Up for auction at the 2009 Figawi Charity Ball
Value: $8000.00
Starting Bid: $3000.00
Size: 24x30"
Oil on Linen

Artist: Matthew M. Schulz

The inspiration for Blue Water Return came from the return leg of the 2008 race. As many people will remember there was an enormous tail wind and the sea action was crazy. But what really struck me was the color in and on the water. The water this time of year is very clear and with the right light it explodes with iridescent greens and blues. With that in mind choosing the featured boat was actually quite easy. As the Mya moved up through the field it automatically stood out with its huge dramatic sails and blue hull smashing through the heavy seas as compared with a field of mostly white hulled boats.

In terms of the composition, I had several working versions, which made making a decision as to which to paint very difficult. One version had an additional boat Indian Summer in the near foreground with it's wake going back as the Mya approaches, which became far too busy for this scale. So instead, I chose to include the top of a wake in the foreground and the wake produced by Indian Summer, which creates tension and movement by alluding to additional boats off canvas. The decreasing size of Summer's Off Two, the Spinnaker boat and the ferry establish relative scale and bring the eye full circle. - MS

The Schulz Gallery
Featuring The Fine Art Of

Matthew M. Schulz
898 Main Street, Osterville, MA 02655

(508) 428-8770
schulzm81@comcast.net
www.SchulzNatureArt.com