryland on the western shore of the Chesapeake. I was the curator of design and exhibits at the Calvert Marine Museum. It was an exciting and challenging job that took me from the great eastern maritime museums to the dinosaur fossil fields of Alberta to Great White Shark research in Capetown, South Africa. Our daughter was born there in 1990 and we all wanted to return and see what had become of that place and those we had known. So this past Friday the three of us headed up and had fun exploring and remembering that time in our lives.

The same exhibits with new upgrades. 20 years later.

Maritime Patuxent, the permanent maritime exhibition

Our family with Megalodon, in the
paleontology exhibit I designed

One of the many aquariums in The Estuarium

Boat basin with Small Craft Shed beyond

Drum Point Lighthouse

The first boat I built was here... a 12' sailing skiff

A view from atop the lighthouse

Wm. B. Tennison, the oldest, Coast Guard approved,
passenger carrying vessel on the Chesapeake

Late Fall in Florida

Today is Thanksgiving here in the States and we are cooking and hanging out at home. My friend Ron sent me a note and a picture from Placida just north of where Terry and I sailed about this time last year. I was really taken by the image and stayed up late painting it. Annie and I will get back there some day. Highly recommended!

Still Harbor, Placida
Pen & Wash, 8" x 10"
© Curt Bowman 2012

Getting Up to Speed

Have been painting everyday and starting to get in the groove. I've gotten a good response... that sure helps in this sometimes lonely endeavor. Thank you to all and Happy Thanksgiving with your family tomorrow.

PS Catch a fish and save a turkey!

Basque Fishing Boat Tenders

Acrylic on canvas  24" x 24"

Pokin' Around

It was sunny and warmer on Sunday when we went to the Bay to check on Annie. I cleaned and checked tie downs while Ellie collected sticks and branches for the fireplace. Hurricane Sandy had left a lot of fuel on the ground but had spared the Pepper Creek area from damage. 

Annie's custodian

We decided to drive to Urbanna and take a few photos for ideas for new paintings. There weren't many folks about so we took liberties and poked around the areas marked for 'slip owners only'. Here's some of the sights...

Made to Fish

Alberg Typhoon

Basic

Too bad it was closed

Water garage

Old Favorites

Pre-Wireless

My Friend Calls Me Sketch

I'm just in from North Carolina and I have gotten a number of nice responses to my drawing of Spartina. I love to draw... especially boats. For those interested a small original of your boat in a 9 x 12" mat is $200, and limited edition prints at $40 of Spartina plus shipping. Larger pen & wash, and acrylic paintings are also available on commission. Send me an email at hbdgcurt@yahoo.com

Visit my maritime painting site CLICK HERE. Thanks for interest!

Sketch of the Day

Back to Work

Annie is covered and quiet near the Mobjack Bay and I am in Richmond typing this (or is it keystroking these days) in my studio. I am now an aspiring maritime artist who is trying to cast off thoughts of how daunting a decision that is and will be. Just Do It is my mantra. Time will tell. 

Got a half a cord of wood 

In Process