Published Blogs

Beach Wave And Ship - Rhythms Of Beach Life by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

Posted By MadeFromRI on Photography

https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Beach Wave And Ship (Photo from our "Seascapes/Shoreline" Portfolio)


Beach Wave And ShipA wave breaks on the shore of Moonstone Beach as the Block Island Ferry passes in the distance.




A wave breaks on the shore of Moonstone Beach as the Block Island Ferry passes in the distance. (Select the photo to see in a larger format)

"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul." ~ Plato

The waves breaking on the beach in their translucent blue-green coloring soothe us. The rolling waves create their own tympanic music that calms as they meet the shore.

In the distance, the ferries have their own rhythm in the back and forth between the mainland and the island. They have a time that they beat to. And the ferry reassures in the c

Peeps In Sotto Voce by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Peeps In Sotto Voce (Photo from our "Seascapes/Shoreline" Portfolio)


Peeps In Sotto VoceA softly lighted early evening as the surfers complete their day and birds seek their food. At Scarborough Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island




(Select the photos to see in a larger format)

Peeps In Soft Focus


Peeps In Soft FocusA softly lighted early evening as the surfers complete their day and birds seek their food. At Scarborough Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island




"A softly lighted early evening as the surfers complete their day and birds seek their food. At Scarborough Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island"

I am a detailed person. I am concerned about the type of bird I am looking at, the landmark, the timing of the light, and the name of the rock. Those ar

Naturally Doubly Exposed Pier by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - The waterfront is a wonderful metaphor for many things. In this case, looking at something from more than one perspective. An explainable mystery that we cannot fully wrap our minds around. 

Here we see a typical pier surface with marine growth and a few small barnacles. Wonderful shapes and textures, especially the swirls of the woodgrains in the spiles. The reflections in the calm water's surface with only mild disturbances and ripples. And all at the same moment seeing below the water at the same time.

The whole image conjures up the thought of M. C. Escher and his work. Everything here is explainable by science and mathematics. It is all-natural. Photo manipulation is not involved. The reflections are from the angle of incidence of light on the flat calm water. The viewing

Newport Harbor Dock Space Found by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Pier Side Reflections (Photo from our "Seascapes/Shoreline" Portfolio - select photos to enlarge)


Pier Side ReflectionsCalm waters among empty piers and docks under overcast skies in Newport Harbor. Newport, Rhode Island.




We found something that is rare for Newport Harbor; free dock space. If you find a mooring in the water, there is free mooring space as well. Of course, this is not in season.

This is that moment that is between winter and spring. Activity will be starting soon. Boatyard sounds will join this activity. Sanders will buzz, heavy equipment will emit a deep bass, and an onomatopoeic "tink" of halyards on aluminum masts will sound. Boats will move from land to pier, stepping of masts occurs, and engines defogged. Newport will be

Shadows Fall by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com -
"Darkness is the absence of light. Shadow is the diminution of light." ~ Leonardo da Vinci


 

Diagonal Shadows (Photo from our "Landscapes" Portfolio - select photos to enlarge)


Diagonal ShadowsShadows fall in the late day sun on Browning Woods Trail in South Kingstown, Rhode Island






Walking, hiking, in the woods means encountering shadows. It's part of nature. The light of the sun streams through the trees and casts shadows.

Sometimes, the variations in light make the hike more difficult. Protruding rocks and roots make for obstacles to stumble upon. Or, we fail to see the bit of mud that our boot sinks into. This is all about situational awareness.

The situational awareness that we use to keep us from stumbling also helps in discov

Beach Loveline by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Moonstone Beach is a Rhode Island beach that tends to be less occupied for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is that it is often sectioned off to allow for the nesting of the Piping Plover.

A result of this allowing for nesting is that Moonstone tends to be a trifle more pristine. Even so, things will wash ashore, it is the way of life at the beach. In this case, a section of line, hawse, has come ashore as parted from a ship or tug and barge. Given the currents, this hawse might have drifted in from Europe or the middle Atlantic.

Some creative soul took the opportunity in that which washed ashore. They decided to show their love for the beach in an impromptu artwork. So we, in kind, have preserved that piece to pass along to the world. Because we too love the beach.

Beach

Viewing Skyward by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Where do our ideas of where to take a hike originate? A variety of places. One favorite is Trails and Walks In Rhode Island. Sometimes it is a book or two that we carry at our Made From RI venture. Still, another is prior experience. When we only have a little time on a day, we go by something that we have had contact with and want to explore further.

This trip to Browning Woods Farm Trail is such a case. Browning Woods Farm Trail is part of the South Kingstown Land Trust. Our sons are scouts and are often prevailed upon for a variety of projects. Building out accessibility to these trails has been one of those projects.

