Nautical Impressionism- North Carolina Artist Sandy Nelson Brings marine Paintings to Life at Skipjack

"Summerwind" by Sandy Nelson, oil on canvas measuring 24 X 36 inches. "In mid-summer, the winds beckon sailors to sail the marshes and intracoastal waters. A lazy afternoon is all that's needed to beckon participants out onto the water of the intracoastals.

My influences are as diverse as the great Spanish, Russian and French impressionists to a childhood amid the dark hills of eastern Kentucky. In the latter I found a sincere appreciation for the beauty of the world around me, in the former, inspiration to express it. My work is not edgy nor avant-garde; it doesn’t follow fads or trends – it is simply truth, as I perceive it. That is what I hope the viewer takes away with them.

"Evening Sail" by Sandy nelson, oil on canvas measuring 24 X30 inches " A long day sailing invites the sailors to come home late, taking to port just at dusk. A good meal, a glass of wine are all that's needed at the end of the day of working the sails. Tomorrow is another day of taking the wind."

 The subjects of my painting may be a cloud, a boat, a figure or bowl of fruit – one is as monumental as another. The paintings are memories of a moment in time, a representation of my emotions and ideas, which is transferred to the viewer. In my studio I live with these words, which remind me that it is truly a gift to be an artist.

"Coming Home" by Sandy Snyder, oil on canvas measuring 24 X 30 inches. " The working boats along the coast are a different layer to the sailing tradition. There is a time of day, where the evening sky meets the water, and there is almost no separation. In this painting, a small glimpse of a distant shore is the only thing between the sky and the water, Against this color and reflected color, the lone fishing boat comes home."

 "I believe in Michelangelo, Velasquez and Rembrandt; in the might of design, the mystery of color, the redemption of all things by Beauty everlasting and the message of art that has made these hands blessed: Amen. Amen." George Bernard Shaw

 These works were created in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, Sandy's home away from home and in the coastal area of Wilmington and the Cape Fear which stretches along the coast to South Carolina.

Sandy Nelson has been a professional artist for many years. She studied Fine Art and painting at the University of KY and the Scottsdale Art School. Her portraits and landscapes have been accepted to national juried competitions from Maine to California, many winning national awards. Her work is included in over 60 corporate and museum collections including those of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart and George Steinbrenner, owner of the NY Yankees. She was named one of the top 200 artists by the Artists Magazine and has been profiled in “The Rotarian” an international publication. One of Nelson's portraits was the cover of “Bench & Bar” magazine in 2007 and one of her marsh landscapes graced the cover of “Carolina Art” magazine in 2008.
She maintains her studio in Leland, NC but travels extensively to paint. She is a member of ASOPA, the New Mexico Pastel Society, Pastel Society of the Southwest, Midwest Pastel Society and Women Artists of the West.
Click here to visit Sandy Nelson's artist page at Skipjack's web gallery or stop by and view her exceptional marine paintings in our Olde Towne Portsmouth gallery.

Marine Artist Bob Holland Captures the Essence of our Maritime History

The Bounty, Greenport, New York.  Limited edition Giclee reproduction From original watercolor . Image size 20"x 27"

     I met Bob Holland for the first time in 2009 at his studio in  d’ART CENTER in Norfolk, Virginia. We were about to open an exhibit titled "Celebrating our Maritime Heritage" as part of the 20th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race and our first annual "Schooner Days" events held in conjunction with the Schooner Race here in Olde Towne Portsmouth. As a Hampton Roads native, I've grown accustom to seeing the art work of this well known artist and I really wanted to have Bob Holland's marine artwork in our gallery and as part of this exhibit.

"The Eagle" USCG United States Coast Guard New London, Connecticut. Limited edition Giclee reproduction from original watercolor. Image size 20"x27"

     Bobby Burnell, another exceptional marine artist that we represent had just delivered to us a few  new paintings to be shown in the upcoming exhibit. Fortunately Bobby Burnell and Bob Holland were old acquaintances and  he suggested that I give him a call, so I did and the rest is as they say- history! Of course the icing on the top is that Skipjack is the only gallery that represents both of these tremendous Hampton Roads artists under one roof. I'm not trying to brag about it- I just believe that such a momentous pairing of artists is certainly worth mentioning and  I'm just delighted out of my socks to be able to display such legendary marine artist's works here in our waterfront Olde Towne gallery.

"The Battle of the Ironclads" by Bob Holland. Oil on canvas. The Ironclad battle in Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 9, 1862 as described on the brass name plate located at the bottom center of the frame. Measures 30 X 54 inches framed.
 

