Maine Fishing Throwback

Barbara and Bill Buchanan, my in-laws, commissioned me for this oil painting 20 years ago. They were living down in Spring Hill, FL and missed their cottage on Hobbs Pond (Little Pennesseewassee) here in Norway, ME. It’s a mid-afternoon full sun scene in late Spring. 

Any body of water in Maine under 100 acres is called a “pond” here, but down in New York that would be a big lake. Hobbs Pond rings in at 99 acres - just under the bar. It’s also considered one of the best fishing ponds in Central Maine. I’ve been fishing it for 43 years (our family trout record is 8+ lbs!). There have now been four generations of fishermen (and women) here. 

There are only a small number of cottages on the pond. It hasn’t changed greatly over the last 50 years - a real time warp. It’s a throwback to how life used to be in simpler days. 

Tradition, family history (and fishing), are all joining together now to help us through these tough times... To all my fellow fishermen - is it true that fishing can help us through anything?

#MessagesFromMaine

More information/to purchase: https://www.vitodevito.com/galleryandstore/summer-lake-house

Messages From Maine

Harkening back to summers past... I came across this etching of my son Drew and two of his best childhood friends: the Marienfeld boys, Jackson and Cooper. There were many carefree days spent on our dock at Penneseewassee Lake in Norway, Maine. Now all of our kids are grown up and have lives of their own.

After 42 years of traveling to Maine, my wife Laurie and I have found ourselves here under unusual circumstances - we have been self-isolating and social distancing along with the rest of the nation and world. We are fortunate to be here in such beautiful surroundings. One thing that we have been happy to always count on is the nature that surrounds us.

We have now come full circle, 20 years later, and will be social distancing this afternoon with our fellow “empty nesters” Fred and Toby Marienfeld, as well as our friends Steve and Jeanne Silverman - at a “cocktail party” held in lawn chairs at the end of the driveway - all while staying over 6 feet apart.

We are thankful to be bridging the gap and moving into the future with our good friends of so many years. Love, family, friendships, memories... Sending our regards: if you are reading this, I hope you are safe and healthy in these trying times. To better days ahead...

#MessagesFromMaine

More information/to purchase: https://vitodevito.com/galleryandstore/summers-in-maine

Ducks Unlimited Commissions

I’ve been told that my 14 different commissions are the most painted by any artist for the international nonprofit Ducks Unlimited. These four are some of my favorites. All four paintings are regional locations on Long Island, specifically the East End. They represent some of the major bird species that travel along the western flyway that connects up to Eastern Long Island. Hunters and birders travel all year long to these locations to see waterfowl at different times of the year - possibly part of the reason why these paintings are popular amongst hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike...what do you think?

"The Whale Hunt" Etchings Now Available

"Through the spyglass: Turn of the Century Whaling"
A Suite of Ten Etchings
________________________
The danger-laden voyages of whalers during the turn of the 19th century were legendary. This suite of ten etchings is a small sample

of the varied lives these courageous men lead while hunting the largest animal on earth: the whale.

Etchings are created through an intricate process. A metal plate is engraved with

an image and loaded with ink. Then paper is applied, and pulled though an etchings press to reveal an original piece of art. Each etching is then signed and numbered by the artist. The pieces in this series are limited to 12 artist proofs, with a regular run of 35. Once sold, the etching plate is destroyed - eliminating any further production.

See the new etchings for sale in our store.

7th Annual Holiday Art Show 2017

          Hope to see you there! The show will run from 9:00am - 6:00pm on both days. 　

THE ART OF THE CHIMP: GRAPHIC HOMAGE TO THE JANE GOODALL FOUNDATION

The two images above, "Icon," and "One With," are a crosshatch etching, and a full-value lithograph (respectively). Both illicit the range of emotions that arise when we delve into the issues of animal rights and humane treatment of chimpanzees. The subjects are shown in their natural environments. The creation of these two art pieces was a rewarding experience for Mr. DeVito, allowing him to connect to the same core beliefs as Jane Goodall and her lifelong fight to save the chimpanzee. 

Research now shows that humans and chimpanzees share a similar brain pattern when communicating. Can you see the comparisons here between us and our closest relative in the animal world?

BOSTON BENEFIT BIG SUCCESS

Yesterday, Wednesday April 13th, 2016, was the Ducks Unlimited Boston Benefit Dinner. With record attendance, the benefit made enough money to save around 2,000 acres of wetlands. Mr. DeVito exhibited and sold his work, while attendees enjoyed a silent and live auction and an exclusive dinner.

The Boston Chapter of Ducks Unlimited has been working to create a Sponsorship Program for Massachusetts, which calls on an artist to paint a hunting scene that will promote membership through the use of the reproduced image. This program has been successfully employed on Long Island through Mr. DeVito's last fourteen Ducks Unlimited paintings. 

The event details are up on my website now click the Events page to view. This event was held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. For the Event's official web page, click on www.bostondudinner.org.

"Eel Through the Ice - Circa 1950" 7 x 11 $250 Unframed. The Buttonow brothers, pictured here, helped build part of John Steinbeck's house (located on the right side of the etching) where he wrote the famous novel "Of Mice and Men." Eel fishermen used to earn a living by catching eel through the ice and then selling them to New York restaurants. 

