Lobster Boat in the Moonlight
There’s a certain magic about painting at night—the quiet, the stillness, the way light and shadow take on a whole new language. Lobster Boat in the Moonlight was my very first plein air nocturne, painted alongside my fellow artist and friend, Eileen. It was the perfect September evening out on the Guilford Harbor. We set up just after sunset and painted until about 9 p.m., the harbor bathed in soft moonlight.
As we worked, a few folks wandered by, pausing to watch, while the quiet chatter of diners from the nearby restaurant floated through the air. The sound of fish popping in the water below kept me company until my husband, Dean, wandered over from the far side of the parking lot where he had been fishing. I pointed out the splashing, and within seconds of dropping his line, he hooked a bluefish. It was too small to keep, so he tossed it back and cast again, adding his own rhythm to the night.
The memory of that evening was so inspiring that we returned again the next night, when I was able to complete a second painting of the same harbor scene. Together, the two works capture not only the atmosphere of those late September nights but also the joy of sharing them with family and friends.
A First Experience Painting by Moonlight
It was a little chilly that night, the kind of weather that makes you wrap your sweater a bit tighter and breathe in the salt air more deeply. I had never attempted painting outdoors after sunset before, and it reminded me so much of the way I often work at weddings—with the lights turned low, a spotlight on my canvas, and the challenge of mixing accurate colors in unusual lighting conditions.
Armed with a small reading light for my palette and another clipped to my easel, I set out to capture the scene. What stayed constant through the shifting dark was the steady glow of the moon and the overhead lights illuminating the little lobster shack. I was captivated by the interplay of warm orange-reds and golden yellows reflecting in the water, set against the deep, velvety blues of the night sky.
That balance—the warmth of manmade light and the coolness of the natural night—is what I hoped to capture on my canvas.
From Dockside to Calendar Page
The image you see here shows my original painting as a sample page from my upcoming 2026 Fine Art Calendar. For December, it felt fitting to feature this nocturne—a reminder of quiet evenings, warm lights, and reflective moments at year’s end.
I’m thrilled to share that the first printed samples of the calendar will be arriving this week! If you’d like to be among the first to know when they’re available for purchase, I invite you to sign up for my monthly newsletter here. In just a few weeks, I’ll be releasing all the details.
This calendar is always produced in limited quantities, and each year it becomes a special way to carry the beauty of New England scenes into homes month after month.
Collect the Original Painting- available
If you’ve fallen in love with this scene, I’m happy to share that the original painting Lobster Boat in the Moonlight is also available for purchase in my online art gallery here. A Perfect Holiday Gift
Whether collected individually or as a pair, Lobster Boat in the Moonlight and its companion piece Quiet Night at Guilford Marina capture the peaceful beauty of late September evenings by the harbor. Framed in classic weathered gray, they fit beautifully into coastal-inspired home décor and make meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts.
With the holidays just around the corner, these original works of art are a thoughtful way to give something truly unique—whether for a loved one who treasures New England’s coastal charm or as a special piece to enjoy in your own home.
