As the ferry pulls up to the dock of Monhegan Island, I couldn't help but think of all the painters that found their way to this small island off the coast of Maine. Once they arrived, they immersed themselves in the wonderful rocky, coastal scenery and wild ocean views. Art requires inspiration and this island clearly was and continues to be a wonderful muse. The art painted on the island is documented in the
Monhegan Museum of Historical & Cultural Museum at the peak of the island in the old lighthouse structures.
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| Monhegan Island Lighthouse |
The museum explores every aspect of the history of this tiny island in a most impressive manner with photographs, artifacts and the art of those who painted there. While the Monhegan Island is small, as is their cultural center, the artists who came to the island and captured the life and the landscape of this special place are some of America's best known artists. If you can't get to the island, the best way to discover the works painted
Plein Air around this remote place is to enjoy the slide show put together by the
museum.
The following are some of my favorite paintings which I believe capture the essence of the island.
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| Mary Townsend Mason, Sunny Day, Monhegan Beach |
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Rockwell Kent, Winter Monhegan Island
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| Rockwell Kent, Afternoon on the Sea |
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| Edward Hopper, Blackhead, Monhegan |
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| Edward Hopper, Monhegan Houses |
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| George Bellow, The Big Dory | | |
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There are several books that deal with the art Monhegan Island
Sally Babylon's book is an absolute necessity for anyone visiting the Island. It provides the history of the Monhegan art colony as well as a walking guide to the sites where the artist painted.
Currently, the Museum is presenting an
art exhibition in the new gallery building showcasing Monhegan’s artistic
history. Information on acquiring the catalog should be available from the
Center's shop.
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