Maine Graphic Artist

Have you ever been to Race Point Light? Located among the sand dunes at the tip of Cape Cod , it is worth the two mile hike. Highland Light is halfway up the Cape is another worthwhile stop at Cape Cod National Seashore. These framed art prints are going to Ann in Oakland, California and Carrie in Randolph, MA

Race Point Light in Provincetown, Massachusetts was named for the challenging cross currents that are so prevalent at the edge of Cape Cod. A two-mile walk on the soft sand from the parking lot to the lighthouse gave me a true taste of the Cape. As I strolled along the beach, a curious seal accompanied me bobbing up and down in the water just past the crashing waves. It was ninety degrees, and my walk soon turned into an arduous hike. I was tempted to cut through the preserve of native beach grass to save the unintended exercise, but then noticed something intriguing at my feet. When the wind blows the culms of beach grass in a circular motion, it creates a unique ring pattern in the sand. It was nature’s way of saying, “take the long way and go around.” Finally, I arrived at the beautifully restored Race Point Light. After a couple pints of cold water from the generous keepers, I proceeded to sketch and photograph this truly stunning place. The volunteer keepers felt a little sorry for this road worn artist and gave me a ride back to my car.

Highland Light, on the Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts, has changed significantly since Edward Hopper painted the lighthouse in 1930. Several surrounding buildings no longer exist. The lighthouse was moved back 450 feet in 1996 due to coastal erosion. But to me, Highland Light has a certain permanency, a presence that provokes a little introspection. As Cape Cod’s first lighthouse, and at one time the most powerful in New England, Highland Light has witnessed many shipwrecks and to countless averted ones. As I walked across the golf course that hazy afternoon I thought of how Thoreau described this light as a “neat building, in apple pie order.” The occasional gold ball would soar overhead as I prudently searched for a promising angle to photograph. Suddenly, I heard a woman’s shrieking scream. Within a few seconds came the laughter of others as she had just made a hole in one!

Ashley Morill aka Ashley Eldridge, and her film crew from Maine Cabin Masters came by the art gallery in Gardiner, Maine on the first week in December 2020. I have been wishing to be on that show for over four years! Ashley was super sweet and funny as ever. I love that show! The episode is scheduled to air in March 2021.

Graphic Artist Alan Claude introduces 9 year old Michael Ahern, who is raising $30,000 to send 8 recalibrated veterans and their families to visit the Travis Mills Foundation in Maine. Michael's mother, Rebecca Ahern, visits the art studio and picks up the donated artwork and recounts the inspiring story of how Michael was motivated to help our amazing veterans with Scoopsfortroops.org https://www.classy.org/campaign/scoops-for-troops/c234354

Update: November 7th 2019 - Michael reached his goal and raised $30k!

Cover idea for the 2020 Maine Invites You Travel Planner Bicentennial Edition

First draft

New England Emmy award winning journalist Rob Nesbitt did a great piece on my art

https://www.newscentermaine.com/video/news/local/207/graphic-artists-calendar-chosen-as-official-calendar-for-maines-bicentennial/97-9b361bfe-7ea5-4a21-8278-6d28d05540ab

Known for his nostalgic and dramatic interpretation of Maine lighthouses, Maine artist Alan Claude is releasing his latest rendition, this time featuring Lake Cobbosseecontee’s Ladies Delight Lighthouse which is also included in the graphic artist’s official 2020 Maine Bicentennial Poster Calendar, commemorating 200 years of statehood, its history, people and beauty. FARMINGDALE, Maine — A graphic artist from Farmingdale is looking forward to celebrating Maine's 200th birthday. Alan Claude moved to Maine 16 years ago, bringing his graphic designs with him. He takes his own photographs, turns them into graphic art on his computer, and then prints them. Claude chooses his 12 favorites each year to go in a calendar.

 Maine Artist Alan Claude owns two of the buildings. Claude is well-known for his graphic artwork featuring Maine lighthouses and colorful coastal scenes. Claude plans to open a gallery and retail space and says he’s also excited to be part of the redevelopment downtown.

“There’s so much history here and I look forward to seeing the revival happen,” Claude said.

Cape Cod is a beautiful place...must of been even more beautiful when Edward Hopper was around. I set off on my Cape Cod journey in the hopes of being further inspired by seeing what Edward Hopper saw back in 1934 when the painter build his studio in Truro, Massachusetts. From Fisher Beach...(don't leave your car there -it's only for residents) I walked for 3/4 of a mile to view the studio. I did not have permission to visit the studio but I did try to get a little closer through a steep pathway and staircase when nearby contractor's abruptly screamed out, in a nice way, "Scram Mistah!". Disappointed that I could not see what Hopper saw back in the 1930's ...barren hillsides and sand dunes...instead large mansion"cottages" some that even resembles battleships intrude on the landscape. Still, there is much beauty that remains in this place, like a long walk on the beach which goes on for several miles to Jeremy point. 

Cape Cod on Google Maps

One very talented painter that has been at Hopper's studio for 16 residencies is Philip Koch - No Fair! I really wonder what it would be like to stay at Hopper studio... to sit out on the deck with a cup of coffee and paint. (Ok, that is on my bucket list)

Phillip Koch Portfolio

 A more informative article about Edward Hopper and Cape Cod

"Cape Cod, In Edward Hoppers Light" - New York Times

"Edward Hopper and Cape Cod" - Boston Globe

Earlier in the day, my local friend Tom and I were in Wellfleet on the other side of the cape - beachcomber beach ..but the legendary restaurant was not open yet. With coffee in hand and a camera in the other, as an occasional seal popped its head out of the ocean, we walked on the beach and unlike Henry David Thoreau who found a gold coin while contemplating life ... I found a rusty old dime.

Remember if you need a great Cape Cod Map...consider the one I made. I even included the great bike trails.

With the grandparents watching the kids, My wife and I made a quick getaway to Rockland, Maine and stayed a lovely Bed and Breakfast mansion called The Berry Manor Inn. The rooms are clean and immaculate, very comfortable bed and spacious. As we began our evening walk to the restaurant, I noticed the house next door.. it looked very familiar. I even said to Erin "This looks like a house Edward Hopper would of painted". The following morning, Cheryl the owner of the Berry Manor Inn, gave us a tour of the Talbot House which turned out to have been painted by none other than Edward Hopper in the Spring of 1926. A beautiful house indeed which was made sweeter by having my own artwork  in room # 1 and in other parts of the house.