Maine Artist on Mission to Paint Every Lighthouse

Dominic White finds healing, purpose, and inspiration along the coast

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Dominic White, an artist from Portland, Maine, is on a mission to paint and visit every lighthouse in the state. White, who grew up in Scituate, Massachusetts, developed a love for lighthouses at a young age when his family would go boating past the Cedar Point Lighthouse. After the passing of his wife, White decided to focus on this ambitious project as a way to get out of the house and explore Maine, a place he and his wife enjoyed visiting. In 2024, White quit his job to pursue art full-time, with lighthouses becoming his most common muse. So far, he has painted 13 of the state's 67 to 71 famed beacons, often securing a boat to capture the perfect view. White is driven by his love of discovering new places and learning new things, and he is not feeling any pressure to complete the project in a set timeframe, instead focusing on the journey.

Why it matters

White's lighthouse painting project represents a personal journey of healing and purpose following the loss of his wife. It also highlights the enduring cultural and historical significance of Maine's lighthouses, which have long served as important navigational aids and symbols of the state's coastal identity. In an era of rapid change, White's dedication to this project demonstrates the power of art to connect people to their local environment and history.

The details

White first developed his love of lighthouses as a child growing up in Scituate, Massachusetts, where his family would boat past the Cedar Point Lighthouse. After his wife passed away following a long battle with cancer, White decided to focus on painting all of Maine's lighthouses as a way to get out of the house and explore the state they both enjoyed visiting. In 2024, he quit his job to pursue art full-time, with lighthouses becoming his primary subject. So far, he has painted 13 of the state's 67 to 71 lighthouses, often securing a boat to capture the perfect vantage point. While some private lighthouses have been difficult to access, White has found creative ways to paint them from lookouts across the bay or along the beach.

  • White grew up in Scituate, Massachusetts, where his family would boat past the Cedar Point Lighthouse.
  • In 2024, White quit his job to pursue art full-time, with lighthouses becoming his primary subject.
  • As of early 2026, White has painted 13 of Maine's 67 to 71 lighthouses.

The players

Dominic White

An artist from Portland, Maine who is on a mission to paint and visit every lighthouse in the state.

Bill Sorrell

White's art teacher at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts, who encouraged him to pursue art in college.

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What they’re saying

“If you didn't really know what you wanted to do in college, you could probably get into art school.”

— Bill Sorrell, Art Teacher

The takeaway

Dominic White's personal mission to paint every lighthouse in Maine demonstrates the power of art to help one find healing, purpose, and inspiration in the face of life's challenges. His dedication to this ambitious project not only preserves the cultural heritage of Maine's iconic coastal landmarks, but also serves as an inspiring example of how pursuing a creative passion can help one navigate through difficult times.