Jane Copp

New England Boats 

New England harbors with their ever-changing tides, seagulls, salty air and working boats have always delighted me. Painting the reflections of these vessels upon the ocean and their details has been a source of visual interest. Within these compositions, I endeavor to have some aspect of mystery…whether it is a shape that disappears or a shadow in the distance. I want the viewer to travel through the painting and enjoy the uniqueness of these boats in their locations.

The paintings of the Hudson River School of Art have always been an inspiration …the work of Albert Bierstadt and Martin Johnson Heade in particular. Fitz Henry Lane’s luminous marine paintings are a favorite as well as contemporary painters of boats – William Davis, Todd Bonita, Robert Bolster and Joseph McGurl.

The artworks you see here are done in acrylic paint with either a gloss or matte varnish and have custom made frames. I find acrylic paint to be conducive to the rendering of the fine details seen on boats. Because of the quick drying time of this medium, the many layers of paint can be accurately maintained. I also like the saturated colors and clean edges that can be achieved with acrylics.

Annie Brown                                 

Reigniting The Spark

I was trained as a painter, but six years ago, I picked up a camera and discovered landscape/wildlife photography. While practicing my newfound craft, painting took a back seat, but was always in my heart. Since I found myself spending an abundance of time sitting at beaches, marshes and swamps waiting for wildlife, I began to really study, photograph, and sketch the surrounding landscapes. 

Then after experiencing some health issues last year that left me unable to hit the trails to search for wildlife, a spark of familiarity grew inside me, and I found myself putting paint to canvas once again. But rather than go back to my classical oil painting training, I decided to venture into the medium of acrylics and palette knives!  This body of work is the result of that spark.

It is hard for me to put thoughts about my work into words, but if pressed, I would have to say that painting is closest to my heart, and photography is closest to my soul!  Both are important to me and have played different roles in my life. Capturing my surroundings when all is quiet as the seasons have changed and the visitors have all gone home. These works embrace my love of texture, light and serenity!