"The Pride of Baltimore I & II - A Tribute." Limited edition Giclee reproduction from original watercolor. Image size 20"x 27"

     Bob Holland is as passionate about the story behind his paintings as he is in the creation of it. "Pride of Baltimore I & II- A Tribute" as Bob shared with me in a recent conversation, was painted from the perspective of standing on the deck of Baltimore I with the Pride of Baltimore II sailing in tranquil seas in sight from the stern of the ship. The Pride of Baltimore was an authentic reproduction of a 19th century Baltimore clipper topsail schooner commissioned by citizens of Baltimore, Maryland. It was lost at sea with four of its twelve crew on May 14, 1986. The Pride of Baltimore II, a replica vessel of more modern design commissioned to replace the Pride in 1988, now sails as a Goodwill Ambassador from Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

"The Eagle and the Rose- A Salute in Hampton Roads" Giclee reproduction from watercolor original. Image size 20" x 27"

    
"The Eagle and the Rose- A Salute to Hampton Roads" was painted in the late 90's as these two tall ships arrived for Norfolk's annual Harborfest. 

     "I was out in my Grady-White watching the early arrival of some of the vessels when the tall ship Rose, a replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate that cruised the American coast during the Revolutionary War  passed the anchored  U.S.C.G. cutter barque Eagle and fired  a traditional cannon salute as she sailed by," said Holland.

     You can clearly see where Bob goes to find inspiration for a painting. These are incontestable moments that artists seek to find- the passage, the way, the emotional connection found in a subject that stimulates the artist to pick up a brush and create their next work of art. I personally love to hear the artists stories, the poetry of ideas that inspires one to create. Bob Holland is a master of stories as you can clearly see in his paintings. 

Bob Holland is an established American Artist with home and studios in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. His involvement with the arts for many years and his career includes many accomplishments, awards and exhibits in design and fine arts. His paintings are in private and corporate collections around the world.
An Art Center School of Design graduate with a career of Industrial Design, Graphic design, Illustration and Fine Art provides him with an extensive knowledge and awareness of composition and the essential elements that comprise a successful presentation.

     Please come and visit us at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery and preview Bob Holland's marine art. You will be inspired too! You can also preview his work by visiting his artist page on our website. Click here to open the link.
      Thank you for allowing us to share this with you. Please add your comments below (we love favorable comments) or write Bob Holland yourself at bobholland.artist@gmail.com. 

     Click here to go to the latest blog on Skipjack's Nautical Living.

Marine Artist Jim Campbell

"The Eagle" Pen and ink drawing by marine artist Jim Campbell

Jim has a penchant for old maritime adventure. His interest in treasure ships, shipwrecks, clipper ships, Spanish Galleons loaded with gold and silver plus the pirates and buccaneers that piled the seas has always been fascinating to him.

"Duel at Hampton Roads"
 Pen and ink on
navigational chart.

In the course of his sailing ship research, he has become a historian as well. He revels in the telling of tales and debunking myths created by authors to suit their stories.While working for the Examiner in San Francisco, Jim became enchanted with ships in the bay. At this point, his interest in maritime art began. Sketching the fishermen, cargo vessels and old wharf buildings was the start of his career. People watching him draw often would say, what are you asking for that drawing, and would you sign it! He has been introduced as, "Oh, you're the artist that draws the ships." In galleries and museums where he often works at his drawing board.  Jim relates little-known facts, trivia and fascinating tidbits about the days of the sail. Some of his commissions have included the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard.

"The Tow Line" Pen and ink drawing by Jim Campbell

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1928, he attended schools in Michigan and Ohio before going to work with his father in a small-town newspaper and print shop. It was here he learned his future occupation in the newspaper business. In 1975, he formed his own company, which markets his art work in galleries and shops throughout the country. Jim Campbell's unique art work can be seen in San Francisco Maritime Store, Scrimshaw Gallery in Sausalito, the Boat Works in Carmel, the Maritime Museum in Monterey, Hawaii Maritime Museum and Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery, Portsmouth, VA. Campbell's art work now hang in private collections throughout the world. As a self-taught artist he believes the best teacher is enthusiasm for your work.

 

Come and join us this Saturday, May 29, 2010, meet Jim Campbell and see a collection of his artwork. Jim will be on hand from 12 noon til 5 pm. working on one of his latest works of art.  You can also commission Jim to create an original pen and ink drawing of your boat- perfect for framing!  Other customers have had their original artwork reduced and used as art for business cards, cocktail napkins, greeting cards, etc. You can also visit Jim Campbell's original artwork by visiting our webstore at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery . Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.