North to Newfoundland

 Cape Spear / 16x16 CAPE SPEAR IS within the borders of St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is also the easternmost point on the continent. The Beothuk and Mi'kmaq peoples lived there originally, but, according to Wikipedia, did not hold the place in any special regard.  A lighthouse has operated there since 1836. I typically stay away from paintings of lighthouses, but in this case, the lighthouse is not the focus of the painting, so it seems OK to me! What I love is the cliffs, the water, the way the lighthouse and related building perch on the edge of the hill. Above, Carol and me at the easternmost point on the continent.  Below, a family of tourists. How bored is the kid in the front?  *** Not-So-Wild Horses BEFORE I LEAVE for Newfoundland, I read something about wild Newfoundland ponies, and then, I forget most of it, like where they live, how many there are, whether they are endangered. All the facts, in ...

Witless Bay / 16x16 EVER SINCE I read "The Bird Artist," by Howard Norman , I've wanted to visit Witless Bay - if only to enjoy saying the name, and knowing that I am, indeed, in the town of Witless Bay. I think "witless" is one of the great words in the English language. Sadly, to my twisted mind, the town is not named for the intellectual capacity of its current inhabitants, or for a group of would-be settlers eaten by bears. Its name derivation, according to Wikipedia, probably came from Captain Whittle, the English explorer who found and founded it. Over time - maybe after he died? - the name transmuted to "Witless." It is a traditional Newfoundland town, a fishing community of about 1,500. There are whale-watching and puffin-watching boats, as well. While I am painting this, Dan Pearson, above, walks up from his home across the street. He is a retiree who now is an artist. Witless Bay has become somewhat of a retirement commun...