So here we are on a family outing on a Saturday afternoon. We look upward. This is where the wonder comes in. It stopped me dead in my tracks. A series of trees strippe

Spring Beach Story by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

Posted By MadeFromRI on Photography

https://www.madefromrigallery.com -
"My sense of direction leads me one way: to the beach."


Usually, there is some elaboration about a photo. I like to tell stories. No further explanation is necessary in this case. Springtime, the beach, two dogs, and resting against a driftwood log. The story is told. 

Spring Beach Story (Photo from our "Seascapes/Shoreline" Portfolio)


Spring Beach StoryThe very first full day of Spring at Moonstone Beach. A driftwood log to grab a seat in the late afternoon sun as the dogs play.




The very first full day of Spring at Moonstone Beach. A driftwood log to grab a seat in the late afternoon sun as the dogs play.

© Keith R Wahl, Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery, 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without expres

Catboat From Astern by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Seeing a classic Cape Cod style Catboat in Newport Harbor will always draw my eye. Especially a wooden "Cat".

This "Cat", while I do not know it has all the appearances of a Crosby design. The expressed tumblehome in the stern and "barn door" style rudder are giveaways. This would differ from, say, the designs of C. C. Hanley who had more of an upswept counter astern. Hanley's designs were more for alacrity where the Crosby has a high comfort ratio and able to work as well.

The Catboat, at one time, was common in Narragansett Bay. Many vintage photos will display this practical design of the boat. The term "Cape Cod" Cat is somewhat ironic, especially with this display in Newport. "The Catboat Book" by John M. Leavens alludes to the

Sheer Reflection by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

Posted By MadeFromRI on Photography

https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Carl G. Evers (1907-2000) was a German-born American maritime artist who worked in watercolors. He had a flair for picking up the lines of vessels. He would often match off high bows and parallel sheer lines. In so doing, he allowed the natural lines of the vessels to create the art in his work.

Invoking Mr. Evers here in an ever so subtle fashion in Newport Harbor is not out of step. The classic launch inboard of the sweeping sheer of the sailing vessel. The reflections picked up in the flat calm of the water. The artist would find pleasure in this little scene.

This view is a nice reminder that subtle art is all around us. All we have to do is appreciate these sights.

Sheer Reflection (select title to larger photo in new window)


Sheer ReflectionA sailing vessel's reflection in

A Welcoming Place by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - A Welcoming Place (click on the title to see a larger photo view in a separate window)

Often, when walking in a city, one can feel overwhelmed. People all around, it all seems to crush in on us.

But this is in a different city. Newport, Rhode Island is also known as "The City By The Sea". While definitely a city, there is a centuries-old vibe that envelops and welcomes people. And the people and shopkeepers want you here.

How do we know that they want you here? Because they even set up places to let you know that you can rest and that you are welcome.


A Welcoming PlaceWhen strolling along and needing a place for a respite, it is always nice to find a welcoming place.




When strolling along and needing a place for a respite, it is always nice to find a welcoming place

Newport Clear View by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - One of my maritime licenses says that I am an operator of "Steam and Motor Vessels". My non-maritime friends have scoffed at that terminology. But steam is part of my background and it is part of a remembered empty view of Newport Harbor.

As a young man, on a later winter but almost spring day, I remember Newport Harbor being this clear and empty. It was overcast but good visibility with a high tide. These conditions had to be. The Steamer "Naushon" was being brought into the then Newport Shipyard for haul out. This was a larger ship, most likely the largest of its type to enter Newport Harbor.

I had a connection to that ship. Several boats that we had growing up bore the name "Naushon" (although out of Benza's Marina in Warwick Cove). I had read of the

The Highlights Of Snow by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - We bid adieu to Winter as Spring strolls in. The snow has departed from Rhode Island. Winds will still blow with a certain ferocity as rain becomes the seasonal herald in place of snow.

So we take a moment to observe and appreciate what the snow offered. It painted the shapes that we will remember. The snow highlighted paths and accentuated curves. The clean accents of the snow made us appreciate our surroundings more, not less.

We will miss the snow, but also welcome the changes and the accompanying warmth. Until next year, we archive the painted frozen memories.

Sunset Curves


Sunset CurvesAs the afternoon sun descends, the curves of Scarborough Beach are outlined, highlighted, and enhanced by the snow.




As the afternoon sun descends, the curves of Scarborough Beach are outl

Window To History by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Window To History 


Window To HistoryViewing the historical buildings of the South County museum through the windows of the Canonchet Estate Stable Ruins. Narragansett, Rhode Island




Living in Rhode Island, there are ample views into history. We live in the cradle of the birth of a nation. Visual metaphors of history are so ubiquitous that they are often taken for granted. We cannot afford to take this rich history for granted.

