Painting Lobster Boats

"Newport Lobsterman", 9 x 12, pastel on sanded paper

We spend a lot of time in the summer watching the boats go by when we are anchored in Newport, RI.  I've always loved watching the various fishing and lobster boats go about their daily routine.  Each boat seems to have a personality.  They really are all very different in size, color, age.  The big fishing trawlers look imposing and ancient with lots of rust and peeling paint and the huge machinery stacked on the decks.  The lobster boats are much smaller and more colorful.  They are usually painted a bright color but also have bright buoys festooned along their side like colorful balloons.  And, of course, there always at least two or three lobstermen (and women) in their bright orange coveralls hauling in the catch.  I have many reference photos and sketches of these boats but it has taken a long time to figure out how I wanted to paint them.  I like the way this pastel came out.    The focus is on the figure but you still get a sense of the boat without having to add too much detail.  I also like the color harmony:  the neutral grays help emphasize the orange overalls.  I'll see if I can keep it going.