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Defying Time and Tide - ISABELLA FORTUNA


Defying Time and Tide - ISABELLA FORTUNA

This was my very first attempt at an oil painting early in 2009!  It is based on a calendar picture which I had kept for a number of years, and shows the restored Fifie, 'Isabella Fortuna', passing Sinclair Girnigoe Castles north of Wick in evening light.  The message is that, although the castles have crumbled into ruins, the 'Isabella Fortuna' is still sailing - and long may she continue.  I was very familiar with Fifie designs in Tiree - we worked with what were, in effect, Fifie yawls, of about 18 to 20 feet.  They were plain, strong and very serviceable boats, equipped with dipping lugs, and then (latterly) inboard  engines.  Our family boat was the 'Peace and Plenty' - which lasted for about 70 years.  Here's to the 'Isabella Fortuna' and Scotland's other preserved Fifies.



    I remember this one well Donald...we had about 5 versions and every one was good but you are the one who knows what he likes and the end result was fabulous of this boat as well....great to see it again !!!
    :cheers: :crazy2: :crazy2:
    Debra

    Donald E. Meek
    Mar 16 2010 06:37 PM
    Thanks so much, Debra!  Yes, I have at least five versions - or maybe ten? - of this one, all photographed!  I don't  know which one this is.... I think the latest one has seagulls in it.  :cheers: :crazy2:  Fiddle, fiddle, fiddle....I am not yet comfortable with sails, and I had a battle with the texture of the sails in this case.   Finally I put a frame on it, and stopped 'fiddling'.  Frame and glass are my solution to the 'fiddling problem', but even that doesn't always stop me!  The original photograph was a lot darker, and I tried to brighten the scene - so there were problems with light too, especially given the late evening feel of the photograph.  I think I have turned it into afternoon.  What will happen when I have a go at a square-rigger?!! :whistle: :crazy2:  Donald