A Summer Memory on Canvas: Painting Sebago Lake, Maine
There are moments in life that linger long after they’ve passed—quiet mornings by the water, laughter echoing from a lakeside cottage, the gentle sway of a pontoon boat as it glides across sunlit ripples. This summer, I was lucky enough to capture one of those moments, both in memory and in oil paint, during a visit to Sebago Lake, Maine.
A Serendipitous Invitation
It all began with an invitation. My daughter Veronica was spending a few days at her boyfriend’s family cottage on Sebago Lake, and before her friends arrived, she asked if I’d like to join her for a mother-daughter getaway. I hadn’t been to Maine in years—my only previous visit was a quick stop in Portland—so the prospect of exploring a new corner of the state, and sharing that time with Veronica, was irresistible.
The drive to the cottage was an adventure in itself, winding along narrow roads flanked by towering pines and glimpses of sparkling water. When we arrived, I was immediately charmed by the cottage’s many windows, all facing the lake, and the promise of early morning sunrises at 5:30 am. The grassy yard beckoned for picnics, lazy afternoons in a hammock, and quiet moments in Adirondack chairs, soaking in the view.
Life by the Lake
Our days settled into a gentle rhythm. We took a quick ride around the lake in a pontoon boat, waving to neighbors and marveling at the patchwork of cottages nestled along the shore. The air was filled with the scent of pine and the distant calls of loons. Evenings brought the soft glow of sunset, painting the water in shades of gold and rose.
On Monday afternoon, inspiration struck. Veronica and I gathered our art supplies at the picnic table—she with her watercolors, and I with my plein air oils, still fresh from a recent wedding painting. The sunlight crested the roof of a neighboring cottage, illuminating the beach, a bright yellow kayak, and the backyard patio. It was a scene begging to be captured.
Painting in the Moment
There’s a unique magic to painting en plein air. The light changes by the minute, the breeze tugs at your canvas, and every brushstroke feels like a conversation with the landscape. I worked quickly, trying to capture the fleeting play of sunlight on water and grass, the cheerful jumble of boats, and the sense of peace that filled the air. Veronica sketched beside me, her laughter and encouragement making the afternoon even sweeter.
Later, back in my studio, I refined the painting—adding details, deepening shadows, and ensuring the spirit of that day remained intact. The finished piece is more than a landscape; it’s a memory, a love letter to a place and a moment shared.
A Painting with a Story
The result is a 12 x 16-inch oil painting, beautifully framed in a silver traditional plein air frame. It’s a window into a summer afternoon on Sebago Lake—a scene of cottages, boats, and sunlight, but also of family, creativity, and the simple joys of being present.
Bringing the Lake Home
If you’ve ever spent time by a lake, you know the feeling: the hush of early mornings, the laughter of loved ones, the way the world seems to slow down. My hope is that this painting brings a bit of that magic into your home, whether you’re a lifelong Mainer or simply someone who cherishes the beauty of nature and the warmth of shared memories.
The original painting is available for $750, including the custom frame. If you’d like to see more photos, ask questions, or share your own lake stories, I’d love to hear from you. Art, after all, is about connection—between artist and viewer, memory and moment.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to Sebago Lake. May it inspire you to seek out your own moments of beauty, wherever you find them.
Ready to see the painting?
View the Sebago Lake, Maine Original Oil Painting in my Shop
