Artist in Residence show opens tonight

Military man turned artist Joe Sweeney reverted to his time as a navigator in order to scope out his potential painting locations for his residency with Masterworks.

Based in St George’s, he positioned himself high on the hill by St George’s Fort to see “the lay of the land”.

Since he arrived on the island in April, he has mainly painted beauty spots in and around St George’s. His collection includes 20 plus framed paintings that will be on sale in his upcoming exhibition. 

The majority of his oil paintings were done on location.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “There is no substitute for being there, the colours on the canvas are the actual colours you see. Nothing is going through a camera, the colours are right there in front of you. 

“You can always take a photo and use it for reference later.”

Born in Philadelphia, Sweeney said one of his favourite artists is Winslow Homer — one of the foremost painters in 19th century America and who painted in Bermuda. Sweeney’s collection includes a painting done from the same vantage point as Homer in Salt Kettle. He has even painted the clouds the same way as Homer did.

All the works are painted on cotton rag board which is used by museums for its lasting power. Prices range from $2000 for large framed pieces to $1,200 for small pieces and less for unframed pictures which will be on sale in his studio during the Art Walk on Saturday which takes place from 4pm to 10pm.

Tickets opens at Masterworks this evening from 5:30pm to 7pm. The exhibition runs until June 26. Workshops by Joe Sweeney will be held at Masterworks on June 17 and June 22 from 10:30am to 4pm. The workshops cost $95 each anyone interested should bring a canvas. Call 299-4000 to register.