John A. Morrow, Artist

Written by Susan W. Smith posted on May 13, 2009 07:45

"The World is a wondrous place, rich with texture, color and form, where the magic of light creates an ever changing stage upon which the drama of life is played. I feel like an explorer visually sailing into uncharted bays and inlets. My eyes are my ship, my brushes, my oars, my imagination, the wind."

Artist's Statement: John A. Morrow

John Morrow is a realist painter drawing his inspiration from the Thousand Islands area of the St. Lawrence River, New York State’s Adirondack mountains, and Maine's rugged landscapes. It was Ian Coristine who suggested we meet John and it is easy to see the connection between the two - both appreciate and take advantage of light in their art forms and both appreciate excellence and patience.

Born at Ogdensburg, NY, John spent much of his youth in western New York State. From an early age he knew he wanted to be an artist and after completing training at Buffalo State College he returned to Ogdensburg to teach at the local high school. For over 25 years, he challenged his students to use all mediums and to experiment with the digital world. In turn they challenged him to excel.

His studio is located on the second floor of an historic (1804) home in Ogdensburg. It is filled with light, and shelves stacked with paint brushes, creative arrangements of unique dolls, antique camera equipment and paintings, photographs and memorabilia.

The Gallery on the main floor has prints and paintings, many having been framed by his wife Brenda, who operates the Gallery and custom-framing shop.

His paintings and limited-edition prints, now totaling over 100, are presented in many galleries and his original paintings are in public and private collections around the world.

John’s website shows excellent selection of his work, including “Autumn Rivals”.

It is no wonder John's paintings appear on the cover of several books and magazines including the NY Conservationist and Reader's Digest.

The description of each painting are fascinating and reviewing the Thousand Islands subjects is similar to taking a boat tour - complete with interesting commentary.

The Clark Gallery and Frame Shop are located in downtown Ogdensburg at 324 State Street. We at TI Life, certainly recommend a visit.

Coming through the Rift

Released 2004, Edition size 500, 50 Artist's Proofs, Frame size 16X20,18X24,24X32, Printed on Epson Velvet.© John A. Morrow

Artist's Description: The International Rift is a narrow sliver of water, in the Thousand Islands that separates Wellesley Island in the United States from Hill Island in Canada. About one quarter mile long, it starts near Bingham Island and ends by Black-snake Passage where it runs into the Lake of the Isles. A favorite route for boaters, it is less than 25 feet across in some places and it's rocky bottom has sent many a prop to the scrap heap. There is also a river tale that a 42 foot Hatteras successfully navigated this waterway.

This oil painting depicts the rift on a quiet sunny Sunday afternoon in late September.

Ivy Lea Bridge

Number in Edition, 500, Artist's Proofs, 50 Framed Size - 16X20, Paper - Epson Enhanced Matt. Printed by HMS Fine Art, Giclee Print with pigmented Inks. © John A. Morrow

Artist's Description: There is an old saying that "good fences build good neighbors" but in this part of the Thousand Islands it's "good neighbors build good bridges"

The uniqueness of the Thousand Islands lies in the variety of places it creates. There are areas that it's as broad and open as a lake or as narrow and swift as a small stream. There are also many calm peaceful little inlets and coves like the one depicted here in this acrylic painting of a spot off the tip of Wallace Island near Ivy Lea. My brother and his wife own an Island there, they call it Paradise Island. This little bridge connects their land with their neighbors, so one might say that this is the view from paradise.

Lady in Morning

Released June 21, 2004, Edition size 500, 50 Artist's Proof, Canvas Edition 100, Frame size 19X32 & 23X40. Printed on Epson Velvet, by Wayseeker. © John A. Morrow

Artist's Description: Moving like an iron glacier across the misty calm of the St. Lawrence River on an early spring morning, this Canadian laker owned by the ULS Corporation is among the last of a dying breed. Built mostly between 1943 and 1976, these 730 foot vessels had an average beam of about 75 feet and were designed to carry grain, coal and ore. The forward pilot house allowed for easier control while navigating the locks throughout the Great Lakes and Seaway system.

Reproduced from an oil painting by giclee printing

Deer Island

Date of Issue - April 15, 2005, Number in Edition - 100, Artist's Proofs - 12, Framed Size - 11X14, Giclee on canvas, Printed by HMS Fine Art, Giclee Print with pigmented Inks. © John A. Morrow

Artist's Description:This peaceful stone and wood cottage is one of the last remaining buildings left on Deer Isle, an island covered in pines and hardwoods just north of Alexandria Bay, NY. Besides water, there seems to be some mystery or enigma that surrounds the island. Ruins on the island could date back to 1856 when Samuel Miller first purchased it. In 1949 the island was given to Yale University's Skull and Bones Society, creating an even more arcane legacy.

A Mid Summer Day

Artist's Description: There are so many places along the St. Lawrence River that are special and unique. What makes them even more exceptional is the memories that are associated with them sometimes as far back as early childhood. When I see an elderly person sitting on a porch looking out at the river, I imagine the river of memories that flow through mind of decades of summers on the St. Lawrence.

This oil painting of a cottage is located on the river near the mouth of Jones Creek, west of Brockville, Ontario.

To me it holds memories of a day spent with Ian Coristine, an artist working in photography, who has an Island near by.

Morning Light

Artist's Description: To an artist the silence of serenity can be deafening. Morning or evening light is often the most dramatic of the day, as refracted hues disperse themselves through layers of crystalline atmosphere. It is this rare and fleeting moment that most of us catch a glimpse of, as we scurry through our manic lives.

Reproduced from an alkyd painting on hardboard. Note: alkyd is a fast drying oil paint.

Compiled by Susan W. Smith, susansmith@thousandislandslife.com

Posted in: Artists