n a trip to Greece in 1959, Nell (age 38) developed polio, rendering her a paraplegic. Angry at being told she would never paint again, she taught herself to hold a brush with her left hand, regaining her skill with tenacity and exuberance. Relief from an endless parade of unsuitable aides, Jestina Forrester arrived in 1976 and remained loyal for the remaining two decades of Nell’s life.
Nell Blaine
Cove With Barge
Nell Blaine would often set up to paint the waterfront at late afternoon and work past sunset, into the “blue hour” (“l’heure bleue”), known to artists for its unique quality of light. In her own words:
Autumn Clouds
Many of Nell Blaine’s later works of Gloucester were landscapes from the “painting platform” which was built at her small cottage overlooking Gloucester Harbor. The brush was cleared around the granite ledge surrounding the cottage to provide a view of the harbor, and colorful flowers were planted around the granite. From this spot, Nell painted
intimately and repeatedly through all seasons. She named her Gloucester home “Eudora Cottage”, after her mother, Eudora Catherine Garrison.
Fishing Boats
Gloucester Harbor
Nell Blaine would often set up to paint the waterfront at late afternoon and work past sunset, into the “blue hour” (or “l’heure bleue” in French), known to artists for its unique quality of light.
In her own words:
The moment of the dying of the light is my favorite moment to paint landscape. For me this time is a great flaring up of life and a revelation…The main reason is the excitement that the color takes on – it illuminates everything.