Peggys Cove

Albert Seaman's Paintings, Drawings and Essays

Lunch at Peggy's Cove

Watercolour on Arches 140 lb CP paper. Image size 14" (35.6 cm) by 20" (50.8 cm) © 2000.

Justifiably, Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia is probably one of the most photographed and painted parts of the Canadian landscape. The remote, isolated community is primarily a tourist attraction nowadays, although some fishing is still practiced from the village near to the lighthouse.

The bedrock here displays a remarkably wide range of hues, tones and textures. Grays, blues and earthen shades are juxtaposed with apparent abandon. Tides and sea spray saturate the ancient surface to exaggerate the spectrum of colours. The sun in turn, dries and bleaches the aspect to restore a more drab uniformity.

In the crack and crevices between some of the rocks, a few hardy plants have adapted to their circumstances in the struggle for survival. The warm brown and dusty green clusters contrast with the starkness of their habitat, in virtual defiance of the situation.

Perched atop the most prominent point of the cove stands the old lighthouse. Built at a time when seafaring was even more dangerous than it is today, the structure has served its purpose well. The light itself is still functional but the base has been converted to a post office and gift shop.

The sombre aspect of the scene as shown in this picture was influenced by a storm that had recently passed through the area. The collection of gulls has been included with artistic license. They are zeroing in on the bird with upraised wings, who is protecting his catch on the rock in front of him.

This particular painting is the second rendition of the same subject. It differs only slightly from the original version.

Picture status - Reserved.