Lauren’s Shrimp Boat | 12×16 | Oil on Linen Panel

Inspiration for Lauren’s Shrimp Boat

Lauren’s Shrimp Boat is particularly special. I’ve painted a lot of boats, and I really enjoy it. The reflections in the water, the smell of the sea, the warmth of the sun…painting a boat, especially from life, is a great time! But sometimes it takes the encouragement of our loved ones to give us newfound inspiration. This painting is one of those times!

For her birthday, my wonderful, supportive girlfriend requested the opportunity to watch me start a painting. She’d only ever seen paintings as finished products, but had never seen the process unfold! Needless to say, I was delighted to grant her request, so we sat down together and rooted through my maritime sources. We found one we both loved, and then we cropped, commented, and critiqued until it was just to our liking. Then I set to work, and this is the result! Obviously she wasn’t able to see every brush stroke from start to finish, but I was able to get a solid block-in accomplished in her presence: for this, she pronounced her delight! Mission accomplished! Naturally, the title had to reflect the origin. Now isn’t that a feel-good story? 😀