Light at Portland Head, Maine

This light house has a very dramatic perch over the cliffs at Portland, Maine and has certainly provided direction to ships along the the rugged Atlantic Coast. I was able to first paint this lighthouse en plein air in 2006.  

While I  worked, Coastguard Helicopters found two empty kayaks on the rocks below - searching for the occupants in a rescue pattern, according to the folks who stopped at my easel. They were not located.

I know dangerous water when I see it. This surf was beyond dangerous!

This painting was selected by the editors of Plein Air Magazine to be published in the special section "America the Beautiful" featuring paintings from iconic American Scenes & landmarks to celebrate 250 years of American Independence! (Feb/March 2026). It is now hanging on the Awards & Honors Wall at Windswept Fine Art Gallery.

Portland Head has long protected Portland and the adjacent area. Cape Elizabeth residents were deeply committed to American independence from British rule. In 1776, the new Town of Cape Elizabeth posted a guard of eight soldiers at Portland Head to warn citizens of coming British attacks.

In 1787, the General Court of Massachusetts (the Massachusetts legislature) provided $750 to begin construction of a lighthouse.