Edgartown – The Christina Gallery

Edgartown through the eyes of American Impressionist John C. Traynor

“South Water Street, Edgartown” – in progress

Edgartown’s charming Hob Knob recently invited John C. Traynor to stay with them as part of their Artists in Residences. During his stay, John painted their lovely courtyard, which now hangs in the boutique hotel. He spent the rest of his trip painting en plein air street views in and around Edgartown.

About his stay, John says, “I enjoyed staying at the Hob Knob. The staff was friendly and helpful. It was nice being a short walk from the center of town to paint. I didn’t have to worry about parking and in walking distance of the many wonderful restaurants.” [Read more…] about Edgartown through the eyes of American Impressionist John C. Traynor

“En Plein Air” with Jan Pawlowski

Jan Pawlowski is known internationally for his impressionist seascapes, landscapes and city scenes. Sunday the 24th of July marked the opening of the Polish artist’s one man show here at The Christina Gallery. Pawlowski has been a frequent visitor to Martha’s Vineyard since joining the gallery in 1996.

This exhibition of his work highlights these visits as he displays views of the island. The paintings displayed in the show demonstrate Pawlowski’s confident and quick brushstrokes as well as his sensitive understanding of color and form. Pawlowski’s followers appreciate his bright and serene palette.

"A Day for Sailing" by Jan Pawlowski — “A Day for Sailing” by Jan Pawlowski

Paintings such as “June Afternoon, Edgartown Yacht Club” capture the essence of the Vineyard. A light wind blows causing the American flag to flutter in the wind and a cluster of sailboats breeze by in the distance. Pawlowski manipulates the oil paint masterfully, transforming a few simple brushstrokes into light and fluffy clouds gracing the otherwise clear afternoon sky.

Jan Pawlowski paints en plein air or ‘in the open air.’ This technique of painting was advocated by the Impressionists of the late 19^th century. In 1841 tubes of paint were invented, allowing artists to easily transport their materials and paint from life wherever they were inspired. Prior to this invention, artists and their assistants hand ground pigments and produced their own paints. Many art historians and critics credit the creation of tubes of paint for the development of Impressionism for it was the ease of movement that allowed artists to paint outdoors. Pawlowski embraces this technique and can often be found along the beaches and waterfronts of Martha’s Vineyard capturing the jovial atmosphere of the island with his expressive brushstrokes and pleasing palette.

Pawlowski has been recognized for his oeuvre of artwork by the Polish government; in 1979 he was awarded the highest honor given, called “Authorization and Certification.” His work was also in the collection of Pope John Paul II.

Sailors’ Valentines by Sandi Blanda

Sailors’ Valentines are part of an old maritime history dating back to the 19^th century. On Martha’s Vineyard Sailors’ Valentines remind visitors of the island’s whaling heritage.

Mambo by Sandi Blanda — “Mambo” by Sandi Blanda

Often made of Spanish cedar, Sailors’ Valentines are octagonal shaped boxes, lined with fabric and filled with intricate geometric patterns of colored seashells. These works, originally called ‘Fancy Work’ are native to Barbados. Locals used thirty-five types of indigenous shells to form their elaborate designs. Sailors travelling to the area from England and America would purchase the mementos in port to bring home to their loved ones. The colloquial name ‘Sailors’ Valentine’ was inspired by the sentimental messages, such as “Truly Thine,” that were occasionally worked into the shell mosaic.

Sandi Blanda is a folk artist currently living in Plymouth, MA. Blanda uses only naturally colored shells to create her contemporary versions of the Victorian era’s Sailors’ Valentines. She was captivated by the romantic folktale (though untrue) that sailors created these mementos themselves while out at sea. Inspired by the notion that such ornate objects were created for loved ones, and her personal love of flowers, Blanda sought out to produce her own iteration of the Sailors’ Valentine. She remains true to the tradition, working shells within octagonal wooden boxes. Some of these cases are hinged so when closed they take the form of unassuming simple boxes, but when opened they reveal intricate and colorful designs. This was very common amongst the Victorian Sailors’ Valentines because it protected the shell work while the sailors were at sea. Blanda’s sophisticated creations can take up to four months to complete due to their precise and meticulous nature. These precious artworks are treasured by generations as they are passed down within families.

“Favorite Places” by John C. Traynor

Last Friday evening, July 1^st, the gallery filled with visitors to celebrate the opening of our most recent show and to kick-start the summer season. “Favorite Places” is an exhibition of oil paintings by John Traynor that depict his favorite places from his travels. Locations shown include Paris, Venice, Martha’s Vineyard, and his own backyard in southern New Hampshire. John Traynor is a contemporary New Hampshire-based artist who paints landscapes and marine scenes with a remarkable sensitivity to light.

As Traynor says, “I want to share what I see with the viewer, the spontaneity, the structure and the beauty of what is all around us.” This honest approach to painting has resulted in over two hundred awards recognizing Traynor. In November 2010 he was the recipient of the prestigious Salmagundi Club’s highest award, The Salmagundi Club Medal of Honor and Merit, for his artistic achievements and contributions to the field of art.At the opening guests mingled with John and his wife Sara while enjoying the art. Visitors heard stories of John’s travels ranging from the grassy meadows of Ireland to the New England countryside that corresponded with the paintings on view. John often paints outdoors on location, a fact that is immediately apparent in his rendering of color and form. He has been recognized as a Copley Master by the Copley Society of Boston, the oldest non-profit art association in this country. His work is part of over one thousand public and private collections around the United States.

The summer season is in full force on Martha’s Vineyard following the Fourth of July weekend. We currently have over 30 artists on display at The Christina Gallery as well as our antique collection of charts and maps. Stop by our gallery at 32 North Water Street, Edgartown to see the exhibition for yourself or flip through our online selection of works by Traynor here.