Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Magazine Vol 3 no 8

VL
Studio Visit William Beebe
When we moved to Virginia in 2002, I was a little concerned
that I might have trouble finding that same
passion for painting that I found in Maine.
Then one day I heard that the state of Virginia had built
a replica of an historic wooden pilot schooner named
Schooner Virginia. After doing a little research I found
out that it was going to be docked in Portsmouth, VA.
When I walked up the dock and saw the Virginia for
the first time I was taken aback. The tall ship with its
beautiful black shiny hull and gold engraved letters on
the bow spelling VIRGINIA had grandeur to it. I took
hundreds of detail pictures that day in Portsmouth.
I had found new inspiration and immediately started
planning a series of paintings featuring the Schooner
Virginia.
Every year there is a Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner
Race that begins in Annapolis, MD at the Bay
Bridge and continues on down the Bay. I witnessed
and photographed the Virginia and the Pride of Baltimore
II in a nose-to-nose race under ideal sailing
conditions. It was a powerful moment for me.
During that race I also photographed the Pride of Baltimore
II, the Lettie G. Howard out of New York, and
other smaller schooners, which sail the waters of the
Chesapeake.
My first painting of the Virginia was a large commissioned
piece featuring the tall ship cutting through
the dark water with speed and grace. I was honored
when approached by the folks at the Schooner Virginia
to have reproduction giclee prints made from
this painting to help with their annual fundraiser. We
worked closely with the Mariners’ Museum in Newport
News, VA to produce these quality prints.
Subsequently, I completed four more Schooner Virginia
paintings in competitive races with sister ships
to complete my series.
I’ve discovered that like art, a need to be near the
water is in my blood. Being able to combine the two
callings as a maritime artist has turned out to be a
dream come true!
The Victory Chimes, 20x30, oil on board
www.williambeebe.com
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