"Blessing of the Fleet" depicts a popular annual spring celebration in which families gather to witness boats of all sizes and types being blessed as they depart Southport Harbor. In my painting, I wanted to capture the light, color and emotion as the boats emerge from their winter haven.

This painting celebrates the renewal of spring for sailors and landlubbers alike as families gather on the banks of Southport Harbor to revel in the gaily decorated boats as they make their way out of Southport harbor under a continuous spray of water from a local fire company engine.