| Artist Information - William Swanson |
I studied art with a focus on painting at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia. I'm a member of The Philadelphia Sketch Club and the Venice Art Center. Scuba diving and snorkeling have brought a deeper affection for the sea and inspiration for paintings. Although I've sailed on large boats my favorite sailboat is a little Sunfish that I sail at Brigantine, NJ. I don't know what my Estonian grandfather would make of the Sunfish. He lived the end of the age of commercial sail, rounding Cape Horn and circumnavigating on merchant sailing ships. He passed away when I was one year old so I can't say I knew him, but I think about his rough life (sailing the world from the age of fourteen, to avoid conscription by Russia, as a cabin boy and then a rigger) and it gives inspiration for painting the rough seas. But my favorite boat/ship/yacht is a kayak that I use on the bays and rivers of southwest Florida. If I could have only one vessel at any price it would be the versatile, seaworthy and hassle free kayak which can go where others fear to tread (run aground) and where the greatest variety of life exists. Good to fish from too, though neither the Sunfish or kayak have the beauty of the large sailboats nor are they much good for sailing the Caribbean. I include all of this because art is far more than painting classes, brushes and technique. Art is also much about exposure to and fondness for the subject of the painting. My memberships include these organizations, both highly recommended; The Nature Conservancy - very successful both nationally and internationally. They realize that without support from the local people the efforts won't stand the test of time. American Littoral Society - the word 'littoral' is a bit deceptive; it means 'having to do with the coast'. Additional information is at williamswansonart.com |
