If there is one thing that draws artist William B. Hoyt in almost as much as oil paint and an easel, it's a boat. Truly any boat, but he does love the sea fairing vessels.
Below, you will find small stories and bits of inspiration from Hoyt about many of his works in his 2024 Solo Summer Show. Enjoy.
Heritage in Rockland 16x24 Oil on Linen on Panel$3800
Heritage in Rockland - I came across another kind of painter focused on his work in spring. He was touching the letters and preparing the boat for the summer season. I wasn’t close enough to tell for sure, but as one painter to another, it looked like he was cleaning up the white around each letter, and he’d finally reached the E on HERITAGE—a worthy name for a lovely vessel.
Morning Sparkles 16x20 Oil on Panel $3600
I enjoyed painting this lobster boat in the Thread of Life channel near Christmas Cove. I experimented with a silky smooth surface on this misty, monochromatic morning.
Tiger Study 10x16 Oil on Linen $1600
The original Tiger was a sailing oyster boat built in 1890. This reproduction commemorates the historical importance of the oyster industry in Connecticut. I enjoyed painting this boat so much that I did it twice: once in this horizontal view and another in a vertical format with the full mast.
Spare Time 16x21 Oil on Panel$3600
When life gives you fog, paint it! The subtlety requires a lot of patience, but the buttery nature of oil paint is well suited to soft, blended edges and gentle gradients of hues. Fog rolled in while we were in Maine, and I took many reference photos of Rockport Harbor. This one is a work in progress that is coming along.
Hoyt’s work will be on display from August 31 through September 25. The Gallery at the Grande is open daily at 10 a.m. Though Hoyt’s art is best viewed in person, it can be viewed virtually at maine-art.com. For more information, please contact 207-967-2803 or info@maine-art.com.