BUST IN 'LOST CAST' TECHNIQUE, AND HAPPY EASTER!

On Easter Sunday I always think of my Mom. This Bust of her, which I executed in High School, was my first of many through the years. It was sculpted in oil-based clay then cast in plaster using the 'Lost Cast' Technique. Here's to you Mom. Thinking of you on this special day. Vito DeVito Studios is taking bronze bust (and other) commissions. Contact me here, by Facebook message, or through the Contact Page on www.vitodevito.com to request a commission. 

"SAG HARBOR SEALS II," A COLORFUL HAMPTONS SCENE AND SEQUEL: NOW AVAILABLE

The original watercolor "Sag Harbor Seals II" (18 x 24) was commissioned by Betty Lawford Kennedy quite a few years ago. The painting is now in her daughter, Robin Lawford's home in Southampton. Robin has commissioned Mr. DeVito for two more pieces in the past year, and his print company has decided to reproduce the image in a limited/signed Giclee of 50 Artist Proofs. Now for sale at $200 (Unframed) on the Gallery and Store page of this website. Click here to view in the e-store.

MR. DEVITO'S FOURTEENTH DUCKS UNLIMITED SPONSOR IMAGE "UNANTICIPATED BEGINNINGS" (KELLIS POND, BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY)

"This painting depicts a tandem pair of Wood Ducks committed over a mixed rig of Goose and Mallard decoys. Both Gunners are up and ready to start the day with four in the bag; and with an oncoming string of Canada geese just out of eyesight, another promising challenge awaits. This is Vito DeVito's fourteenth sponsor print for Ducks Unlimited and shows his strong commitment to the waterfowl resources and important habitats on Long Island."

"Kellis Pond is one of many fresh water ponds across Southampton that are vital for waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife. Not only do these ponds provide roosting and feeding opportunities in the surrounding agricultural fields, these ponds provide critical fresh water for birds that feed in the salt water marshes and tidal areas. This 19-acre pond's depth runs as deep as 100-feet, and according to local legend, has no bottom in some parts. Due to its' immense depth and spring sources, this pond has never gone dry, making it a reliable irrigation source for local agriculture. The depth and springs also make this one of the last bodies of fresh water to freeze in winter (if at all), making it a hotspot for waterfowl in the winter. The pond's deep, clean water supports a great number of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and local wildlife. Kellis Pond supports local production of Wood Ducks and Mallards in the spring and attracts many different species during the fall migration."

"Unanticipated Beginnings is copyrighted by Ducks Unlimited in a signed and numbered limited edition of 350 prints. These prints will be made available only to those individuals or corporations who become sponsor members of Ducks Unlimited during the 2015-2016 fund raising season at the minimum Bronze Sponsor contribution level of $250. Additionally there will be a limited series of 50 Silver Edition prints and 20 Gold Edition prints for giving at the Silver ($500) and Gold ($1,000) levels. Special personalized remarques and framing are available directly from the artist at additional charge, as well as Artist Proofs. This year's Long Island Sponsor Print Program has been generously underwritten by Mr. Donald Grodski and Family. Don is a Life Sponsor, active member, and past Area Chairman of the Eastern Suffolk Ducks Unlimited Chapter."

The previous excerpt was gleaned from a Ducks Unlimited informational flyer.

Please contact Mr. DeVito through this website for Artist Proofs or more information. This painting is also available for sale though the "Gallery & Store" page on this site (Hunting section).

NEWEST ETCHING, "FIRST CHANCE"

"First Chance" shows the natural beauty we see as Dawn's first light rises over an open waterway here in the Northeast. Two hunters prepare for their first chance to bag some Geese cupped and committed to land. It's dead calm, the decoys are mirrored on the glassy water and the hunters are given a memorable image that won't be forgotten. There are 12 Artist Proofs. The etching is 11X14 in size, and $300. Archivally framed in real Burl for $400. 

THIS YEAR'S NEW ARTWORK FEATURED IN UPCOMING SHOW

Come see me at this well-attended local show! 

Also, a big thanks to all who attended the 77th Annual New York City Ducks Unlimited Dinner and Sportman's Exhibition, held at the Tennis & Raquet Club in Midtown--it was a huge success with over 240 attendees and over $170,000 raised for wetland conservation! I am proud to be the the only artist invited.

"Ice Boating on Mecox Bay - Circa 1940"

Major Etching. 25 x 35 (framed). 12 Artist Proofs.  $1,000. 

One of a continuing suite of Etchings depicting the varied, rich lives and livelihoods here on the East End of Long Island, New York. 

New Etching, "Committed"

This new Vito DeVito Artwork Etching is 16 x 20 framed, with 12 Artist Proofs. The dawn scene depicts goose hunting out here on the East End of Long Island, New York.  $450.

A new commission for Vito DeVito Artwork "Homes of the Hamptons"

A recent commission to paint John Zuccotti's three homes in East Hampton. The artist has received many commissions to paint historic  farms, homesteads and estates of importance out here on the East End.