Newport, Rhode Island, is a haven for artists, dreamers, and those drawn to the sea’s quiet charm. With its windswept cliffs, grand mansions, and cozy seaside ambiance, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and see the world through a different lens. Recently, I spent a long weekend in Newport with my sketchbook, capturing its beauty across three perfect days of cliff walks, harbor sails, and sunset dining.
Day 1: Arrival Into Newport and Exploring the Cliff Walk
Arriving in Newport on Friday afternoon, I checked into a charming B&B just a short walk from the famous Cliff Walk. This trail, which hugs the island’s rugged coastline, offers one of the most breathtaking views on the East Coast. After settling in, I grabbed my sketchbook and watercolors, eager to spend the afternoon immersed in the sights and sounds of the Atlantic.
The Cliff Walk stretches for miles, winding past Gilded Age mansions on one side and endless ocean views on the other. I walked until I found a quiet spot with a perfect view of the Breakers mansion framed against the sea. As I began to sketch, I focused on the interplay of textures—the roughness of the rocks, the smoothness of the waves, and the delicate outlines of the distant mansion. I used light washes of blue and green to capture the sea, while adding faint touches of gray to mimic the clouds rolling in.
Sketching here was calming yet intense, as the ever-changing light required quick, fluid strokes. I sketched until sunset, watching as the sun cast golden hues across the water and mansions, transforming the scene in magical ways. By the time I headed back to my B&B, I felt as though I’d captured not just a view but a memory—one of rugged beauty and the tranquil power of the sea.
Travel Tip: Start the Cliff Walk at the northern entrance for smoother paths and gradual views of the mansions. If you’re carrying art supplies, a small, portable setup will make it easier to find a quiet place to sit and sketch. Newport’s coastal light is constantly changing, so be ready for quick color adjustments.
Day 2: Morning Sketches, Sunset Cruise, and a Dash of Unexpected Drama
Saturday began with an early breakfast at a cozy café in downtown Newport before I headed back out to the Cliff Walk for a different perspective in the morning light. As I walked, I stopped periodically to sketch new angles and details I hadn’t noticed the day before—the twisted branches of trees leaning toward the sea, delicate wildflowers clinging to the rocky edges, and the deep blues of the ocean under the clear sky.
After a few hours of sketching, I made my way to the harbor, where I’d booked a sunset cruise for that evening. I arrived early, set up by the water, and began a quick sketch of the harbor scene—a mix of sailboats, fishing vessels, and seagulls swooping down for an easy meal. But as I finished the sketch, I realized that my paintbrushes had disappeared. After a moment of mild panic, I figured they must have slipped out of my bag along the Cliff Walk.
A quick search on my phone confirmed my fear—all the local art shops were already closed for the night. I would have to make do with my colored pencils, which wasn’t the setup I’d imagined for capturing the sunset on the water. But instead of stressing over it, I took it as a sign to put the sketchbook aside, reset, and let myself experience the cruise fully, without distractions.
When boarding time finally came, I stepped onto the boat with a sense of peace and gratitude. As we drifted out into the harbor, the warm breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves against the boat calmed me in a way I didn’t realize I’d needed. The sunset was nothing short of breathtaking—brilliant shades of pink and gold spilling across the sky, reflecting over the water like a painting brought to life. I found myself completely absorbed in the moment, grateful to have left the pencils behind. It was the perfect reminder to sometimes set the tools aside and just be.
Day 3: Brunch, Art, and Dinner at The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn
Sunday morning was slow and sweet, starting with a leisurely brunch at a waterfront café. I enjoyed a warm coffee and fresh pastries while taking a final look through my sketches from the previous days. Inspired, I added finishing touches to the harbor scene and gave my Cliff Walk sketches some depth with a few darker shades.
In the afternoon (after picking up some new brushes), I strolled through downtown Newport, discovering art galleries filled with coastal-inspired pieces, from seascapes to nautical sculptures. It was inspiring to see how other artists had interpreted the Newport coast. One gallery owner even showed me a few spots he recommended for sketching, like the nearby Brenton Point State Park, where the waves crash against the rocks with extra intensity.
My last Newport stop was Castle Hill Inn’s famed Lawn, where I had a reservation for dinner. The terrace has a sweeping view of the bay and offers a perfect vantage point for watching sailboats drift by as the day fades into evening. I ordered a lobster roll and a glass of white wine, savoring each bite as I began a final sketch of the Inn and the surrounding landscape.
The setting sun bathed the lawn in warm, golden light, and I worked quickly to capture it before dusk set in. As I sketched, I felt as though I was capturing not only the view but the entire weekend’s sense of calm and discovery. Just as I was finishing the piece, a light drizzle started, and I scrambled to tuck my sketchbook under my coat, laughing at the timing. The rain, in a way, felt like Newport’s parting gift—one last unpredictable moment that made the scene feel real and alive.
Reflections of Newport: A Weekend of Art, Nature, and Serendipity
As I left Newport, I carried more than just a sketchbook full of paintings—I felt a renewed appreciation for the beauty of capturing places in real-time, allowing nature and circumstance to influence the art. Newport’s cliffs, sunsets, and unpredictable weather were perfect teachers, reminding me that each moment is unique, and sometimes the most memorable sketches come from the unplanned.
If you’re visiting Newport with an artist’s eye, my advice is to embrace the elements. Let the cliffs and waves inspire you, even if it means a splash of saltwater on your page. Sketching Newport over a weekend, from its rugged coastlines to its cozy cafés, felt like reconnecting with a part of myself that finds joy in every detail, every breeze, and every surprise.