Whallons Bay Painting by Barbara Irish Smith

We recently received a photo of the painting above from the artist and had to share it with everyone! Summer has just officially begun, so it’s the perfect time to share a scene of a sunny day on Lake Champlain. I love the soft colors! Does this landscape look familiar to you?

Hear from the artist Barbara Irish Smith below as she describes the painting and the inspiration that prompted her to create it:

This was the first landscape I tried to paint as it reminded me of my childhood in Essex, NY.

What a beautiful spot overlooking the beautiful Lake Champlain and Split Rock….we loved the summers there as we had many friends and my Mummy would make her delicious pies for them and my Dad supplied them with garden and farm goodies. I enjoyed boating, skiing, sailing in the regatta, even fishing and of course swimming and bonfires on the shore…such wonderful memories I would not trade for a million dollars!

I loved living on the farm. We were known as the “Five Irish Girls.” My poor Dad was hoping for me (the last one born) to be a boy to help him with the farm chores….At the time the farm was called Hillcrest Farms and was owned by Barney Kobel from Port Henry. He had a store there and would sell goods from the farm. The farm is now owned by the Paines.

Whallons Bay Painting by Barbara Irish Smith (Full painting)

For this painting I used acrylic paints because they dry fast. I like oil but it would take forever in a class!

I have seen so many great artist’s work. However, mine was just from my lovely, happy memories and I still could not bring out the full beauty of the place…just memories….Perhaps I will try again if I can have someone send me a photo right from that farm on the hill which is now Paine Farms?

~Barbara Irish Smith

A Local’s Look at The Dirty Life (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Photo: A Bit of Shore at Whallons Bay (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Stereoview: Northern Essex Bay (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Postcard: Essex Bay (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
If You Clear It They Will Come: Skating on Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Former Rosslyn Bathhouse (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

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