The Christina Gallery – The Christina Gallery

Carol Fortunato (1958 – 2022)

With immense sadness, we share the news of the passing of Carol Fortunato on August 18, 2022. Carol fought a difficult battle and remained hopeful through several clinical trials, but the cancer took her life. We have sent our sympathies to Carol’s husband, Angelo.

After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York with a degree in illustration, Carol continued her studies at the Art Students League. During this time, she discovered an interest in chiaroscuro (use of light and shade) painting. Carol joined the gallery in 2009, and her still-life paintings were admired by many. She had solo shows at the renowned James Beard House and French Culinary Institute. Carol enjoyed her quiet time in the studio but also loved painting en plein air landscapes in Vermont. In 2013, she spent the summer in England painting the Cotswolds and fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“Nectarine, Pitcher & Egg” by Carol Fortunato (1958-2022)

Carol and I spoke a couple of weeks ago. She was at peace with the road ahead of her. I told her it was an honor to have her beautiful paintings in the gallery all these years and that I would miss her.

Rest in peace, Carol.

“Blue, White, Orange & Mint” by Carol Fortunato (1958-2022)

Lillia Frantin’s Windows of Summer

Sailboats and Seashells by Lillia Frantin — “Sailboats and Seashells”

When I look at a painting by Lillia Frantin, I immediately smile and think of summer. A table set with a brightly patterned cloth, fresh cut flowers, and a bowl of juicy fruit in front of an open window says summer to me. It’s as if you can feel the warm ocean breeze softly come through the window as you watch the boats sail on the horizon. I want to spend a carefree afternoon in front of that window.

I first met Lillia in the late 1990s and was instantly attracted to her imaginative paintings. We reconnected, and in 2012, she formally joined the gallery. The last ten years have been year-round bursts of happiness. Lillia has kept herself youthful through her painting. How could she not be with her color palette?

Lillia’s playful use of vivid jewel-toned paints, along with her expressive brushwork, are characteristics that appeal to her followers as well. Her approach is naturally effervescent and in keeping with the Modernists, whom she studied while earning her master’s degree from Pratt Institute. These artists included Cezanne, Van Gogh, Bonnard, and Matisse. Of course, the latter, Matisse, famously embraced the open window theme and painted them extensively during his career, particularly while visiting the Mediterranean later in his life.

This open window with a breezy view of the ocean filled with sailboats has been a favorite theme in Lillia’s work. In the painting, “Summer Still Life with Sailboats,” her spontaneous brushwork dances across the canvas as her paint pulls together the bouquets of hydrangea, geraniums, and primrose. You can see the ocean and sailboats through a window flanked by lemon chiffon shutters.

Lillia says: “in many of my paintings, there is a double theme of still-life with bountiful fruits and flowers, placed at an open window filled with sky, sea, and billowing sailing boats. This theme presents two kinds of beauty; the intimate interiors we create, live in, and love, and looking out to the endless natural, everchanging world beyond. Inside and outside, Matisse often used this open window theme to show man and nature as one, expressing duality and unity. In my art, I’ve come to love a theme that allows color, emotion, freedom, and movement to become a harmonious experience of joy and pleasure, for me and hopefully for the viewer.”

I believe Lillia has done just that!

Please click to view more paintings by Lillia Frantin.

Lillia painting en plein air in her backyard

The Christina Gallery Welcomes Kelly Carmody to the gallery

We are excited to welcome classically trained artist Kelly Carmody to the gallery. Kelly grew up in Topsfield, MA, and attended the Massachusetts College of Art in the mid-1990s. She furthered her studies at the Art Students League in New York City and the studio of Numael Pulido (1939-2022), where he taught her how to convey light on form. This understanding of how to portray light in a painting is fundamental to Kelly’s work. Pulido’s wife, Shirley Pulido (1932-2020), was also a tremendous influence. She taught Kelly how to use value and temperature relationships to create balance and interest in her paintings.

"Light on the Cove" by Kelly Carmody — “Light on the Cove” by Kelly Carmody

“I am inspired by the formal techniques of the Old Masters, and my work transports the traditional genres of portraiture and the still life into the contemporary realm. My dedication to the understanding of principles of classical painting—composition, simplification of masses, manipulation of value and color—informs my process. Whether working on large-scale portraiture or more intimate still lifes, I strive to create compelling depictions of everyday subjects.”

During the Winter of 2022, Kelly began a new series of dancers and people socializing. Kelly says, “there was a yearning to be together with people again in a way that did not feel self-conscious. Dancing was the best way I could show to express that.”

"Dancing" by Kelly Carmody — “Dancing” by Kelly Carmody

We look forward to introducing Kelly’s paintings to you on your next visit to the gallery. Click here to view her paintings and to read more about Kelly Carmody.

