The first time I went to Burnham on Crouch in England, my husband introduced me to The White Harte. This was his sailing town by the River Crouch.  And The White Harte was his pub, favorite restaurant and, once we were traveling as a pair, his go to place for accommodation.

We had a favorite room on the back of the Inn.  It faced the parking area, but was also very quiet.  The front rooms faced the seawall, the hotbed of all the activity in this sleepy town that came alive when everyone came to compete in the sailing races on the river. The pubs and clubs flowed out along the river.

The historic hotel became home.  My Beloved Brit knew all the staff and the owner.  I even could borrow an ironing board they would set up in the kitchen for me to prep our clothes for the fairly formal dinners at the various yacht clubs during the regatta week. I truly loved it there.

One year, we made our usual reservation for the “back room”, but when we arrived they told us they had put us on the top floor, up very steep steps and facing the river.  They had given our preferred room to an elderly couple.

I was not sure at all about this new accommodation as we climbed the stairs that were more like a ladder…with our luggage.  But when we entered the room, I saw this view and gorgeous light.  I forgave them immediately.

This painting was a labor of love.  Challenging in the light and various shades of grays and white and blue.  The soft reflections in the glass gave it real depth and character.  And I played with the colors of pillows and our luggage on the bench in front of the window to find balance.

i will really miss this painting sitting on my easel.  What a joy to come in to the studio each morning and see this.

But then again,  I’m already thinking of what my next subject will be.  An artist’s joy.

“The Window, River Breeze”, 30 x 24″, Oil