Having two boys in our household gives us a greater appreciation for that history. They are thirsty to learn, and we are anxious for them to learn. On this day, we combined some hiking by the salt marshes with our son's desire to learn blacksmithing. That led us to the South County Museum.

I could not help wandering into the Canonchet Estate Stable.

Fishing Boat Comfort by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

Posted By MadeFromRI on Photography

https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Last year, about a year ago exactly as of this writing, we were itching to get out. We slipped out of the house, almost feeling like we did something wrong, to stretch our legs in the open air. We found ourselves in the comfort of the familiar docks in the Port of Galilee.

We assuaged our newfound "COVID guilt" with an evening stroll among the fishing boats. Some find the fishing port scents overwhelming. I grew up along various fishing piers. The smells were lively and comforting to me through the filter of my mask. Timeless. Familiar. I look back at the images now and still find comfort.

(All photos are from our "Boats" Portfolio)

Fishing Boat Painted By Sunlight


Fishing Boat Painted By Sunlight




A wooden dragger (fishing boat) in the Port of Galile

Snow Flows To Sea by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Snow Flows To Sea


Snow Flows To SeaThe snow on the rocks shapes itself as if water were flowing off the rocks to the water. At Black Point, Narragansett, Rhode Island.




Observing the snow on the rocks points to the natural ebb and flow of the shore. In studying the snow, it appears as graceful flowing water. In a sense, it is.

While the tide is out at this moment in time when the tide comes in and there is a storm, water drums in on these rocks. Over time, the receding waves have worn these rocks as the water seeks its natural level.

The snow has acted as a natural paintbrush to highlight the wave action. The ice shows the natural pools that form. This freezes the scene in place as the dynamic of the clouds move above and the waves below.

Soon, winter will recede as the water has.

Beetles Before Restoration by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Beetles Before Restoration (select link to see a larger photo)


Beetles Before RestorationBeetle Cats in shades of worn buff stacked and awaiting restoration at the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, Rhode Island.




Beetle Cats in shades of worn buff stacked and awaiting restoration at the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, Rhode Island.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that will make me wax nostalgic than the view of a Beetle Cat. Next to that would be the restoration of a Beetle Cat. I have the model of a Beetle Cat over my shoulder as I write.

The summer of my fourteenth year, I shelled out some of my quahogging money and bought a Beetle Cat. I spent my summer sanding, painting, and repairing. There were no broken frames, but there was a n

Snowing Over The Sound by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Snowing Over the Sound


Snowing Over The SoundPrecipitation in the distance over Rhode Island Sound as seen from the snow-covered Narragansett shore.




Precipitation In The Distance


Precipitation In The DistancePrecipitation in the distance over Rhode Island Sound as seen from the snow-covered Narragansett shore.




Precipitation in the distance over Rhode Island Sound as seen from the snow-covered Narragansett shore.

Often, I will use the word "sound" to describe a body of water. This is from years of studying charts and has become a force of habit. I tend to be specific about the bodies of water that I am working with.

A "sound" is a long broad inlet of the ocean parallel to the coast. It can also be a long passage connecting two larger bodies or separating a

Made From RI Gallery Weekly Roundup, February 26 to March 4, 2021, by Keith R Wahl

Posted By MadeFromRI on Photography

https://www.madefromrigallery.com - “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” ~ W.B. Yeats

What, exactly, are we trying to express here at Made From RI Gallery? We are attempting to show Rhode Island, its features, and its people in a positive light. We are trying to show some maritime or waterfront life in a positive light.

You will start hearing me express myself as a "Cultured Wharf Rat" or an "Educated Beach Bum". Other elevated self-deprecating terms will creep in as well. It's an attempt to elevate the beautiful things that we all take for granted. The crane on the waterfront. The shell on the beach forming an impromptu collage. The weather formation in the distance. These all have meaning in our lives. We are pulling that context

Often Viewed Not Often Seen by Keith R Wahl, Made From RI Gallery

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https://www.madefromrigallery.com - Often Viewed Not Often Seen


Often Viewed Not Often SeenA transition point between the hiking area at Black Point and Scarborough Beach. The snow is highlighting the Carriage House remnant and beach houses.




A transition point between the hiking area at Black Point and Scarborough Beach. The snow is highlighting the Carriage House remnant and beach houses.

Sailing on excursion boats and ferries, I developed the habit of turning around from time to time. The concept was to find out what action was occurring around the vessel. It was a safety matter and good seamanship and ship handling. To be succinct, the habit developed and honed my awareness of my surroundings.

This development of awareness has made me more sensitive to transition points. These transition points are temporal and p