This painting is the result of one of those strange days that will occur from time to time in the life and career of an on site painter. There were, to say the least, many opposing factors. It was a beautiful day, but hot. I was painting with my painting buddy Anthony Davis. We were in a beautiful location but had trouble finding a composition that seemed to work well as a painting, which meant a lot more walking than usual while carrying all of our gear. When we finally happened on this view and got set up and started painting, the tide came in so quickly that the path, which attracted both of us to this view, was soon submerged.

And then, there were the horseflies. Now I do not know of anyone who enjoys being bitten by an insect but I simply cannot stand it. In fact I cannot stand it to the point where it situates me on the verge of a panic attack. On this particular day there was evidently nothing very attractive about my friend Anthony, as they showed no interest in him. I, on the other hand seemed to be the object of great desire. But not all of me, mind you. Just on my socks!

Sometimes I looked down and saw 5 or 6 of the little bastards chewing on me. I seems that the more I sprayed my socks with insect repellant the more they were attracted. It was only after my socks were completely saturated that I was attracting nearly a dozen at a time! However I was more and more satisfied with the result on the easel and decided to work through my phobia and the painful bites. Never let it be said that Paul Bachem was chased from the field by carnivorous insects!