The Bluenose II docks in Lunenburg
11 x 14", acrylic on gessoed mounted aluminium panel
painting # 285, 2021
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the launch of the original Bluenose schooner. The most recognized sailing, racing and fishing vessel in Canadian history. The schooner was designed by marine architect William James Roué of Dartmouth, NS. It was built in response to a rivalry between Lunenburg NS and Gloucester, Ma over which community built the fastest fishing vessel. The Bluenose would go on to win five International Fishermen's Trophy racing against its American challenger and remained undefeated for 17 years (1921, 1922, 1923, 1931 & 1938).
Fishing schooners became obsolete during the 1930s, displaced by motor schooners and trawlers. During World War II, Bluenose remained at dock in Lunenburg. No longer profitable, the vessel was sold to the West Indies Trading Co. in 1942. The vessel was stripped of masts and rigging and converted into a coastal freighter for work in the Caribbean Sea, carrying various cargoes between the islands. Laden with bananas, she struck a coral reef off Île à Vache, Haiti on 28 January 1946. Wrecked beyond repair, with no loss of life, the schooner broke apart and was abandoned on the reef.
In 1963, a replica of Bluenose was built by Smith and Rhuland at Lunenburg using the original Bluenose plans and named Bluenose II. The project was sponsored by the Oland Company and used the iconic vessel as a marketing tool for Oland Brewery Schooner Lager beer brand and as a pleasure yacht for the Olands family. Bluenose II was sold to the government of Nova Scotia in 1971 for the sum of $1 or 10 Canadian dimes. The replica schooner is used for tourism promotion as a "sailing ambassador". The replica has undergone several refits to extend her life. This vessel was decommissioned and dismantled in 2010, and an entirely new Bluenose (also named Bluenose II, since Transport Canada deemed it a "reconstruction") was built as close to the original schooner deemed necessary and launched in Lunenburg in 2013. (Wikipedia).
Bluenose has adorned the Canadian 10-cent coin almost exclusively since 1937. It's featured on Nova Scotia's current licence plate and has appeared on four previously issued Canadian stamps. Bluenose is also one of the very few non-human inductees in the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Canadian dime featuring Bluenose since 1937
Centennial commemorative Canadian stamps, issued June 29, 2021
The photographic reference for the painting was taken last September during a one week getaway in Nova Scotia. I could have done the bow of the ship which is even more iconic, but it didn't have the same visual impact and was far less detailed. The bow could have been done in a fraction of the time it took to paint all of this tedious details since I also had to be as accurate as possible. I did edit out a lot of rope that was coming in every direction to have a more aesthetic and clean look.
Bluenose II, Lunenburg, NS, Sept. 2020
Captain Archibald Haddock from the Tintin serial by Hergé also celebrates an anniversary in 2021. He was first introduced in the graphic novel The Crab with the Golden Claws in 1941, 80 years ago. Captain Haddock is an alcoholic although he does sober up at times. His drink of choice is whiskey. I chose a Jameson bottle for several reasons. It has a tall ship and anchors on the label, the green color glass and the way it plays with the light. I also had a chance to visit the distillery in Dublin two summers ago with my son Jean-Luc, part of a 3-week European trip.
My son Jean-Luc, Jameson Distillery
Dublin, Ireland, July 2019
This painting will be part of a small solo show entitled "Art-ifacts", hosted by the Fog Forest Gallery in Sackville, NB from October 13 to November 5, 2021.
Unfortunately, in order for the gallery to remain open during the pandemic while keeping everybody safe, the gallery director and I came to the decision that it was safer not to hold an opening reception. The public however will be able to visit the gallery at their leisure during the run of the exhibition. The gallery is open on Thursday and Friday from 10 am - 5 pm. or by appointment.
Unfortunately, in order for the gallery to remain open during the pandemic while keeping everybody safe, the gallery director and I came to the decision that it was safer not to hold an opening reception. The public however will be able to visit the gallery at their leisure during the run of the exhibition. The gallery is open on Thursday and Friday from 10 am - 5 pm. or by appointment.
14 Bridge Street, Sackville,New Brunswick, Canada, E4L 3N5Phone (506) 536-9000e-mail: janet@fogforstgallery.ca-SOLD
e-mail: janet@fogforstgallery.ca
-SOLD
