Tight Squeeze
Oil on Linen Panel
12" x 16"
Of all the glam yachts in the harbor, these Shields have long been our favorite sailing vessel. Among keelboat racing enthusiasts, it is said to be one of the most successful designs in the world. It is a bit tricky to maneuver these guys out of this dock, until you establish a few reference points. And even then, sometimes you just run out of air. On one occassion, I was nearly t-boned by my nemesis - The Delta Queen. Now I go "snake eyed", whenever I see that evil paddle-wheeler.
The painting "Tight Squeeze", was painted from the Shields dock, looking across the harbor toward the homes on Lido Island. The homes are wedged in, tighter than the Shields - if you can believe that. There is a certain time of the early evening, about 5:00 p.m., when the sun is low in the sky, and fires across the water and sky with extraordinary color. By 6:30-7pm, the Shields are in deep shadows, and barely discernable from the ink blue canvas tent covers. Waving to sailing buddy, Tiffany, where ever you might be. I laugh to myself, every time I recall that race where we "assisted" the bouy marker into our boat, to confuse Craig and the boys. It was most amusing to watch them circle around, looking for that dang bouy...while we made our way back to the finish line.