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

E. J. Paprocki Inspired by Martha’s Vineyard

E. J. painting on a cloudy day in Edgartown

Impressionist E. J. Paprocki, who joined the gallery in 2020, recently visited Martha’s Vineyard to paint “en plein air” or in the open air. It was his first visit to Martha’s Vineyard, and he promises it will not be his last! “Martha’s Vineyard was, in a word, inspiring. Never have all the visual elements I like to incorporate into my paintings come together in a single location. No editing was needed – I painted what I experienced.”

“Vineyard Landscapes – The 2021 Collection” by Marjorie Mason

We are excited to present this year’s “Vineyard Landscapes – The 2021 Collection” by well-known Island artist Marjorie Mason. This evolving collection will be on display on the gallery’s first floor through the summer and online.

The 2021 Season at The Christina Gallery

As we begin the gallery’s 44th season here in Edgartown, we are grateful to continue to do what we love – share our unique art collection with you. This season will be a busy one as pandemic restrictions relax and people move around a bit more.

“Sengy Sunset Reflections” by Marjorie Mason

We are incredibly excited to announce our 2021 Summer Exhibition with Marjorie Mason. Her 2020 exhibition, “Vineyard Landscapes,” was a complete sell-out, so we anticipate another great collection from Marjorie for this season. As was the case last year, we will not host an artists’ reception but plan to feature her collection on the gallery’s main floor beginning on July 1, 2021, and throughout the summer.

Elizabeth Mumford (1949 – 2020)

It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of Elizabeth Mumford on September 13, 2020. For more than ten years, Liz fought a difficult battle against cancer. She remained hopeful and never gave in, but eventually, her body could not take anymore. We have sent our sympathies to Liz’s son, Sam, and her family.

With You Everyday is a Picnic by Elizabeth Mumford — “With You Everyday is a Picnic” by Elizabeth Mumford (1949-2020)

Liz joined the gallery in 2003, and her whimsical folk art paintings were admired by many. Her paintings were very distinctive with their black borders, gold scallop corners, and clever phrases in red. Liz loved the relationship between folk art and storytelling, a pastime she enjoyed, and its nostalgic connection to simpler times.

2020 Summer Exhibitions with Marjorie Mason & William R. Davis

We are excited to announce our 2020 Summer Exhibitions with Marjorie Mason and William R. Davis. During this period of social distancing, we did not host an artists’ reception but plan to feature their collections on the main floor of the gallery throughout the summer.

Well-known Island artist Marjorie Mason has cultivated a vast following for her work. Each year, her collection delights clients and visitors to the gallery. Whether it is sitting and watching the boats sail by or a stroll along one’s favorite beach, admirers respond to her work. Marjorie captures a fond Vineyard memory for them to take home and enjoy year-round.

"Menemsha Beach Afternoon" by Marjorie Mason — “Menemsha Beach Afternoon” by Marjorie Mason

The Christina Gallery welcomes internationally admired artist E. J. Paprocki to the gallery

We are excited to welcome internationally admired artist E. J. Paprocki to the gallery. E. J. was born in Chicago and picked up his first paintbrush when he was seven years old. His style is in the Impressionists’ manner and prefers painting plein air, where he captures the true spirit of the moment. He also enjoys the interaction he has with people while they pass by him painting on location.

We are open for the 2020 Season!

TCG first floor — The first floor of the gallery. The artists featured from the left: David Bareford, William R. Davis & John C. Traynor

We hope you and your loved ones are doing well and are in good health and spirits. The gallery is now open for the 2020 season and we have protocols in place for your safety. If your personal preference is a private appointment, we are happy to make that arrangement with you.

All the artists are working, and we will continue to highlight their new works on our website. We have always said that “art is good for the soul,” and we believe now this to be even more true. Please stay well and we look forward to seeing you when you feel comfortable.

Best,

Christina & Steve

William R. Davis’ Nocturnal Paintings

When you hear the name William R. Davis, his historically accurate marine paintings come to mind. And rightfully so, he is one of the leading contemporary marine painters currently working in this country. His success is attributed to his love of art history, understanding his subject through extensive research, while capturing the light and the teeniest of subtle details.

However, since the late 1990s, Davis has also had an interest in painting plein air landscapes. His friendship with fellow artists, Joe McGurl and Don Demers, both well-known landscape painters brought on this interest. The pair would travel around New England to paint outdoors, and Davis, one for always wanting to challenge himself, decided to give painting outdoors a try. Not only did he enjoy being outside and away from the studio, but he also was very good at capturing in the moment the essence of the landscape.

Lifting Fog by William R. Davis — “Lifting Fog” by William R. Davis