The perfect quiet spot to plein air paint in Jamestown, R.I.
A teeny tiny parking lot (maybe 5 spaces) is the only clue to finding this hidden treasure cove on Jamestown, R.I. Popular with cast and reel fishermen and sunbathers enjoying a book, this quiet spot is a joy to visit.
The crystal clear waters immediately caught my eye. The colors were almost tropical where the waves lapped the shore. In the distance, sailboats skirted along the horizon line.
From the parking area, it’s a quick quarter mile walk on the trail to the beach.
As you come to the end of the trail, this gorgeous view greets you >>>
Rocky shoreline trail
To the left of the beach, a trail winds along the top of the rocky shoreline continuing around the point.
Plein Air Landscape Painting - Hull Cove, Jamestown, Rhode Island
My process… When I have enough time, I prefer to start with a value sketch to decide on the composition. Once I have the composition decided, I use the grid method to transfer the drawing to the toned canvas. In this case, I toned the canvas with transparent earth red.
About 2 hours into the painting, I have blocked in all the large shapes and started to add definition to the lights and shadows. I spend a lot of time getting the colors correct to capture the atmosphere of the moment. I can add the details in the studio, but getting the colors to match the vibrancy of what I see can only happen outside.
This is also point when my husband usually joins me with dogs to keep me company while I wrap up. Then we take the dogs for their afternoon walk together.
Plein air landscape oil painting | Hulls Cove, Jamestown, Rhode Island
The woods surrounding the path to Hull Cove are managed by Conanicut Land Trust. Don’t double park – you will be ticketed. Enjoy your adventure!