'Dawn at Herring Point'
Capturing a rare moment when early morning light bathes lighthouse, beach and Great Dune
of Cape Henlopen State Park in a rosy glow
by Ellen Rice
'Dawn at Herring Point'
by Ellen Rice
I first looked out over the views from Herring Point near Lewes, Delaware, decades ago with my late husband. I fell in love with it on that day and have been back countless times since to enjoy, observe and photograph it in its many moods.
Herring Point overlooks the southernmost juncture of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. At that juncture, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, the National Harbor of Refuge Outer Breakwater Lighthouse, the "Great Dune", a sandy cove that is a favorite of surf fishermen and sunbathers alike, and a little bit of the bay beyond the breakwater (stone barrier). The breakwater creates the National Harbor of Refuge, which calms the water for ships and boats going in and out of the bay to dock in Lewes.
There's no other view like it in Delaware. While I don't normally paint the same subject twice, the view from Herring Point is one exception. It's not only its view that intrigues, but the area's history.
The view and activity levels change by the hour, day, season and year. I painted it last for PNC Financial in 2014 as their artist of the year. "The View from the Point" was of the scene nearing dusk, with a ferryboat seeming to float above the water (an often seen mirage) as it came into port. Their full edition of 450 signed, numbered prints was gone within three days. I only had a handful of artist proofs left for my clients.
The painting above has a very different feel and story.
Last year, someone came to my studio to ask me if I could paint the view using a photo the wife had taken as reference. It was the beautiful lighting that was so special to her. She'd had the photo blown up to hang on their wall, but said it was too pixelated and its colors didn't capture the true colors she saw that morning.
Since I'm an early riser who has watched our coastal sunrises most of my life and love painting our skies, I took on the challenge. I went back to Herring Point a number of times to observe the view and photograph details for references. Early morning skies were my constant inspiration.
"Dawn at Herring Point" captures an early morning moment when the sun bathes our part of the world - the Great Dune, lighthouse, beach cove and water - with a quiet, beautiful rosy glow. It's the kind of moment you want to take in, pause, take a mental picture so you can come back to again. I've painted this for my client and for all those who happen upon my work.
I hope you enjoy it.
