“My home state, Maine, holds a special place in my heart,” says Olena Babak. “Among its few plein air events, Cape Elizabeth’s Paint for Preservation has been an opportunity to paint close to home and spend time with friends and family. The coastal weather brings both challenges and beauty. One year, I found myself inspired by the rolling waves and stormy skies of approaching weather. Though I usually create multiple paintings during the event, in this case, my focus was clear. I opted for the largest canvas I had in my car — 30 x 40 inches — and did a quick 6 x 8-inch color study of the scene that would serve as a reminder of my initial inspiration as I worked.
“It was a challenge to manage the canvas size and the weather’s whims, and I knew that I’d need a second day to finish my work between rain showers. It was a risk, but the result was worth it.
“Each artist who participates in the weekend-long event is asked to submit one painting to the ‘Wet Paint’ auction, which supports the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s mission of preserving the area’s environmental heritage. I was delighted that ‘Boathouse Cove’ secured one of the higher bids, and would help further the goal of protecting this land for future generations to enjoy.”
Learn more about Paint for Preservation here.
Editor’s Note: Join us for the 6th Annual Plein Air Live online art conference, featuring Kathleen Hudson, Kevin Macpherson, Kami Mendlik, and many more! The event takes place November 6-8, 2025, with an Essential Techniques Day on November 5. Learn more at PleinAirLive.com.
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