I think I finally found a good use for that block of Arches Cold press Paper. Rather than trying to force it into doing detailed work, which it seems to resent, I’ll use the paper for looser ink and watercolor wash paintings. It was fun to stretch out and do some architecture after almost 20 years!
This lighthouse goes by two names: Mendota Lighthouse and Bete Grise Lighthouse. Few get to see this charming landmark because it’s fairly remote. One of my favorite Michigan lighthouses, it’s located near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, an 8.5-hour, 537-mile drive from our home in the the central part of the lower peninsula.
I’ve only been there once, about 25 years ago, so this painting illustrates how it appears in my photos from 1998. Currently, it displays a darker cream color with green trim, and the stove pipe chimney is black. Maybe it’s just me being patriotic, but I prefer the red, off-white and blue. At the time of our visit, it was only accessible by boat. It was—and still is—privately owned.
The building still has its original fresnel lens, which is great; many others have had their lights removed. I always think lighthouses look kind of lame without a light at the top! The lamps always look small from the ground, but if you have a chance to get close to them, you realize just how big they are.
