This painting was inspired by a beautiful Sunday afternoon walk through Wolf State Park, a gorgeous hiking trail right on the ocean. A thickly forested yet beautifully maintained park, one has no idea as you begin the trails down through the hills that eventually it opens up to this serene cove which leads out to the wide expanse of the sea. Islands dot the landscape both near and far , as white sails from distant boats move across the horizon. We sat there on the rocks, smelling the salt water breeze while listening to the water gently lap upon the shore, as it brought back memories of my childhood, growing up in Rhode Island, and being taught to love the sea.
The first time I’d ever been to Acadia National Park, we discovered this beautiful pond, these gorgeous hills to the west, and a trail that winds around the water offering different perspectives of this wonder of the sea. The trees, mostly conifers and birch shroud the water with pristine foliage and shade. The rocky cliffs above are an invitation to any avid hiker to climb or scramble their heights, and my boys wasted no time accepting the challenge, while I was content to simply walk around this beautiful body of water. It’s hard to imagine that places like this still exist, that the virgin beauty of such a place has not been corrupted, but preserved, and is seemingly untouched by all that goes on under the sun. Yet there it is, the quiet peace of nature is keenly felt in these parts of the world.
The ocean to me is a place to escape, a place to be reminded that there is a God, someone greater than all, that is in control of all that happens, of all that will happen. In this racing and sometimes seemingly meaningles world of a life that moves so very fast, if you want to be brought back to the one who holds it all in His hands, go to the sea. Look at the vast expanse of the ocean, and you will witness the creative power of God, and the glory of His presence. He is still there. He is real.
” Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.” Psalm 40:16
Sarah Hopkins Art 