Paintings by Tom Whittle at Southport Memorial Library
Tom Whittle’s 8” x 10” “Cozy Harbor” is one of the artist’s works in his upcoming show at Southport Memorial Library. Whittle is artist of the month in March and April. Courtesy of the artist
“Dolphin - Newagen,” Tom Whittle, 9” x 12”. Courtesy of the artist
Tom Whittle’s 8” x 10” “Cozy Harbor” is one of the artist’s works in his upcoming show at Southport Memorial Library. Whittle is artist of the month in March and April. Courtesy of the artist
“Dolphin - Newagen,” Tom Whittle, 9” x 12”. Courtesy of the artist
Boothbay Harbor based artist Tom Whittle is Artist of the Month in March and April at the Southport Memorial Library. Whittle's show opens on March 1.
A painter since 1970, Tom Whittle first started painting the Maine coast in 1992. He and wife Cheryl began spending more time in the state vacationing on Southport. In 2007, the couple purchased a home in Edgecomb and moved to Boothbay Harbor in 2011.
Whittle says he enjoys the challenges of capturing Maine’s rocky coast and the constantly changing light and tides.
A professional engineer by trade, Whittle’s interest in painting started with a painting class in college. Over the years, while living in Pennsylvania, he took classes through the Harrisburg Art Association and the Mechanicsburg Art Center.
Particularly influential to Whittle’s development were classes with Expressionist Charles “Li” Hidley (1921-2003) and plein air painting workshops with Earl Blust, one of the original “Seven Lively Artists.” The group was established in 1956, by seven graphic artists working in the Greater Harrisburg, PA area. The group would meet for lunch, but not before landing at various scenic locations to paint plein air.
Whittle has exhibited as a member in the Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF), and became a regular with the Plein Air Painters of Maine (PAPME). His work has appeared in Art in Maine and the Maine Photography Show at BRAF, and the Lincoln Arts Festival event “Arts and Yachts” each August.
In addition to being a painter, Whittle is an avid outdoor photographer and, a maker of split bamboo fly rods. Didn't see that coming did you? Whittle spends much of his spare time fishing, and photographing around the Midcoast and other locations in Maine.
Whittle published “Split & Glued,” by Vincent C. Marinaro. And, with Bill Harms, analyzed Marinaro’s rods, design criteria and building practices.
Curious about fly fishing and bamboo fly rods? At 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, Whittle will be giving a free talk on these very subjects. Coffee will be served.
The Southport Memorial Library is open Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The library is located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road.
For more on the artist, visit www.stonycreekrods.com; contact him: tom@stonycreekrods.com.
Event Date
Address
1032 Hendricks Hill Road
Southport, ME 04576
United States
