Description

A signed limited print may be available of this piece! (click here)

This piece captures the peaceful energy of the South Street Seaport in New York City, where a collection of boats, both historic and humble fishing vessels, find their home.

Dominating the scene is the historic Ambrose lightship, its bold red hull cutting through the calm waters of the East River. The sky above is a dynamic canvas of clouds, shifting and swirling, hinting at the ever-changing moods of the city.

In the foreground, the American flag waves proudly from the mast of an adjacent boat, adding a touch of patriotic flair to the composition. A lone figure stands on this boat, absorbed in their tasks, adding a human element to the maritime scene. The water reflects the boats and the sky with mesmerizing precision, creating a sense of movement and life.

The Brooklyn skyline provides a distant backdrop, grounding the scene in its iconic urban context.

Dad painted this piece in 1968, the same year the Ambrose was gifted to the Seaport Museum by the U.S. Coast Guard. Built in 1908, the Ambrose played a crucial role in guiding ships safely from the Atlantic Ocean into New York Bay, navigating the treacherous sandbars and shoals.

This work exemplifies my Dad's ability to blend historical significance with the beauty of everyday moments, capturing the essence of New York's maritime heritage in his expressive, impressionistic style. And that's not because Dad was particularly informed about the history of these boats, or specifically the Ambrose, but he recognized beauty, and that's what this painting is all about.

Dad painted another scene with the Ambrose in 2007. (see "The Ambrose")

On this day in 1968, Dad found the Ambrose standing firmly against a stormy sky, with the Brooklyn skyline in the distance and the stars and stripes waving in the wind in The Red Boat. ❤️

Through My Father's Eyes