Marina Ugly, 6x6" oil, plein air, Diane Mannion
Weird but Fun
It was a gray and drizzling morning when some brave Peace River Painters showed up, with permission to paint at this marina which I've renamed, Marina Ugly. Locally known as the place where old boats go to die.
Years ago, my husband and I pulled in by boat to explore and thinking my small poodle might want to stretch his legs, we stepped out on a rickety dock and were immediately surrounded by hissing, hump-backed feral cats. No need for junk yard dogs here!
The marina has lots of character (and characters that live on seedy, barely floating boats). Boats are crammed everywhere, helter-skelter, balanced on fragile stilts leaning precariously at impossible angles. No trespassing signs are posted on every fence and post. It's a refreshing change from the glitzy glamor of most Floridian marinas.
We set up and painted for an hour or so when a creature from Marina Ugly lagoon chased us away, snarling, "G--D---Artists!" We moved out of her way while this "behemoth in a bathing suit"* flashed us and had another resident back his smoke belching pickup in our direction. Needless to say, we won't be inviting these folks to our parties.
Most of us left with unfinished paintings to finish in the cozy comfort of our studios. Another unforgettable plein air experience!
Margaret Egli painting at Marina Ugly
Margaret had forgotten her easel so some artists found a chunk of debris that worked perfectly.
*"behemoth in a bathing suit" - Sharon's words, ha!
