Screw Auger Falls: Work in Progress

Tidbits about Screw Auger Falls

Screw Auger Falls is a beautiful set of falls located in Andover, ME, in the Grafton Notch State Park, on Rte. 26. The Bear River makes its way through the notch, over granite rock and through shallow pools, where it takes a 20 foot plunge over a broad ledge into the gorge below. From there it descends an additional 30 feet, as it cascades over a series of smaller falls, creating pools, and swirling sculptures of granite.

It has been said there once was a saw mill located near the falls, which I'm guessing was built and operated when the historical town of Grafton still held its charter, prior to 1919. At that point in time, logging was the main source of support for the small town. I have not been able to locate an image of the mill, or confirm the mills existence, however. If someone has additional information about the mill, or a photograph, it would be greatly appreciated. The term screw auger, refers to a tool used to bore holes into hard surfaces. The rounded shapes, pools, and crevices created by the Bear River, indicates why this set of falls got it's unusual name.

A Work In Progress

Below is a number of steps I used, to create my latest painting. This is a 12 x 24 inch oil painting on canvas, of Screw Auger Falls.

STEP 1

The first step in creating the painting of Screw Auger Falls, was to lay out the image on a 12 x 24 inch canvas. Once the basic image had been sketched, I began blocking in the first layer of color, starting at the top of the canvas, and working my way downward. I focused only on the basic shapes of the trees and rocks at this point.

STEP 2

I continued working down the length of the canvas, blocking in the basic shapes of the rocks at the top of the water fall.

STEP 3

Then it was time to create the water. I used thicker paint here, in order to capture suggested splashing and swirling. Blocking in the larger rocks on the left, really began to pull this painting together.

STEP 4

After darkening the rocks on the lower left, I began to add final detail to the trees in the background. Once I'd added a few highlights of color to the rocks and water, it was time to let the white paint in the water fall dry for a couple of days.

STEP 5

With some finishing touches to the background trees, additional details added to the water, and highlighting of the pool in the foreground, I was ready to finish off the boulder in the lower right and sign my name. "Screw Auger Falls" is now complete!

To view a larger version of this completed painting, please visit http://www.brendakenney.com/

My Word of the Year; "Grace"

What makes people create?

It's a question that I've often asked myself, in my continual search for motivation. Is it merely the pleasure of putting a brush to the canvas, the process? Or is it seeing a project completed, the end result....the feed back? Are other's, like myself, urged forward by some hidden force, a driving desire to succeed? A compelling voice that refuses to give in, or listen to those who might say, "you'll never make a living at that." What exactly is it, that makes an artist (all creative people) feel destined to be an artist, even when it's not thought of as a financially sound occupation?

I've often wondered why my passion has always flowed through anything artistic. Surely, I could just put my efforts into calculating numbers and make great sums of money as an accountant. Why isn't that satisfying? Or, perhaps, I could become an office manager, or a customer service rep., or even teach pre-school? Sadly, I've done all of those things.....but, the compelling voice still calls, and does not let me "be". It does not let me settle into anything that does not involve painting, music, and creativity.

I was recently reading a blog by Christine Kane, a musician and song writer, who has designated December as the Word-of-the-Year Month. Several guest bloggers have commented about a specific "word-of-the-year"....a word or words that have meant something to them, influenced who they are, and what they've accomplished. I mention this, not only because I found the creative writings on Christine's blog quite insightful, but also because it brought to mind a specific word that may have meaning for me personally..... the answer to the question, "why must I create?".

Grace. It is a simple word really, and probably means different things to different people. But, for me, it signifies an inner passion, a compelling voice unwilling to surrender. It symbolizes a desire to portray that which has beauty, a willingness to share peace and tranquility. While it also upholds honesty, and an acceptance of "what will be, will be." It recognizes a divine force which compels each of us to follow a path meant only for us, no matter where that path may lead. No one knows the outcome, except Grace. Grace, is a word that has affected my life, not only in it's influence on my work, but in my ability to accept, and to be patient in finding the right path for me. It is the defining factor that keeps me on that path, despite the influences of money or opposing opinions. Grace is forgiving, if I should wander.

What is it that makes people create? I can not answer the question for anyone but myself. I only know that I must, and I do believe Grace is pulling for me.

I wish all of you a peaceful holiday season, and a successful New Year. May Grace be with you, too....in all that you do.

Happy creating!