This summer I spent a few days in Maine along the coast. It was my first trip to the area. I did multiple sketches and took many photos. The thing that struck me most was the skeleton like tree trunks still standing, looking strong and sturdy but wind, rain, and sea water battered. I was thinking of Georgia O'Keefe's work but when I finished it reminded me more of Burchfield and Benton. I've always loved the feel of oil paint but 95% of my paintings are done with acrylic (a medium I was forced to use while in the army as I needed something quick drying and one that didn't require additional mediums and solvents). I have struggled to get used to using oil paint again and have a hard time not treating it like I use acrylics (which doesn't work well). With this piece I found myself using oil in a flowing graceful manner, something I love about the medium.