This morning it was raining, so I decided to pay the museum a little visit.
Started by artist Henry Strater, this museum is called the most beautiful small museum in the world. The permanent collection of 1600 works, includes artists like American 20th century artists as Edward Hopper, Roy Lichtenstien, Marsden Hartley and Charles Woodbury.
The museum is situated on three acres overlooking a narrow cove with incredible views. On the grounds there are many sculptures, stonewalls and gardens. Its the magnificent views that inspired many artists to paint in Ogunquit. The craggy rocks reach out to the ocean, on the north side of the museum sits picturesque Perkins Cove. The crashing waves against the rocks and the wild north Atlantic sky is the perfect subject matter for 20th century artists. I am always amazed at the incredible colors of the sky, even on a less than perfect beach day.
The current exhibit features a retrospect of Maurice Freedman, Boston painter in the cubist/expressionism genre. Travelled to Europe in the early part of the 20th century, returned to NY, and painted in Maine. He fused together European ideas with unique American subject matter. This piece is my favorite painting from the retrospect. Notice the fauve colors with the cubist elements.
Its called "Bathers Interlude" 1948. The subject matter is a bit whimsical. A day on the beach should be fun! The docents at the museum are helpful and will help visitors dissect the art and give tours.
Picture taken out on the cliffs at the Ogunquit Museum of Art 10/07/2009. Could not get any of the docents to take my picture out on the cliffs......
The Details:
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
543 Shore Road Ogunquit, ME 03907
open daily from May to October 31
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