“There are only so many ways to paint a guy holding a lobster,” says artist David Witbeck.
Lucky for us, he keeps painting them, anyway. Not only his lobstermen and fishermen but also the lovely harbors they call home.
“This year I decided to focus a bit more on the environments my characters live in,” shares Witbeck. “It started with the skinny yellow horizontal painting. The buildings surround the water shape.”
Friendship Sunrise, found at The Gallery, is that skinny little painting he is referring to. With the reflection of the morning sun turning the surface of the water the brilliant yellow, it was the beginning of something more.
“Friendship Sunrise morphed into a few square paintings with the water shape defined by more or less silhouetted buildings,” explains Witbeck. “Although the color palette is similar, each has a different mood.”
In Morning Commute, Afternoon Commute, and Sunrise Harbor this yellow hue is carried throughout. Whether the focus is on the commute to and from the fishing boat or the harbor in which these Mainers live, the glow is without a doubt the break of day when only the hardest of workers are up and at it. Some Foggy also has these tones, but be sure the title of this piece is said with a thick Downeast accent or its just not the same.
The last piece in this color series is Interloper. Breandán, based on the small headshot, has made it out to the boat early in the day. Most have assumed that the “interloper” referred to in the title is the squawking seagull at the bottom of this piece. By the shape of his beak, he is making sure everyone knows he is there.
Here are just a few of the cast who are starring in this year’s Witbeck show. Remember artist Bethany Harper Williams is partnering with Witbeck this year for two shows in one. Be sure to visit at Shows on Maine Art Hill at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennbebunk. We are open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Not in town? View the 360 virtual tour online by clicking here. VIRTUAL TOUR.