Iconic Wolfe’s Neck

Oil on Canvas 30 × 40 framed

The Story of Iconic Wolfe’s Neck

$2400

Just a few minutes outside downtown Freeport, tucked quietly along the edge of Casco Bay, is a well-kept secret: Wolfe’s Neck State Park. For those of us lucky enough to know it, this little stretch of forested shoreline captures so much of what makes Maine feel like an escape from the world.

I covet this place. I visit it in every season. Sometimes with snowshoes, other seasons, with my Labrador and running shoes. The best days are with a picnic.

Wolfe’s Neck isn’t large. The trails are gentle, family-friendly, and wind through diverse ecosystems—dense woods and rocky shores. Just offshore, a little island rises from the bay. For generations, it has hosted an osprey nest— a high-perched tangle of sticks that marks the home of one of Maine’s most visible raptors. Each spring, the ospreys return. They raise their young there, swooping and diving for fish just beyond the rocks.

If you're visiting Freeport and you’re drawn to quiet trails, coastal views, and a slice of classic Maine, this park is a must-see. And if you’re lucky enough to live nearby, I bet you know exactly what I mean. It is… iconic.

My Oil Painting Process: Iconic Wolfe’s Neck

Yes it’s a landscape. A seascape. But to me, Maine is all about the rocks—the kind you scramble over, stretch out on, or tuck into with a thermos and a view. I’m totally hooked on their colors and shapes, the way shadows slip across their surfaces, and how they seem to hum with warmth after a day in the sun. It makes sense - in college, I was a geology minor. I can’t get enough of them.

This painting reflects my passion, with paint brush strokes chasing that feeling. I layer color like lichen—soft pinks, stormy grays, mossy greens—letting the textures lead the way. It’s not about getting every crack or crevice just right, but about capturing the vibe of the place: grounded, weathered, quietly alive. It was a fantastic painting to create depth by employing the translucent and opaqueness of the medium of oil.

1. Pack a Picnic
   There are plenty of picnic tables—and even better, sun-warmed rocks—to settle into and enjoy the view. I highly recommend stopping by Bow Street Market in Freeport for a deli sandwich or snack on your way. It’s the perfect fuel for a peaceful afternoon by the bay.

2. Expect Spotty Cell Service
   Depending on your carrier, you might be off the grid for a bit. Take it as a sign—you’ve officially stepped into nature. Download maps ahead of time if you need them, then enjoy the digital detox.

3. Bring a Few Bucks for the Entry Fee
   Wolfe’s Neck is a Maine State Park, and there's often a ranger at the gate collecting entrance fees. Don’t worry—it’s modest and absolutely worth it. Your contribution helps keep this gem beautiful and accessible year-round.