The Helmsman

I've always admired the statue in Gloucester, MA dedicated to the fishermen who have gone down to the sea in ships and I've wanted to do a painting based on that statue. This is my interpretation inspired by that statue.

It's an Oil Pastel, 11 by 14 inches on an archival canvas panel.

New Images in my Zazzle

I added three new images to my Zazzle: http://www.zazzle.com/halsart . The one showing here is the surf on the coast of Rye, New Hampshire, just after a Noreaster passed by.

I've been experimenting with Chigiri-e (literally: tear art) but I haven't achieved a piece I'm willing to share as yet. I'm having difficulty achieving a blend of colors. Just what translucent paper to layer over another colored paper to achieve a graduated color shift. It's more demanding than I thought it would be. I have twenty sheets of different translucent color but I wish I had forty different colors to achieve more subtle color shifts. I may break down and make my own. In fact I'm pretty sure I'll have to resort to making my own using white rice paper. In my previous posting, I included a link to an artist who knows what he's doing in this art form. I wish I could have him as a mentor. I much admire this art form.

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Two Paintings at Exeter Chamber of Commerce

I placed two paintings in the offices of the Exeter, NH Chamber of Commerce.

The first painting is an acrylic, 11 by 14 inches, of Peggy's Cove, Nova '.

The second painting is a pastel, image size 12 by 16 inches, depicting my haiku "Adrift." " Adrift on a dark, dark sea, I dream of what never was and never will be." It has been in my inventory for several years now. It's kind of a strange case: It has won several awards in at least 3 art shows, including a first with high praise from the judge but I've been unable to sell it. I've reduced the price hoping it will find a good home.

Two Sailing Ships

Ships are also a favorite subject of mine.

The first ship is a coastal wind jammer plying its cargo route. The rosey sunset is casting a warm glow over the scene. As all sailors know, red skys a night sailors' delight.

The second ship is my depiction of the whaler "Morgan" at twilight, the day's whaling is done and the rendering fires are reflecting on the sails. It is a lonely sight in the vastness of the sea. It has always amazed me that men could spend several years at sea on a 90 foot long woodenship. My painting is not an endorsement of whaling but a tribute to the men who endured the loneliness and peril of years at sea. I believe that whales have too large a brain not to be sentient and that killing an intelligent being is morally wrong.

Both paintings are pastel on sanded paper. Both have been sold.