Afternoon Glow | Bailey’s Island
Oil on Canvas 20 × 24 framed
The Story of Afternoon Glow | Bailey Island, Harpswell
$425
If you’re looking for an easy Sunday road trip with a solid payoff, head down through Harpswell and keep going until the road runs out. This isn’t a thrill ride—it’s a slow curve through quiet villages, water views, and small surprises.
Start late morning. No rush. Roll past old farmhouses, roadside flower stands, and the kind of coastal scenery that makes you want to pull over every ten minutes. Harpswell is made up of long, narrow peninsulas that feel like they were designed for meandering by long-ago glacial retreat. (See if you can spy cattails and water lilies!)
Follow Route 24 all the way out to Bailey Island. You’ll cross the Cribstone Bridge—built from giant stacked granite blocks that let the tides flow through. It’s the only one like it in the world and worth a pause.
At the end of the island is Land’s End. Park and walk the rocky shoreline, or just sit for a few minutes and watch the boats move across open ocean. It’s a no-frills kind of beautiful. A wind in the hair. Or just-be in your car, facing the waves. There's a gift shop if you want to poke around, but the view is the real draw.
Then double back and stop for lunch at Cook’s Lobster & Ale House. It’s right on the water, with a view of lobster boats and working docks. If you hang around into the afternoon, you might catch the sun hitting the lobster traps. For a few minutes, they practically glowed—lines, wood, and wire lit up like they were staged for a photo. Or a painting. It’s the kind of scene you don’t plan for but remember anyway.
My Oil Painting Process: Afternoon Glow
I was drawn to the weathered red shed, not for its boldness, but for its quiet, unbothered presence. It’s the kind of place where someone might store buoys, bait, or a half-finished cup of coffee. Unpretentious. A working space, not curated for charm. And that’s exactly what made me want to paint it.
My goal was calm. Simplicity. I wanted to capture the way the late-day light falls—just so—on the edge of the roof or the side of the shed. That moment when the sun doesn’t flood the scene but gently kisses it before slipping away. I wasn’t aiming for drama. Just the peace in small things.
Of course, that was the intention. But as hard as I try to stay subdued, my vibrant painting style keeps seeping in. It’s just…me. I tell myself: this will be quiet, moody, restrained. And then suddenly the reds are redder, the shadows are glowing, and the whole thing starts humming with a life of its own.
What to Do in Harpswell
1. Cliff Trail – For Views & Vibes
Start your day with a mini adventure on the Cliff Trail, right behind Harpswell Town Hall. It’s a moderate loop (about 2 miles) with forest, salt marshes, and the kind of tidal ocean views that deserve a selfie. The overlook is stunning—especially in the fall when the leaves are showing off. Bonus: there’s a fairy house zone if you’re feeling whimsical.
2. Devil’s Back Trail – Sentimental Favorite
This one's close to my heart—Devil’s Back East Trail is where my husband proposed. It’s short and sweet, with rocky coastline and quiet woods. Perfect for a stroll hand-in-hand, or solo with a smile. Romance optional, but highly encouraged.
3. Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – My Unfinished Business
I haven’t made it to Dolphin Restaurant yet, but I’m already in love with their sister spot, which makes this a high-priority destination on my Harpswell list. It’s perched right on the water, with wraparound views - seriously, take me with you.
