Artist, William Davis
spoke at the 
New Hampshire Antique CO-OP
29 Sept 2013.

Samantha and Jackie greeted us in the foyer of the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP on Sunday, 29 September 2013 when we arrived to meet and listen to William Davis from Harwich, Mass speak of his history and painting techniques. An enthusiastic gathering of nearly 60 people gathered upstairs in the art gallery of the CO-OP to view and learn of Bill's background. If you've never ventured upstairs into the art gallery here, you've missed a wonderful opportunity to view an interesting and ever changing exhibition.

Jason Hackler, one of the principals at the CO-OP and artist William Davis, stand before one of Bill's paintings. Bill grew up on Cape Cod, has no formal art training other than mechanical drawing instruction received while in high school and is completely self-taught. He started painting as a teenager and was fascinated by sailing vessels that transited Hyannis Port. As his skills and reputation progressed, he concentrated on 19th century vessels, as well as techniques employed by such 19th century artists as James Bard and Fitz Hugh Lane. He has painted full time since 1982 and has earned a reputation as one of the finest marine artists in the United States.

Apparently his approach and vision are working as this appeared in a 1992 issue of SOUNDINGS.

 In the September 1992 issue of Soundings, former Mystic Maritime Gallery Director, J. Russell Jinishian, described Davis by saying "His work evokes the gentility and natural beauty of the 19th century, a time we look back on with some nostalgia as it was a time less complicated and more civilized".

A friendly and unassuming man, Bill comfortably fielded questions from the audience.

NOTE:

As you enjoy the paintings below, keep in mind that I shot these, hand-held in low light conditions.

Bill's use of light, referred to as "luminosity," can be seen throughout his portfolio. It's not just about the sun, but concerns, in these examples, the water, clouds and sails.

His attention to detail is remarkable. As he stated during the lecture, "the lines that make up rigging have to be factual, actually go somewhere and perform a function." He's seen paintings where the artist simply painted in lines to no where to "create" rigging.

The transparency of the sails on this gaff-rigged schooner is spectacular. 

I'm neither an artist nor an art critic, but I know quality when I see it and was enthralled with Bill's work. We visit the CO-OP gallery often and are learning from each experience. Thanks very much to the NHAC and Bill Davis for a great fall day.

Just the day before, the CO-OP sponsored another lecture by Bill Morse concerning Windsor Chairs and Colonial Tables. Bill is a master craftsman who builds his furniture to quality, 18th century standards. He has a line of furniture on display, for sale at the CO-OP, or you can custom order from him through Jason as well.

This is a seven foot, tiger maple dining room table, with four Windsor side chairs and two Windsor sack back arm chairs, built by Bill Morse nearly ten years ago.

I wish that we could have made this lecture as well, but attended the Weston, Massachusetts antique show at the Golden Ball Tavern, built in 1768. There just aren't enough hours in a day!

Keep an eye on NHAC website as they periodically feature new artists, craftsmen and speakers that are always available to the general public free of charge.