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Keith Linwood Stover - Curator
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The Cyber Art Show
"Bringing the Museum to You"
Gallery #530B
July 1, 2017
Twelve Pieces by Contemporary Artist
Blaney Harris (Born 1947)
- Image of the Day -
"Moored on the Mystic River"
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Feature Artist Bio
By permission of the artist, The Cyber Art Show is pleased to feature the second of two 12-piece exhibitions of works by American
landscape painter Blaney Harris (born 1947 in Mount Kisco, New York).
Blaney's artistic ability was first noted by his grade school teachers. He always loved navigation and the sea, first building ship models out of cardboard, then with many modeling kits. After high school graduation in Chappaqua, he was accepted for formal art training at the prestigious Boston University School of Fine Arts, where he studied for four years. During this period he sold several works.
Blaney’s art career was put on hold when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard 4 fleet ballistic submarines. There he rose to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank an enlisted person can attain. He would often be called upon by the Captain to help in policy decisions. During his final years in the Navy he began painting again. Following his retirement, after twenty years, he resumed his career as an artist.
Blaney’s works were soon accepted in regional juried exhibitions that included galleries in Mystic, Niantic and Hartford, as well as various Connecticut Artist’s Shows at the Slater Art Museum in Norwich. Blaney is also an Elected Artist Member of the Mystic Art Museum. His latest works are presently exhibited at The Finer Line Gallery in Mystic, CT and the Wickford Cove Gallery in Wickford, R.I.
He has also participated in the Virtu Art Festival at Wilcox Park in Waverly, R.I. Blaney’s background in at-sea navigation, inspired by his years in the Navy, as well as his immense appreciation of Naval history, has led him to paint many oil paintings featuring the large sailing vessels of the past. Additionally, his paintings have been especially noted for their beautiful settings and treatment of light. Those from his vivid imagination have received much praise.
Recently, six of Blaney’s paintings including “New London Waterfront” have appeared in the Showtime Series “Brotherhood”. To order prints or view his work go to blaney.imagekind.com
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
“Many of the paintings in this show are done en plein air. As a painter I've always enjoyed being out in the elements capturing directly the scene before me as it unfolds rather than painting from photo references. I think there is a special quality to a painting when done directly from nature.
I also enjoy working from my imagination, creating scenes that tell a story such as the Dream of My Father series.
My background in at-sea navigation, inspired by my 20 years in the Navy, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer, has given me an appreciation of Naval history, and has led me to paint oil paintings featuring the large sailing vessels of the past. Additionally, water and sky effects have been a major feature in many of my works representing the power and light of God's creation.
Enjoy the show."
