Cloning Neptune
http://www.mybrushstrokes.com/
For many years I was a concept artist for the space program, painting the future of space travel and interstellar exploration. Recently I’ve become intrigued with the great marine painters of the 1800s, the artists of exploration in their day.
In particular, I am drawn to the painters that were born in Oswego, New York, who became nationally recognized artists for their work. Many who now live in Oswego are unaware of the talent that this area produced in the late 19th century, artists such as James G. Tyler and Charles H. Grant. My desire is to inspire others by recognizing and celebrating these kindred spirits.
I will embark upon an ambitious project this summer in Oswego, where I will be recreating a full scale replica of Charles Henry Grant’s seminal work, “At the Mercy of Neptune.” This 9ft by 5ft marine painting seems to have been lost to the depths of time, but through rare photos and other related works, I will use the techniques of both Mr. Grant and his instructor, the famous Dutch-American master marine painter, Mauritz Frederick Hendrik de Haas to reconstruct this masterpiece.
Grant was born in Oswego in 1866. He became inspired to paint at an early age and became a student of de Haas at The National Academy of Design in New York City. Grant later moved to San Francisco, where he gained much notoriety for his marine paintings. He then traveled with the United States Navy as their official artists when the fleet sailed to Australia in 1925.
Interestingly, “At the Mercy of Neptune” was first displayed in 1896 on Bridge St. in Oswego: at my great grandfather W. R. Shayes’ art gallery and photography studio. The painting was seriously damaged in a mysterious gallery fire later that year. The repaired painting was shown at the New York State Fair in 1897 and received rave reviews. The painting was eventually purchased by a prominent judge named L.C. Rowe and hung in his residence in Oswego for many years until his death in 1928. It was bequeathed to his wife Emma and from there, its fate is uncertain.
The H. Lee White Marine Museum has agreed to allow me to paint the reproduction in residence at their facility this summer. The finished painting will be donated and Oswego will be its permanent home.
In conjunction with this ambitious project, I will give presentations about these artists to interested groups. I also desire to arrange an art show of marine pieces by local artists, children artists, and works of these 19th century artists.
Art is an essential ingredient to a healthy community and can be a strong economic driver. It is important to encourage all ages to express their creativity, and this project will do just that while educating through truly inspiring historical figures from Oswego County.
The Barbaro-Gould Foundation, a not for profit 501(c)(3), whose mission is to facilitate the global exchange of culture through art, is assisting me in raising funds for this project. All donations through Barbaro-Gould are tax deductible.
I’m offering several premiums for different levels of donation:
Bronze: $50.00 donation
• A project poster personally signed by the artist
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• A ticket to the grand opening event in Oswego
Silver: $100.00 donation
• 9 x 12 signed limited addition art print on high quality paper of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Two tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego
Gold: $500.00 donation
• 11 x 14 signed giclée print on canvas of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Two VIP tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego, including a question and answer session with the artist
Platnum: $1000.00 donation
• 11 x 14 signed enhanced giclée print on canvas of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Eight VIP tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego, including a question and answer session with the artist
Donations can be made by check to (please indicate Cloning Neptune on the note section of your check):
The Barbaro-Gould Foundation, Inc.
1211 Hamlet Avenue, Studio D
Clearwater, FL 33756
813-602-ART2 (2782)
I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your support. Hope to see you at the museum this summer.
Sincerely,
Don Gillespie