This time of year, on the Cape (and anywhere along the Atlantic coast), seasonal cottages and more stately seaside homes come alive with summer activity. There are fewer of the smaller, more humble retreats, but those that remain convey a sense of the past…of summers many decades ago. This place is one such place…simple and solid, locked into a dune, cooled by sea breezes and perfectly ok with sandy feet. “Beach House” 48 x 36
When I lived on Martha’s Vineyard…a truly magical island in many ways…one of the greatest, and most magical, annual events was Illumination Night at the Camp Meeting Grounds in Oak Bluffs. If you haven’t seen it, you should, as it’s otherworldly. The small Victorian cottages that line the great circle around the Tabernacle cover almost every square inch of wall and porch with paper lanterns, of all colors. While finishing this piece, the light hitting the right side of the barn, as well as the overall varied color palette, reminded me of this annual event. “Illumination” 40 x 30
