DONALD DEMERS
Marine Masterworks
June 7 - 28, 2008

Donald Demers
'GRENADIER'

Donald Demers
'Chasing RAINBOW'

Donald Demers
'Fisherman's Island, Maine'

Donald Demers
'Molasses Ship

Donald Demers
'First Attempt''

Donald Demers
'Quiet Cove'

Donald Demers
'America's Cup, 1899'

Donald Demers
'Rescue from the Deep'

Donald Demers
'Bar Harbor, Maine'

Donald Demers
'Fog Over Fulton Street'

Donald Demers
'Early Evening'

Over the last 25 years, a new breed of marine artists have come into the field. Energetic and incredibly talented, these artists are dedicated to continuing and expanding the great traditions of this time-honored art form. Among this group only a few rise up as leaders of this new generation. Versatile artist Don Demers is by every measure one of these leaders.

Don was born in 1956 in Lunenberg, a small rural community in central Massachusetts. His interests in painting maritime subjects began while spending his summers on the coast, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Although predominantly a self-taught artist, Demers attended the School of the Worcester Art Museum and the Massachusetts College of Arts.

His education continued at sea as a crewmember aboard many traditional sailing vessels. These included the square rigger UNICORN, the schooner FAIR SARAE, and the brigantine BLACK PEARL where he experienced first hand the workings of traditional sailing ships and the mysterious beauty of the open ocean. Aboard these, he cruised the waters of the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Caribbean.

His professional career began as an illustrator, expanding into maritime subjects as the years progressed. A move to make his permanent home to Maine in 1984 marked a dramatic changed in his career in which illustration yielded to maritime and landscape painting. His illustrations can be found on many book covers and in national publications such as Reader’s Digest, Sail Magazine, Field & Stream, Sports Afield, and Yankee magazine. The March 2002 issue of National Geographic magazine featured Don’s painting of the wreck of a 5th century B.C. Greek galleon for an article by well-known underwater archeologist George Bass. They have been recognized by the Museum of American Illustration four times in their National competition representing the finest examples of work in the field.

Don is a “fellow” of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA), a member of the Guild of Boston Artists, and has won a record twelve awards at the Mystic International Marine Art Exhibition, Mystic, CT. His marine paintings have been featured in a number of publications including American Artist magazine, Yachting magazine, Nautical Quarterly, Nautical World, Offshore magazine and Marine Boats and Harbors. His work has also been included and discussed in a number of texts including Concordia Yawls, The First Fifty Years, by Elizabeth Meyer, Marine Painting and Yachts on Canvas, by James Taylor, Yacht Portraits published by Sheridan House, A Gallery of Marine Art, Rockport Publishers and an instructional textbook titled Marine Painting, Techniques of Modern Masters published by Watson Guptill. In addition to creating original works of art, selected paintings are available as limited edition prints.

Demers’ diversity has enabled him to apply his skills to clients ranging from American Airlines to the National Park Service. Various projects have included creating art for national television advertisements and designing art glass for Stuben. He has been lecturing on his maritime art experiences at a variety of museums, art clubs, yacht clubs and historical societies. Recently, Demers’ body of work has expanded to the study and creation of landscape paintings based on 19th century methods and philosophies. Earlier this year he received the “Silver Medal” at the Laguna Beach, California Plein-Air Painting International. This year’s other projects included an invitation as a guest artist to the Plein-Air Painters of America Annual Exhibition on Catalina Island, and the filming of the series of instructional videos entitled “The Outdoor Studio” soon to be seen on Public Television. It’s no secret why he is one of the most sought after marine artists working today.

Donald Demers
'The Schooner PHANTOM'

Donald Demers
'Meeting the Pilot'

Donald Demers
'Western Surf'

Donald Demers
'Under Nantucket Skies'

Donald Demers
'Returning the Pilot, 1900'

Donald Demers
'Wind Off the Bluff'

Donald Demers
'LIVONIA vs. COLUMBIA'

Donald Demers
'Barkentine VIOLETTE'

Donald Demers
'Afternoon Arrival'

Donald Demers
'J-Sloops'

Donald Demers
'East River Traffic'

Donald Demers
'The Approaching Pilot'