From August 29-September 2, the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association presents oil paintings by Nancy Blair, photography by Emily Drazen, paintings by Ovid Ward, and a retrospective of artwork by the late Renee O’Sullivan. Old Sculpin is located at Dock Street Edgartown, next to the Chappy ferry. Due to hurricane Irene, the reception for these artists has been postponed to Thursday, September 1, from 5-7pm. On September 3-9, these artists will be joined by Anthony Benton Gude, Sheila Fane, and Eva Cincotta, with another reception on Sunday, September4, from 5-7pm.
A long-time supporter of island programs, such as Sail MV, Nancy Blair’s plein air landscapes in oil view even off-island scenes through an islander’s eye, incorporating land by water through dynamic mark-making and vibrant colors. The paintings in this show are from the Vineyard and West Palm Beach in Florida, her two homes. Nancy studied art in California, Vienna, at the National Academy of Design in New York with William Phillips and Reeve Schley, and the Museum School in Boston.
According to photographer Emily Drazen, her show “mostly comprises of the different colors and moods the island provides. Martha's Vineyard can be seen in infinite ways. No sky is ever the same - no morning will ever repeat itself. Each image has its own voice and mood - just like every moment.” Emily has been shooting film for 20 years. Despite the current digital world, she does not digitally alter her images - unpredictable tones and imaginary or unintended colors are released in some of her images through cross-processing film. Emily uses medium format cameras, 120mm film, and a half-pound Holga, “I love its antiquated and timeless feel while all this digital perfection surrounds us.” Emily fell in love with the island as “the perfect place for my peace, mind, and camera.” She continually expands her portfolio by traveling and shooting at other places, but states, “I will always be inspired by this island's magical light and sky.”
The clear light of Martha's Vineyard also provides the perfect foil against which artist and painter Ovid Osborn Ward plays his colors in a realist interpretation, on a broad range of subject matter. In 1990, Ovid turned from a successful career as automotive stylist, then marine architect and designer, to turn his considerable talent and energy full-time to the visual arts. Inspired by artifacts from around the world, brought home by one of his grandfather's many whale ships, he is a prolific marine artist and sculptor; his eclectic and engaging representational work includes seascapes and landscapes, architectural detail, and renderings of machines of speed and beauty. His deep roots on the Vineyard and love of place allows him to capture the particular colors of the Island waters, clouds, and light in his kinetic paintings.
Predominantly a landscape painter and illustrator, Renee George was born in 1924 and knew that she wanted to be an artist from age 12. She studied at Hunter College and took courses in watercolor painting with William Starkweather. After college she worked at a display firm, studying at the Art Students League at night with William McNulty, John Groth, and Howard Trafton. Here she also met her future husband Thomas O'Sullivan whom she married in 1952. Renee’s watercolors of the Vineyard are timeless; her cartoons have appeared in publications for generations, despite the fact that humor has changed so much over the years, and her Vineyard scenes often depict the whimsical nature of life. She is heartily missed by all who knew her, as such, this show honors this founding member of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association.
About his new work, Anthony Benton Gude states, “As an artist, I find nothing more enjoyable than painting water in watercolor. The fluidity of the medium lends itself to the shape and feel of waves and spray. Recently I discovered permanent colored inks and used in conjunction with traditional water colors has givin me even more of an artistic arsonal of techniques to choose from. Starting last Febuary with all the ice and snow, through the spring and now summer, I have put together this show focusing on the ocean and life around her.”
A graduate of Pratt, Sheila Fane has been studying, practicing, exhibiting, and teaching printmaking and papermaking for many years, in New York and on the Vineyard. Taking her impetus from the Impressionists, Sheila agrees that using the same objects and scenes allows her to focus on her artistic interpretations in a variety of ways. The contrasts , variations and repetitions of her techniques, stylistic emphases and color combinations abound in the artwork. Sheila experiments in a variety of printmaking styles often on her own hand-made paper.
Eva Cincotta is a full-time artist and teacher, in local colleges around Melrose, MA, and here on the Vineyard in the summer. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and Tufts University. Eva states, “I loved the idea of painting ordinary mundane subject matter of which I was familiar and transform and elevate that into colorful images... There is the adjustment of color and light on the images that take on the qualities of past nostalgia and the comfort of memories from simpler times. My urge is to present the world that is more desirable and transport one to a past place which can be more comforting than the present."
Old Sculpin is a non-profit organization that supports the local arts culture through education, preservation of accomplished and historical works in our permanent collection, and exhibition of island artwork by current members. Purchased by the MVAA in 1954 from the boat builder Manuel Swartz Roberts, Old Sculpin Gallery is the oldest gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. For more info, 508.627.4881, www.oldsculpingallery.org.