I've known Jonathan Bradstreet since before he could talk. I have grown up alongside him, watching his perseverance shape his perspective and from that place, I have witnessed the wellspring of raw talent that allows him to effortlessly capture the personality of his subject matter across multiple artistic mediums. Jonathan recently took on a position as a Guide for the NH State Parks Department at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion historic site which is also the new location of Drift Gallery. When he told me a few weeks ago that he had been invited by friends of the Wyeth's to stay on Monhegan for a week and paint (a dream come true!), I asked if he wouldn't mind sending me a dispatch of his days, and maybe even a snapshot of what he was working on. So, it is with great pleasure that the first official Drift Gallery blog post belongs to Jonathan.
Enjoy!
- Ali Goodwin, Director & Curator, Drift Contemporary Art Gallery
Enjoy!
- Ali Goodwin, Director & Curator, Drift Contemporary Art Gallery
Art to me, is seeing. I think you have got to use your eyes, as well as your emotion, and one without the other just doesn't work. That's my art. - Andrew Wyeth
Monhegan Study - Jonathan Bradstreet, 2013 Wednesday, July 17, 2013
As I think back on day one of my trip to Monhegan, it has been truly wonderful. I walked with my gracious host up the dirt roads of the village, I met many kind folk and learned assorted histories of landmarks and people. A walk through a rocky descending path led to the wreck of the Sheriden, it's rusty orange hull tossed upon the shore. Another path, less worn than the last, led to Jamie Wyeth's house, built by Rockwell Kent. We then visited sculptor Lucia Miller and overlooked Ice Pond and sculpture garden from the porch. I realized how seriously over-prepared I was while lugging my pack and panel box through trails and over rocky ledges. Watercolors are off the table for now, in the plein air aspect of this trip.
I've been too far from a brush for too long and need to hone my skills once more, learning how to see and remember, as well as draw and mix color. I ended my day doing just those things, overlooking Manana, far out on a rock near Dead Man's Cove, named for the man who built the house I'm staying in, found dead there long ago. I did this small painting as a result. I'm eased with the result and feel as though my eyes and brain are becoming reacquainted and sorting out the details.
Internet here on the island is patchy. I'll try and send something new every day weather permitting.
Jonathan Bradstreet
>> Visit Jonathan Bradstreet's Facebook Page
As I think back on day one of my trip to Monhegan, it has been truly wonderful. I walked with my gracious host up the dirt roads of the village, I met many kind folk and learned assorted histories of landmarks and people. A walk through a rocky descending path led to the wreck of the Sheriden, it's rusty orange hull tossed upon the shore. Another path, less worn than the last, led to Jamie Wyeth's house, built by Rockwell Kent. We then visited sculptor Lucia Miller and overlooked Ice Pond and sculpture garden from the porch. I realized how seriously over-prepared I was while lugging my pack and panel box through trails and over rocky ledges. Watercolors are off the table for now, in the plein air aspect of this trip.
I've been too far from a brush for too long and need to hone my skills once more, learning how to see and remember, as well as draw and mix color. I ended my day doing just those things, overlooking Manana, far out on a rock near Dead Man's Cove, named for the man who built the house I'm staying in, found dead there long ago. I did this small painting as a result. I'm eased with the result and feel as though my eyes and brain are becoming reacquainted and sorting out the details.
Internet here on the island is patchy. I'll try and send something new every day weather permitting.
Jonathan Bradstreet
>> Visit Jonathan Bradstreet's Facebook Page
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