Observing nature, it becomes very obvious that the universe is in a constant state of change. Living things are subject to the terrible forces of wind, water, sunlight and time and they all wear down. I find it best to look right at the face of death and accept it as a precondition of living. Something is going to end my life and that's ok. 

In this picture, the afternoon sun falls on a peaceful scene, but there are clues that this is at times a violent place.  the pine tree has been snapped down by some off-stage force. Was it icy winter winds, or waves from a Nor'easter?  The eroded shore and the rocks, strewn about, also tell of powerful waves.  The pleasant Maine we vacation in during the summer, has a darker face. Its winters scour all delicate or fragile things from the rocks, even breaking the granite into pieces.

I admire the soft and the hard side of Maine in this painting.